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Lt Gen VK Singh,
PVSM, AVSM, YSM, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command
spoke exclusively to Atul
Bhardwaj and Col (Retd) RS Ratra
on issues ranging from the challenges posed by the Chinese
assertiveness on our Eastern borders to modernisation and motivation
within the armed forces
What is your vision of the Indian Army of the
future? Having a technologically advanced army which has to guard a
border over vastly different terrain and against nations with varying
military capabilities while at the same time addressing the growing
commitment of the Army in Cl Ops are challenges required to be
addressed.
The vision of futuristic Indian Army has been
comprehensively articulated by the COAS “To consolidate the Army into
a highly motivated, optimally equipped and modernized operationally
ready force, capable of functioning in a synergized joint services
environment, across the spectrum of conflict”.
 Warfare
today is no longer restricted to Armies fighting each other. The
evolution of 4th and 5th generation warfare features groups and
individuals who visualise and have access to resources for waging war
against nation states, adding a new dimension to nature of warfare.
Consequently, any future war would be spread across the spectrum of
conflict from law and order graduating through low intensity conflict,
limited conventional wars to nuclear conflagration. Thus Armies need
to be prepared to fight a hybrid war and the Indian Army needs to
transform from a conventional force to the capability of contesting
multidirectional and multi-spectral threats.
The challenges enumerated are essentially
applicable to armies which are designed for waging wars outside their
territorial boundaries. The Indian Army is designed for the defence of
our country within the sub-continental domain. Consequently,
challenges of terrain are inherent in its structural capabilities. So
far as addressing growing commitments to counter insurgency is
concerned, as I said earlier, hybrid war is a reality today and Armed
Forces need to be prepared to contest it. The Indian Army has a
quantum advantage in this respect. We intend to harness technology to
enhance our capabilities further so as to restructure the Armed Forces
into a modular force to meet varying degree of challenges that may be
posed in the sub-continental neighbourhood in future. As I look at it,
what you call a “challenge” is in fact an opportunity to harness our
latent capabilities for future.
Troops now seem to be considerably overstretched, leading to
suicides, and attacks on seniors. What do you think should be done for
the welfare of troops. It also appears that a large number of
competent middle level officers who are in a position to lead troops
in battle and are therefore the backbone of the army, are opting for
voluntary retirement. While it does solve the practical problem of not
having to arrange for promotions for them, is this a healthy trend?
Does it need to be curbed?
Suicide and fragging are common phenomena across
all uniformed forces of the world, of late media attention has
highlighted these cases. These do not in any way show state of morale
or any downward trend. These are individual incidents based on
individual perceptions. Investigation and studies carried out indicate
that the most common ailment leading to suicide is depression - a
manifestation of deprivation, loss of hope, feeling of “being trapped”
or “things are not going to improve” and helplessness among a few.
Most cases stem from domestic issues.
Incidents of seniors being attacked by subordinates
are rare but do come up occasionally owing to intense pressures under
which the uniformed forces operate in today’s volatile security
environment. I would like to emphasise that Indian Army has the finest
tradition of officer-men relationship amongst the world armies and
such incidents are rare and isolated exceptions. The Army has
consistently endeavoured to improve habitat, leave and financial
management and training of its personnel to operate under sustained
pressures of modern day conflict environment besides improving leader
and led interaction. The only impediment today is shortfall of
officers at junior level which at times does impact on maintaining a
good officer to men ratio, which I am sanguine would improve with
greater interest being shown by the youth towards joining Armed
Forces.
Crisis of leadership is a matter of serious
concern, however, this has seen a quantum change - thanks to the
economic downturn and reasonable steps initiated for financial
mitigation through implementation of 6th CPC. This has considerably
reduced the exodus by middle level leadership. Notwithstanding the
current development, it is a phenomenon which needs to be addressed
with greater seriousness. In my opinion, loss of trained quality
leadership is not just a loss for the armed forces but also for the
nation as such. The pyramidical structure of Armed Forces precludes
absorption of 100% manpower and hence there is an imperative to
exploit this trained manpower through lateral distribution in other
Government institutions which are encumbered with deficiencies. PSUs,
Govemment agencies, Police and Para-Military Forces could reap rich
benefits from this.
This talent is currently being tapped by corporate
world both within and outside the country. A comprehensive review of
absorbing defence personnel through lateral absorption which has been
projected in 6th CPC, is one of the ways.
Coming to your command, with China bent on asserting its
presence In Arunachal Pradesh as well as Sikkim border, how is the
Indian Army preparing to meet the challenge? Will you please highlight
the steps taken to develop the infrastructure on the Indian side of
the border, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh.
India and China have emerged as power centres in
Asia despite the global financial meltdown which is quite evident from
their enviable growth rates. While the current relationship between
the two nations can be termed as congenial, there is no denying the
fact that a competitive environment exists with triggers such as
boundary disputes and Chinese strategic and military alliances with
nations in India’s neighbourhood, which can cause acrimony. The border
dispute problem needs dialogue and a political solution.
 I
would like to assure you that our operational preparedness is in a
very healthy state. So far as infrastructure is concerned, our focus
is towards enhancing mobility in remote locations, improving habitat
for our troops, better logistics support and improved communication
network. Development of infrastructure is directly related to pace of
development undertaken by the civil authorities. While it has
commenced at a rapid pace, there is scope for improvement. We are in
direct touch with the state administration to advise and facilitate
their efforts towards this.
How do you assess the threat from Islamic fundamentalism in the
Eastern Sector? What are the recommendations for its control?
Geographically only the Siliguri corridor separates China and
Bangladesh, do you think growing fundamentalist activities in this
area can pose a challenge to the country’s defence? Darjeeling is also
a sensitive area, how do you view the growing unrest there?
Growth in Islamic fundamentalism in the eastern
sector is a major cause of concern and has a direct link with some
inimical agencies who have assiduously supported this. Consequently,
the answer to this problem lies in an integrated approach towards
population and border management supported by good governance and
effective law and order setup. These two aspects are presently dealt
in a compartmentalized manner leaving lacunae to be exploited by
insurgent groups who are able to route their logistics through
countries in the neighbourhood. Besides, it is an imperative to give
greater impetus to our look east policy for better diplomatic
engagement with countries on our periphery - Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar
and Bangladesh.
Security of Siliguri corridor needs to be given
close attention. It has the potential of becoming a conduit for
subversive activities in the country and therefore requires
establishment of an integrated grid of internal security and border
management forces.
The unrest in Darjeeling hills is essentially a
political issue. The problem has come up due to fairly well known
reasons. Solution lies in the political realm and can be achieved
through talks which are underway.
Do you see an end to insurgency in the north-east within the
foreseeable future? With ceasefire arrangements in place with a number
of rebel groups and political talks on with some of them, is there a
possibility of bringing these problems to a reasonable settlement? How
do you think ULFA, one of the major groups which has not yet come to
negotiating table, be tackled. What is your opinion about the Manipur
situation where UNLF seems to be gaining strength and the NC Hills
which has seen turmoil of late?
 Insurgency
in North East region is flourishing entirely due to slow pace of
development and consequent unemployment in the region. It is more a
criminal activity now with limited or no ideological backing.
Therefore I would consider it more of a law and order problem rather
than calling it an insurgency in the classical sense. It would be
difficult to hazard a guess on its sustainability, however, it will
certainly see a down turn in the days to come since the groups no
longer enjoy the popular support of the people. Criminal activities
are likely to continue unless a major impetus is given to development
of the region in terms of infrastructure and generation of employment
coupled with political will to resolve local issues.
Suspension of operation arrangements are a means to
provide succor to the common people who bear the brunt of insurgent
activities and to bring the misguided youth back into the national
mainstream. Insurgency is a manifestation of deprivation of youth to
alternatives. These arrangements can only provide temporary relief
since, their effects wear off sooner or later giving rise to splinter
groups. Therefore, the only way out is vigorous pursuance of
administrative measures to address the root causes of unrest which are
exploited by splinter groups once suspension of operations are put in
place by security forces.
ULFA has been marginalized to a large extent in
Assam with peace talks progressing with its main combat force the 28th
Battalion. ULFA has lost its public support in Lower Assam owing to
growing criminalization of the group, its involvement in terrorism,
extortion, kidnappings and other petty crimes. Notwithstanding this,
sustained operations by security forces are continuing and will
continue till peace and normalcy returns to Assam at the earliest.
In Manipur the levels of violence has seen a
significant downturn after suspension of operations with the Kuki
groups. So far as Imphal valley is concerned, the valley based groups
are essentially involved in criminal acts of extortion, kidnapping and
violence against soft targets. Here again the populace is not happy
with the groups. The heat of sustained operations by the security
forces is being felt by the groups and they have started to give
signals for peaceful resolution of their grievances, which needs to be
pursued with vigour by the State Government. The turbulent situation
in NC Hills has been brought under control with the arrest of their
senior leaders, surrender of the DHD(J). This is evident from the fact
that train services and infrastructural development have resumed.
However, inter tribal rivalry is a cause of concern since innocent
people are falling victim to turf war between insurgent groups. While
the security aspect is being addressed, a concurrent administrative
initiative needs to be put in place to contain this feud.
What are your views on the recently constituted Armed Forces
Tribunal ?
I think that it a good step for our personnel. The
Tribunal with specialised knowledge about the armed forces will ensure
that speedy justice is meted out. This also considerably reduces the
litigation cost for the men who want redressal of their greviances.
Lastly, what role do you see media playing in civil-military
relations.
Look, Media has a function to perform. We cannot
say that we will shun media because we are in the army and we should
not let them close to us because we are a holy cow. This attitude
smacks of arrogance.
Media is all pervasive, you cannot hide
organisational failures and even think of handling them The right
approach is to inform the media, give them the correct information so
that people with vested interest are not able to mislead them.
Interact with the media with confidence about the organisation’s
ability to deal with minor aberrations which are bound to occur in the
functioning of large organisations like the army.
Col RS Ratra is a Gorkha war veteran He was an
instructor at the NDA and Intelligence School , Pune and Atul Bhardwaj
is Editor Salute. Photos: courtesy DPR Kolkata |
