'He did not deserve to die like this' said brother of Commander Kapish Muwal who perished in the fire on board the INS Sindhuratna along with Lieutenant Manoranjan Kumar. He is right, not a single member of our armed forces deserves to die like this. Nor do good Admirals like Admiral Joshi deserve to go out like this. But then for people like the Defense minister A.K. Antony this makes little difference. I seethed when I read what he had to say about Admiral Joshi's state of mind when he resigned:
He was totally upset about the whole development. He said he would like to take the whole responsibility, so he requested me to accept his resignation with immediate effect. (Source: CAG warned Navy was losing edge on procurement delays). How very convenient for you Mr. Minister!
Wish he had acted this promptly when the CAG report pointed out the following:
- The systems costing Rs. 3.68 Cr were yet to be installed. (2008-2009 report)
- The systems have remained idle for three years and their warranty period has expired. (2008-2009 report)
- The spares requirement of the Chariot crafts (used for attacking harbor facilities and sabotaging enemy ships) are being met by cannibalizing spares from 3 Chariots converted for the purpose, thereby hampering the operational capability.
- Several operational assets are functioning sub-optimally with their obsolescent equipment or unproven modifications (2010-20011 report)
It's no secret that we are surrounded by hostile countries like Pakistan and China who would not waste a moment in taking advantage of the situation if they see that we are vulnerable enough. And if recent global events are anything to go by, the rest of the world will just look on.
Will the government stop dragging its feet and get on with the modernization of our fleet before the enemy is at the door? Or do we citizens have to start gathering in the city squares in support of our armed forces?
I hope the "so-called" Defense minister realizes that he is able to sleep soundly in his luxurious quarters at night because scores of fine officers are toiling in rough conditions as they guard the nation's borders. It's time to hear the bell tolling - it tolls for us.
He was totally upset about the whole development. He said he would like to take the whole responsibility, so he requested me to accept his resignation with immediate effect. (Source: CAG warned Navy was losing edge on procurement delays). How very convenient for you Mr. Minister!
Wish he had acted this promptly when the CAG report pointed out the following:
- The systems costing Rs. 3.68 Cr were yet to be installed. (2008-2009 report)
- The systems have remained idle for three years and their warranty period has expired. (2008-2009 report)
- The spares requirement of the Chariot crafts (used for attacking harbor facilities and sabotaging enemy ships) are being met by cannibalizing spares from 3 Chariots converted for the purpose, thereby hampering the operational capability.
- Several operational assets are functioning sub-optimally with their obsolescent equipment or unproven modifications (2010-20011 report)
It's no secret that we are surrounded by hostile countries like Pakistan and China who would not waste a moment in taking advantage of the situation if they see that we are vulnerable enough. And if recent global events are anything to go by, the rest of the world will just look on.
Will the government stop dragging its feet and get on with the modernization of our fleet before the enemy is at the door? Or do we citizens have to start gathering in the city squares in support of our armed forces?
I hope the "so-called" Defense minister realizes that he is able to sleep soundly in his luxurious quarters at night because scores of fine officers are toiling in rough conditions as they guard the nation's borders. It's time to hear the bell tolling - it tolls for us.
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