Indian Army in Strong Hands

Indian Army in Strong Hands

Indians would welcome that a potential ugly spat with China had been averted after China pulled back its troops who had intruded across the LAC into Indian Territory in Ladakh. The intrusion tested Indian nerves for 20 days. The credit of handling the issue effectively without shedding a drop of blood goes to many but most importantly the man who holds the reins of the 1.3 Million Strong Army, General Bikram Singh the Chief of Indian Army Staff. He ensured the maintenance of pressure on China and suggested to the Government of limited action to cut off the Chinese post from rear. That did the trick and the Chinese were forced to back off.

Ever since the General took the reins of the Army, he had sent strong message to our nation’s opponents that “Nonsense would not be tolerated”. While going through a series of incidents during the past year one could easily get a feel of that. When the beheading issue took centre stage, media reported that “Chief of Army Staff General Bikram Singh announced that the army would retaliate at a date and time of its choosing for the beheading of the Indian soldier at the Line of Control (LoC) by Pakistani troops. He also termed the attack as “unpardonable” and in violation of the ethics of soldiering. Singh made it clear that he had instructed the local army commanders to retaliate if provoked and that the Pakistani ‘operations’ leading to the beheading of the Jawan would be met with a ‘tactical’ response.” This clearly states that he has given latitude and space to junior commanders to operate offensively. Later in a Conclave General lashed Pakistan on its double-standards, saying that India can't give up the strategically important Siachen. He also brought out the way Pakistan is supporting non state actors in terror against India.

The strong stature of the General was once again seen in his stance on AFSPA in the Kashmir valley. He categorically stated that when Armed forces are operating in the hinterland, certain safeguards were required for them to operate with ease. This argument was accepted by the Government.

With what ever information I got through my friends in Army, Singh has been doing a lot to the armed force, be it improvement in infrastructure, modernisation or Welfare schemes for the serving and retired. I am surprised that he was the same person whose name was maligned in the succession issue last year where he has come out clean, had he been victimized then it would have a great loss for the whole nation but as is said God is always with the truthful and deserving, and he surely deserved.

Very few Chiefs have had such a strong personality to put up their point of view with clarity to the Government and dig in their heels. Such Generals are rare and they deserve our whole hearted salute and support.

Jai Hind