JPS Grewal is a former Senior Army official who wrote a post on his social media account (see below) on 21 September questioning the defence minister remarks on the ‘lapse' that led to the attack on Uri which cost India 18 lives. Warning – Some of the language used may not be acceptable to all the readers.
The Raksha Mantri says there have been lapses and he will ensure that such things don't occur again.
I want to ask this guy or rather tell him that the Army will carry out its inquiry and sort out those responsible – it will not be a suspension and transfer like it happens in the police force or in the IAS where nothing will happen. Somebody's – maybe a few will have their careers sealed. That's ok we will do it. Now comes your part. Why the armed forces are so shabby as far as their infrastructure is concerned.
Have you gone to a post on the LOC and spent a night with the jawans there. As a defence minister it's your bloody job to see the realities of the Indian Army on ground, and not reviewing Guards Of Honour in chappals. If you are the defence minister of this country stop sitting in the comforts of Luytens Delhi – go on guy and see how the Indian Army lives.
We live in shabby and pathetic conditions. Our living accommodation (on posts) is inhuman – we live in bunkers made of wood and mud and louse infected. Our trenches are unfit for fighting in. Would you care to see them? Don't bask in your glory of being a Raksha Mantri and all the shit that goes on to look after you when you visit an Army Unit. Spend night with the troops – eat what they eat – live like how they live, starting from the morning crap. Then you will know what it is all about.
The issue is about the defence budget – we may be the third or fourth largest army in the world – but we are poor in infrastructure. We don't have the basics, right from the clothing of a soldier to his basic equipment. Our rations are substandard. Our Boots don't last 6 months – so we buy them. The army blanket – my dog also refuses to sleep on it. You have created a life cycle system to provide replacement clothing and equipment to a soldier – some SOB sitting in Delhi in the MOD decides how long my boots should last. I don't have my ass plonked in cushioned chair in an AC office which is carpeted. Do you know how much an Indian Army Jawan spends on buying his clothing and equipment? Actually you know f-all in army parlance.
We don't have defence stores – the URI garrison has a lousy barbed wire fence – I saw it all when I was around there in 1985 and it hasn't changed. Is that the improvement in the Armed Forces in the last 30 years? Who is responsible for that and whom are you going to sack for that? Troops are living in tents – man this is the 21 Century – this isn't a Safari Park – these are Army Establishments – Permanent ones and troops still have to live in tents.
Mr Defence Minister I can give a list of 1000 things of what is wrong with the system and not the Army. If you are worth your salt and not a Goa frilly willy as people think you are you will get your ass hauling and give the Armed Forces their due in basics including a good pay package. The defence budget is a paupers budget. Get your DIGs who get 50000- 70000 as allowance to sit on their chair in Shillong, Srinagar and Guwahati to fight the war – we can pack our bags and go home. Thank You .
