Mar 27, 2001 03:06 PM
5593 Views
Dear MoutShut Readers,
I happen to have the privilege of serving in the Indian Army for 21 years before I decided to opt for early retirement. Before that I graduated from the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy.
The title of the request ''Can the Indian Army be trusted after the Tehelka tapes'' has goaded me into responding.
Let me assure you that the Indian Army is one of the finest institutions in this country and has served the nation selflessly during the more than 50 years of its existence. This, in spite of wanton and destructive political misrule by our politicians. If I have to give you any examples it only goes to show what a shallow understanding you have of patriotism and national feeling. Therefore, suffice my bringing to your attention the wars in Kargil, Siachen, J & K and a thankless defence of the Sri Lankan govt as the IPKF.
The Tehelka tapes have caught some bad fish on tapes ready to sell some minor information for a consideration. Mind you this is not in their defence but nothing of consequence was bartered away. No sub-standard item was procured and deployed for the Army to make do with. You can be rest assured that the system is so strong that the Tehelka people would not have been able to proceed beyond the preliminary level that they had managed to penetrate. Having said that the Tehelka journalists have managed to expose the venal officers in the W & E Directorate. These people will surely get their just desserts.
Therefore, to cut a long story short, let me assure you that the Army can be trusted to guard the National frontiers and also protect the nation against internal strife so that you can sleep and earn your money safely whilst they toil away on the borders in the most hostile conditions.
If you have any further questions please feel free to comment on my response or write to me.
