Alarmed Forces

Complaints of Soldiers Deserve a Sensitive Response, Not Overreaction.
 

- Namrata Biji Ahuja

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Sandesh to Soldiers campaign through his mobile app, MyGov. in website and public broadcasters around the time of Diwali, his intention was to increase the interaction between the people and the armed forces. He wanted to focus on the ‘human element’ of the valiant soldier, and hear his grievances and boost his morale.

Two months later, however, it seems to have produced some undesired results, as jawans of the Army and the central paramilitary forces started using social media to lay bare their grievances. First, Border Security Force constable Tej Bahadur Yadav shared a video on social media, complaining about the watery dal and burnt rotis he was being served in the freezing forward posts in Jammu and Kashmir. After a few days, a Central Reserve Police Force jawan came out with a video complaining about pay discrimination and lack of facilities. Then Lance Naik Yagya Pratap Singh of the 14 Rajput Regiment uploaded a video about the menial duties the sahayaks (orderlies) have to perform in the Army.

Inquiries are on in all three cases— not just on the complaints, but also against the soldiers for breach of discipline and misuse of social media. Singh is reportedly on a hunger strike since January 14, and has been moved to Bareilly Military Hospital. Army's press release said he was “showing aggressive behaviour”. “The individual has spoken to his wife on mobile, which he is free to use and is currently at Bareilly Military Hospital. Army authorities have made arrangements for his wife's stay and interaction with her husband,” said Col Rohan Anand, public relations officer of the Army.