SPLIT WITHIN INDIAN TRI-SERVICES AND MARGINALIZATION OF SIKHS

The motto of modern Indian state is Satyameva Jayate, a Sanskrit phrase meaning “Truth Alone Triumphs.” But incumbent Hindu dominated Indian government under Premier Modi has come to power on a dangerous lie that they have been selling to India’s Hindus: that in a country where they make up 80 percent of population, Hinduism is under threat — and will only prosper if they support ideology of Hindutva, or Hindu nationalism.

In recent years, anti-minorities violence in India has increased alarmingly. The aggressive pursuit of a hardline Hindu agenda by BJP and its fraternal organizations is deepening the insecurities of India’s religious minorities. At the same time, growing influence of Hindutva groups has implications for other religious groups, including Hindus. With their repeated and robust assaults on India’s secularism, Hindutva radicals are not only weakening the idea of India but the security of all its people.

Indian political and military leaders’ quest for power is jeopardizing not only entire region but India federation itself.  Their hunger for power is increasing rapidly to get more and more control in both political and military affairs. The recent spat within Indian armed forces came to the limelight after open differences between Indian Air Chief and late Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat. Having military background, General Rawat considered Indian Army as a major force in case of war with any country. He called Air Force only helping hand of Army. That statement annoyed Air Chief who openly denied his bureaucratic boss’ remarks. The bitter turf within armed forces over four proposed theatre commands escalated further with Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria rejecting CDS General Bipin Rawat's views that the IAF remains a supporting arm just as artillery or engineers support the fighting forces. This war of words between two senior most defence officers triggered debate regarding the integration and cooperation among tri-services.

Indian forces are amalgamation of different communities where people of all ethnicities are serving in different ranks. However, after taking helm of affairs, PM Modi has been trying to appoint nationalist Hindus on the senior most appointments especially in the ranks of armed forces. In this regard, he appointed General Bipin Rawat as Army Chief in 2016 by superseding two senior Lt Generals. That was very rare move. Modi had given a task to General Rawat to implement its Hindu driven policies. After becoming Indian Army Chief, General Rawat wanted to make sure that only superior (nationalist) Hindus should hold senior and important appointments in order to accomplish premier Modi’s Hindutva driven policies.

Sikh officers within Indian Armed Forces were first in the line. General Rawat, in consultation with Premier Modi, started sidelining Sikh officers. In addition to this, senior Sikh military officials transferred to other non-essential appointments. After viewing legitimate struggle of Sikh community for independent homeland, Indian government has been using every possible tool to reduce the overall strength of Sikh community from its armed forces. Likewise, in order to accomplish notorious designs of nationalism, BJP has launched a systematic campaign against Punjabis specifically Sikh community.  The recent dismissal of Head Constable Gagandeep Singh and other Sikhs is a coordinated effort to reduce Sikhs’ strength within forces.

Due to the discriminatory tendencies of Premier Modi and his right-wing BJP, differences are being emerged within tri-services of India over the rise of nationalism within forces. From retired defence officials to politicians, all are speaking openly and vehemently condemning Hindu-centric policies of Modi-government, which are creating divisions within Indian societies. Owing to the tireless struggle of Sikh community not only in India but in the world, Indian nationalist government under premier Modi is deliberately creating chaos/ mess, in order to marginalize Sikh with a vision to create space for Hinduva-driven policies. All this is being done to accomplish the dream of so-called Akhand Bharat (United India). The dismissal of Sikh constable from Indian Army is practical demonstration of marginalization of Sikhs, serving in Indian government departments. Interestingly, other minorities including Christians, Muslims, are not happy with the policies of BJP government. This increasing trend of marginalization of Non-Hindus is severely hurting sentiments of the people and cause of concern for various people.

It is highly likely that Sikh community may bring revolt against Modi government and senior officers of Indian tri-services. However, BJP is unlikely to pay heed to the Hindutva-driven policies. As ultranationalist Hindus are heading Indian government, this trend of marginalizing minorities is unlikely to stop under incumbent establishment. Premier Modi is still pitching for so-called greater Hindustan dominated by Hindus, having no place for minorities. As Sikhs are 20% of the Indian government’s overall bureaucracy, they are facing the dilemma of being alienated from the elite bureaucratic corps of the country.

The Hindutva-centric policies of BJP will surely escalate freedom struggle of Sikhs. This ultimate struggle of Indian minorities will have serious repercussions for Indian federation. This is high time for the liberal class of India to take a strong and joint stand against the discriminatory tendencies of Modi government. Sikh community will stand against these oppressions of Modi government and will not spare mastermind of Hindu ideology. Even, differences within Indian tri-services ranks will unveil biased attitude of Indian military establishment towards non-Hindu ranks. 

India, under Premier Modi, is on a dark and dangerous trajectory that serves only the tiniest cohort of elite citizens. But this is by no means the first warning. Looking back at Modi government’s record, there is no example in which Hindus have benefited from Hindu nationalist policies. Hindus are taught to see the divine in everyone they encounter. This radically inclusive philosophy is diametrically opposed to Hindutva. By allowing Hindutva ideology to become so entrenched in Indian communities, in religious and social spaces as well as in politics, Indians have suffered a loss even deeper than material losses.