Tags:
Journalism of Courage
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.
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.
