The Price of Loyalty - THE MOVE ORDER !!!

It was Thursday, the seventeenth day of August 1978. I went to the office in the afternoon to collect my Move Order and Rail Warrant.

Are the papers ready, Deepak?’ I enquired while entering the office.

`Yes, sir, please sit down‘the Adjutant replied. He called the runner and asked him to bring the papers. When the papers were handed over, I at first casually and then carefully perused the move order. My face showed signs of irritation as I read through. Unable to contain myself I asked, `Where do you suppose you’re sending me Deepak - to a brigade HQs? Or the AHQs?’

`What’s happened, sir?’ The Adjutant asked in surprise.

`Now my friend look, the authority for move is given as "Battalion Order part I", I said, pointing at the relevant column of the move order.

`What is wrong in that, sir?’ the Adjutant showed his surprise. Although I looked slightly angry at the ignorance shown by the Adjutant, I explained very gently.

`Deepak, you should know, whenever there is an intercommand movement in the case of an officer, a sanction for such a move is needed from the AHQ - and that invariably becomes the authority for the Move. Since I am moving to AHQ, the authority for my move will be the letter which originated from the AHQs..... And according to which I am to collect the cards! Do you understand that?’

`Yes, sir. I suppose so.’

`Well you don’t have to suppose. Try and digest it for your future reference.... Now, have the authority filled in correctly...

And where is the authority letter for me, to collect cards... and then the nominal roll of officers whose cards I am to collect?’, I asked, shuffling through the papers and not finding the other two important documents.

`What authority letter?’, enquired the perplexed Adjutant. I gave him a contemptuous look and replied sarcastically, `Deepak, when a unit sends its `representative to collect any document / material from another unit / Hqs, an authority letter is given which reads: "Number so and so, Rank XYZ, Name ABC, whose specimen signatures are appended below, is authorized to collect.... etc. etc. etc. on behalf of this unit". Then there are the specimen signatures preceded by signatures of the commander or the staff officer ... And, that is the authority letter I am talking about. Are you aware of that or not?’

`Sir, I think - ah - well I...’

`Now Deepak, you better stop thinking and concentrate on work. By the way where is the letter from?’ AHQs? Can I see that?’ I demanded. I’m sorry, but I have not seen the letter, ‘the Adjutant admitted.

At this revelation, I was astonished. I asked the Adjutant, `Tell me, what you - a runner of the office - a post box are! Or the Adjutant of this battalion? If the Adjutant of this battalion doesn’t know about the letters received by the unit, then who would know that there should be a letter according to which Identity Cards are required to be collected from the Regimental Police Havaldar ?’

`Sir, kindly doesn’t be sarcastic. I will just find out from the Head Clerk.’ Saying this, he pressed the buzzer.

I further scanned through the Move Order. My eyes stopped at one sentence on arrival he will report to the DDMI, GSI (b)". I looked more irritable and confused.

In the meantime, the Head Clerk appeared with a note book in his hand. I heard the Adjutant asking the Head Clerk, `Sahib, where is the letter from AHQs according to which the Identity Cards are to be collected?’

Ì don’t know, sir. I’ve not seen the letter.’

Hearing the Head Clerk, I lost my temper. I said, `The Adjutant doesn’t know! The Head Clerk doesn’t know!! I wonder then, who knows. It appears the main office of the battalion has started showing efficiency! Eh? And the boss says "Sir, don’t be sarcastic. I will just find out". Find out my bloody foot.’ And looking at both of them I added, `both of you should know that GSI (b) in the AHQs doesn’t issue identity cards.’ I then looked at the Adjutant and said, `Deepak, I am completely dismayed to find my one time understudy with the least control over work and efficiency of the office.’ I paused for a while and, giving back the papers, asked the Head Clerk to do the necessary corrections and to prepare the authority letters along with the nominal roll.

The Head Clerk kept standing while looking sickly pale.

`Now Head Clerk Sahib, what is wrong? Didn’t you hear me?’ I asked.

`Sir, in fact the letter has been received from the AHQs. But since it was marked as "Personal for the CO", neither of us saw the contents.......’

`Letter marked as "Personal for the CO"?’, I interrupted, expressing surprise and continued, À letter of so routine a nature as Identity Cards! It sounds completely absurd.’

`But that is how it is, sir,’ The Head Clerk said and added,

`The CO personally dictated the contents of your as well Major Tandon’s move order and directed me to prepare them accordingly... But I’ll prepare the authority letter and the nominal roll.’ Saying this he left.

By now I was completely perplexed and confused. I asked for the papers of Major Tandon. While perusing through the Move Order I read; Authority for move; Battalion part I Order; Duty ; Proceeding in connection with interrogation of Chinese POWs: On arrival, he will report to DDMI GSI (b)". Having read this, my mind raced like a wild horse in all directions, trying to solve the mystery of the letter marked as personal for CO and the "dictation “and "direction" to the Head Clerk, for preparing Major Tandon’s and my Move Orders.

An Adjutant is a mouthpiece of the commanding officer in a unit. He takes decisions on behalf of the latter and acts as his close, confidential advisor; practically in all matters pertaining to Intelligence, Operations and Discipline of the unit. There is virtually no matter in a unit which remains a secret for him.

Identity Cards is a subject of a routine nature. It does not need such high secrecy. Why could the letter not be seen by or shown to the Adjutant? Why should such a letter be marked as "Personal"? It also seemed highly absurd that the commanding officer should dictate the wording of a Move Order himself. Probably, it had never been done by any commanding officer in the history of such commands!

`While thinking so, I suddenly remembered the manner and the uneasiness of the CO at the briefing, a few days ago.

At that time I had thought "probably the old man has gone out of his mind or else is suffering from some mental disorder."

Was he? Or was there something else weighing on his mind? I re-considered.

It further dawned on me: The identity cards were issued by the formation Hqs and not by the Army Hqs.

At this fresh revelation my confusion was complete. `What’s all this nonsense? I thought, and pressed my mind deeper. If major Tandon was going for interrogation in connection with Chinese POWs then there has to be a letter to that effect.

`Have you seen the letter regarding Major Tandon’s move?’ I enquired from the Adjutant.

`No, sir.’

`Hmm...’ I thought, Major Tandon, no doubt was a POW in 1962, but that was sixteen years ago. From where then, have the Chinese come as POWs in 1978? And, suppose they have; what could major Tandon do? He was not an interrogator. Also, he does not understand a word of the Chinese language. Why is he being sent at all, when there is no letter from the AHQs! And, even if there was a letter from the AHQ, why, has that also been hidden from the Adjutant?’

Such were the questions that caught my attention. I further realized: although GSI(b)f didn’t deal with identity cards, and that I knew for certain, but assuming it did, because the cards were of a new type being prepared and issued to the officers, for the first time, even then under no stretch of imagination had it ever dealt with Chinese interrogation. So why should then Major Tandon report to DDMI, GSI (b) ?

As a result of my quick analysis, I concluded that it was surely not for the collection of identity Cards that I was being sent on temporary duty; whatever else it might be! Definitely there was something more to it that was being worked out in highly suspicious circumstances. What could that be?

GSI (b) is a branch of intelligence which deals with Security against Pakistan. So, automatically it follows my duty is connected with some security aspect. Could this be then connected with operation of sources while at Samba; this being my only connection with GSI (b)? I speculated.

I had collected plenty of valuable information in regard to military matters, from across the border, from 1974 till 1976. I was given number of appreciation letters in recognition of my work by the senior Army Commanders. So, it was natural for me to presume that I was being sent to Delhi in that connection. However, this thought was dispelled when I considered about Major Tandon.

Why had Major Tandon been asked to report to GSI (b), while showing the duty as interrogation of Chinese POWs? And, suppose I had been called in connection with my source operation, they could and they should have called me directly. This does not seem straight, I analyzed.

The only logical conclusion I could draw from this was that I was to be interrogated in regard to some security matter.

May be! I thought ‘one of my sources / couriers have something to do with this! Charming! Then, concluding it was the duty of GSI (b) to investigate all such matters, I collected the papers, which had been prepared by then and left the office.

`Good evening, sir,’ I greeted major Tandon, who with his wife was enjoying a cup of tea in the court of his bungalow, and good evening Mrs. Tandon.’

`Good evening.’ both of them reciprocated simultaneously, while Major Tandon got up to welcome me.

`Please, remain seated, sir. I’ll pull up a chair for myself.’

`That’s all right Rathaur,’ and he shouted for the servant, asked him to bring a chair. The servant brought a chair and both of us set down together. in the meantime, Mrs. Tandon prepared a cup of tea and offered it to me.

`Thank you madam,’ I said, took a quick sip and put the cup back on the table.

`How is everything?’ Inquired Major Tandon

I’m not sure, sir.’

`Why, what’s the matter? Did you collect the papers?’

`Yes, sir. I have just collected them and have come straight to you’.

Then I glanced at Mrs. Tandon forcing a courteous smile and said, ì could like to discuss something in private.’

Before Major Tandon could say anything, taking a hint Mrs. Tandon smiled and got up saying, `Well you’re free to talk or discuss anything you want. I was thinking of leaving, as I’ve got to prepare dinner.’

Looking gratefully at Mrs. Tandon, I apologetically said, Ì am sorry madam to trespass in your moment of privacy, but...’

Àray! Come off if Captain Rathaur. I in fact was about to leave for the kitchen when you came. Right? So don’t be apologetic.’ Saying this, she departed.

Without speaking, Major Tandon focused his eyes inquiringly at me.

`Sir, in fact there is nothing to get alarmed about but looking at the papers and deftly putting together various stands of staff work and the CO’s dubious conduct at the briefing, I am skeptical in regard to the true nature of our temporary duty.... There is something more to it.’ Saying this, I looked at Major Tandon’s face exploring, but failed to find any anything; except that Major Tandon stirred in his chair becoming more attentive.

Taking a sip from his cup, Major Tandon said, `Don’t be so perfunctory! Tell me in detail.’

`Yes, sir, that’s actually why I have come to you; to discuss in detail.’ I explained to Major Tandon about my doubts, in detail. While explaining, I noticed continuous changes playing over the Major’s face.

`No’, he replied, Ì don’t really think your suspicious are well-founded.’

Ì hope they are not, ‘I said, `but one can’t deny the axiom from the logic, sir.’ Saying that I took out Major Tandon’s Move Order, showed it to him, and continued, `Look at this, you’re reporting to GSI (b), but your duty column speaks about Chinese POWs. Do you know, sir, GSI (b) doesn’t deal with the Chinese! If you don’t then U do.... But the only puzzle which I have not been able to solve is about you. Why should you go?’ I looked at Major Tandon who appeared ashen by then.

`Did the CO tell you or hint at anything that we can draw any further conclusions from?’ I asked.

`No, he didn’t. The only thing he told me was that you were also going to Delhi and that we should better go together.’

`Thank you, sir. I suppose that should give some indications.

But before expressing my opinion let me ask you one more, pertinent question. Where did you serve before joining this battalion?’

Ì was in the 13th, you know that.’

`Yes that I know... But what I meant was, before you joined the 13th - you were a provost marshal. Where was that formation with reference to its tale; I mean the sector?’

`Punjab sector. A...’

`That will do, ‘I cut him short and explained. `Now listen to what I have inferred from various details available. You’re aware for over two years, I served in the Intelligence. There, I operated sources and collected information. But the job, though full of interest is the dirtiest. In order to cultivate sources, one has to initially come, in close contact with rowdy and morally degenerate people like petty smugglers, cattle lifters, bootleggers and so on, so as to acquire a worthwhile contact that can give information. Till such time one gets the required person, one has perforce to provide protection and shelter to these people. Now, it is humanly impossible to screen their character, for they have little or no character. Thus, a fellow who works as your contact may be a double-crosser, getting the best of both sides. You must have read recently in the papers that there’s been a spurt in apprehension of spies in the Jammu and Kashmir sector. So naturally I presume one of my ex-contacts may also be among these celebrities and one who must have been such a double-crosser. And now, since he’s caught, he has incriminated me in some way - to get immunity or otherwise; I don’t know.’ I paused for a second, and then said, `perhaps for this reason, I have been called.’

`What you say appears to convey some sense. But then, why me?’, he asked worriedly.

`Well, I’m coming to that, sir. There is still an ambiguity about your case, but I discern two things from this whole proposition. First: one of your men must be involved in trans-border activities who, upon his arrest, have tried to pull you in. Second: and that appears more plausible, you, are acting as my escort,’ I concluded and laughed.

`Well, I don’t agree with you,’ he said assuring, if it were the case the CO would definitely have given me some sort of hint.’

I mused for some time and said, `Sir, it is your prerogative not to agree. I am sure about my deductions, unless the foregoing facts are the result of some foolishness.... In any case it does not bother me at all, except a feeling of sadness that my name may be tarnished in such a way. But I am looking at this from a different angle and am completely dismayed to find such faulty functioning of our Military Intelligence Directorate. If they expect to exist by maintaining this type of secrecy, then they could not have stopped me from a clear escape?’ Saying this I smiled and added, anyway check up, if you so desire with the CO. Though, I suggested `why put him in embarrassment? Let him also be happy in his protective paradise of secrecy! Let this be forgotten.... I’m sure you must have arranged transport for tomorrow?’

`Yes. I’ve done that’

`Then what time do we leave?’

`The train leaves at 1300 hours. Therefore, to be on time, we must leave by about a quarter to twelve. I’ll first direct the vehicle to your place, then you come here and we will leave... Would that be okay?’

`Yes, sir, that is fine. By the way, tomorrow is Rakhi festival holiday; going to the temple is compulsory.... Do we attend or avoid it?’

It would be better if we go there for half an hour at least.’

Okay, sir.’ We’ll do that.... I now beg your leave.’ I got up and handed over the papers pertaining to Major Tandon.

`Good evening, sir and good night Mrs. Tandon.’

`You’re leaving Captain Rathaur?’ Asked Mrs. Tandon from the nearby kitchen.

`Yes madam, thank you and sorry for the disturbance.’ Saying that, I went to where I’d parked my scooter. Abruptly, I stopped, then turning back, asked, `Sir what time do we meet in JCO’s Mess - for the farewell party of Subedar... or should I say Honorary Lieut. Udai Singh.’

Ì think 20.00 hours ‘Major Tandon replied.

I wanted to ask if I could be excused from the party as I didn’t want to waste previous time which could be spent studying. I suppressed the desire - thanked Major Tandon once more and went home.

With a drink in my hand, I moved around the Mess, mixing with the officers and the JCO’s - talking to one - joking with another. I was enjoying myself. I deliberately avoided the commanding officer. Proud and passionate as I was, I felt very agitated at seeing the CO - whose presence reminded me of the disturbing inferences I had drawn from the day’s events.

`Hee Puff. Believe what? Going to the capital? - On temporary duty? Collection of identity cards, Eh?’, came a voice from behind.

Not letting any of the thoughts show on my face, I turned back and encountered Major P.D. Joshi’s enquiring glance. I twinkle was in his eyes.

"Joshi" who also was known by the sobriquet "Speedy “was one of my best friends. We had known each other for more than eight years. There was no such thing as "seniority" between us, in our private lives. The friendship had become more owing to the fact that our wives were also close friends - a bond which was envied by other.

`Yah. I think so.’ I replied `you want anything from there?’

`Nope.’ But come aside. I want to talk to you’.

`You’re welcome’.

Then both of us went outside. Speedy told me that my temporary duty was a pretext for something deeper.

`Thank you for mentioning this. What do you think, I don’t know?’

`Well grant me this much common sense - after all I have also put in some service,’ I replied nonchalantly.

`Then tell me what this is? I mean is it something to do with interrogation? How come your name has appeared?’

`Now Speedy, relax. Don’t get jerky. Why my name has appeared is very simple.’

Thereafter I explained my deductions to Speedy in detail. Apart from your sources, tell me if any other person who knows you might have been caught in such an act?’

`Yes, I know one such officer, Capt. Nagial. He was apprehended in 1975. That time I was the Intelligence Officer “in Samba, I explained.

`You said it was in 1975?’ Joshi asked.

`Yes, that was the time, but I find no reason why he should incriminate me. I served in Samba, whereas he was the "GSO 3 Intelligence “of a Corps Hqs - and if I correctly remember, I met him only once,’ I replied.

`Well, I don’t think him to be the case; you would have found your way to Delhi much before, as it did happen three years ago?’

Anyway Speedy, whatever it is, I am not bothered though I am a bit dismayed. But what can the authorities do if someone has been so kind as to dub my name? It’s the duty of the authorities to screen the suspected names, is it not?’

`Well, I am highly relieved to hear that. Thanks. Otherwise I thought - or could it be?’

`Speedy don’t bloody hurt me. Right?’ I cut him short.

Joshi became cheerful and said `Come on boy, cheer up. It is nothing; just never mind’.

I gave a hearty laugh and said Ì instead of me; it is you Speedy who required cheering up.’

The party was over by 22.00 hours, an early escape, as attending the temple was compulsory for everyone, very early the following morning. I returned home and, after discussing with my wife about my departure the following day, I went to sleep. I thought about whether to tell her of the "suspected duty “and decided against it, fearing she’d get nervous, when in fact there was nothing to worry about. In any case I’ll be back soon’, I concluded, going to sleep.

The following morning, after leaving the temple, my wife and I went to the unit Canteen. Leaving my wife to do her shopping, I went to the office, filled in my duty forms and returned in a short while to pick her up. She proffered a couple of her purchase for my inspection; I looked into her eyes and reminded her that time was short. We returned home and I immediately began a last minute check of my luggage. My transport vehicle arrived a few minutes later and, while chewing on my sandwich, I directed the orderly to serve my wife properly, promising to come back as soon as possible, oblivious to the evil fate which was about to befall me and my family. I was destined never to return home. When I did see my wife again seven months later, I was a changed man.

The Price of Loyalty - TEMPORARY DUTY !!!

As July waxed into August 1978, I, Captain Ranbir Singh Rathaur of II Garhwal Rifles, returned to my unit full of enthusiasm having completed my `pre-course ‘in preparation for possible selection for training at the prestigious Staff College, the ambition of every professional soldier. I was happy at my performance at the pre-course and therefore was not over-resentful when I was told that my long looked-forward leave would have to be postponed. There had been a sudden unexpected fall in the officer strength of my unit and I could not be spared.

The task assigned to me was completion of my Company's Annual Range Classification firing, but since the long range was at the time being used by another unit, I decided, pending allotment of the long range to my Company, to complete the preliminary zeroing of the weapons at the short range. While I was conducting the firing, the office runner brought me a message from the Commanding Officer (CO): `The CO wants you to report to him, sir.'

At what time does he want me'?

`Right away, sir.'

I handed over charge to my second-in-command, mounted my scooter and rode off to the office, wondering what it was that the CO wanted to see me so urgently about.`Deepak,'I said to the Adjutant when I entered the office `the CO has called for me.

Please find out whether he is free to see me.'

The Adjutant checked over the intercom. `You may go in right now, ‘he said, as he replaced the hand set,'

I'll finish your cigarette for you. Don't stub it.'

I smiled; handed over the cigarette I had just lighted and walked over to the CO's room.

`May I come in, sir'?

There was a deep growl of assent. I walked in, saluted and stood to attention. The CO did not raise his eyes from the papers before him, not even to see who had come in. Thereafter, shuffling among the letters in his dark folder, he sighed deeply and looked up.

`What are you doing at the moment, Rathaur'?

I am putting my Company through weapon zeroing, sir, preparatory ‘to annual range classification.

`Well, don't bother about that any further. By the way how is your daughter - is she still in hospital'?

`No, sir, I got her discharged, though she has not yet recovered.

We couldn't manage. With my wife having to stay with the elder girl in hospital the younger child was being neglected.'

`Hmmm..... and how is the preparation for your examination getting on'?

I am at it, sit. Thank you for asking. It is going well and with your blessings, I should have no difficulty qualifying.'

`Good! I sincerely hope you will...'

The CO fell silent for a moment; he looked down as if somewhat embarrassed.

I sensed that vaguely and wondered what was bothering my Commanding Officer.

Then, rather abruptly, the CO looked up and said, Ì want to send you to collect our new identity cards... will you be able to go'?

`Why, certainly, sir. You don't have to ask.'

`Don't get me wrong, Rathaur. I asked because of your child's illness - I mean, would you be able to leave them for a couple of days? You don't have to leave right away - I had thought of sending Thakur, but as you know he is conducting a course for the promotion cadre and it wouldn't be good to pull him out of it for the two or three days it would take to collect the cards. That is why I thought I should ask you to go.'

`There is no problem, sir,' I said, `when do I leave?'

`No hurry. You could leave on 18 August by which time I am sure your children will be alright.

You should be back quite soon. Since you have problems at home, I have asked the Quartermaster (QM) to handle your reservation by the Grand Trunk on the 18th. Actually I was hoping that there would be no need send you at all and that Major Tandon, who is also going to Army Headquarters (AHQ), could handle this... But he will be busy with something connected with interrogation of Chinese Prisoners of War (POWs).... He was himself a POW in 1962, you'll remember!'

`Yes, sir. I do remember.'

`Well, since he is going in connection with the interrogation, nothing can be said with certainly about his stay; considering this I decided to send you independently... He would also leave by the same train.... I have already sent a signal arranging for your transport at New Delhi railway station and your stay in Delhi to the Military intelligence Directorate (MIDte) to Brigadier Pasricha, as I know him; he was at one time in our Regiment. Do you know him?', looking at me the CO asked.

`Yes, sir. I think I know him; but only by name. If I am not wrong he probably was in 3rd Garhwal,' I replied.

Exactly... He is Brigadier Pasricha, now the DDMI.... However, you're aware about the functioning in AHQs. One really should not expect much especially in such matters connected with administration. So, if you find no transport, I suggest you take a taxi and report to him. If you do that in all probability you shall be able to collect the Identity Cards on 19th i.e. Saturday.

What do you say?'

I shall do it the way you are suggesting. Indeed, I am grateful to you for asking the QM about the train reservation and the signal for reception', I said, expressing my gratitude.

Oh! Never mind. After all you are my officer... And if I know someone why should I not take his help to make the stay to my officers comfortable?'

I couldn't help but notice a kind of uneasiness while the CO talked. But, I tried to avoid it.

`By the way, I may remind you to be extremely careful while carrying the documents - any untoward incident can put you in a cesspool of trouble... I suggest, you carry a small box with a proper locking system - and don't trust anybody in the matter of its security, while you are travelling back... But don't take me as doubting your sense of responsibility - or intelligence. This is simply an advice to take necessary precautions... And, while you collect the identity cards, check them properly and if you find that the signatures of the officers are not proper - don't accept the cards till the defects are rectified.'

I was confused by the CO's briefing. I thought, may be the old man has gone out of his mind - or else is suffering from some mental disorder. I questioned, `that’s this you are asking me to do, sir?’... How can I or anyone else remove the defects in other officers ‘signatures? More so, I am in no position to see if the signatures are correct or defective... I'll request clarification.'

At this the CO turned pale. However, he was able to recover within seconds, and replied. `No, you have got me wrong! When I said that, I implied, when you collect the cards, you must check each one to see if it is sealed properly.'

`Right, sir that I'll do... Anything else you want me to do in Delhi; or convey any message to anyone you know in the AHQs?'

`No, Rathaur thank you... you may go.... But check up with the QM about the signal for train reservation - and also inform the Adjutant to detail another officer to conduct the firing.'

`Yes sir, may I.....'

`Yes. You may go now.' Saying this CO resumed scanning through the dak with an air of importance.

I saluted and left. Once out of the office, I smiled. I was greatly amused at the absent-minded attitude of my Commanding Officer.

`I traced my steps to the QM office, checked about the signal, went to inform the Adjutant about my proposed departure and finally reached the office of the Second-in-Command, Major S.N. Tandon Vr.C. We discussed together the plan of our move and stay in Delhi. At the end of our discussion, Major Tandon asked me to collect his Move order and the Rail Warrant when I was to collect my own.

I rode back to the short range and informed the JCO about my new duty; and regarding the detailing of some other officer for conducting the firing. I briefed the JCO regarding the conduct of firing in my absence - and finally directed him to wind up for day.

My mind then turned to thoughts of Delhi where I had my friends and sister, whom I had not met for many years; though I had passed through Delhi by train a number of times, I'd never had the opportunity to get down and meet them. The thought of meeting them sent a wave of happiness and warm feeling through me. I felt immensely pleased with the proposition of going to Delhi. It must be a completely changed place since I last saw it, I thought.

Deeply engrossed in thoughts, I was hardly aware that I had reached home. After parking the scooter, I climbed the stairs and went into the kitchen, where my wife was busy cooking. Quietly but mischievously I embraced her and planted a tender kiss at the back of her neck.

She screamed, obviously surprised.

Seeing her surprise I laughed at the successful act of my intimidating her for fun.

Though pleased at finding it to be her husband, she showed her woman-like anger. I don't like this habit of yours - even less when the children are around.'

I looked around and finding no children, said, `Come off it my love. I find no children. So why don't you admit that you in fact, love these silly actions of mine! Eh..?.... Now don't say,' I kept my finger tenderly on her lips, `what you are about it. I know it for sure that it's untrue,' and hugged her close to me.

Immediately, the children came running from the bedroom and shouted `Papa has come!... Papa has come!! Good afternoon Papa', my elder daughter said, `Papa I am feeling much better, there is no fever.' She then recounted her recovery from illness.

Releasing my wife from my affectionate hug, I turned to the children and lifted both of them up to me.

`How're my lords, my sweets!! My Ritu and how is my Sonu?

While showing fatherly affection I carried them in my lap to the study room.

`What's happened today? You appear to be very happy - and back unusually early from the office?' my wife enquired from the kitchen.

`Yah, I feel happy; isn't that sufficient reason to come early?' By then I had changed into my casual wear, a loose kurta and pajama, and had come back to the dining room adjoining the kitchen, followed by the children.

The food was laid out on the table. I put the children on their seats, sat down on a chair, ate a piece of onion I picked up from the salad plate and inhaling the aroma of food, asked my wife to join me. She came with hot chapattis (a kind of Indian bread), and sat down in front of me.

I sincerely pray for happiness daily so that at least you come for lunch on time, and not at tea-time in the evening.

She mused and asked, `what's the news?'

`Well, I'm leaving for Delhi in a couple of days.'

`Delhi... What for?' she enquired impatiently and you call this a happy news?'

`Temporary duty! What else,' I replied

Hearing this, she remained silent. In that silence I saw signs of irritation on her face. To put her mind at ease, I told her that I would not be away for long. I would be back in a couple of days and went on to explain that I'd be able to meet my sister and friends.

For some time she remained quiet; then suddenly declared, In that case I'm coming with you.'

I would love you to do that but you know there's the problem of the children. I would only be touching Delhi and coming back, a sheer waste of money. Can we afford to do that?', I asked.

`What a problem!..... Wasn't there any other officer the CO could have detailed? The whole year has passed in separation. We've not stayed together for more than twenty days. What a wretched life!' Brooding over the impending separation, she said this aloud, through it was obviously meant only for her ears. Sympathetically, I looked up from the plate to her face and kept staring for a while; I proceeded to explain about the complex nature of duties intrinsic in the army service and how one should look at them while serving, in a broad and bright perspective.

And why do you say, "What a wretched life", in such a depressed tone. It is a life one can dream of - do you know what they say, Ä life without hardships and without its experiences is no life worth living," saying that I looked at her and added, `Here, in the army you experience a different life, and if one is to go with this saying; it becomes all the more worth living ! Why go far, look at ourselves. Whenever I come back from these temporary jaunts how much you respond

!... I mean the intensity of belonging to each other, which may easily start decaying over a period of continuously staying together ; and I may find you always in search of some silly pretext to quarrel with me.'

`Now, please! Stop this lecture. You can continue it after you have eaten. If you think you're a wise man to preach to others, you should know talking is not approved of, while eating, ‘she said exultantly looking at me. Ritu extended her unqualified support to her mother saying. `Yes papa. Mamma is right. My miss says one should not talk while eating.' `To hell with the talk,' I said, `let us eat the food in peace'. Thereafter, none spoke, except for the grumbling of children due to excessive chilies in the food.

After the meal my children and I went to the bedroom and lay down on the bed while my wife busied herself in clearing the table. Thereafter, she also came to the bedroom and dumped herself sullenly on the adjoining bed, beside me. Neither of us spoke. Who should speak first? Both of us were thinking the other should be first to speak. Thus, for nothing, the atmosphere became tense. Seeing that I decided to break the gloom. `Sabu! Now look, why are you so sullen and annoyed? And annoyed for what? And with whom! Me!! Well in that case you are absolutely unfair to me.... You seem to think that it must be me who has volunteered to go! While leaving you in distress!! Let me most sincerely correct you - while it is true that I am happy to go it is highly unfounded to conceive that I find happiness in leaving you alone. It is absurd if you think that way. You are aware of the fact that I love you so much. It's the last thing I would think of; staying away from you...'

`Then you....'

`Now hold it', I interrupted, `let me finish. You know that service is service. It's wisely said that service, even under one's father is bad; and I am servant, that too in the army! One can't have both at the same time; happy living and painless death. It is silly to think in these terms... I never volunteered - I have been ordered. And as you know, I don't relish the habit of brooding and creating tumult over such a trifling matter. And even supposing, if I do, does that provide an escape? There is a popular saying in the Army "When rape is inevitable, enjoy it". I grinned and added, `so dear Sabu, taking recourse to this saying, I explored the brighter side of this duty - and so, I was feeling happy. Now tell me, what's wrong in it; to find happiness in a bad situation? Isn't it a quality that very few are blessed with...? In fact you should be happy; your partner is among those few'. Saying this, I started giggling.

My wife who, apparently, was feeling relaxed by then, joined in the laughter.

`You are really a marvelous person; with an art of bringing anyone from delirium to stability and cheerfulness'. Saying this, she looked at me fondly; then hugged me like a child very close to her.

`So...o...nu: Mummy'. She had become oblivious to the children's presence; hearing her daughter Ritu calling, she quickly pulled herself away; feeling slightly ashamed, turned her face away.

By then the initial heaviness suddenly eased and gave place to cheerfulness. Thereafter, we talked intimately. Before we slept she asked me not to prolong the stay in Delhi.

The Price of Loyalty - PREFACE !!!

The object of my writing this book - apart from vindicating my personal honor, a life force of a soldier - was to show to the people of my country, how a handful of military intelligence officers successfully conspired to inflict a blistering wound to the prestige of our army. It will continue to hound not only the army, but the entire nation for generations to come.

This is a case unparalleled in history where an entire brigade of our army was decimated through two confirmed Pakistan agents provocateur - Aya Singh and Sarwan Das. These agents were, due to the crass stupidity of the army top brass, able to achieve what was perhaps impossibility for the entire Pakistan army.

This is a case that shows total lack of competence of the then army chief who had ordered arrests of the officers and men enmasse without evidence or without corroboration or verification of the statements given by the two gunners and other victims under extreme torture. It is a matter of analysis for future historians to make how this General could believe that so many honest officers could take to spying, that too from a single brigade overnight and indulge in transborder crossing as rightly observed by Lieut. General K. Chiman Singh, (as if there was a football match or a movie show) - in total disregard to their personal safety and throwing all norms of intelligence operations to the winds. He failed to see that no intelligence agency anywhere in the world could have acted in such a dilettante or amateurish manner in operating the alleged Indian army agents! Besides he failed to realize that not a single person was ever caught red handed, not a single document was reported missing and not a single person was found living beyond his means or had assets disproportionate to his known source of income, even though alleged to have been criss-crossing the border routinely for over four years. Even when he learned the truth instead of giving justice to the victims he sentenced them to long terms of imprisonment.

This is a case which shows how the officers and men of Indian army were brutally tortured for months together, insulted humiliated and robbed of their honor in an utterly disgraceful manner by none other than their co-brothers in uniform. The safeguards provided to persons in the army were thus openly and blatantly trampled. This case was directly handled by the Army Headquarters breaking all the chains of commands.

This is a case that will show the degeneration of successive army top brass to rubber stamp the false case. Even when the truth had become unquestionable and fully manifested itself, the army top brass has continued to maintain silence and resort to inaction under the cover of ‘army discipline and morale’. It is left to wonder why they want to build the army discipline and morale on the foundations of falsehood at the cost of the honor of the army and the victims of this great national fraud and betrayal.

This is a case that would show the imprudence of the members of the General Court Martial, of holding the Indian Post Kandral in Pakistan, the base of the Samba case, and the army top brass who confirmed my illegal sentence and thereby handing over this Indian piece of territory of Pakistan, albeit on paper.

This is a case that would show how the political leadership too failed to curb or check the unbridled powers of the army top brass despite the truth of the matter having being made known to them by their own agencies such as the Intelligence Bureau. The magnitude of their fuilt is no less than that of General Malhotra for perpetuating miseries to countless innocent persons and their families. I personally wrote petitions to each and every known leader of this country whether in power or opposition, telling them the inside story and cautioning them about the dangers it would present in case the truth was allowed to be suppressed.

Finally my petitions to civil courts also went unheard, being dismissed, until lately the strong stand taken by a Full Bench presided over by Hon’ble Mrs. justice Sunanda Bhandare of the Hon’ble Delhi High Court in the case of Major N.R. Ajwani and others, that my dead hopes were once again revived. It is only after the judgment was upheld by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India that fresh evidence came to light and the publication of this book became a possibility.

I wish to thank Shri V.K. Kaul, I.P.S., T.V. Rajeswar, I.P.S., the then DIB and former Governor of Sikkim and West Bengal, and Lieut. General K. Chiman Singh for speaking in favor of the truth and the media for exposing and highlighting this fraud.

I wish to thank Lieut. Colonel J.D. Desai, under whom I served as adjutant of 11 Garhwal Rifles and who became my defending officer at the trial, for encouraging me to write about this unfortunate episode. I thank Shri Samuel Israel, then working in Vikas publications for going through the first draft of this book and his valuable guidance for re-writing it. My thanks are due to Shri R.n. Kumar who read the manuscript and sent the same for circulation in India as well as abroad. I also thank Shri Jean Ecalle, a French mathematician for comparing the work with the best of Russian Dissident literature and publishing the story in a play form in Ïndian Resurrection". I also wish to thank the Ëvil Genius"- Gurmukh Charles Sobhraj for his invaluable help in lending his typewriter to me in jail.

I also wish to thank my wife Swaran Rathaur through whose untiring efforts my life and the lives of many victims were possibly saved and I was able to complete this book. She stood by me like a rock and inspired me at every stage when my inner spirit seemed to desert me.

And finally my debts are due to Shri Ashwani Kapoor, Chairman and managing Director, Competent Holdings Limited for his invaluable help in getting this book published. This contains a true account of what happened to me and how the Samba Spies were created. But let me confess; the account is only one fourth of what actually happened, because I lacked the expression to portray it in totality.

The Samba Spy Case !!!

How one man framed over 60 Army men, fooled three Prime Ministers and the entire nation.

Pakistani women and money proved irresistible for Indian Army gunner Sarwan Dass, who looked every inch the quintessential family man. A soldier who served the country during the 1971 war. A humble man who grazed his cows in the fields while in his village during holidays.

After the war, Sarwan started crossing the border in Jammu's Samba sector to earn quick money through petty smuggling. Soon, he started spying on his motherland. He gradually became Pakistan Army's Field Intelligence Unit officer Major Akbar Khan's favorite mole in India.

But in 1975, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) trapped Sarwan using a double agent, who interacted with him, pretending to be a Pakistani spy. The military intelligence (MI) was shocked and humiliated that its intra-system rival, the IB, exposed the involvement of Indian soldiers in espionage.

The story took an ugly turn. Sarwan's arrest and eventual confession set in motion a series of events that led to the arrest of over 60 Army personnel, including bright young officers of the 168 Infantry Brigade and its subordinate units in the Samba sector. At one point, as a senior officer puts it, it seemed Pakistan had managed to plant moles deep inside the Indian Army.

Three decades later, the Samba spy case is resurfacing—it is listed for hearing on May 31 at the Armed Forces Tribunal in Delhi. With that, many unanswered questions have resurfaced.

Why were Sarwan and his accomplice, Gunner Aya Singh, punished only for desertion [absence without leave] and not spying? Why were they taken back into service and given just minor punishments, compared to those named in their confessions? Was there a secret deal between MI officials and these two Pak spies? Did Pakistan actually corrupt so many bright officers from one single brigade? Or was there something horribly wrong with the whole investigation?

It was like a vicious cycle. The MI allegedly tortured Sarwan seeking names of others involved in espionage. Broken by torture, he spat out whatever names came to his mind. Then, those named by Sarwan were tortured one by one. They, too, gave random names. And, eventually, all those who were arrested were tortured and made to testify against each other.

Thus, the whole Samba spy case was allegedly built up on torture, torture and torture.

Prime Minister Morarji Desai wanted a probe into the mysterious death of Havaldar Ram Swaroop, who was named in the case, in Army custody. But, the Army headquarters convinced Desai that Swaroop was a spy, and he was subjected to third degree torture for the “sake of national security”. Sarwan's confessional statements formed a major part of the briefing to Desai. The case was closed and the postmortem reports disappeared. The case again resurfaced during Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi's tenures as Prime Minister. In February 1980, Indira asked then IB chief T.V. Rajeswar to look into the case and report to her. “I sent a detailed report, stating that the entire spy case was doubtful and unsubstantiated. A few days later, she ordered a review of the case by the ministry of defense,” he had told English daily in 1994.

In August 1986, when he was Governor of Sikkim, Rajeswar wrote to Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who also held the defense portfolio. Said Rajeswar: “I suggested that the Samba case should be looked into afresh....” But, the MI used a well-cooked story, thanks to Sarwan, to convince the governments about its version.

THE WEEK decided to seek more details straight from the horse's mouth. After weeks of hunting, we traced Sarwan, 67, in his remote Chakra village in Jammu. The only other self-confessed spy, Aya Singh, was shot dead near the border in 1986 while trying to sneak into India.

Sitting outside his home, Sarwan was surprised to see us. “Who brought you here?” he asked anxiously. A journalist was visiting his home for the first time. Sarwan hardly interacts with villagers, said his neighbors. His only companion is his wife, Lajwanti, still struggling to understand why he brought so much misery and pain to himself and others. The couple has no children.

In all these years, Sarwan appeared in public light just once, in Mumbai's magistrate court in October 2001, where he baffled everyone. Sarwan confessed he had falsely implicated innocent Army personnel in the Samba spy case at the behest of senior MI officers, who allegedly were trying to better their service records by claiming to have busted a mythical Pakistani spy ring.

The Mumbai magistrate ordered his confession be delivered before the Supreme Court where Sarwan is ready to testify that he falsely implicated Army men.

“I confess that I spied on my country,” he told THE WEEK. Sarwan said he leaked crucial information, including helipad location, location of infantry division, brigade units, names of commanders and commanding officers, locations of bunkers, and details about military exercises and training, to the Pakistanis. He also stole the Army's Orbat—order of battle.

And the guilt of ruining the lives of innocent soldiers haunts him now: “I am ashamed... because of my mistake, so many lives and families were destroyed.”

After his arrest, Sarwan initially remained silent in the MI's custody. Even when Aya Singh named Captain S.R. Nagial of Jammu as one of the officers involved in spying, Sarwan refused to testify. Nagial's court martial rejected Aya Singh's statement, as it was full of inconsistencies, and acquitted him.

Nagial, however, was trapped in another case—the loss of Orbat—and punished with seven years rigorous imprisonment and termination from service. “The officers who were responsible to keep the document safe themselves interrogated and implicated me,” said Nagial. “To me, it was the first indication that there was a deliberate attempt to frame people in the case.”

The interrogators urged Sarwan to tell them about meetings that had never taken place and people he had never met. “I remained in the custody of the Army from July 1975 to August 1978. After every interrogation, they used to say, 'Unless you don't give us names, you will not be going anywhere.' I thought if I stayed silent, I would spend the rest of my life in the torture cell or they would kill me. I had heard how Swaroop was killed in Army custody. So after two years, I started giving them names of officers and jawans,” he recalled. “I had never seen some of them, yet, I cooked up stories of how I introduced them to Major Khan and how much money they received from Pakistan.”

Sarwan accused four MI officers—Brigadier T.S. Grewal (then MI deputy director), Brigadier (retd) S.C. Jolly (then major), Captain Sudhir Talwar, and Colonel V.P. Gupta. “They tortured and forced me to implicate other people,” he said.

In March 1977, Sarwan named gunners Banarasi Lal, Babu Ram and Sriram, Naib Subedar Daulat Ram and his battery commander Captain R.G. Ghalawat. The humiliation of being called a Pakistani agent and the torment of the 14-year rigorous imprisonment pushed Ghalawat into severe depression. He later died of heart attack. One of the charges against Ghalawat was that he helped Sarwan escape from the Army's custody. But Sarwan told THE WEEK he escaped by jumping off a train while being shifted from Babina to Jammu for interrogation, as the guards were asleep.

“I was undergoing constant torture. I thought why not implicate him [Ghalawat]. He was my commanding officer at Babina, and had been very harsh on me,” says Sarwan. “He once punished Aya Singh and me for watching a late-night movie.” Sarwan did not know his statements would have such grave consequences: “We [Aya Singh and he] never thought our fake confessions would lead to the arrest of so many Army personnel. It was so easy to involve people in the case. I could have implicated half the Army.”

In April 1979, Sarwan dropped another bombshell. He named one of the brightest Indian intelligence officers, Capt. R.S. Rathaur of the 168 Infantry Brigade, who had won special appreciation from Northern Command headquarters for his work. Sarwan told his interrogators that he had collected classified files from Rathaur, and that he had taken the Captain to Major Khan in the 'Kandral post in Pakistan'.

Sitting in his office in Delhi, Rathaur pointed out on a map that the Kandral post was within Indian Territory. “That was their first lie. How come Pakistani soldiers came and met us at our own post and nobody knew about it?” asked Rathaur. “I was forced to confess all nonsense. During interrogation, I was lacerated all over. They would tie weights to my testicles and drag me on the floor by one leg.”The days continue to haunt him. Even now, on some days, Rathaur cringes as he wakes up in the morning, thinking he is in the interrogation centre. “Sometimes, in the middle of road, I get lost, and I call and ask my wife for directions,” he said.

During interrogation, Rathaur named 11 Army personnel, including Brigadier Karam Chand, Lt Col Kayastha, Major S.P. Sharma, Captain V.K. Dewan, Captain Sujjan Singh and Captain A.K. Rana. Rana completed the vicious cycle started by Sarwan. He was arrested on the charge of leaking classified documents. But, the Army headquarters refused to disclose details about it. “If the documents are already with Pakistan, what is the harm in disclosing the details?” asked Rana. Rana's confessional statements, which he said was obtained under torture, involved 27 officers, three JCOs, nine jawans—all, again, from the 168 Infantry Brigade.

“It is an irony of fate that a few MI officers were able to cook stories so easily and create one of the world's biggest imaginary spy scandals,” said Rana, who was jailed for 10 years. He was further shattered when his daughter died a couple of years after his arrest.

Sarwan was arrested in 1975, but he named Rathaur and Rana only in 1978. In 2001, the Army told the Supreme Court that Sarwan and Aya Singh had withheld names of certain officers because they threatened Aya Singh that his wife would be killed. But, a judgment dated October 26, 1977, of Jammu's chief judicial magistrate, punctures that claim. It said Aya Singh's wife, Bacho Devi, committed suicide on April 10, 1977.

Things got murkier with the death of Swaroop in 1978. “After that, there was no going back for the MI,” says Major R.K. Midha, who was Swaroop's commanding officer. “When I refused to testify that Ram Swaroop was a drug addict and that he died because of drug overdose, I, too, was implicated in the case.” Midha was removed from service and given seven-year rigorous imprisonment. He accused Jolly and Grewal, who was MI deputy director, for Swaroop's death.

THE WEEK spoke to Jolly—his first interaction with the media since the case broke. “I had nothing personal against any of these officers. Some of them were my best friends. What I did was genuine investigation.... I am ready to testify against them in any court of law,” said Jolly, who was a major during the interrogation. “There were very senior officers, even major generals, who were in charge of the case.” He, however, refused to divulge names and details: “Under the Army Act, I'm forbidden from speaking about certain issues.”

One of Jolly's colleagues implicated in the case was Major (retd) N.R. Ajwani. “I was not his 'best friend'. But we used to meet at the officer's mess. He just cooked the stories against all of us,” said Ajwani adding that the only mission in his life now was to bring out the truth.

In 1976, Ajwani was a deputy judge advocate-general posted in the Northern Command HQ. “I was implicated after I refused to accept that gunner Om Prakash's testimony during his trial was voluntary. Also, I was the first judge to adversely comment on the testimonies of two MI officers [Jolly was one among them],” said Ajwani. Two months later, he landed in trouble. He was placed in military custody and shifted to Delhi. “That is how I became another Pakistani spy,” said Ajwani, his face creased with dejection. Ajwani does not blame Jolly alone. He slams then Army chief General O.P. Malhotra: “Had he just used his common sense, he would have realized how ridiculous it was that Pakistan recruited so many personnel from just one brigade.” Former IB deputy chief V.K. Kaul, who was the chief investigator of the Samba case, stated on record that the spy scandal was a hoax. “It was a fake case. I don't want to say anything more on it,” he told THE WEEK.

Former Army vice-chief Lt General (retd) S.K. Sinha, who was MI director just before the scandal broke, did not rule out the possibility that some MI officers cooked up stories for promotions or to settle scores. Throughout, there has been sheer confusion about the case. Even successive governments kept silent. The cases got buried in the Army HQs. “I don't know anything about the case. It never reached me,” said General V.P. Malik, who was Army chief for three years from September 1997.

Punished by the Army and humiliated by the public court of opinion, those accused in the case have almost lost hope. But, the spirit of a soldier keeps them going. “I told them we have to fight this injustice as true soldiers, till our last breath,” says Ajwani. In 2001, he moved Supreme Court to speed up the Delhi court's verdict on the Samba case. The court exonerated Rathaur and Rana, and quashed the Army orders dismissing other officers.

Ajwani, 73, keeps travelling from Mumbai to Delhi to attend court hearings. “In the last two years alone I have visited [Delhi] 144 times,” he said flipping through his diary. “Our fight is not for compensation. It is not about revenge. It is about proving that we were true Indian Army soldiers,” said Ajwani.

After a moment of thoughtful silence, he added: “My name is Major Ajwani and I am not a Pakistani agent.”