SSI alumni bats on behalf of Brig LI Singh
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 23 2012:
Expressing deep anguish over the leaking of information in connection with the Court of Inquiry ordered against Brigadier LI Singh, the Sainik School Imphal Alumni Association has alleged that leaking such 'sensitive information by some Army officials to the media amounts to character assassination' .
In a statement, the former students expressed surprise and questioned how an officer who was appointed as the Deputy Director General, Discipline and Vigilance at the Army Headquarters in May could be charged with corruption in June.
Based on his clean track record Brig LI Singh was appointed as the DDG DV after his tenure as the Commander of the Watershed Brigade in Sikkim, it said.
"How can an officer suddenly become corrupt in one month ? If there are charges against the Brigadier, why was he picked up for a branch which requires officers of high integrity ? Is there any hidden agenda in leaking such news ?" the statement quoted a former student of the school as asking.
Asserting its stand the Alumni said that it feels 'the actions initiated against Brig LI Singh is a clear example of victimization of the clash of the top brass of the Indian Army, which is unbecoming of the country's most respected institution' .
Stating that Brig LI Singh had excelled in Staff College and Higher Command Course, for excellent and commendable performance and exemplary leadership while commanding his battalion in Drass, the statement said that he was awarded Yudh Sewa Medal after Operation Parakram.
The present action initiated against such an officer with impeccable record and integrity and who has served the Nation needs a rethink.
The fraternity of the ex-students of Sainik School, Imphal strongly feels that the charges levelled against him and branding him as guilty by the media before an official inquiry seems to be a pre-determined move of the Indian Army to implicate him, irrespective of the said inquiry, added the statement.
Terming the charges levelled against the officer as a 'witch hunt' to settle scores and find a sacrificial lamb, the former students said that the officer should on the other hand be rewarded and honoured, which he deserves as a true soldier.
Stating that Brig LI Singh continues to inspire thousands in the region to join the uniformed service, the former students said that the case should be closed once and for all.