(a) whether the Government has received reports regarding clashes between officers and soldiers posted along the Line of Control and areas near the border;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has ascertained the reasons for these clashes;
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(e) the steps being taken or proposed to be taken by the Government for maintaining harmonious relationship between soldiers and their superiors?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI MANOHAR PARRIKAR)
(a) & (b): During the last five years, only one incident of clash took place on 10/11 May, 2012 involving officers and jawans of 226 Field Regiment at Mahe Field Firing range in Ladakh.
(c) & (d): A Court of Inquiry instituted in the matter found internal functional issues within the unit as reasons for the incident. Disciplinary Action against 04 officers and 164 Junior Commissioned Officers / Other Ranks was directed by the Competent Authority.
(e) The environment has been sensitized on constantly improving and maintaining better cordial officer-soldier relationship. Commanders at all levels have been directed to uphold dignity of the soldiers and institute measures towards improving officer-soldier relations. Steps have been taken to identify the causes of stress and adequate measures have been taken towards stress amelioration of personnel serving in difficult conditions.