An Indian Army soldier, was allegedly killed by a politician in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri district. His brother who is also a soldier reportedly said ; He wants justice and he will not return to the force until those who killed my brother are punished. We didn't do anything wrong. He (the political leader) said that 'you might be working in the Indian Army but can't do anything to me'.
This is not a political issue but is a social and an administrative issue and therefore should not be politicised.
This is not something that has not happened before; Subedar Pan Singh became a dacoit because he was illtreated by the local administration, father of a serving soldier was lynched to death a few years back, a soldier was beaten in Delhi a few years ago in full day light.
There was a time when a company commander or a Commanding Officer of the unit could write a letter to the concerned SP or a Collector and a soldiers’ domestic problem could be resolved but over a period of time the administrative machinery in most parts of India has become defunct and it only works when kick started by a politician. It would not be surprising to notice that even a few kilometres from PM’s and Chief Minister’s house, people have little regard for law.
A soldier and his family is now at the mercy of society which has become so politically vitiated that there is no empathy left. A society where concern for dead is reflected based on caste and religion, what better can one expect.
Although the Directorate of Sainik Welfare which has its offices in every state can play a big role towards providing help to the aggrieved soldiers; retired or serving but when the entire administrative machinery in the country is rotten , even they can not be of much help.
Notwithstanding the above, if concerned authorities have the will the procedures can be streamlined but as the whole system is politicised and corrupt even the most determined tend to give up.
Yes, indeed a lot is happening.
Unfortunately, we the common men, realise the inadequacies of our administration and arrogance of our Politicians only when we are faced with a crisis situation or someone close to us has to face its consequences, till then we keep praying God; HEY BHAGWAN MEREY PARIVAR KO MUSIBAT SEY BACHANA.
All this may sound to be cynical, but just try dial 100 and call for Police help for Loud music being played after 10 PM at the nearby banquet garden or during Devi Pujan and one’s doubts about the efficiency of administration will get cleared.
When this year we would be celebrating our 75 years of independence, the least the state can do is to make sure that the Police help is provided on time and it upholds SC’s judgements.