Hunger on parade?

DECEMBER 23: The impressive joint defence forces display of strength at Marine Drive had just one remarkably shielded flaw - undernourished...

DECEMBER 23: The impressive joint defence forces display of strength at Marine Drive had just one remarkably shielded flaw 8211; undernourished, tired and famished jawans!

In an attempt to show-case the country8217;s military might before thousands here, some 400 jawans who were promised a party8217; after the parade were left hungry and fuming at their administrative top brass. Several jawans requesting anonymity said while they were expected to put up an impressive show, their administrative brass paid scant attention to their general needs like bread and butter. The result being that the fatigue and hunger, which was well-camouflaged during the parade, turned into angst after it. Immediately, after the parade many jawans were abusing and cursing aloud at the 8220;ill-treatment8221; they were subjected to.

After rigorous daily practice sessions since last Monday at the Naval Dockyard and INS Angre, jawans charged that they were denied the nutrition that is required for such special events. The seven-hour practice sessions included march past and running while carrying heavy rifles on their shoulders. Two days prior to the display, they were up as early as 3.15 am to reach the starting point at NCPA for a route practice. On December 20, 1997 they were asked to report at 11 am. They all reached NCPA a little before 2 pm in starched uniforms and shining boots and buckles only to wait till 4 pm in the scorching sun. Crowds, mostly first-timers, swelled with pride as the parade with smart looking men wended its way past the massive sea-side promenade. 8220;We were completely ignored and not even offered a glass of water. Such behaviour causes frustration. Just because we have no right to speak, we cannot question any wrong-doing. We are educated and deserve to be treated well,8221;grumbled a naval jawan. His more composed army colleague added, 8220;This is not the first time. Having slogged the whole day, we were not given any attention by the seniors. While the top brass officers were given high tea and later wined and dined, we were neglected.8221;

However, chief organiser Admiral S C S Bangara, who co-ordinated the combined services show, rebuked the allegations saying, 8220;It is frivolous to say that no arrangements were made. A handful of disgruntled persons with vested interests may have complained. Respective service in-charges were handed hampers to be distributed. You mean to say we starve them? Have you seen a cadaverous looking service man? 8221; Bangara asked.

Promising to look into the matter, he added, 8220;The parade was terminated at Sailors Home where they went in for tea. By talking about such matters you are encouraging dissent. Raising this point is irrelevant.8221; The event was also meant to lure young men to the services. While the announcers continuously harped on the 8220;thrills8221; of being in action, these jawans begged to differ.