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DM also responsible
Apropos the front page news “Navy Chief steps down after sub fire” (February 27). It is a sad day for the forces that a Chief has had to resign, and worse still, the resignation was readily accepted by the RM and the PM. It just goes to show the poor health of relations between the forces and the MoD/ political masters. Doesn’t the Defence Minister also owe some moral responsibility in this case? The Naval Chief, in his resignation, has displayed the highest tradition of leadership ethos in the forces of taking moral responsibility for his command. It should be emulated by the politicians and the bureaucrats. Now that the damage has been done, some important lessons must be learnt from the Naval Chief's resignation. First, the Navy must take stock of its equipment and its maintenance. Second, training and motivation aspect of its men, in handling of the warships, subs etc, need to be looked into. Three, and very important, the civil-military relations have to be revitalised. Why should a service chief not have direct access to the Prime Minister? Why should he, and his senior commanders/staff, have to route through the bureaucrats? India can ill afford to ignore or demoralise its defence forces. It will be at our own peril. Col R D Singh (retd) Ambala Cantt
Antony too must quit
It is surprising that the Defence Minister accepted Admiral Joshi's resignation without delay. Why did Antony not resign? The same moral responsibility lies on his shoulders as well. The Russian product is substandard and there is a strict need for thorough checking of all such supplies. These ill-fated submarines contributed some time to the Indian Navy, but the latest acquisition -- INS Vikramaditya -- developed faults before making its maiden entry in Indian territorial waters. It is unfortunate that in the last one year we have lost crucial maritime investments but the political lobby has done little to address the issue. Modi dared Deepjot S Thukral, Ambala Cantt
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Not in ship shape Dinesh Kumar has painted a practical picture of the present state of the Indian Navy in his well-worded article “All is not ship shape with the Indian Navy” (February 20). The cause appears to be the constant interference of political leaders, specially those who visit the warships in dhoti, sending a bad example to the ship’s company. I have served under British captains. They were so disciplined and daring that no political leader dared to interfere in their working. Has the Indian Navy, that has a slice of world naval history, lost its shine to save the ships even during peace time? Cadets at the NDA should be given training and prepared for tough and tactical war exercises. The article should make the Navy and the MoD rise from their slumber. Multan Singh Parihar, Hamirpur OROP for paramilitary The editorial “One rank, one pension” (February 19) brings outs various facts leading to the decision on the long-pending demand of the defence forces. It will be a matter of great satisfaction to many ex-servicemen as the anomalies in the pension will now be removed. Those employed in the central armed police forces (CRPF, BSF, ITBP, SSB and CISF), too, serve under extreme conditions. They also uphold the proud traditions of gallantry while fighting insurgents and anti-national elements and guard international frontiers. Even they sacrifice their family life for the sake of the nation. As such, they also deserve uniform pension after retirement, depending upon the length of their service. SC Vaid, Greater Noida Haryana not just khaps The article “A Haryanvi song of revolt” (February 25) has reshaped my perception of the Haryanvi society. Earlier, I had the misconception that Haryana was replete with rotten conventions, customs and traditions that could hinder the progress of liberal trends of a developed society such as liberty, equality, fraternity and emancipation of women. I’m happy to learn that Haryana is not all about khaps and conservatism. Ravinder Kumar, Jalandhar
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