The Kargil “letter”

THERE is an unwritten media code against reporting of Army operational functioning even in normal times of peace. However, disclosing such details in times of war, as has happened in the case of Brig Surinder Singh’s supposed letter to the Chief of Army Staff about the impending danger from Pakistan in his sector, is unforgivable. It has never been done before, and amounts to a grave breach of security on the part of the media.

Removing a field commander is the unquestionable prerogative of the Army hierarchy, particularly in battle. The military is not obliged to give any explanation either to the civil government or the press for doing so. One can recall so many instances of many senior officers who were removed in the USA and British armies during World War-II and Vietnam, and also those removed in our Army during the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan. No questions were ever asked, and no explanations were ever given.

In any other country, the officer, after his removal, would have been dealt with by a military court of inquiry and disciplinary action taken, for divulging operational secrets to the press in time of war. The officer could then have gone in for an appeal to the government when the war was over. This then also could have been an item for the Subrahmanyan Committee of Enquiry. Where the Army erred is in its hesitancy to do this. It thus gave the press and the politicians an opportunity to make capital out of this for the coming elections.

Brig N.B. GRANT
Pune

No Krishna

This refers to the news item “Krishna faces Laxman” (Sept 7) Mr Nitish Bhardwaj is certainly a gifted artiste and he has played the role of Lord Krishna wonderfully. But he is committing a blunder by comparing himself with the most popular historical character of the country. It sounds ridiculous on his part to repeat the dialogues of the serial “Mahabharata” on the election stage.

Lord Krishna helped his poor friend Sudama and shared “saag roti” with Vidurji. He spoke boldly against the feudal hierarchy and opposed idolatry. What is Nitish Kumar doing? He is aligned with those who are already powerful socially as well as economically. Lord Krishna, as different Puranas state, opposed oppression and exploitation of the weak and poor. Nitish is strengthening the hands of those in this country who believe in religious fanaticism and obscurantism. It is improper, objectionable and unexpected on behalf of Mr Bhardwaj to project himself as a real “Krishna”.

RAJ BAHADUR YADAV
Rewari

* * * *

Renaming

The idea behind the renaming of Kurukshetra University might have been noble and a goodwill gesture. But it has cast aspersions and motive has been attached to it that it is a political stunt. It is going to boomerang politically. It may attract a certain section of the voters. But at same time it is going to offend the other section of voters in Haryana and this section is larger. This section attaches great sanctity to Kurukshetra University, the pioneer university of the region. People of Haryana, and for that matter all sections of a particular community, respect the name and so a university by that name is very sacred and held in high esteem. Particularly so by the people who have been associated with this university for decades. They are offended and so going to be an adverse vote bank. Considering all this, it would be worthwhile to withdraw the notification regarding change of name of the university.

SATYA CHOPRA
Panchkula

* * * *

Act of honesty

I am an account holder in the Indian Bank, Madhya Marg, Sector 7-C, Chandigarh, since 1980 and more or less satisfied with the services. I went to bank on September 8 to get my cheque encashed. While accepting payment by mistake I left Rs 500. To my surprise when I visited the bank on September 10 for some other purpose I was told by the person concerned that I had left Rs 500 and I was given the money back.

I appreciate this kind act of the bank employee.

P.K. WALIA
Chandigarh