India must be one of the few countries in the world where a threat to life is a privilege. No wonder everybody wants to join the list of people facing threats from terrorists. The Army seems to have learnt this trick. One fine day recently, the Home Ministry was stumped to find the J-K Police reporting of dangers against at least five former Army chiefs, including outgoing chief Gen J J Singh, Gen V P Malik and Gen S Padmanabhan. The reasons cited included the officers’ earlier service in the Northern Command or for heading the Army during the Kargil War or during Operation Parakram. Many wondered why it had taken so many years for the police to have suddenly woken up to the threats. Others, of course, suspect “Army pressure” on the state cops since security cover brings with it several privileges for the protectee. In any case who would take a chance when illustrious Armymen are involved?
