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| Fighting Terrorism is a sacred and constitutional duty: Truth shall prevail | | Soft Talk with SUNNY | |
Lt Col SD Goswami, Spokesperson, Ministry of Defence,
Manipur, now posted as Defence PRO Jammu unfolds saga
of CI operation by SF in Manipur, in a conversation.
Excerpts :-
What could be the basis of the Internal Security
problems in NE ?
Each of our Internal Security problems in North-East
have a historical, political and socioeconomic content
and in some cases these have also developed ethnic,
religious and politico-strategic complexion. Social,
cultural, ethnic and religious factors and their inter
play in each area are relevant as they are a part of
the overall environment and impinge on security and
handling of security related issues. Security involves
and affects human beings and embraces all effects of
public life. It includes physical, eco, social,
cultural and religious security, while physical
security is the foundation on which actions in other
fields and build to secure the environment but success
can only be achieved by cohesive and coordinated
efforts in all fields.
What could be the solution for Internal Security
problems in Manipur?
A solution must be found which addresses the
socio-economic, geographic historical and political
issues. I feel the path of negotiations by the
insurgents could yield better dividend than those
offered by arms.
Colonel, Why is the Security Forces deployed in
Manipur ?
The Security Forces went to Manipur in condition of
extreme insecurity. They are there to provide a secure
environment to facilitate the smooth functioning of
the state machinery. As and when the Govt. feels that
the situation can be handled by the state, the SF
units and formations will return to their assigned
peace station and focus upon their primary tasks.
Tell us about the Counter Insurgency operations being
carried out by the SF?
The operations are people’s friendly which responds
to the aspiration hopes and needs of the people. It is
only due to sustained deliberate operations conducted
by the SF that there is a marked improvement in the
ground situation and civil administration has started
functioning in the remote areas. We are fighting armed
rebels in Manipur and it is our constitutional duty.
Tell us about the Civic Action projects under taken by
the SF in Manipur ?
The welfare projects under taken by the SF reflects
the rich ethos and traditional facets of humility,
care and compassion. We are peoples’ Army which
represents the aspiration, hopes and needs of the
people.
What about joint operation in Mynmar ?
The two countries have already agreed to help
maintain peace and security along the border for
economic prosperity in the area. There is no planning
for joint operation at present, both countries are in
agreement to take necessary steps to prevent cross
border crimes and to substantially upgrade bilateral
cooperation.
How does Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) helps
the SF?
As I said, we are fighting armed rebels in Manipur,
we do require legal protection in carrying out our
tasks. The exercise of powers by the SF under AFSPA is
strictly in accordance with the prescribed procedures
and parameters and in full sensitivity to the laws of
land. The article 355 of the constitution casts upon
the union govt. a duty and therefore a responsibility
to protect every state against external aggressions
and internal disturbances. For the success of CI
operation a legal environment is necessary.
What is the status of review committee report on AFSPA
?
With a view of protecting Human Rights, the Govt. has
set up a committee to look into the provisions of the
AFSPA. The report of this committee is being examined
in detail and Govt. will take all necessary steps so
that no violations of Human Rights under this act
occurs.
Tell us about SF point of view on allegations of Human
Rights violations in Manipur?
We are under strict instructions to discharge our
duties and responsibilities with due diligence and
responsiveness to public sensitivities, where ever
culpability has been established in violation of human
rights, the guilty has been punished. I agree, that
there have been some aberrations in the past and we
endeavour to obviate those altogether. You need to
understand our role and difficulties. We always weigh
each and every case of Human Rights violation with
facts and circumstances with utmost care and balance.
Allegations of Human Rights violation by SF are bound
to occur in CI environment and majority of these
allegations are eventually proved to be false and
malicious. Commitment of the SF in internal armed
conflicts can no longer be seen as necessarily a
denial of human rights but it is certainly a case that
respect for human rights is most threatened during
such conflicts. The security forces while engaging in
CI operations has been maintaining the principle of
minimum force and avoidance of collateral damage i.e.
anticipation of criticism alleged over reaction and
excesses. The security forces are aware that human
rights stand for dignified existence of human being.
Human Rights is fundamental and in alienable. And we
train our troops thoroughly on this aspect. We are
also fully aware that any allegation of human rights
violations will not only tarnish the image of the
security forces but also reduce our effectiveness in
tackling insurgency.
But there are many who do not agree with your view
point ?
It is widely acknowledged that India is a democratic
and secular country where the constitution guarantee
rule of law, free press, independent statutory bodies
like Human Rights Commission. These are part of the
means available to the individual and the state to
ensure Human Rights. Counter terrorism operation are a
reality that the SF has been facing since last five
decades. I would only say that the means available to
any individual should not be misused for vested
interests. We also invite the independent bodies to
probe allegations.
Tell us about training of soldiers on human rights
aspect ?
We familiarize our troops with the spirit of
humanitarian laws to imbibe them with spirit of
humanism during operations. While operating under
AFSPA we make the troops understand the Chief of the
Army Staff’s Commandments and AFSPA in detail. We have
special training programmes for the troops which
comprehensively covers all aspects of Human Rights.
The officers are sponsored on specialize course on
human rights.
Is there a hidden agenda to create a fear psychosis
amongst the public while carrying out CI operation in
Manipur ?
No, not at all. You need to understand is that our
operations are people’s friendly. CI operations would
not be a success if we do not get people’s support. We
are just trying to bring back our brothers and sisters
to the mainstream, who have different agendas, and we
are part of the society.
Do you feel that, If insurgency if not contained in
time, it could escalate into a full scale guerrilla
war ?
The application of military force is guided by the
principle of encouraging and facilitating a solution
and containing the situation to seek a
constitutionally acceptable compromise between the
govt. and the insurgents. We feel peace must get a
chance to let the people live and give their best. The
total strength of undergrounds in Manipur is estimated
to be several thousands, they possess sophisticated
weapons and also have large amount of explosives. They
have well established training camps and they are
trained in guerrilla tactics. What more do you want me
to say?
What is the role of Assam Rifles in Manipur ?
The AR is under operational control of Army in
Manipur and are on Counter-Insurgency grid. During
peace conditions they ensures security of the
Sino-Indian and Indo-Mynmar borders, during war, they
look after the security of rear areas. The AR also
acts as penultimate interventionist force of the
central force in IS situation under the operational
control of Army.
Is there any development on changement of Assam Rifles
Act ?
The Assam Rifles Act of 1941 is very old and it is
felt that it did not meet the prevailing requirement
of the force. The cabinet has cleared introduction of
bill in parliament to replace the decades old act by a
new one to improve discipline and control of the
force. The bill also provides for establishment of AR
court and redressal grievance mechanism.
In armed conflict situation, are the soldiers in
dilemma to carry out their tasks ?
We train our troops for the counter insurgency role,
there is difference between conventional and
unconventional role of the SF. In CI operations the
troops are trained to display a spirit of humanism
because they are fighting their own brothers. In
conventional warfare they are trained to carryout
their assigned task with the maximum damage to their
adversaries. In CI operation we cannot consider
undergrounds as our enemies, but at the same time it
is impracticable for the SF to distinguish
undergrounds from the population. In CI operation any
allegation of human rights violation will not only
sully the image of the SF, but also reduce our
effectiveness in tackling militancy. Therefore in CI
operation we are careful in carrying out our assigned
tasks.
Tell us about the surrender policy for the UG’s ?
In the recent past, the surrender policy has been
revived to help the young minds shun the path of
violence and come forward to join the mainstream. Now,
we have an attractive package as part of new
rehabilitation policy for the surrenderees. The key
features of new surrender policy was that centre would
give them 1.5 lakh each in cash margin money to take
their vocation of choice and they would get a stipend
of Rs. 2000/- per month during three years training
period.
From Manipur to Jammu, how do you feel about it?
From 99 APO to C/O 56 APO, fighting terrorism is in
my blood and I consider it as any sacred and
constitutional duty. Jammu is a new challenge for me.
Broadly, my role would be to highlight the role of
Armed Forces in nation building and its contribution
to the national cause.
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