MACHCHIL CASE LEGAL DEFENCE COMMITTEE LEGAL DEFENCE OF FIVE ARMY MEN SENTENCED IN MACCHIL CASE By Lt Col CR Sundar, Tamil Nadu State President, Sainik Samaj Party On the morning of 15 Nov 2014 we were shocked and stunned to read screaming headlines in English news papers and articles in Tamil news papers that five army men including two officers were sentenced to life imprisonment. Even at the first reading it was obvious that innocent and law abiding army men have been made a scapegoat to appease the local politicians. It appears that the case of the prosecution is that the concerned army men lured to work as porters for the military three Kashmiri youth who were later killed and dubbed as militants so that the perpetrators could get rewards. Who will believe this cock and bull story? We know that Jammu and Kashmir is a disturbed area. Pakistan trained militants have been brutalizing life there with the help of some local elements. We also know that the Indian Armed Forces are fighting them valiantly to maintain the integrity of the nation as well as the safety of its law abiding citizens. While doing this they are maintaining the highest traditions of self sacrifice which is the creed of the Indian Army and every one of its officers and men. How can we believe such men can be guilty of these accusations? Further, as soon as the confirmation of the verdict was announced we found the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir going around collecting kudos. This makes it crystal clear that he was behind the orchestrated protest that took place while the legal proceedings were going on in military courts. Though we have no knowledge of the actual fact, findings and proceedings it appears that the government and the Summary General Court Martial found it expedient to sentence the accused particularly because the Court was assembled in Northern Command. Further, military courts are prone to follow the directions issued by the higher commander. It is certain that the palpably innocent army men who have been sentenced will appeal against their sentence in a civil court. It is imperative that they win their case failing which every anti national and anti social element in the country will denigrate the armed forces quoting this case as an example of high handed ruthlessness. However, to win they need two important things. The first is a loud and incessant protest in the whole country against the injustice meted out to them. This will solely have to be done by the veteran community because the serving fraternity cannot be involved in it. But the second and more important thing is to provide them with the best legal defence in the various civil courts through which the case is likely to sail in the coming months and years. They will have to be defended by the most talented, reputed and successful lawyers of the realm. It is evident to all of us that to mount such a defence will be a very expensive affair and the convicted officers and OR can ill afford it. Without our backing they will be left high and dry and would well be doomed. For carrying out protests all across India and for paying for their legal defence some of us veterans are initiating ‘Machchil Case Legal Defence Committee’ with donations from our sides. Those who wish to donate may contact me. Also please volunteer for the campaign for their release. Please circulate this and give it the widest publicity. -- Lt Col CR Sundar, Plot No. 43, 24th Cross Street, Padmavathy Nagar, Madambakkam, Chennai - 600126 80561 63792 jawansakthi
Posted on: Wed, 19 Nov 2014 04:44:10 +0000
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