A Post that Says Generals and politicians have Failed the Army: Kashmir Imbroglio

This is reproduced froma post on a Ex Servicemans site. I acknowledge the contribution of the anonymous retired Lieutenant Colonel

Free India legion As per reports, soldiers on the sentry duty on the army camp, did not fire upon the approaching terrorist vehicle because of caution imposed on them after the Anantnag incident. Sentry challenging procedures are now things of the past. We are now engulfed by WOM (War by Other Means). Sentries are knocked out first. There is a need to refine these outmoded methods. A "LAXMAN REKHA" needs to be drawn around all fixed localities with a public warning, that anyone crossing it would be shot. A CCTV monitoring system with audio warning system have to be installed in sensitive localities. Time to upgrade our security apparatus keeping in view of the changing form of war, highlighted by the WOM. Why does not this nation and its leaders understand the nuances of this "Designer war" heaped upon India by Pakistan since 1989? Unfortunately, even most military minds, both serving and retired, have failed to understand the reality of this war. It has nothing to do with 'Law and Order' ; it is war, Sir! Most important , it is for Generals to understand and grasp its characteristics and stop reacting to civilian hue and cry --- they will keep shouting and whining for whatever you do. "Was it a mistake"? This question goes to the Army Cdr and the Corps cdr who jumped to conclusions when some young men got killed, on a case of mistaken identity, perpetuated by the unwillingness of the youngsters to stop when challenged. Now, what do they have to say? They had betrayed their own soldiers, who became cautious in a War Zone, and the result is for everyone to see. GENERALS SHOULD STOP PLAYING TO THE GALLERY, AND ALLOW SOLDIERS TO DO THEIR JOB. In fighting WOM launched by enemy, genuine mistakes will take place, because terrorists do not roam with headbands. We ought to accept such mistakes when we deploy the army for restoration of the situation. Everyone must understand the real purpose of AFSPA. It is meant to cover unintentional mistakes made by soldiers in the course of the performance of their duty. Any order which prevents soldiers full liberty and freedom, is counter productive and it ought to be countermanded. When Anantnag incident took place last month, Corps Commander of 15 corps and Army Commander of Northern Command, had both called it a mistake, obviously giving a wrong message to commanders down the line. And the result is what happened at URI, the other day. Stop sermonizing soldiers ---- instead, give them full support for their actions.