This refers to the news report "Antony overrules Army, orders probe into Bandipora killing" (GK, 27-Jul-2012).  The army general talks about the honesty and integrity of the army as if this is our first encounter with his men. As if no one knows how innocents were (and are) murdered for petty cash rewards of a few thousand rupees and for promotions. As if we don't know how Avtar Singhs live their lives freely after soaking their hands with the blood of helpless. One must appreciate the courage of the general, who manages to talk about the honesty and integrity of his men, in spite of what is happening around. Anyone with a bit of conscience will think twice before vouching for the integrity and honesty of the army men, while the general does this with the little twist of the tongue. Giving a clean chit to his men, even before the actual investigations have taken place, is general’s concept of justice. With these comments coming in from the general, one can easily guess the outcome of the court martial of the Pathribal case. Now it needs to be seen how far the enquiry ordered by the defense minister goes. Our experience of the past shows that most of –shouldn’t one say all? – the enquires are creatures without legs, so they hardly stagger, leave alone walk or run. And they always die before they could reach anywhere.

Yaqoob Bashir Qadri
Bangalore

Lastupdate on : Mon, 30 Jul 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 30 Jul 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 31 Jul 2012 00:00:00 IST