M A I N   N E W S

We value our lady officers, says Army

New Delhi, June 17
The Indian Army today sought to dispel the impression that it could do without women officers, saying that it greatly valued their services, even as women organisations branded the force as discriminatory for the gender insensitive remarks of its vice-chief.

“We are very proud of our lady officers, whose contribution is greatly valued. We would, in fact, like to further optimise their role,” Army spokesman Maj-Gen Raj Sujlana said at a press conference.

“We would very much like them to become totally involved in the Army,” General Sujlana added.

He was reacting to a media report quoting Army vice-chief Lieut-Gen S. Pattabhiraman as saying that “comfort levels with lady officers are low” and that the Army “can do without them”.

Not unexpectedly, he said General Pattabhiraman had been quoted out of context.

“The vice-chief made the statement when asked a question about the possibility of lady officers serving in infantry and the armoured corps,” General Sujlana maintained.

He, however, evaded a question on whether women would some day perform combat duties.

Rather surprisingly, the press conference was called not so much to clarify General Pattabhiraman’s remarks but to present proof that the death of Capt Sumit Kohli, a highly decorated officer, on April 30 was a case of suicide — a fact his family contests.

The alleged suicide by Lieut Susmita Chakraborthy also figured during the press conference, but more in passing, as General Sujlana said the incident was being investigated.

Women’s groups have taken General Pattabhiraman to task for his remarks. “This is a clear reflection of discrimination on the part of the Army. When a top officer makes such a comment it points to the insensitivity of an institution,” said Annie Raja, general secretary of the National Federation of Indian Women.

“We think the Army needs to be given a course on gender sensitisation,” Mr Raja told IANS.

She said the issue would be taken up with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

“The comment was uncalled for and needed to be condemned by one and all.

General Pattabhiraman’s comments were “filled with prejudice and will not serve any good”, according to Abha Choudhry, head of the women’s wing of the ruling Congress’ New Delhi unit.

“The institution is male dominated and finds it difficult to accept the contribution of women. Instead of making such comments, the authorities should create favourable conditions for women to work in,” said Choudhury.

“It calls for a public apology from the officer. There are a lot of women in the Army’s medical corps and they do a commendable job. Such comments will be demoralising,” said Sen, chief of SANGAT, a South Asian NGO working among women.

Sen said they were networking with 46 other organisations and would send a protest letter to President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Defence Secretary Shekhar Dutt and Army chief Gen. J.J. Singh. — IANS