India's Best known soldier dies

[JK!]

The Indian general who commanded the military campaign that led to the creation of Bangladesh has died at the age of 94.

Sam Manekshaw, whose career spanned four decades, was one of India's best known and well-respected soldiers.

Under the British, he was decorated for gallantry in World War II for his part fighting the Japanese army in Burma.

After India gained independence, he became chief of the army in 1969 and in 1973 was made field marshal.

'The brave'

Under his command, India went to war with Pakistan in 1971, supporting Bengali nationalists in what was then East Pakistan.

Pakistan surrendered within 14 days and Bangladesh was born.

In 1973, only a fortnight before he retired, he was promoted to the rank of field marshal, one of only two Indian army generals to rise to the post.

Sam Manekshaw otherwise known as Sam Bahadur - or "Sam the Brave" - was born in the northern Indian town of Amritsar in 1914 and was among the first batch of recruits at the Indian Military Academy set up by the British in 1932.

Serving under the British, he was decorated for his part in a battle with the Japanese army in Burma.

He made the transition to working for independent India with ease and became chief of the Indian army in 1969.

He played a decisive role in some of India's most significant wars, including the war with China in 1962 and the victory over Pakistan in 1971, which made him a national hero.

A documentary film made about him in 2003 captured some of his much admired sense of humour.

In one sequence Field Marshal Manekshaw recalls how, following the 1971 war against Pakistan, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi confronted him about rumours that he was planning a coup against her.

"Don't you think I would not be a worthy replacement for you Madam prime minister? You have a long nose, so have I. I don't poke my nose in other people's affairs," he joked.

In the film, Field Marshal Manekshaw also said that India lost a golden opportunity to solve the Kashmir issue once and for all at the Shimla summit with Pakistan which was held soon after the 1971 war.

'Thorough gentleman'

The BBC's Charu Shahane says that he will be remembered as being handsome and witty with a handlebar moustache - every inch a victorious soldier.


Our correspondent says that he captured the public imagination and became a hero in the eyes of India's people.

In retirement, the field marshal remained reticent and eager to keep a low profile despite being much adored by his countrymen.

He recently refused to comment on the war in Iraq despite a huge gathering of journalists bombarding him with questions.

Tributes have been pouring into the websites of Indian newspapers, calling him "a great soldier and a very thorough gentleman".

Sam Manekshaw, who had been battling a series of illnesses, died at a military hospital in Wellington in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, where he had lived since retiring.

Indian Defence Minister AK Antony said the nation "had lost a great soldier, a true patriot and a noble son".

Link: BBC NEWS | World | South Asia | India's best known soldier dies

Given this mans impact the subcontinent I have posted this information here mods feel free to move it if necessary

 

[Contrarian]

When 'Sam Bahadur' confronted Indira Gandhi


Mumbai, June 27: There are legends galore about India's best known soldier. One such incident is about how as The Army Chief in 1971, General Sam Manekshaw confronted the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on the Bangladesh issue.

The Field Marshal narrated this incident at the inaugural Field Marshal KM Cariappa Memorial Lecture in October 1995 at Delhi.

"There is a very thin line between being dismissed and becoming a Field Marshal. In 1971, when Pakistan cracked down in East Pakistan, hundreds and thousands of refugees started pouring into India, into West Bengal, Assam and Tripura. The Prime Minister held a Cabinet meeting in her office. I was then summoned.

A very angry, grim-faced Prime Minister read out telegrams from the Chief Ministers of West Bengal, Assam and Tripura.

She then turned around to me and said, 'What are you doing about it?' And I said, 'Nothing, it's got nothing to do with me. You didn't consult me when you allowed the BSF, the CRP and RAW to encourage the Pakistanis to revolt. Now that you are in trouble, you come to me. I have a long nose. I know what's happening.'

She said, 'I want you to enter Pakistan. And I responded, That means war!'

She said, 'I do not mind if it is war.'

I said 'Are you prepared? I am certainly not. This is the end of April. The Himalayan passes are opening and there can be an attack from China.'

I turned around to the Prime Minister and said that the rains were about to start in East Pakistan and when it rains there, it pours and the whole countryside is flooded.

The snows are melting, the rivers would become like oceans.

All my movement would be confined to roads."

Manekshaw told Gandhi that the Air Force would not be able to provide support because of climatic conditions. "Now Prime Minister, give me your orders. The grim Prime Minister with her teeth clenched said, 'The Cabinet will meet again at four o'clock.'

The Cabinet members started walking out. I being the junior most was the last to go and as I was leaving, she said, 'Chief, will you stay back?'

I turned around and said, 'Prime Minister, before you open your mouth, may I send you my resignation on grounds of health, mental or physical?'

She said, 'Everything you told me is true.'

'Yes! It is my job to tell you the truth,' I responded. 'And it is my job to fight, it is my job to fight to win and I have to tell you the truth.'

She smiled at me and said, 'All right Sam, you know what I want?' I said, 'Yes, I know what you want!'"

Manekshaw apparently had his way as the Bangladesh war took place seven months later, giving the armed forces ample time for preparations.

When 'Sam Bahadur' confronted Indira Gandhi - ExpressIndia.Com

 

[Contrarian]

The Nation salutes you Sir,
Jai Hind!


P.S: No disrespect or derision intended towards Pakistan or any Pakistani. As a soldier, as a general, as a leader, you have to admire the man who had the balls to stand up to the Prime Minister, ESPECIALLY Indira Gandhi.

 

[Sam Dhanraj]

There is another interesting conversation with Mrs. Gandhi.....

As chief of Army staff, he resisted pressure from Indira Gandhi to launch a war in March 1971 instead of December. His ability to stand up to Indira Gandhi, whom he once referred to as 'the only man in her cabinet' became a matter of legend and ensured that he could choose his own timing to launch the war and win it decisively.

Manekshaw had once said, ''Mrs Gandhi was very good about that. She said you are in charge sir as long as you get me what I want.''

In fact his resultant popularity, apparently unsettled Mrs Gandhi and this anecdote only illustrates that equation.

When he was asked if rumours of a coup were true, field Marshal Manekshaw had said, ''I put my nose next to hers and said, ''What do you think ?'' Indira Gandhi reportedly said, ''You can't.''

Then Manekshaw replied, '' Do you think I am so incompetent?'' Indira Gandhi reportedly said,'' I didn't mean that Sam. You wouldn't.''

He then told Mrs Gandhi,'' You mind your own business and I'll mind mine. You kiss your own sweetheart and I'll kiss mine. I don't interfere politically as long as nobody interferes with me in the army''.

NDTV.com: War hero Sam Manekshaw laid to rest at Ooty

 

[Neo]

The Nation salutes you Sir,
Jai Hind!


P.S: No disrespect or derision intended towards Pakistan or any Pakistani. As a soldier, as a general, as a leader, you have to admire the man who had the balls to stand up to the Prime Minister, ESPECIALLY Indira Gandhi.

Nevertheless he's responsible for the creation of Bangladesh. This is not the right place to honor the man. Hope you understand.

Neo