MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTERY OF DEFENCE (SHRI A.K. ANTONY)
(a)to(e) : A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. 35 FOR ANSWER ON 23.11.2006
The number of fratricide cases reported during the last three years and the current
year, forces-wise is as under:
Force 2003 2004 2005 2006 (upto 14.11.2006)
Army 05 05 06 11
Navy Nil Nil Nil Nil
Air Force Nil 01 01 Nil
Coast Guard Nil Nil Nil Nil
The factors attributed to these killings are :
(a) Perceived grievances due to harassment by seniors.
(b) Argument(s) between colleagues.
Various steps have been taken to contain and prevent such incidents.
These include:
(i) Study by Defence Institute of Psychological Research, Delhi to identify factors,
which lead to these incidents and suggest remedial measures.
(ii) Strengthen the Zilla Sainik Boards (ZSBs) to make them more responsive to the
problems and difficulties of the soldiers and their families.
(iii) Establish a network so that the problems of families of soldiers are intimated to
the ZSBs who may follow up the matter with the concerned civil authorities.The
nearest nominated unit also should be in touch with ZSB and give feed back to the
unit of the soldier.
(iv ) Impart training to Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) to act
as counsellors in sensitive areas.
(v) Increased formal and informal interaction between senior and junior officers,
improved accessibility of leaders and frequent interaction of junior leaders with
soldiers, better man management and prompt attendance to grievances;
(vi) Strengthening time tested reporting and feedback system in the unit;
(vii) Liberalised leave policy to attend to domestic problems;
(viii) Identification and counselling of persons who are at higher risk of combat stress
by Regimental Medical Officers, junior leaders and unit commanders;
(ix) Counselling by religious teachers;
(x) Psychological counselling by psychiatrists where required ;
(xi) Training capsules in relaxation exercise including yoga/meditation;
(xii) Rotation of units and individuals to minimize exposure to stress;
These measures are being monitored by the senior officers.All officers and other
personnel in the Services have been sensitized to the above issues.
