ndia vs Pakistan problems exist across every aspect of our relations. China is too powerful to be brought into this discussion. Plus we don’t know what goes on behind the iron curtain.

Militancy sponsored/ supported by Pakistan is on the top. They too have their terrorist problems. Then we have no direct trade. No easy visits for people to people contact. Religious differences. Sports rivalry. Military conflicts. Our democracy vs their military controlled democracy. Most of the time when there is financial crisis or regional conflicts in Pakistan our think tanks begin to see the end of Pakistan. Latest is Baluchistan. Then once in a while our political leadership talks of taking back POK through force. Now in the JK election season it’s on again. Please do it. Let’s finish this problem once and for all.

On top of the list is our boast of fourth largest army, fourth largest economy in the world, our Aatamnirbharta in weapons etc. Pakistan a begging bowl etc etc. But I’ve not understood one thing. When they are so behind us in every field why do they have no problems with the Veterans of Pak armed forces. They have not created Agniveer type military service. Implies they believe in the old system of recruitment and pensions. Implies no financial problem in Pakistan. They have no problem of OROP. Atleast we have not heard about it. Maybe our Defence Attaches can get more info on this aspect. And they definitely have taken the better part of our old pre Independence CDA values. Our CDA doesn’t address our problems. They probably have a better CDA.

And above all they have created Fauji Foundation in 1954 and Shaheen Foundation for the Pak Air Force in 1977. Please go through Google search and see where these organisations have reached. This is how they addressed veterans welfare and financial problems. And decades before us. We give sewing machines when now most wear ready made clothes, note down pension problems created by SPARSH which can’t be easily resolved, medicines but ECHS budgetary constraints not addressed. All this when we have ESM rallies. And in the end chai pakoras. Formation tick mark one more event done. Veterans happy?

Our proposal to start some projects for our ESM doesn’t cross the first hurdle, the Service Hq. The first response is how can this be done. These are govt rules is the next. And then after months we realise that we need to take up the case afresh because the letters went unanswered and maybe the new incumbents would be helpful. This cycle is repeated. I think in our system, the Service Hq are more scared of our own govt than the fear of our adversaries.

Many veterans ask me what is IESL doing about our problems. I tell them ask the govt what it’s doing.

We continue to live with this.

Jai Hind.

Sad but Jai Hind also has two meanings. One the original created by Netaji Subhash Chander Bose and the one followed now. I’m sure all are aware of this without me having to explain.

Brig Inder Mohan Singh (Retd)

President IESL.