The interrogation video of late Aurangzeb does nothing to help the image of 44 RR, and, in fact, exposes serious lapses that have occurred.
The Eid killing of soldier Aurangzeb is another local tragedy that has deep and far-reaching national ramifications. It is local in the sense that the soldier was a resident of Jammu & Kashmir, and on deputation to Rashtriya Rifles (RR) from his parent unit, 4 Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry. And it has national ramifications since it is yet another targeted killing of a serving soldier proceeding for or on leave.
The incident urgently brings home the need for 44 RR to look within, at their adherence to standard-operating-procedures, and to their management of unit informations. The interrogation video of Aurangzeb does nothing to help the image of 44 RR, and, in fact, exposes serious lapses that have occurred.
There have been attacks on BSF and CRPF personnel who belong to the Valley. The killing of Lt Ummer Fayaz of 2 Rajputana Rifles shook the nation. So it is time the nation woke up to the threats faced by serving soldiers who visit home, and institute safety mechanisms for them and their families.
Until that happens, the onus falls on units like 44 RR, who have lost soldiers in such circumstances. In the cold calculated questions posed to Aurangzeb are unit-specific details that have no business being out in the public domain, let alone being available to militants.
Two details stand out, starkly exposing the unit. An operation that led to the death of a militant is discussed, as is the condition of his body. The fact that Aurangzeb is asked specifically about his participation in the operation is a very serious issue, for the composition of an operational task force is not even an issue with another sub-unit. The unit/sub-unit retains complete autonomy when it comes to designating specific troopers/officers for operations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_PkkCZ-UMY
Aurangzeb is known to have participated in an operation in which a militant of some repute was neutralised, and this is information available with the group out to avenge their comrade. So, when Aurangzeb, proceeding on leave, shifted from an RR vehicle to a privately owned one, he was instantly vulnerable. Before reaching Shopian, he was abducted, interrogated and then killed. Obviously, somebody knew something about him, and as soon as he became available, the rest followed on course.
There is a need for 44 RR to re-visit their SOPs on local soldiers proceeding on leave. And it needs to find out who in the unit is chattering so much that a single soldier can be confirmed to have participated in a particular operation. This chatter need not have been the market/bus stand-type alone, but may include indiscipline in radio-set conversations. For these are the only ways the militants could find out the last, and most devastating, piece of information as seen in the video.
The company commander, known from the video to be a Major Shukla, appears to be an active officer in the area, for Aurangzeb is asked specifically about him. But the question which does the greatest damage to 44 RR is about Aurangzeb as ‘buddy’ to Major Shukla. How on earth militants get to know the identity of an officer’s buddy defies imagination. It isn’t just privileged information, it is simply the most personal. For a buddy is a veritable shadow, the one who handles all the officers’ personal matters, including finance. Many officers are known to leave cash with their buddy, who takes care of personal payments, mess, canteen etc.
But most of all, the buddy is trained to stay with the officer through operations, and expected to carry him to safety if an injury occurs. And, most importantly, the officer is expected to do the same for him, which is why the institution is called ‘buddy pair’, each for the other under all circumstances. How militants came to know his identity as a buddy is something 44 RR needs to analyse, and answer. Something is amiss.
Manvendra Singh is editor-in-chief of Defence & Security Alert. He is currently a BJP MLA in Rajasthan, and has earlier served as a member of the Parliament Standing Committee on Defence.
Dear Manvendra sir
Very well written , SOP is needed now,a high time for handling of Buddies and handling of sensitive information .
The article is far from reality. Author completely lacks knowledge of how operations are done on ground.
thanks for raising the issue..these r serious lapses n treated as treason
The article reflects the inadequate understanding of writer about simple line said in the video that is ” mein shukla ke saath ghumta hun “. For your own convenience you can take it as buddy of the officer but actually it is not. Brave Aurangjeb used to assist Major Shukla in gathering intelligence. There is nothing in the video which you claimed. Rather video reflects the proud which Brave Aurangjeb use to feel while operating with Major Shukla, that’s why he was undeterred in the face of death.
People like you can do anything to sell their things. As claimed by many in there comments that you are son of retd army officer. So to sell this article you went upto the extent of hurting sentiments of your own father, I guess.
Stupid article, columnist doesn’t know how RR operates!
A buddy is a ‘sewadaar’ or a batman of an officer. He prepares the officer’s uniform and polishes his shoes too.
A batman is the most abused system in the Indian Army. He even takes the officer’s dog out for walks and helps the family too by running errands.
The MLA has an Army background as his Dad too was in the Army, I believe.
He should know that everyone in the unit knows who are the buddies in the unit. The local shopkeepers too know it.
In Army units a number of civilians top are engaged in providing services to the unit. It is not difficult to know the batman of a senior officer.
The article lacks focus, sense of purpose and serves no useful purpose.
Sir,
There is a better interpretation of ‘Buddy’ who operate alongside each other. In operational areas Buddy of the Company Commander is a very important person as he plays the pivotal role in collection of intelligence besides being along side him in operations.