Why Use Army’s Sacrifices to Snuff Anger Over Note Ban: Ex-Jawans

While serving and retired defence personnel back demonetisation, there’s a sense of anger over its implementation.

Retired and serving defence personnel speak about demonetisation. (Photo: The Quint/Anant Prakash)

On 8 November, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the country and banned Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. Following the move, there was a deluge of pictures of people waiting in ATM queues all over the country.

But when people express their woes, they are often silenced by supporters of the move who cite the much-greater hardships endured by the country’s military personnel.

The Quint reached out to former defence personnel in Haryana’s Rewari region, and here’s what they had to say about the currency ban and the resultant woes.

Also Read: ‘Army Stands for Days!’ Backfires When Said to Soldier in ATM Line

'Note Ban Roll-Out Riddled With Errors'

This decision (to implement demonetisation) is right. But the manner in which it was implemented has revealed a couple of errors. And if people complain, they are silenced by citing the example of soldiers in Siachen.

Shankar Singh, Former Lieutenant Commander (Navy) and Special Metropolitan Magistrate

‘Why Use the Army for Politics?’

Why is the army used for politics? It simply means that those who indulge in this kind of politics are aware that an army man is known for his discipline and that once they mention the army, no one will question anything. 

Captain (Retired) Chandki Ram Yadav 

'Soldiers Used to Cover up Mistakes'

Using the army for politics is completely wrong... It won’t help achieve the right results... The army performs its duties day and night while these people, who sit in air-conditioned rooms, use it for politics. This decision taken by Prime Minister Modi is correct. But soldiers are being dragged into the issue to indulge in politics. How is it right to cover up mistakes in this manner?

Mahendra Singh, Former Soldier

Ex-Servicemen Back Move But Not Its Implementation

The Quint also spoke to former and retired soldiers, either standing in bank queues or working in fields. During these conversations, they unequivocally praised Prime Minister Modi’s demonetisation move.

It is only Modi who is doing something for the country after Indira (Gandhi)... The currency ban is a very good decision. However, had more Rs 500 notes arrived sooner, there wouldn’t have been so much of problems. Additionally, many ATMs are already non-functional and have still not been fixed. But the worst part is that those standing in queues are being silenced by citing the army’s example, which is completely wrong. The army can’t be compared to anything.

Shivratan, Former Soldier

Other ex-servicemen too backed the currency ban, but they were also unhappy with the manner in which the decision was implemented.

Also Read: Will the Govt Remember OROP After Demonetisation? Asks a Soldier

Rs 500 Note Printing Halted, Operation Will Shift to Mysuru Press

(This story was originally published on Quint Hindi.)