I was indeed happy and privileged to attend the launch of Captain Amarinder Singh’s latest book, ‘Honour and Fidelity’, which documents the contribution of Indian soldiers in World War I. Over 70,000 Indian soldiers were killed and another 70,000 injured in the WWI. Not much is known about their contribution to the war and hence, I salute Captain Sahib’s efforts to enlighten us. It took about four years of rigorous research and travel across Europe and different parts of India to compile this book. This book should be read by all youngsters.
At the launch of his book, Captain Sahib had spoken about two sensitive subjects: the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) and the Henderson Brooks Report. Much has been written about AFSPA over the past years. While some are against the law, others feel it is necessary. Captain Sahib has defended the law, saying it is being used under exceptional circumstances only and there is no need to revoke it at this stage.
So what is AFSPA? It is an Act, which was passed by Parliament on September 11, 1958, granting special powers to the Indian Armed Forces in disturbed areas. The Act has received criticism from several sections for alleged concerns about human rights violations in the regions of its enforcement.
I agree with Captain Sahib’s views that our soldiers are fighting a difficult war in Jammu and Kashmir and hence, they need legal protection. The Army sentenced five personnel to life imprisonment after they were found guilty of human rights violations. This shows that mistakes committed by soldiers in the name of the Act are firmly dealt with.
Captain Sahib also suggested publicising the Henderson Brooks report on the Indo-China war saying, if any politician or general had messed up it should be admitted. The report has been authored by two officers, Lieutenant General TB Henderson and Brigadier PS Bhagat, who have analysed the Indo-China war. I too, agree that over 50 years have passed since the war and it is high time the report is made public.