When army chief fanned furore
NEW DELHI: General Bipin Rawat’s comments on the rise of the Badruddin Ajmal-led AIUDF (All India United Democratic Front) in Assam have triggered a row, with several political leaders and experts saying the army chief should not have spoken on a political issue. Speaking at a seminar on India’s northeastern states on Wednesday, Rawat said the AIUDF, accused by its political opponents of pandering to illegal immigrants, had grown at a faster rate in Assam than the BJP. This is not the first time that Rawat has sparked a controversy. Here’s a look at his six other occasions when his comments became talking points and triggered discussions:
January 12, 2018 Education system in Kashmir
General Rawat said schools in the state were teaching two maps — India’s and Jammu and Kashmir’s — to the students, which was radicalising youth. The state government reacted saying the ”well-decorated officer” should not give sermons on issues that are not in his domain.
Calling Pakistan’s nuclear bluff
He said the army was prepared to call Pakistan’s nuclear bluff and cross the border to carry out any operation. In response, Pakistan cautioned India against any misadventure, saying its nuclear weapons were exclusively meant to foil any threat emanating from the east.
November 4, 2017 Bharat Ratna for Field Marshal Cariappa
The chief said it was time to recommend Field Marshal KM Cariappa for the Bharat Ratna. He was in Karnataka to unveil a stature of the first Indian commander-inchief of the Indian army. Rawat drew criticism for publicly recommending one of his predecessors for India’s highest civilian award, and that too ahead of a crucial state election in the state.
September 6, 2017 China salami slicing into Indian territory
He said China was gradually taking over Indian territory and India should be prepared for a two-front war, a little over a week after the two countries ended one of their worst military face-offs at Doklam. Beijing responded by asking if he was authorised to make the remarks.
May 25, 2017 Human shield in Kashmir
An army major, who was in the eye of the storm for tying a Kashmiri man to a jeep to use him as a human shield, was awarded a commendation card by Rawat. The jeep incident had deepened the army-civilian divide and sparked violent protests in the Valley.
February 15, 2017 Stone pelters to be treated as terrorists
Talking about protesting stone-pelters, the general said those who try to disrupt counter-terror operations in J&K will be treated as overground workers of terrorists. Civil society members and the state’s main Opposition party, the NC, criticised the chief’s comments.