Indian defence forces were
organised from local kings forces to organised national force by
British during its rule over India. Indian defence force apart from
securing hostile frontiers with Afghanistan were also used for
conquering kings who were unwillingly to join British government in
India. Since defence forces were required to fight & kill Indian
citizens , fighting on the other side presented a loyalty dilemma.
Thus British officers commanding Indian forces, Cantonments away from
civilians & almost complete infrastructure to sustain and ensure
quality life with out mixing up with common citizens was put in
place.
Freedom fighters, other
leaders fighting for independence had significant potential of
influencing mind of soldiers which could lead to
insubordination/mutiny against British against Indian citizens.
Defence forces came under Governor General, who exercised all power
with some sort of power delegated to natives. APOLITICAL army ensured
a virtual wall between British, the rulers and Indians, the ruled.
Suited British and they ensured by giving special status to defence
personnel. Thus keeping forces away from politics was crucial for
survival of British rule in India.
ICS, Police & other
central services ensuring tax collections & furthering British
rule were treated with special incentives. Degradadtion of Indian
heritage, dividing society on various lines & introduction of
English language ensured divide between Native & British &
their tools for governance always existed giving inferiority complex
to natives. And it worked wonderfully well for over a century.
In 47 when India became
independent, every tool of governance, changed to be in harmony with
new masters, elected representatives, change attitude to civilians.
Infact from Master-slaves equation,it changed to US & OURS. For
some reasons defence forces refused to fall in line and continued
with British system of things- privileged status but soon it became
an eye sore People started to question it and some thought of coup
aka Pakistan by defence forces. Apolitical army and fear of coup
scared the politicians. It continued with President as Supreme
Commander, equivalent of British Governor General but minus power,
which was with Prime Minister. Thus babus and politicians started to
degrade defence forces by keeping them away from decision making and
controlling all financial powers. Defence being super specialised
profession and minister knowing little babus took power into their
hands by conniving with political leadership. Defence forces kept
going down whilst other organs kept going up in all parameters incl
pay, perks, status etc.
Presently forces are being
strangulated by babus, knowing nothing with zero accountability but
exercising all powers on the name of democracy. This has harmed the
services tremendously. Infact popular saying goes, Indian Defence
Forces biggest enemy is our Ministry Of Defence.
Numerous
studies/recommendation to bring in professionalism in MOD have been
blocked by MOD fearing accountability & Minsters have accepted
this nonsensical logic.
The question what Defence
forces need to ask is why aren’t we part of political system of
India? Why we have no say in policy matters? If other services are
efficient, loyal why can’t we be loyal why becoming political?
Being political implies,
We vote to political parties,
which we are doing even today.
We must interact with
politicians of all parties. This is not being done. But as
responsible citizens, a soldier must be aware of various lines of
thought prevailing in the country.
PM & not President must
be Supreme Commander as all power & resource are vested with GOI
headed by PM. President being only a ceremonial head.
Every Indian votes and so do
soldiers. How does a soldier make an intelligent choice if he is
isolated from rest of society?
Time for defence forces to
initiate discussion to reform itself from apolitical to political
army. Babus, who are exercising powers on behalf of ministers with
out accountability will loose.
Its WIN WIN for India, &
Indian defence forces. There is bound to be initial resistance due
emotional reasons but logical approach and changing ties demand
Politicisation being need of the hour.
