Risk Management: Systematic Approach

An overview

Eventually most companies will be faced with some form of major loss, which is apart from normal business risks. Unless a contingency plan has been prepared the peril of escalation of the loss cannot be avoided. Before embarking on the preparation of a contingency plan or plans the potential risks must be evaluated and a full audit of the company's facilities undertaken. Some industries have a higher risk potential than others, some present special risks, some have to comply with legislative conditions.

To cover the whole spectrum of risks would involve detailed analysis of every industry and this Manual can only offer general guidelines that are common to most industries and businesses. Whether the evaluation is carried out as an "in house" exercise, or whether an outside consultant is employed, is a matter for debate. Whilst the "insider" has detailed knowledge of the particular company the "outsider" will probably identify risk areas overlooked by the "insider".  

The evaluation

Losses may be grouped under two generic headings, those of Direct Loss and Indirect Loss. To many security officers, loss represents theft and possibly fire loss but little else. In reality there is often a "domino effect" that can be felt in areas of the company remote from the centre of loss and removed in time from the loss.

Direct Loss

These losses are the most obvious ones, theft of cash, tools, equipment, materials etc. but there are also some intangible losses such as loss of information.

Indirect loss

The indirect loss is more difficult to define but would include such things as loss of customer confidence, loss of goodwill between staff and management, loss of production due to theft of material or plant etc. Having identified the possible areas of risk the next consideration is how to avoid the loss or minimize the effects of loss.

Exclude the risk

Various precautionary measures can be designed to reduce the risk to acceptable levels - no risk surveyor would guarantee 100% exclusion - but some of these precautions may prove almost as costly as the loss. Some would be unacceptable eith3r to management or the workforce. Any precautions seen as unnecessary, or inconvenient, would be circumvented. The whole question of risk exclusion must be considered within the framework of budget, practicability, feasibility, workability, and ability to monitor the results.

Offset the risk

To offset the effect of a loss a company or an individual will take out insurance but, the insurance company will require measures to be taken that almost totally exclude the risk and charge a hefty premium into the bargain. Increasingly companies are spending capital on risk exclusion and offsetting the outlay by not insuring. There are however areas where this must be considered poor policy. A better approach is to exclude as many risks as are practical - risks that can be considered virtually totally excluded - and take insurance cover for risks of less total exclusion.

Transfer the risk

Some risks, cash transfer, transportation of goods and raw materials etc. can be put out to specialist contractors who will bear the losses but as with insurance the premium may be unacceptably high.

Minimize the effect

If a company accepts that there is a residual element of risk after applying one or more of these sections attention should be paid to minimizing the possible consequences if the risk materializes. Depending on the risk being considered this may mean standby facilities, as for computer suites, (see Guideline No. 27) or contingency plans for evacuation to another factory within a group etc. Salvage of reusable materials and plant should not be overlooked.

The risk survey

The first stage in forming a risk management policy is to carry out a full survey of the potential risks and any responses that can be expected. All areas of a company's activity must come under scrutiny. The losses may occur anywhere and whenever and for a variety of reasons. Far too many managers fail to comprehend the seriousness of a major loss incident and equally fail to appreciate what local steps can be taken to minimize the effect. In broad terms risks occur in one of the following groups.

Environmental risks

Forming a contingency plan for this group is the most difficult. They are the natural hazards such as Flood - lightning strike ­Subsidence - Storm damage - and in some countries Earthquake damage. Often secondary effects - mainly fire - will follow. The results of one or more of the above will depend on severity, location, and type of business carried out. It is obvious that a manufacturer of pharmaceutical chemicals would be more affected by flooding than a warehouse holding cast iron pipes. Similarly premises located on high ground are unlikely to be affected by flooding but could suffer storm damage from high winds. Whatever risk within this group is envisaged the contingency plan should make provision for essential actions that would be common to all risks. The following questions, if answered, will form the basic contingency plan.

• In assessing the risk can any action be taken if forewarned e.g. protect large areas of glass if strong winds are forecast etc.
• In the event of damage is there a Possibility of secondary damage e.g. flooding from broken mains, fire, gas leaks etc.

·    Can arrangements be made to effect first aid repairs?

• Is there Labour available, within the company, to affect immediate remedial work to minimize losses?
• If salvage is contemplated is there space to store the salvaged material or goods.
• Is there provision for shutting down part of the premises without affecting all the operations?
• Is there sufficient security staff available to protect any goods, materials, or plant that may have become vulnerable to theft as a result of the risk occurring? 

• Is there a designated Damage Control Centre and a designated Co-coordinator? 

• Is there a prepared list of actions to be taken by key personnel? E.g. turn off power, shut fuel line valves etc.

·    Is there a list of key personnel? E.g. Heads of Departments etc.

·    Is there a system of calling in key personnel!?

Detailed safeguards are to be found under various sections in this and other Guidelines of this Manual.

Machine or plant failure

This risk group is considerably easier to assess than the previous one. Much of the assessment will be the province of the Head of the Engineering or Plant Department. Provided routine maintenance of the plant and machinery is carried out the potential for loss will be much reduced. Routine replacement of worn parts would not normally be included in a contingency plan but irregular stoppages should. These could include damage as a result of an environmental risk occurring, deliberate sabotage, accidental damage, power failure or power surge, fire, fracture of fuel lines etc. Mostly the questions in Guideline 3.9 would cover machine or plant failure with the addition of -

• Are there adequate spares available?
• Is there skilled staff to carry out the repair work?
• Can the machine/plant be isolated without affecting adjacent plant?
• Will the stoppage cause a bottleneck and can it be by- passed?
• Depending on the type of machinery other points will become obvious.

Man made risks - deliberate or accidental

This last group of risks will include most of the daily work of the security department and is probably the one group that can be reliably assessed for preventive measures to minimize the effect. To fully assess the risks an overview of the type of risks can be taken. They fall into one or more of the following and would apply in most situations to a greater or lesser extent.

• Theft including Industrial Espionage
• Burglary
• Robbery
• Fire including arson
• Vandalism
• Fraud
• Terrorist or politically motivated attack

Some industries/premises may attract one or more of these risks - some may, attract a particular risk but these risks are generally to be found in the commercial and industrial environment today. As mentioned in Section 3.9 detailed safeguards are to be found in various sections of this and other Guidelines of the Manual. Theft in all its forms is probably the most common general risk and protection against this crime will, usually, provide protection against the other risks mentioned.

Areas of high risk

Many areas within a company will be considered particularly vulnerable and these will require special attention in any survey.

Wages offices and Cashiers offices

Another area of high risk and the defensive measures are to be found in Guideline No. 33.

Administrative Areas

Whilst most paperwork found in an administrative area is fairly innocuous some sensitive documents do appear from time to time. Other areas that may handle such information would include the Secretaries offices, Directors offices, Marketing offices, Personnel offices, Contracts offices, Research departments etc. The handling and safeguarding of sensitive and confidential documents is covered in Guideline No. 25.

Transport

Once goods have passed to the Transport department of a company, ­additional risks are liable to occur. The security of vehicles and loads is to be found in Guideline No. 30.

Stores and Production Department

The safeguarding of storage and production areas is covered in this module in various sections.

Retail Department

In a retail business the customer is invited to enter and inspect the goods, Often these goods are readily portable and desirable leading to a high risk of theft. Thieves from retail premises do not see their crime as theft and refer to "shoplifting" as if it were a separate and minor offence. This leads to the retail area of a business being of especially high risk. 

Industrial Espionage

This is not a department within a company but is a risk that can affect most departments and therefore is dealt with in some detail in Guideline No. 35,

"Positive" Departments

Some departments in a business organization can be a positive help in minimizing risks. Such departments should be considered as part of the risk exclusion exercise and measures to enhance their potential, effected. These departments would include Personnel, Accountancy, Credit Control, Works Services, and of course the Security Department. All can help to exclude or reduce risks by the normal practice of their function.

Personnel

The careful selection of staff for various posts can be of great help in preventing many risks for materializing.

Accountancy

The Accountants audit all transactions and should be encouraged to bring to the attention of the security department any early indications of discrepancies or frauds.

Credit Control

Customer frauds are often detected at an early stage by careful ‘follow-up of customer credit ratings.

Works Services

If a Works department or Maintenance department is included in the departments of the company they can be of great assistance when planning physical security measures, when undertaking alterations, and for examination of potentially weak areas of the fabric of the buildings.

Presenting the evaluation

Having prepared a contingency plan the next task is to present it to management for approval - unless the scheme was initiated from higher level this may be a difficult matter. Various attitudes to security and risk management can be found amongst senior staff and managers. They vary from willing acceptance to downright rejection - depending on their perception of risk - and some typical attitudes are illustrated below.

·   It is not required our staff are honest

·   We can't stop stealing - its part of the job

·   It will be too difficult and will interfere with routine

• It will cost too much
• Do it despite cost
• The Unions won't like it
• We are at risk - is this the best reasonable solution?

Staff co-operation

If the risk management proposal is acceptable to senior managers there is every chance that junior managers, supervisors and foremen will be willing to co-operation but some form of training would be necessary. All supervisory staff can play a major part in reducing the prime risk - that of theft - whether it is called pilfering, perks, or whatever. A simple short training session, pointing out the dangers and outcomes of uncontrolled theft, with some ways that a supervisor can help, will pay dividends. Points to include in such a course would be -

• Don't let stealing start. Once it is seen that theft is easy more and more will want to take advantage of a lax system. Check all losses and make it known that you are doing so.
• Don't create or allow to develop an environment where stealing becomes easy.
• Don't allow broken packages to go unnoticed.
• Don't leave small attractive items available. Keep them locked up.
• Don't encourage visitors from other departments to enter your sphere of influence without first reporting to you.
• Frequently check your stores list of small valuable or attractive items.
• Don't encourage borrowing even where a company permits employees to borrow tools etc. Ensure this is done against signature.
• Don't be afraid to have a look at ­and for - potential hiding places where 'loot" may be concealed for later pick up.
• Ask questions if you have doubts about any packages or parcels.
• Control access to stores.
• Watch for suspicious behavior in employees. Ask security for assistance if surveillance is necessary.
• Don't issue consumable items without a signature. Make them hard to get and that will reduce waste and misuse. If anyone uses or requires excessive amounts query why.
• Follow company policy concerning theft and other disciplinary matters.

The human element

As shown in Section 3.11, the human element is the widest risk grouping and a few comments on the potential perpetrator will not go amiss. An organization with a clearly defined policy that militates against employee theft and with a high chance of detection will suffer far less theft and have a better staff relationship than an organization that has little or no such policy. Whilst it is erroneous to talk of a "criminal type" there are certain factors that may influence the integrity of an employee. Some of them are listed below -

• An attitude of "they can afford it" towards the employer
• Revenge on the employer or his representatives
• Accessibility to the property coupled with lax supervision 
• Being poorly paid 
• Little job satisfaction 
• Financial problems 
• A belief that "everyone does it 
• Environmental background

Policy weaknesses

Any risk management policy can be nullified by a failure in any of several areas. Most are due to management shortcomings and should not be allowed to pass unchallenged. The principal failings are -­

·   Failure to start enquiries at an early stage.

·   Failing to investigate all aspects of a discrepancy.

• Failing to learn from the losses of other companies in a like situation.
• Failing to ensure that changes in procedure etc. do not create loopholes and cause additional areas of risk.
• Failing to recognize the potential value of scrap or salvage.
• Failing to pursue losses in transit or other insured losses and allowing them to become acceptable.
• Failing to demand that staff references are followed up.
• Failing to accept that crime lacks class barriers.
• Failing to follow a policy of deterring crime in the workplace.
• Failing to include security requirements e.g. searching etc. in Conditions of Employment.
• Failing to accept that security is a specialized task that cannot be given to a manager on a "part time" basis.
• Failing to have a company policy on dismissal for dishonesty.

 Mutual Aid

Where several industrial units are contained in a close area such as an industrial estate, a mutual aid scheme can be of great assistance and support. Many such sites have only one patrol per unit at night plus a visiting supervisor. The mutual aid scheme provides a more frequent check, to ensure patrols have not met with an accident, been taken ill or been attacked. In operation it is simple. A patrol officer at unit A contacts unit B at a pre arranged time. B contacts C and so on until the last contacts A, thus completing the circle. If a unit does not respond there would be a pause of 10 minutes then a repeat call. If there were still no response a pre arranged course of action is initiated to investigate the reason. Similarly if a call is not received within 10 minutes of the expected time the unit expecting the call will call the unit who should be making the call. If no response then the requisite action is taken. These 'rounds of contact" are repeated at pre arranged intervals depending on the number of, units involved. The method of contact' will depend on the equipment available at the various units. Another form of mutual aid that has evolved is the retail trade watch scheme sometimes known as Stopwatch or similar names. In effect it is a reporting system to advise other participants in the scheme that a risk situation is or has developed at retail premises. If, for example, shop A identifies a group of shoplifters, check or credit card fraudsters, they telephone the next shop on a list that in turn passes the information to the next on the list and so on until all are alerted to the possibility of a visit from the criminals.

Always it is essential that the local Police are aware of the existence of the scheme and are kept advised. Local Police liaison is most important if the full benefits are to be obtained. It cannot be too strongly emphasized that absolute secrecy must be maintained, regarding the details of any scheme, if it is to be effective. To provide additional protection to participants a form of duress code should be inbuilt into the reporting system.

Security of Buildings

Buildings are used to protect property either from deterioration by weathering or loss due to theft. To be effective the building must be suitable for the intended purpose, itself weatherproof and secure. Guidelines Nos. 6 & 7 cover Doors, Windows, Gates and Grilles that all form part of a building and the following sections will cover the remainder of the building envelope.

Prevention of damage to buildings

Much of the damage to any building is as a result of vandalism with accidental damage forming a smaller proportion. Many security measures will serve to combat this damage but some additional measures may be necessary. Windows are the most vulnerable areas for damage. A growing problem is graffiti sprayed onto walls. Various proprietary compounds are available to combat this menace. Specialist firms will apply the compound and, using special solvents, periodically clean off any graffiti that has been applied. Plastic rainwater pipes are commonplace today but in areas vulnerable to accidental damage they should be protected by metal guards or replaced with metal pipes, particularly at low levels. Walls at low level must be substantial if breaches are not to occur.

For security a wall must be at least the equivalent to 9" of brickwork in cement mortar. Many walls are thin skinned metal clad on steel frames and these are easily cut or damaged - some consideration to additional outer protection should be given if in a vandal prone area. For added security such walls should be reinforced on the inside and alarmed. Roofs are often overlooked in the security survey but they are a vulnerable area. Traditional tile or slate roofs are easily broken by stress thrown up from the ground. Access through such roofs is easy and some preventive measures against access should be considered. Barbed wire on metal supports at the roof edge is effective. Access to roofs from adjoining buildings should not be overlooked. Down pipes and waste pipes also provide a convenient means of access to a roof or upper floor window. This must be prevented by application of anti climb paint, metal guards, flaunching, or having the pipes recessed into the wall. To reduce further the risk of damage to buildings in vulnerable locations a suitable sized kerb should be used to prevent close contact by vehicles. Corners and overhangs are particularly at risk. Basements are often a risk area and some form of mesh covered frame should be secured over them. Such a cover will prevent rubbish being dumped into them and deny easy access to intruders. Basements often form a convenient hiding place for intruders to await the passing of a patrol and for goods to be hidden awaiting removal. Vegetation should be kept clear of buildings to provide a clear field of vision; waste bins should be stored in a mesh cage at a suitable distance from the building. Stacked waste bins can form a ladder to higher levels. They are also a useful cache for stolen property awaiting disposal. A good security officer will examine buildings not only to prevent intruder access but to prevent damage as this also constitutes a loss of company assets and profitability.

Design  for  Security

If a new building is to be designed or an old one refurnished the security officer should be consulted at an early stage. Security measures designed into a building are cheaper to carry out than any added as an afterthought. Not only can measures be designed in to, but potential security hazards can be designed out of, a building whilst still on the drawing board. This does imply that a security officer should have a rudimentary knowledge of buildings and be able to read an architectural drawing. Some points to look for are -

• Strength - does the envelope of the building follow the "secure box concept", are the breaches, doors and windows, etc. of adequate strength.
• Assessability - are there any easy routes to upper levels, down pipes, decorative features, window grilles, stepped levels of roofs etc. - these are an easy route to an agile person.
• Danger areas - do door or window recesses form hiding places? Are there any parts of the building hidden from view by angles, bends etc.? Can a passing patrol see all the face of the building?
• By passes - are there any ducts, partitions, ceilings etc. that may form a bypass to the secure box concept? Ensure they are either outside the secure line or else protected.
• Internal layout - is there adequate ducting for alarm cable runs etc.? Are vulnerable office areas of adequate strength? Are they located in a suitable part of the building? Will the floor carry the weight of a safe where required?

These and other questions that may come to mind can all be resolved at the planning stage for negligible cost but to change them after building work has started is very costly.

What Makes Islamic State Villain of the Same Faith It Wishes to Propagate?

It is marauding march of merciless Islamic State all the way, destabilizing the civic societies! Where will this bloody trail of mindless mayhem and pillaging will stop – nobody is in position to say right away!

Sooner it will be all those countries where believers of twisted interpretation of Islam reside and then second wave will engulf those countries where so far there is no Islamic presence. 
For IS Eid Celebrations are Un-islamic: The Islamic State has declared Id as un-islamic and also declared the some of the Hajj rituals and activities un-Islamic and idolatry in Nature. 

The end of Ramadan brings a feast known as Eid al-Fitr - Festival of Breaking the Fast. It is second only to the Haj, the pilgrimage to Mecca, in importance. It is a time for enjoying the luxuries of life while thanking Allah for them. Muslims dress in their best clothes, decorate their homes and enjoy friends and family. ISIS apparently had a problem with a happy holiday. According to Kurdish news source Rudaw, ISIS has issued a warning to the residents of the Iraqi city to avoid Eid al-Fitr prayers.  Earlier reports had emerged that the ultra-radical group, on similar grounds, had banned Mosul residents from performing the traditional Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan. Isis had claimed that the practice was a fad invented by Saudis. http://www.ibtimes.co.in/iraq-isis-bans-eid-al-fitr-prayers-mosul-says-its-not-original-islamic-practice-638844 

According to the Kurdish news site, Rudaw, the terrorists have forbidden the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. ISIS claims that Eid al-Fitr is “not an original Islamic practice,” and was not observed by Mohammad. http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/07/11/why-is-isis-banning-a-muslim-holy-day/ 

Other Rituals that violate the Quran & Will be Targeted by IS:

The ‘Black stone’: All throughout the Quran God commands us to stay away from stone and alters, yet during the visit to the Ka’bah, and at one of its corners, Muslims from all over the world push and shove their way ferociously to get to what is called ‘the black stone’ in order to touch it and kiss it, believing that the stone has the power to heal them, save them or bless them!

The water of ‘Zamzam’: The idolatry does not stop there, the devil has indeed instilled in the human being the worship of objects that cannot benefit him nor harm him. A further idolatrous superstition is connected to the water of ‘Zamzam’ which can be obtained in the Kaaba and which Muslims believe it to be sacred and to cure one’s ailments! 

The Stoning Ritual: Another issue that is considered by Muslims to be an integral ritual of the Hajj is the stoning of Satan. Not only is this ritual not mentioned in the Quran, but in actual fact there is ample evidence in the Quran to suggest that the stoning is an act done by the idol worshippers (11:91, 18:20, 19:46, 36:18). All the correct rituals of Hajj are mentioned in the Quran, yet the stoning is not a Quranic ritual of Hajj.

The Hajj Garments: It has been a tradition that in Hajj men should wear two seamless white wrappings, one worn around the waist and the other thrown loosely over the shoulder. Also nothing made of metal may be worn to the extent that even a safety pin may not be used to tie the wrappings together! An islamic scholar observes, “When we look closely at this deep rooted tradition we find that not only does it contradict the wisdom of the Quran, but it also violates a clear Quranic verse. When we contemplate the wisdom of the Quran, we clearly realise that on no occasion is a dress code a requirement of any ritual or form of worship.”

Visiting The Prophet's Tomb in Medina: Most of today's Muslims make it a custom to visit the Prophet Muhammad's tomb in the masjid that carries his name in Medina. According to IS by doing that they are committing the most flagrant acts of idolatry and thus nullify their Hajj. Hajj is meant to be for God alone! Hajj is older than the prophet Muhammad himself. Abraham and his descendants performed Hajj, they did not have a prophet's tomb to visit. The prophet Muhammad himself did his Hajj the correct way without dedicating his Hajj to anyone else besides God. http://www.submission.org/Corruption_in_Hajj.html 

For IS Some Hajj Rituals are Un-islamic: 
The months which God tells in 2:197 are designed for hajj are four months: Sadly, Muslims today allow hajj only during the first 10 days of the month of Zhu Al-Hijjah. When asked why they disregard the Quranic law of 2:197 they say because the hadith says otherwise! 

IS Challenges many integral Hajj activities! One misconception that has no origin in the Quran is the claim that Hajj wipes out all previous sins. There are numerous hadith that say that whoever observes the Hajj returns without sins! Not only does this false concept has no origin in the Quran, but it is also a grave intrusion on God"s Will. We are told in the Quran that God being the Most Merciful may wipe out some of our sins or He may wipe out all of them for whom He pleases. However, to claim any knowledge of the application of God"s Mercy is undoubtedly a grave sin. Had we been told in the Quran that there is one single deed (as Hajj) that would wipe all our sins in a package deal, then we would have had reason to believe in such a concept. Needless to say, there is no such thing in the Quran. http://www.quran-islam.org/main_topics/al-hajj_(P1195).html 

Another muslim scholar holds that, “The Hajj is documented in history as being solely of Arab pagan origin. Muslim myth says that Abraham performed the Hajj but it was corrupted down through the ages and then Muhammad came along and restored it to its original purity.” But this also is myth because the history of the Hajj has only a pagan history before Muhammad. He further says that, “It is clear that Muhammad took these pagan practices and assigned them new meanings, never before imagined.” http://www.bible.ca/islam/islam-myths-hajj-pagan-origin.htm 

Why Muslims of the World will Oppose IS: 
Since followers of IS have such unshakeable, unquestionable and uncompromising belief in what they are doing to be correct, there will be long drawn clashes amongst different groups of ‘believers’ considering only their interpretation and practice of Islam to be true. So called ‘Non-believers’ will only be collateral damage in such conflicts.

The Muslims of the day have accepted in sincerity the teachings of the Holy Book. They have also been observing certain rituals and following certain practices they have grown-up to take as integral to Islam known to them.

Imagine Christianity without Christmas!  ISIS’ ban of Eid al-Fitr is like the Westboro Baptists banning Christmas. It’s huge. And it has real Muslims up in arms. One outraged believer’s outburst is, “May Allah curse you terrorists. You are not fighting for Islam; you are fighting for the devil. Allah protects us... Allah, stop these terrorists from making Islam so bad! Wake up Muslims, put a stop to these idiots, they are trying to build their own religion.”  Another comment in same context derides IS saying that, “Typical for ISIS to impose their view upon everybody they control. And if that view changes next year, everybody has to celebrate again. Oh well!” http://rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/100720151    

Resistance Against Twisted Interpretation: 
The murmuring of Muslims world over has started against the twisted and tangled interpretation of Islam by Islamic State! There are also stories doing rounds about the un-islamic acts by the fighters of the IS including its own self-declared Caliph – Abu Bakr-al-Baghdadi. He recently tells fighters to gang rape women saying sex with multiple jihadis makes them Muslim. This type of conversion to Islam was hitherto not heard or practiced. The sickening letter, circulated amongst the group's warped fighters, states that a woman automatically becomes Muslim if she is raped by at least 10 different ISIS fighters. His fighters will obviously enjoy this assignment (!), the true Muslims will squirm uncomfortable to this thought if not out rightly challenge this self-styled caliph! http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/610940/Islamic-State-ISIS-terrorists-gang-rape-women-Yazidi-convert-Islam-al-Baghdadi 

Conclusion:
It is just not philosophical but also pragmatic and practical belief that what has started within will also end within! Solution will come from Islam only. Till then, long days of fright, fear and frustration for the sane society!

Why Martyrs are not Honoured in India?

Major Mukund Varadarajan and Sepoy Vikram Singh, brave hearts of the Army’s 44 Rashtriya Rifles deployed at Shopian, South Kashmir achieved martyrdom battling Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists in a fierce encounter. But for a few sound bites and grainy pictures in media and some visuals of wreath lying, their sacrifice was largely ignored and soon forgotten. My Salute to Maj Mukund Vardarajan for the valour and supreme sacrifice made for the country and may his soul rest in peace! May the Almighty give his family all the strength and courage in their life ahead!

During the cremations of these valiant souls, no wrath was placed on behalf of the President, Prime Minister and Defence Minister and there was no representative the state chief minister, not even representative of the District Magistrate! So what there were elections on, model code of conduct places no restrictions on such activities? But there have been streams of coffins unloaded regularly at Delhi Airport bringing bodies of warriors which have never been shown minimum respect and courtesies by the Nation’s leadership. 

Col R V Varada Rajalu (Retd) response to this tragic incident sums-up the anger of the fraternity, “I am feeling ashamed of the fact that the so called Supreme Commander - The President of India and the other political leaders who want all the benefits including name and fame have not even bothered to come and respect the bodies when they were flown from Delhi. I don’t understand what stopped  Anthony, the so called saint to come to Chennai and convey the Government’s condolences to the Family. The so called political class is enjoying all the benefits saying that their family has given their life for the country (you know who!). Shame! We the veterans should raise to the occasion and convey our protest to this misdeeds till such time the value of the soldiers are not recognised”.

I am reminded of recent sad incident involving a Deputy Commandant. In the morning news on various TV channels very disturbing news was shown in which one para-military officer (Deputy Commandant) was shown begging for medical attention which was not given to him for two hours! Ultimately officer succumbed to his injuries only to add one number to the official record of casualties suffered by para-military forces while combating the menace of Maoists! His heart rendering cries for help still disturb me as he was shown crying for help telling that his two small children will become orphan he is not given first-aid. Since there is no follow-up news we do not know the actions by the organization, by the society and by the Nation. We provable treat security and armed forces personnel as merely chaukidars (watchmen)! One politician has brazenly stated that armed forces personnel join the forces to die only and found nothing great about it!

Soon after the tragic martyrdom of Major Mukund Varadarajan and Sepoy Vikram Singh, Col Narindra Bhatia, Veteran has started a petition at change.org which can be signed - by clicking here.  There were some sombre responses and some very caustic criticism – all compelled me to analyse the reasons why we do not honour our martyrs?

Shri Vijayvir Mangla commented while signing the petition – “In present day scenario politicians have become so important that they are only considered martyr. Rajiv Gandhi died while canvassing for his political end, he is Shahid? Real people who risk their life for security of our country and give their life in this cause are forgotten.”

Brigadier (Retd) VAM Hussain of Prasar Bharati, while signing the petition has written, “Yes, The martyr is the young son of India who laid down his life in the highest tradition of glorious Indian Army. People of India; fill your eyes up with drops of tears. Let us ignore hypocrites who shed crocodile tears for publicity. Let us join Maj Mukund's family to share their grief and reduce the pain that God has caused to Mukund's young child and widow. Let us pray for the wellbeing of Indian soldiers - the pride of the Nation!”

A responsible country, a responsible government and a mature press always need to recognize the sacrifice of the Soldiers. A failure to do so may lead to adversities in future.

It’s time the army got its respect and credit to what it does. We need to recognize and understand the sacrifice of Defence service personnel for the Nation. If we cannot look after the family of those who died for this Nation, we do not have any right to seek a safe Nation. A country that forgets shamelessly its soldiers can never attain glory and place in the globe. India needs to see how other Nations showcase their military and learn from them.

Interestingly, while signing the petition Muhammad Azeem from Lahore, Cantt, Pakistan wrote, “We in Pakistan give full regard and take full responsibility for our martyrs because they die for our land and our safety. You must also look after yours as they give their lives for your safety.”

It is a selfless sacrifice the soldiers of this country make to defend this country from outside aggression & even from Anti National Elements to better and secure life of citizens of this country.  A soldier is the protector of this mankind from days immemorial! He has given his today for our tomorrow, it is the supreme sacrifice any human being can give. Our freedom and life which we take for granted would be at peril without these brave hearts! The least we could do as a Nation is to recognise their valour and give them respect and support.

In Today's world no one appears to have value for the time one served with Armed Forces. The sad part and shame for this country is that they ex-serviceman are treated like beggars and considered as liability by our corrupt politicians & bureaucrats, who are more dangerous than real enemy. Prithvi Singh Brar from Panchkula says that, “Historically no Nation has survived as a great Nation without recognising the sacrifices of its soldiers”. Further to this thread of thought, Triambaka Kishore Tadepalli from Secunderabad, commented, “The Nation has to be reminded of the covenant All Civilized Societies have towards their Warriors!”

It is unfortunate that when it comes to give our soldiers their basic dues – pay and allowances, pensions (including disability), rank pay, NFFU, OROP (the list is endless) they have to run from pillar to post and beg these real traitors - Politicians & Bureaucrats, who get sadistic pleasure in delaying in sanctioning their dues. While even according sanction, they intentionally do mischiefs in that also so that soldiers don't get their due benefits.

I have no respect for the corrupt Politicians & Bureaucrats, who have demoralized and demotivated our Armed Forces so badly, that pre-maturely they are shedding their uniform in large numbers and quality youths are not coming forward to join Armed Forces.

There are no proper and respectful resettlement for retired well disciplined & intelligent soldiers, who retire at early age, compare to useless & ill-disciplined civilian counterparts who retire at 60 years with assured promotions, without any competition and merit.

It is sad to see our retired Jawans working as security guards/peons/ chaukidars in banks, offices, apartments etc. after serving this country in inhospitable & difficult areas.

The poisonous attitude that ‘soldiers are meant to die’ needs to be condemned in strongest possible terms. Every citizen must be made to realize that he/she go about their daily chores with such security only because someone is sacrificing his leisure and his life at the borders.

Military service should be made compulsory for minimum 5 years for all Government jobs (Officers and staffs) so as to make them realize the tough and hard life of a soldier, besides bringing patriotic feelings in their thick skins.

Like many of my course-mates who had only son and joined Army, I saw that my only son too joins Army. Yet I will not accept a situation where ungrateful leaders of the Nation forget or ignore their duties and respect towards our soldiers.  In Army we are taught and trained to serve with 'chin-up and chest-out'? Yet when political leadership is immersed so much in self-glorification, someone has to get-up and get counted!

I have met few war-widows who are yet to get their dues after Kargil War! Their unimaginable miseries and lust and demands of the 'babudome' are beyond imagination and comprehension of common people. Who will fight for them since they are too weak or without resources to fight for themselves?

Have you  read the words of Barack Obama ….

​”So long as I’m Commander-in-Chief, we will sustain the strongest military the world has ever known. When you take off the uniform, we will serve you as well as you’ve served us – because no one who fights for this country should have to fight for a job, or a roof over their head, or the care that they need when they come home.”

​Is there such statement ever made by Indian leadership? ​What happened to the statement of our PM on OROP? The PM of the Nation cannot honor his own promise and cannot get his orders implemented!

Have you started getting your rightful dues? Now, you will say that it doesn't matter and you will not beg for it, yet I am of the opinion that if soldiers do not stand-up for justice to themselves, their fight for justice for others is fundamentally weak and misplaced. I recall that in 1978 at Agra, there was one officer (Para commando), whose wife was teased by some goons at a cinema hall and he thrashed three of them black-n-blue single-handedly. In his Summery of Evidence he stated that, "If I cannot use my training to defend the dignity of my wife, Nation will expect me to fail to defend its dignity!"