The Indian Army known for a stringent apolitical approach despite the pressures over the past many decades seems to be wilting with the military wading into politically controversial issues which are strictly beyond the professional domain.
What is more, by organizing events issues that have no bearing on the Army’s counter terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir displays a naivete which clearly demonstrates that the military lacks the understanding of the complex socio political issues involved.
Indeed, with egg on the face, the battle hardened Indian Army which has distinguished itself during war and peace for the past three centuries plus had to cancel a seminar in Jammu and Kashmir the aim of which was said to be, “to raise awareness about the Uniform Civil Code [UCC],” a subject which has no relevance for the secular military which has upheld the traditions of treating all religions equally. One symbol of the same is the Sarv Dharm Sthal or Unified place of worship for cantonments across the country.
The UCC is controversial as it pitches group rights against individual rights as per a report in the New Indian Express. UCC gives individuals the right to demand equal treatment but is seen as an invasion into the rights of a group or community for their own rules in matters such as marriage and inheritance as per the report.
Importantly Indian constitution, in its Directive Principles, does lay down that the state shall endeavor to provide a Uniform Civil Code for its citizens. Since Directive Principles are non-justiciable, courts cannot enforce UCC implementation as per the New Indian Express.
Against this backdrop the Indian Army’s invitations to the media houses for a seminar on the subject "Navigating legal frontiers: Understanding Indian Penal Code 2023 and the quest for Uniform Civil Code," scheduled for March 26 at the Kashmir University Auditorium was clearly an overreach into the political domain. The invitation for the seminar to the media persons was sent by Srinagar-based PRO Defence on behalf of General Officer Commanding HQ 31 Sub Area, Major General PBS Lamba.
After backlash from regional political parties ranging from former chief minister and National Conference (NC) vice president Omar Abdullah stating on the X, "Is it appropriate for the Indian Army to get involved in the divisive issue of the uniform civil code & that too in a sensitive area like Kashmir? There is a reason the Indian Army has remained apolitical & areligious. This ill-advised UCC seminar is a threat to both these basic tenets."
PDP spokesperson Najmus Saqib was even more specific saying, "Post backlash, we had seen some systemic changes, but unfortunately the seminar by the India Army as an institution depicts how far the lines between politics and security apparatus have blurred in J-K," he added.
Given these reactions, the Army issued a hasty cancellation of the programe "due to implementation of the Model Code of Conduct".
Mere cancellation of the event may not be enough. The military must investigate into the approval of such an event on a controversial subject and clear its image of remaining apolitical.
The impression of the Indian Armed Forces leaning towards the inkling of the political hierarchy is evident in other instances as well.
The Indian Navy has adopted the Kurta Pyjama as a formal dress for mess functions even though military norms demand that officers need to be kitted to meet the demands of instant mobilization.
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