Sociology

Army officer and SpiceJet staff row: Violence cannot be defended – but a broader conversation is needed

Army officer and SpiceJet staff row: Violence cannot be defended – but a broader conversation is needed

Mutual respect and understanding between military personnel and civilians is crucial, balancing accountability with appreciation for their sacrifices.

Author

Shashank Ranjan, Associate Professor of Practice, Jindal School of International Affairs, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana

Summary

The recent incident involving an Indian Army officer accused of assaulting airline staff over an extra luggage fee highlights deeper societal issues beyond the immediate event. While the officer’s actions cannot be justified, the circumstances reveal the challenges faced by armed forces personnel, including their struggle for empathy and reasonable accommodation from civilians. The media’s one-sided portrayal and the growing frequency of public altercations involving military personnel underscore a troubling decline in respect and understanding towards those who serve the nation. This article calls for a balanced perspective that recognizes both accountability and the sacrifices of soldiers.

Published in: The Indian Express

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