“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it'”
— Indian Army
Be it for the jawans of the Indian Army or the para-military forces like the CRPF or BSF — it is always country first. Time and again, they have displayed their valour and dedication to the nation. But our netas are at their nastiest best as they repeatedly invoke the martyrdom of the CRPF jawans in the Pulwama attack and continue to play politics over dead bodies — something that has not only angered the kith and kin of those martyred, but also the general public at large.
Although politicians maintain on record that they do not want to politicise the Pulwama tragedy, the leaders of all the major political parties have been dragging in the martyrs’ names for their own selfish political gains, which has evoked a sharp response from all right thinking citizens.
“The armed forces protect the nation’s last bastions. It is in the interest of the nation to keep them away from politics. For the forces — safety, honour and welfare comes first always and every time,” reiterates Col. G B Rao.
Slamming netas for making political capital out of martyrdom, Major Shiv Kiran says, “I agree with the young girl. For those of us serving the country even if we are retired, we have to adhere with the saying ‘Safety of the country comes first, then the safety of the men in command next. And our personal safety comes last every time.’ We don’t identify with the ideology of any political party, and it should remain that way.”
Unfortunately, political parties have prioritised their hunger for power. “The most important thing for a martyr’s family is to show respect for the martyr. Although he has sacrificed his life for the nation, who knows, they may be forgotten after the elections. The government has banned civilian traffic for two days a week in J&K for army convoy movement and it is for the safety of the defence personnel.
Although we too have the right to vote, even during the elections, we are playing a pivotal role as we are deployed everywhere to conduct free and fair elections,” says Nabeel Ahmed Wani, Assistant Commandant, BSF.
