An Indian army soldier lashed out at a retired general for referring to complaints made by Indian armed forces personnel about poor food and facilities as a "mutiny", a report by Scroll.in said.

The development followed a series of videos posted on social media last month in which Indian army and police personnel protested substandard food and lack of benefits.

In a video posted on Twitter, the unidentified soldier criticised retired general Gagandeep Bakshi for calling genuine concerns by soldiers a 'revolt' during a TV debate.

“The word ‘mutiny’ is used for the rebellion of soldiers against the British government and their policies. And history bears witness to the fact that this mutiny, for which soldiers were executed and court-martialled, was against the atrocities committed by the British government. Today, neither is a foreign government ruling over us, nor are Indian army soldiers traitors,” he said.

He said it was because of officers like the retired general that the "chasm of trust between commissioned officers and soldiers is widening".

The soldier also accused senior officers of employing soldiers for menial domestic tasks and not granting them leaves.

Tej Bahadur Yadav, an Indian Border Security Force (BSF) trooper had alleged in his videos last month that he and fellow troops are served bad quality food and sometimes they even go hungry.

After his videos went viral, Yadav was transferred to the headquarters as a plumber and his wife alleged that her husband had been tortured.

Days later, a soldier of India's Central Reserve Police Force alleged discrimination against troops of the paramilitary force he is a part of.

India's security forces have historically had a high incidence of suicides and killings linked to long hours, poor working conditions and inadequate time off.

Last month, a paramilitary soldier from one of India's elite security units shot dead four of his senior officers in an apparent row over leave.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...