Dear Editor Indeed a fine piece of article from a veteran General which shows helplessness in accepting the fact that it has been the political immaturity in our country as far as Defence preparedness is concerned. Many reasons for low budget for Defence and resorting to purchasing armaments by creating a phobia of imminent danger to country during Cold War days which have now taken different shapes like terrorism etc have not been touched by General Malik. Allegations of corruption like in banana republics of the world in Defence purchases were common. Fact remains that today Fauzis are denigrated in all spheres of civil life because for jawans service is too short unless they slog. No wonder applications in thousands as per press reports are pending for voluntary retirement of them and also of officers in Defence and Para Military forces. Perhaps the General would touch upon it in his next article. Inevitability of effecting and ultimate acceptance of India USA cooperation seems to be on cards after assessing the volatile political and compulsive military action beyond our Western Frontier and the latter sitting across. TV KUMAR
