Tags
Armed Forces Special Powers Act, Border Security Force, Cattle Smuggler, Indo-Bangladesh border, Murshidabad, South Bengal Frontier HQ, torture, West Bengal
There are many things about our men in uniform, be it in the ‘armed forces’, paramilitary forces or the police, we could actually be proud of. These shouldn’t, however, be cited to hide, or worse, justify, many other things which are appalling and deeply offensive.
I have observed India’s Border Security Force (henceforth BSF) in ‘border protection’ (particularly in Assam-Meghalaya Frontier HQ stretch of the Indo-Bangladesh border) as well as ‘counter-insurgency’ deployment since 1996. This is long enough to have an admiration for the conduct of its officers and men in discharging the duties the nation has entrusted to them, honourably, even under difficult situations.
It was for this admiration I have that I chose to share some insights on their life in the Indo-Bangladesh border through my photo essay on 10 September, 2011 A Glimpse of the Indo-Bangladesh Border and the Sentinels.
This admiration, however, doesn’t make me blind to the disturbing allegations and dark rumours that I have inevitably come to learn about, not infrequently, in course of such a long association.
For instance, it is a fact that there is a huge cross-border illicit trade in cattle and commodities, where these are smuggled out of India into Bangladesh, whether it is over land or riverine borders. The allegations are not just about the BSF being slack and unable to prevent such illicit trade but actually profiting from it. Then of course are rumours of brutality. It is indeed a fact that casualties due to BSF firing on the Bangladeshi side (either of smuggler or infiltrators, as always claimed by the BSF) has been an issue serious enough to be not only discussed in flag meetings but to be addressed by even Ministerial representatives of both countries.
How true could such rumours of brutalities be? The video embedded below categorically substantiates the kind of violations that are perhaps not infrequent. Whereas the entire approximately 12 minute long video is deeply disturbing, the part between 7-12 minutes would make many squeamish at the realization of what kind of torture could be committed on a prisoner in hands of our soldiers. That the Inspector General of BSF, South Bengal Frontier HQ in whose jurisdiction Murshidabad lies (where the incident had reportedly occurred), has accepted responsibility and suspended eight of the soldiers found involved, pending inquiry, leaves no ground for even suggesting that the video is not authentic.
Now that you have watched this deeply offensive act of the BSF soldiers, let me put in perspective what should be so deeply worrisome.
First, the victim of such brutal torture was perhaps a Bangladeshi cattle smuggler who appears to have been tortured not for smuggling but for refusing or failing to pay the requisite ‘bribe’ for safe passage. Can one imagine what may happen to someone picked up as a suspected militant?
Second, these were just eight men out of approximately quarter of a million serving in the BSF. Isn’t it entirely likely that there would be many more if one manages to learn of all the violations that have occurred? This wasn’t an isolated incident. BSF deployments in counter insurgency operations in Jammu & Kashmir and the North East is testimony to that.
Third, Murshidabad is in Poschim Banga (West Bengal) which is neither a ‘disturbed area’ nor under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). BSF soldiers don’t enjoy any special protection for torture or rights violations against civilians there. Yet such violations can still occur. We are assuming the victim to be Bangladeshi, but it can happen to an Indian villager as well. Not such brutal torture, but assault or manhandling of villagers, who have to go across the border fence to cultivate, over petty disputes or altercations is rampant. Can one imagine torture, custodial killings, fake encounters or even rapes being impossible in hands of at least some such brutal men in uniform, particularly when AFSPA accords them immunity in places like Jammu & Kashmir or the North East?
Fourth, ‘suspension’ is not punishment and in all likelihood, if the torture hadn’t been been captured in video and posted on YouTube provoking a furore, even this wouldn’t have been done. Whether those involved are actually prosecuted and punished remains to be seen.
Fifth, mere dismissal and imprisonment of sundry ‘jawans’ for crimes such as torture or custodial killings won’t amount to an effective deterrence. The forces are aware of the ‘code of conduct’ towards civilians and any violation to that is a failure of command. Unless ways and means for holding ‘commanders’ accountable for any erosion or violation in the code of conduct and penalizing them through effective instruments is not institutionalized, the brutal ‘inclinations’ of India’s security forces are unlikely to change. I say so from numerous occasions I had observed the same men behave in distinctly different ways under the command of different officers.
A nation needs to believe its soldiers to be heroic souls who are gallant and willing to lay down their lives in supreme sacrifices. Soldiers, who torture, kill or maim even innocent civilians, or rape women at gunpoint, denigrate the honour of our martyrs and many who serve the nation in uniform with honour and pride. For those who tarnish that honour and pride, there must not be anything but our collective wrath.
chanakyasneeti.wordpress.com 
I feel sick after watching this. I don’t want to think about what he must have felt- cold, shame, fear, helplesness, pain if at all he felt anything. Have smugglers been left to the mercy of the BSF? Is there no police to prevent smuggling? Not that the police is any better; but torture by BSF has been alleged time and again: in Kashmir and elsewhere. Tales of the interrogation centres in Kashmir made me shiver whenever I overheard people talking about torture in these centres: in fact “interrogation” has come to mean torture in casual usage in Kashmir.
Who the fuck filmed this? What a bloody nightmare. Poor man.
How do I know that this video is not filmed by Jehadis and posted on youtube for propaganda purpose? Ask yourself that if BSF or army tortures someone why would they allow anyone to film it and post it on youtube?
Having said that I know that there are situations when behavior of the army or BSF personnel is less than appropriate. But generalizing it as some sort of behavior that army encourages is a stupid and moronic idea. If you believe that then you are no different from those who claim that all Muslims are terrorists or all police officers take bribe.
Dear Sid,
I am sorry to point out that your questions and assumptions both appear idiotic and establishes that you haven’t read a word of the post. Just rushed in to comment.
How do I know that the video is not filmed by some jehadi and posted in YouTube for propaganda?
Because, the Inspector General of Border Security Force, South Bengal Frontier HQ has officially confirmed that the eight BSF soldiers have been identified and suspended pending inquiry. That has been categorically mentioned in the post. Now whatever yo have to ask, you can ask IG BSF himself. I shall be happy to offer you his telephone number.
And where have there been ‘stupid’ ‘moronic’ generalization? Could you point out? Have you even bothered reading the opening paragraph where I made it clear that entire force can’t be blamed?
I think some of you suffer from a ‘stupid’ ‘moronic’ tendency of shooting off your mouths before reading and realizing what has been written.
well said Nilim.. i have seen some more comments in times of india, which is more disgusting and sickening..
some here:
//
Ajay (US) replies to raj
20 hrs ago (04:16 AM)
They must be given a medal for doing their duty; I am sick and tired of all you bleeding heart liberals;
//
>> http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/BSF-suspends-eight-men-for-assaulting-Bangladeshi/opinions/11558683.cms
I recommend the AFSPA for all those Siva. A brush with some of our Police Special Operations Groups or Paramilitary or Army Counter Insurgency troops will cure them of this ‘fawning’ fondness with which duties shall be done on these idiots. 😉
Dear Nilim,
Who said anything about authenticity of the news? I am questioning the authenticity of the video.
You are writing as if IG has confirmed that the video is authentic. Did he confirm that? Your post does not say about that. So if you know this to be so authentic why dont you tell us who shot it?
Second, I did find the generalization about army as moronic. Every time, LeT bombing happens you guys rush to say that not all muslims are LeT supporters. Fair point. So why would entire army has to carry the burden of being called ‘brutal’ because there are few bad apples? Title ‘Brutal Soul of our protectors’ gives us that impression. The fact that IG is investigating proves that army does not allow such behavior but still army has to be berated to prove your ‘balanced’ credential, right?
“I think some of you suffer from a ‘stupid’ ‘moronic’ tendency of shooting off your mouths before reading and realizing what has been written.”
You know nothing about me so stop making assumptions.
First, the video has been ‘officially’ confirmed as authentic by the IG.
Second, that you don’t even know the difference between the Border Security Force and the Army speaks volumes about you. We need to know nothing more.
:-((((( heinous, beyond words.
This is sickening. Even criminals deserve the due process of law to be punished, not extra-legal humiliation and brutality in the hands of armed forces.
Absolutely. What is worrisome is that illegal acts of brutality by security forces have become all too common. Such is the feeling of impunity among some of those who wear the uniform.
While I’m in agreement with much of what you say I will make a distinction. There are many individuals who are of impeccable character and fortitude in the armed and security forces, but as institutions these are meant to implement violence: officially (the propaganda) on those who attack India and its citizens, but in reality their job is to protect the vested interests which control our State. I wouldn’t be surprised if a calculation shows that the Indian security and armed forces have killed more Indian citizens than they have killed foreign citizens. And how many have ever been punished?
And Indias security and armed forces are no exceptions. By definition these institutions are meant to inflict such violence as is needed to discipline them into quietitude and subservience.
This is the norm, not the aberration.
I agree with what you say Aniket. There are just two quick points I would want to make.
First, when I said there are many who wears the uniform with ‘honour’ and ‘pride’, I do mean such individuals whose professional conduct is above reproach. I have had the pleasure of having known many of them. Yet there indeed comes a question of ‘institutional morality’, and I must accept that while the written law would certainly be categorical in stating that to be in consonance with what is lawful and ethical, the unwritten ‘traditions’ that exists incline towards and attitude that condones the kind of conduct we have just seen in the video. Long decades of deployment for internal security measures, in short, to quell rebellions by its own citizens, have only left the forces more brutalized and prone to commit abuses. There is no denying this unvarnished truth.
Second, in knowledge of and in acceptance of the above realities, must we look at eliminating these institutionally. Whether we find ourselves equal to the task is a question which can be answered only by time.
Hi Nilim,
There are no two ways about it – this is an reprehensible act. However, before going into the rights and wrongs of the morality of a military force – let us ask ourselves – how do our police act? Many more such videos don’t even come out because the police force (irrespective of the state) has this great colonial hangover. My point here is – the army need not be singled out for human rights violation. It starts from our Politicians and flows down to everyone in the country.
Having drawn that dark parallel – there is another point I want to raise along the lines of Aniket. Please don’t think I am trivialising the issue by paraphrasing from a movie – In the movie “The Siege” Bruce Willis will make this statement – “The army is not a scalpel to use for fine work; it is a broadsword”.
In other words, the mandate of the army is to inflict pain and violence; and to instil fear. And there is no humane way of instilling fear, am afraid. We instituted the armed forces to violate human rights – to instill fear and to kill if needed.
In any society, there is a certain amount of blood on any person’s hands. In a civilized society, institutions such as the army take that blood upon themselves – so that the others may live with a clean conscience. So, please don’t diss the army for doing its duty.
SK
PS: before we go discussing tangentially – no I would not like to live in an Army ruled state during peace time. No, I do not support the repealing of ASFPA in places like Kashmir where terrorists do present a threat to the territorial integrity of the nation.
I do feel sorry for the guy..perhaps the cattle smuggler. These are mishaps, damages that take place because of “certain” sick minds. These are rare like all children don’t get bashed in school some do because some misfit teachers get a job but you can’t blame the whole system for it. You can’t label them homogeneously. Indian Army and Bsf is working with the most ancient weapons, minimal requirements and they unlike any other army don’t bomb the whole village but go inside the terror areas leading first and get killed for duty. if you compare Indian army working in what conditions and situations you will come to know. it is easier set and making comments sitting in an ac room to talk. When you choose a profession where you need to kill and then have a meal after that, psychological disturbance might take place. That too in a country where you don’t know whether your family will get your pension after you die serving. Your article makes a genuine point but the heading and certain parts have generalized the uniform.
I have a few points to make: First, the brutalities and violations, including extrajudicial killings, murder and rape, by the army and security forces in areas of counterinsurgency operations in Jammu & Kashmir and the North East have become serious political liabilities and a subversion of the rights guaranteed by the country’s constitution. These abuses are not ‘accidental’ or ‘occasional’ incidents. Second, there would have been ground enough to believe that these violations are accidental had the perpetrators been swiftly punished. In most instances, they are not. The statistics available with the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding denial of consent for prosecution invoking AFSPA is testimony to what i have said. Third, people who join the armed forces, security forces, police do so voluntarily, accepting all the hazards and hardships as part of their profession. Those hardships and sacrifices in line of duty can’t be excuses to perpetrate brutalities on civilians, prisoners etc. More so, because they are deemed to be ‘protectors’ and ones who are to uphold the rule of law and not break and abuse them. Fourth, I have spent more than a decade in the field in some of the most volatile areas of conflict and have operated in close proximity with deployed forces, for instance, walked on the same road opening patrols as any army units have on numerous occasions. My opinions aren’t those of armchair activists because I am not one. Nor am I a journalist with a penchant for the sensational to just imagine up a provocative title to an opinion piece.
I fully endorse your views. Such trangressions are not acceptable from the security forces. However, while these are not the actions of a majority of the BSF, it is quite possible a large enough fraction undertakes a range of activities from simple corruption to murder. An anonymous survey seeking responses of BSF soldiers should be conducted to establish whether they understand the concepts which concern them such as constitution, law and order, human rights, citizen’s rights, torture and the ease of acceptability of the illegal actions. This will give us an idea of how deep the rot is.