The sad case of dying in combat

Every death is sad. Whether it is by an accident or execution or just by natural cause or for that matter in combat. Death is harsh and difficult on the family, we all have experienced it sometime in our lives.

That being said. The death in combat of the SP in Punjab, during the terrorist strike, shook the entire country. The same way as the citizens of the country mourn the death of soldiers dying in wars and on borders. It does right?

The incidents that unfolded after the death are sad. The family said they wouldn't be cremating the body until the government guarantees government jobs to his family members. I understand the emotions here. The insecurity the family feels after the death of the earning man of the family. The hardships they went through throughout his service, as these people are never there right, they are always on the line of duty, 24*7 serving the society. Even the citizens' tribute is limited to some odd candle marches and some TV talks, beyond that are we really concerned about the institutional problems with the system? We all know the answer, we are not. 

The problem I feel in these things of making such demands, especially when you say you won't cremate the body and all is this, when people join forces, they know what they are getting into. The risk, the uncertainty, the problems, along with the perks, respect, and facilities. The brave SP knew all this, as he joined the force after his father was killed in combat. This reflects the passion for service and honor for the job, but I feel his family is ruining it. This doesn't mean that they should die for nothing and their sacrifice has gone waste. No. May be those emotions and feelings are their personal, but for that why should the family suffer. Patriotism doesn't feed empty stomachs.

I tried to understand the situation they are in, but still I feel it is not acceptable. This is also in conflict with what I have been seeing throughout my life. I have seen the defense forces closely and I cannot recall a single incidence of Army families making such demands. Maybe they are conditioned in such a way that they can't think of these things. This disparity between the defense forces and police forces has always shocked me. Maybe the policing lobby is more strong and politically well connected than the armed forces. Whatever it may be, the governments attitude is more shocking above all that. All they do is give condolences and the same politics continues, isn't it?

Frankly, when I think of it, I cannot really oppose it. The families of people dying in combat should be compensated for. There is no second opinion about it. They risk their lives knowing what is in it for them. That takes sheer courage and devotion. I feel such thing should be rewarded better. We know the poor sate the polices and defense personals are, especially the lower level ones. When you look at it this way, it seems that there is nothing wrong with the demand the family is making. 

It should be for a blanket policy, compensation and/or jobs fir the family of people dying in combat.

I know it is more dangerous to drive or walk on the road these days, but then you don't expect something to happen every day. Unlike the scenario with the armed forces, where death is like a shadow!   No one wants to die right, but like these people those who willingly take the risk for something greater than themselves, shouldn't this act be honored?

When you look at the sad state of the government of India, which is keeping the people who served the country their entire lives hanging for something which they deserve. One Rank One Pension. Wouldn't it would be naive to expect the government to bring a blanket policy to compensate the families of people dying in combat. The sad truth of people and politics being, people are the last thing that matters, they only do during elections...

Anand Mangnale

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"Above all, always be capable of feeling deeply any injustice committed against anyone, anywhere in the world"