Dying for the Nation - Dying for the Elite

Tweleve terrorists struck at Mumbai on 26 November 2008. It took 60 hours to eliminate them and India lost nearly 200 lives. There was a huge outcry for accountability and strong response. All led by elite of the nation, who gathered in large numbers at Gateway of India to demand that heads roll. The result was resignation by the then Home Minister. Even the policemen who died sitting inside their vehicle were awarded highest gallantry awards.

Now let us cut to March 2009. The CM of J&K is proactively pursuing his agenda to get Armed Forces Special Powwers Act repealed. Many a editor are writing in his support. The ministry is demanding that an enquiry against soldiers accused of `killing the innocent' be wrapped up in three days flat. Afterall J&K is at peace, why should Army be there in first place and even if it is there it should learn to behave in a manner befitting its place (at the bottom). It is at such a juncture that 17 Terrorists infiltrated in Kashmir. They were challanged and eliminated by the Armymen in dense jungles over next 8 days. Sadly Major Sharma and 7 Jawans also laid down their lives.

Was there any outcry from the self same elite for any kind of accountability? Was there any demand for the CM to explain his haste? Was there any demand for the ministry to justify it's illegal fiats. Was there any demand for the Defence Minsiter to explain as to how does he plan to insulate his Army from those who lose no opportunity to belittle and decry the soldier and his contribution. No! The elite has no time for the dead soldiers. The editors are busy perdicting political combinations post-elections. So what is some soldiers die. India has enough poor to fill the ranks of its all volunteer army and the IMA will keep producing idealistic lads to lead their men to certain death so that the Nation can exist to be exploited by the Elite.