Dear Editor,
During its recent deployment in Haryana, the army was constrained to carry placards to identify itself since all Central Armed Police Forces (CASF) wear army-like
uniforms, virtually making it indistinguishable from the others. The army is the last pillar of state authority and it must inspire respect and awe in the citizens and fear in the enemies/rioters. If the CASF and others dress like the army, the latter loses its identity and with it this vital element of awe and fear. The army authorities must convince the Central Government to prohibit wearing of the army-like uniforms by the others. Even the Indian Penal Code makes wearing army-like uniforms a criminal offence.
Brig Harwant Singh (Retd),
Mohali
