Soldier who complained against military's sahayak system asked to face court-martial
The first soldier to go on record in social media to complain against the military’s sahayak – or orderly – system has been asked to face a court-martial. Lance Naik Yagya Pratap Singh was due to retire on Thursday.
The order does not specify the charges against him. But it is understood that he will be tried in a court-martial for insubordination and violating rules that forbid military personnel from posting on social media.
Singh was with the Uttar Bharat Area of the army’s central command and was to superannuate on Thursday when he received the area commander’s order. The order is dated November 27.
Lance Naik Yagya Pratap Singh of the 14 Rajput had posted a video complaining against the sahayak system in January this year. He was at the time posted in Dehradun.
His video inspired others in the army and the central paramilitary forces to go public with their grievances.
In January this year, Singh also went on hunger strike. He alleged that sahayaks – personal attendants of officers – were mistreated. They were asked to polish boots of superiors, take their children to school and walk pets. The orderly, or sahayak system, is a colonial legacy. But it was borne out of operational necessity when the officer leading a squadron needed a comrade carrying his radio set. The British have alreadysa done away with the system.