Don’t fall for anti-Army propaganda over unfortunate Nagaland incident: Army veteran

A most unfortunate incident occurred in Mon district of Nagaland leading to death of 13 civilians at the hands of our Security Forces. The operation was launched based on confirmed intelligence inputs. Obviously something seems to have gone wrong. Enquiries will clarify the situation.

What was most disturbing was the crescendo of condemnation of the Army and a demand for immediate removal of AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Power Act). People used such terms as ‘cold blooded murder’ and ‘murderers’. Not very long back, the CO (Commanding Officer) of an AR (Assam Rifles) Batallion was killed in an ambush in neighbouring Manipur.

Don’t recollect the term ‘cold blooded murder’ being used against the terrorists by this same gentry. At best they condemned it or remained quiet. Point is, why in the first place is the Army operating in Nagaland?

Certain elements of Naga society have created serious adverse national security situation by actively colluding with nations inimical to Bharat, and are running terror organisations such as NSCN (National Socialist Council of Nagaland, an org with declared goal of ‘Nagaland for Christ’). Nagaland-Myanmar border region has emerged as a major point for arms drugs and gold smuggling

These activities have the potential to destabilize NE Bharat, hence warrants use of armed forces to put down these activities in conjunction with state administration. Hence, Nagaland is under AFSPA.

Ongoing inquiry will tell us more regarding the circumstances which led to this incident. However, Naga society too has to introspect as to why this situation has arisen. They can’t wash their hands off. If Naga society were to take remedial measures and carry out a course correction, AFSPA will be removed as it would no longer be required.

However, the Indian State will not accept destabilisation and will severely put down such intentions wherever they manifest. Take a call.

Reportedly, the vehicle failed to stop at two checkpoints. Connect this with the (2014) Budgam incident where a Maruti car fails to stop at multiple check points. RR (Rashtriya Rifles) unit opens fire, two boys are killed. This leads to hue and cry. The military personnel are held blameworthy.

Resultantly, orders are passed to dilute the stringency of theses checks and a message goes out to rank and file that if such an incident happens ‘you, buddy will be thrown under the bus. Army commanders publicly apologised.

Fast forward to Pulwama, vehicle moves into PMF (Para-Military Forces) convoy from side road. It is not stopped at the check point. Vehicle blows up in the convoy killing large number of personnel.

There is always more than what meets the eye. Dig deeper.

(This article has been compiled from the tweet thread of Brig. Karan Singh Rathore – @rathorekaran7 – with minor edits to improve readability and provide references)