Deeply dismayed at the politics triggered by the statement of Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), General Bipin Rawat, the armed forces veterans here are terming such politics detrimental to the interests of the country. The CoAS had warned that the residents who come to aid of militants during army operations would face ‘harsh action’. General Rawat’s statement is being viewed as a clear warning to the ubiquitous stone-pelters who come out of their homes whenever army engages militants in the Kashmir Valley. The warning of army chief led to diverse reactions from leaders across the political spectrum.
Brigadier Vijay Kumar (retd) said that what the CoAS had said is part of his constitutional obligation and politics on the issue is most inapt. “The army in disturbed areas of the valley was deployed only when no other law enforcement agency was able to control the situation. One should understand that the army is the last deterrent and last option. What if the army too failsIJ Those opposing the statement of CoAS should understand the situation in which the army is working there,’’ he said.
lt Col NS Rawat (retd) said that the General Bipin Rawat has a vast experience in leading many counter insurgency operations and he knows perfectly the ground situation in Kashmir. He said that the army holds the right to be harsh against those helping militants. The armed forces veterans are also of the view that the warning of using force on the civilians abetting terrorists should have been issued either by the state government or union government but the army chief was forced to give such a statement when no such warning was delivered by the any of the governments.
“ If carrying flags of Pakistan and pelting stones on the soldiers protecting their mother land is not a crime then please tell me the definition of the crime in this country. It is a shame that politicians have stooped to such low levels that they are criticising their own army,’’ said Surendra Bisht a retried Subedar.
The statement of the army chief has promoted different reactions from the political parties. Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and P Chidambaram criticised the prospects of army’s action on civilians. The leaders of National Conference (NC) also termed the statement of Army chief as tragic. The BJP however stood firmly behind the army chief and castigated those criticising the comment of CoAS.