Dead Soldier is not a VIP in this country

An incident worth a debate has happened at Delhi Airport on Wednesday when eight serving Indian Army officers, all in uniform with their identity cards, led by a Major General were denied entry in the Airport by the CISF (Central Industrial Security Force). The officers were there to receive the bodies of Captain Devinder Singh and Naik Selva Kumar who died fighting the terrorists at Jammu & Kashmir. The officers also included a Brigadier, recipient of "Kirti Chakra", Nation's second highest gallantry award during peace time.

The officers as per Indian rules are not VIPs and thus, not allowed to enter without a valid ticket or special permission from the Ministry.Now interestingly, following individuals are allowed to enter the Airports as VIPs:

1. Spouses of High Commssioners
2. Dalai Lama
3. Robert Vadra (Son-in-Law to the head of a Political Party)

It is also interesting to mention that even the Chief of Indian Armed Forces were not included in this list till an year back who were later added after a lot of pressure from the media. But still, even our Lieutenant Generals are considered far below the status of Mr. Robert Vadra.

Imagine the kind of impression it would have created among people at the Airport watching these highly decorated soldiers not even allowed to enter a premises of their own country and that too for security reasons.

"Once Dead Always Forgotten"

This is the state of "New Allahabad Cantonment Cemetery", right in the heart of military presence where fallen soldiers are put to rest. One may also wonder, if it can happen under the nose of army than who else would restore the dead soldier's pride?

The Cemetery contain Graves and Memorials of fallen Indian Army soldiers who fought unto their lives to defend the honour of nation as far as south Africa, Egypt, East Africa, Burma, Afghanistan, NWFP...It is endless. Hero of "Rook's Drift" at South Africa, Major Broamhead of South Wales Boarders is also buried here. He was one of the Fifteen Victoria Cross recipients who were honoured with the the prestigious medal, a record for a single military battle in such adverse scenario.