With the Army rewarding Major Gogoi for tying a civilian to a military jeep and using him human shield, the opposition in Jammu and Kashmir called the reward a travesty of justice and a slap on pro-India forces in the state.
National Conference, the opposition in the state, said that Major Gogoi being honored is a slap across the face of the mainstream in Kashmir. “I feel ashamed, disgusted and hopeless. What a travesty!”, says NC spokesman, Junaid Azim Mattu.
“What moral right do we have to seek votes when a Major can tie a voter to his jeep and get rewarded for it? Why the pretence of democracy?” Mattu said. He said the award was like the state celebrating the use of human shields.
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Army Chief General Bipin Rawat has awarded Gogoi with a commendation card for 'sustained efforts' on counter-insurgency operations.
"Major Gogoi has been awarded Chief of Army Staff's Commendation Card for sustained efforts in counter-insurgency operations," Army spokesperson Aman Anand said.
Sources told PTI that Major Gogoi was given the award during Gen Rawat's visit to Jammu and Kashmir last week.
The Army Chief's 'Commendation Card' is considered a prestigious award and is given for distinguished services and devotion to duties.
A video, showing the man tied to the army vehicle during polling in the Srinagar Lok Sabha by-election on April 9, had triggered a public outcry, prompting the Army to institute a probe.
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With PTI Inputs
