The other point that the hon. Member, Shri. Krishnapal Singh, made was that there were a number of more casualities. I should say “ yes “. But when we use the word “ more” or “ less “ it is always a comparative statement. When this statement was made, I tried to find out what it was being compared with. I find that these comparisons are made with figures and percentages arrived at during the Second World War. The Second World War was fought for long period of four to five years. It was a prolonged war consisting of battles in different parts of the world under different conditions. Those figures and those percentages are now being compared with the War which was fought very intensely in 20 to 22 days.
I have got some study made of this and I can say, yes, certainly, as far as Officers’ death-rate is concerned, it is some-what more. But that is the proof that our Officers this time led the army. We had a feeling in previous times that we have got the Officers’ cadre but ultimately it is the jawans who do the job. But it is the officers who make the army. Higher casuality of Officers is the proof of the capacity of the Officers to lead the army in difficult times and the youngmen of this country who offered themselves as their career for army commissions, etc. They did a marvellous job and you and I have every right to be proud of this. I do not want to burden this House with all the details of percentages and other things. The rate of recovery in the hospitals, the rate of invalidment, all these things, are being looked into.
. We find that we have certainly greater percentages even when compared to the Second World War. Let us not forget again that this war was not fought in that sort of a luxury, fight for two hours and rest for four hours. It was an intense fight on all fronts, day and night. It was a sort of continuous war. Therefore, some casualities are there, more casualities perhaps, I do not want to hide that fact because it is there. I thought an impression will be created as to whether there was any weakness for casualities. But I should say that there was an attitude to sacrifice and to fight valiantly.
Now, I would like to go to the question that was raised by Shri. Indrajit Gupta. He had mentioned about the use of army in aid of civil authorities.
...It is a painful duty for me when we have to agree to do that. Normally, the army is to be used against the enemy. But I would also, at the same time, say that civil authorities consist not only of Government but the civil authorities consist of the leaders of civil political parties too. It is the responsibility of both these forces. I am not talking in a party spirit.....
Ultimately, even those who are in opposition are potential governments. What is the meaning of General Elections ‘? It is an invitation by the ruling Party to the Opposition to defeat them. This is an invitation to them.
Of course, I know this point was raised in all sincerity and, therefore, I am, as a lover of democracy, raising this question. I can tell you I am the most unhappy person when the army has to he called to deal with our own people.