INDIAN DEFENCE FORCE AND POLITISISATION

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.