The dangers of reporting sensitive defence issues
- CAG Report said shortage of ammunitions and media reported weapons shortage.
- Not right to discuss the stock of weapons of Indian Army in the public domain.
- Media needs to draw a line of control to itself, show caution and common sense.
- There is danger lurking at the border, the government must appoint a full time Defence Minister.
FollowMinister Arun Jaitley clarifying that there is no shortage of weapons in Indian Army is timely. He has explained that the CAG Report was for the year 2013, and that at present the country has sufficient stock of ammunitions in its armory. This clarification was necessary to defuse the debate generated by the CAG Report. The government has made its attempt to calm the public nerves. Now is the turn of the media.
Indian Army is one among the biggest forces in the world. The citizens of this country feel proud about it. Since the army is big, a major part of the budget is allocated to the Defence Ministry. Hence, it was a cause of anxiety for the public to know about the shortage news flashed unexpectedly.
At the same time, the question whether a matter concerning the defence of the nation should be disclosed in such a casual manner also is raised. The people trust that whatever Party comes to power, it will not neglect the defence of the nation. The Opposition too does not doubt the ruling Party in this matter. It is also customary for the ruling Party to take into confidence the Opposition in matters of defence.
It was a part of such decorum that the Union Minister for Foreign Affairs Sushma Swaraj explained the recent dispute with China to the leaders of the Opposition.
It is not right to discuss the information with regard to stock of weapons of Indian Army in the public domain which can discourage soldiers, drop in morality and encourage the enemies. In the context of modern state of the art technology and the ever evolving warfare techniques, the plans keep changing.
The war techniques become obsolete in 2 years. Our media, especially the visual media should have shown some restraint while reporting such sensitive issue. It is incorrect to exaggerate a limited information. Even before the Minister concerned could give an explanation, the media made a huge display based on CAG Report. Not only that but they misread the report. CAG Report said ammunition were in short supply, but the media projected that weapons were in short supply. Such thoughtless reports can cause grave damage.
Hence the media needs to draw a line of control to itself. Especially in matters of defence both caution and common sense are required. The incident has reminded us of this. Meanwhile, the government should also take care before presenting such reports. At a time when there is danger lurking at the border, the government must appoint a full time Defence Minister. It is of utmost necessity to increase the confidence of our army, our strength.
