Since the announcement of demonetisation of the higher currency, we soldiers’, both serving and veterans, have been observing the ongoing political battle with interest. For most of us, the term ‘black money’ means nothing, as all we have are our salaries or pensions, from which tax is deducted at source.
Hence, unlike businessmen and politicians, we have nothing to hide and deposit, except the money which we withdraw to run our monthly households and some which we always keep for emergencies.
Like our countrymen, we too are facing daily difficulties, but understand a government’s decision. It is in our blood to support the government in power, irrespective of our political beliefs.
For my comrades presently serving at the Line of Control (LOC/LAC) on the border, with almost nil availability of ATMs and banks, we can only rely on the army field post offices to change the small amount of wrong currency we hold. That is also a fair distance away and not accessible to all.
We also have the option of trusting our comrades to carry our currency, to change, when they go to the nearest bank or post office. We cannot move individually as we are on a constant watch.
Money in this difficult environment means little to us, as our daily life revolves around battling militants and countering Pakistan shelling. We need small amounts for our toiletries, personal requirements and charging our mobiles to be in touch with our families.
For our families, residing in villages and small cities, we trust our relatives and well-wishers to help them change the currencies which they hold. Our families would be lining up outside banks to withdraw fresh currency, but all we can do sitting on the borders or battling militants is sympathise and support.
Demonetisation Will Run Militant Funds Dry
My comrades in peace locations are slightly better off, as some banks exist in cantonments, where there could be some level of crowd control as also an orderly behaviour. We cooperate with each other; after all, we're all part of the army family.
Frankly, for us soldiers battling militancy and stone pelting in the Valley, this government action has been of immense benefit. The Valley, which was burning with stone throwers and adding to our difficulties in controlling the militancy, suddenly appears quiet. No professional stone thrower would accept fake currency, which was flowing in the Valley. He would have to seek other options to make a living.
The money which was given to a terrorist before he crossed the LOC is today valueless, thus reducing his chances of survival. Even sympathisers who would have desired to help him financially cannot do so, since they too lack funds.
Militants who were inducted, cannot purchase their daily needs from any shop, since they possess valueless currency. They would be compelled to threaten and steal from the locals. These inducted militants now have limited life spans, as they would soon be exposed.
For those waiting to cross over the border, with no provisions of money, they can either be pushed across empty handed or with valueless fake currency, in either case, making their survival difficult. This story would be similar in the North East and in the Naxal afflicted regions. Therefore, we do have reasons to thank the government for this decision.
It would take immense time before the new currency is available to the organisers and leaders of such groups. We as soldiers only hope, that the government employs this opportune moment to seek an amicable resolution to the ongoing internal conflicts.
OROP Only a Ploy to Garner Votes
We were saddened to watch our politicians coveting the limelight with OROP. A few days ago, Subedar Grewal, one of our veterans, committed suicide, driven to the act by continuing government apathy.
Kejriwal and Rahul Gandhi came running to visit and promised all forms of support. Kejriwal even announced a grant of one crore to the deceased soldier’s family and openly advocated declaring him a martyr.
Suddenly, the government announces a currency change and we are off the radar. No political leader even has time for a veteran. Subedar Grewal is no longer news nor worthy of anyone’s time. Were we only a means for them to garner support for the forthcoming elections in Punjab and UP?
Once the demonetisation issue recedes into the background and elections draw closer, they will once again remember us. Should we let them use us in this manner? I let my veteran comrades decide.
For us soldiers, demonetisation has been a boon for many reasons, and we’ll continue to support the government in power as well as its decisions.
(This is a personal blog and the views expressed above are the author’s own. The Quint neither endorses nor is responsible for the same. The author is a retired army officer based in Lucknow. He can be followed on @kakar_harsha.)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)