Why cry foul against Achuthanandan?

"If it had not been (Major) Sandeep's house, not even a dog would have glanced that way," is what Kerala CM V S Achuthanandan had to say about the family of slain NSG commando Sandeep Unnikrishnan. The Communist leader's remarks came after the slain major's father refused to meet the Kerala CM as he didn't want to politicise his son's death.

The NSG commando, who was engaged in rescuing hostages of the Mumbai siege, laid down his life while trying to save a NSG commando. At a time when the Unnikrishnans are trying to cope with the death of their young son, was there any need for the Kerala CM to display such scorn?

Achuthanandan was advised at the Bangalore airport not to move to Unni's house who felt the leaders were there to get political mileage. Also, if the Karnataka CM could visit them earlier, why the CM of his home state took so long? Finding time out of a busy schedule to fly to Bangalore was a lame excuse for the major's father. However, Achuthanandan, on advice of some of his aides, went to meet Unni's family. While the aides kept Unni busy in convincing to allow the leader into his house, the CM made a back-door entry. He garlanded the slain major's photograph and expressed grief.

Unni was livid at knowing the CM had befooled him and was expectedly furious. The CM along with his group had to make an exit.

The entire nation sympathises with Unni. But does becoming father of a martyr qualify a person to scold an elderly person? That too, who was there to sympathise with him on behalf of his home state? Why Unni didn't spurn the Karnataka CM? Why to single out Achuthanandan? Is it possible to pay an early visit every time a major is killed by terrorists? Was not Unny aware of the fact that a soldier might have to face such an unfortunate fate?

I do not mean to under estimate Sandeep's sacrifice, or of any other soldier. I salute the people who sacrifice their every now and then to let us live safely. But isn't it a fact that a soldier is aware that he may not return alive from each and every operation? Is it a fault of a CM to visit one such soldier’s house a bit late. I suppose the CM's subsequent remarks were not meant to the slain Major, rather to the father. While condemning his offending remarks, one must appreciate his honest expression. He, unlike other politicians, did not shed crocodile tears. Rather, he failed to conceal his anger and frustration out of the humiliation meted out to him. I am sure any ordinary man will do that at his age.

We should feel happy to get such a chief minister who has the guts to confess to his guilt in public later.

-- Soumitra Mishra