Antony’s Tale of Woe

Even though fatal accidents on warships are becoming too frequent and warnings have been given by chiefs of Army, Airforce and Navy from time to time for upgradation and modernisation of defence armaments, Defence Minister A.K. Antony did nothing during his seven-year stint to bring the much-needed reforms (“The Worst Defence Minister Ever”, March 17). By failing to replace the ageing and sub-standard armaments and by being unable to fill up vacancies with skilled manpower, Antony has not only jeopardised the country’s defence but also endangered the lives of engineering officers and others working on board the warships. K.R. SRINIVASAN, Secunderabad It is absolutely unfair and unjust to label A.K Antony as the “worst defence minister ever”. During his tenure, Antony has ensured that the country’s defence capability and modernisation of armed forces do not suffer. MBT Arjun, LCA Tejas, C-130J Super Hercules, INS Vikramaditya, INS Arihant are but a few examples of India arming itself to the teeth. Agni 5 and a new mountain strike corps will be the biggest guarantor of peace on the eastern border. Both serving soldiers and exservicemen enjoy a much better quality of life today. The One Rank One Pension for ex-servicemen, in fact, speaks volumes of Antony’s performance as a defence minister. Capt PRAVEEN DAVAR, Delhi A.K. Antony has, in a way, stabbed the soldiers in their back by being blind to the needs of the Armed Forces and thereby exposing them to adverse working environment and also to the risk associated in carrying out their duties. NARENDRA BEHL, via email