Rising incidents of police mistreatment of soldiers and their families point to deeper systemic rot

File photo of military veterans protesting at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over “one rank, one pension” with a placard that roughly reads “Soldiers Are A Storm, They Are The Nation’s Life”.

The recent incidents involving the mistreatment of military personnel, and often their families, have raised serious questions about the respect and security afforded to those who serve the nation and protect it from external adversaries. These events have sparked a debate on the changing dynamics between law enforcement and the armed forces, with implications for morale and national security.

Some of these distressing events that have come to light in the last few months are:

* In Odisha, the daughter of an Indian Army officer and the fiancée of another were allegedly assaulted by police officers.

* Two Army officers were thrashed and their female companion gang-raped [archived link] and were robbed in Madhya Pradesh.

* An Army soldier was purportedly stripped, beaten, and insulted [archived link] with derogatory remarks by policemen in a Rajasthan police station.

* In Lucknow, an Army officer was allegedly assaulted and his car set ablaze [archived link] by the manager and staff of a hotel, with police reportedly failing to intervene.

The above four incidents took place just from January to September this year. These incidents, while alarming in their own right, are indicative of a broader pattern of harassment targeting both active-duty and retired military personnel and their families, especially in the last 10 years.

It must be noted that while tensions between law enforcement and military personnel are not unprecedented, there has been a perceived escalation since 2014. A particularly contentious event occurred on August 14, 2015, when the Delhi Police, which operates under the Union home ministry, forcefully dispersed a peaceful protest by veterans and war widows at the national capital’s Jantar Mantar. The incident, which saw a 95-year-old veteran manhandled and war widows allegedly assaulted, drew widespread criticism for its heavy-handed approach.

The message was loud and clear that the police enjoyed political patronage, which is disgraceful to say the least. Apart from that, the apparent lack of response from senior military leadership and political figures to these events has led to concerns about their possible tacit approval of such behaviour. Critics argue that this silence may be emboldening further misconduct, because never in the history of our country, the police has been so high-handed.

The police forces across India perhaps took the August 2015 Delhi Police action and the subsequent government inaction as a green signal to act in a manner unbecoming of the khaki they wear. The imperious attitude has increased in intensity since then.

Historically, servicemen and women deployed to remote areas could perform their duties with the assurance that their loved ones were safe at home. Recent events, however, have cast doubt on this long-held belief, potentially undermining the confidence of military personnel.

The perceived political protection of those involved in incidents against military personnel and/or their families is a cause for concern. While soldiers have consistently demonstrated admirable restraint and discipline, there are justifiable worries about the potential consequences should this restraint be tested beyond its limits.

It is particularly troubling that the senior military leadership, colloquially known as the “brass”, has remained largely silent on these issues. This silence may be interpreted as tacit acceptance of the current state of affairs, further exacerbating the problem.

The military community’s requests have been modest and reasonable. They are not asking for the moon but respect, safety, and security for themselves and their families. They are urging the government to take simple steps, like:

* Swift and transparent investigations into incidents of misconduct against military personnel and their families.

* Clear guidelines on inter-agency cooperation between law enforcement and military personnel.

* Stronger disciplinary measures for those found guilty of mistreating service members and/or their families.

* Enhanced sensitivity training for law-enforcement officers regarding their interactions with military personnel.

Prior to 2014, there appeared to be a more harmonious relationship between the armed forces and law enforcement. Anecdotal evidence suggests that clear boundaries and mutual respect were more firmly established during this period.

However, the current climate seems to indicate a shift in this dynamic. There is a perception that misdeeds by law-enforcement officials are being overlooked by political figures, while the continued silence from military hierarchies may be emboldening further transgressions. The recent case in Odisha, where the accused police officer faced only suspension, has been cited as an example of inadequate disciplinary action.

These developments raise profound questions about the nation’s values and priorities. If we struggle to protect those who have sworn to defend our borders and sovereignty, how can they be expected to uphold the honour and security of our nation as a whole?

It is crucial to remember the selfless nature of military service. Soldiers stand ready to make the ultimate sacrifice not out of hatred for an enemy, but out of love for what they protect at home. This dedication deserves reciprocation in the form of respect and protection for their families.

As tensions rise, it is imperative that saner heads prevail. Swift and decisive action is necessary to address these issues before they escalate further. The implementation of remedial measures is essential to prevent any further deterioration of the situation and to restore the trust and security that our military personnel and their families rightfully deserve.

^Disclaimer:^{The views expressed in the article are the author’s own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of India Sentinels.}

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