From Reveille To Retreat

From Reveille To Retreat

''.....a serious diference of opinoin between the Defence Minister and me [was] over the manner in which the defence in NEFA were to be organised. The Defence Minister insisted that I should adopt the ''Forward Policy'', which I have already discussed in detail. Advised by Lt. Gen Kaul, he wanted me to organise the defence for NEFA in very close proximity to the McMahon Line, with which I entirely disagreed. I have already explained my reasons for it. I was so sure of the correctness of my stand that rather than subordinate my convictions to Mr. Krishna Menon's fancies, I decided not to implement them until I received written orders, which I knew he would not have the courage to issue. Fortunately for me, the chief was in full agreement with me on this point, but he had warned me that it would cost me dearly. I knew it. But instead of disobeying the dictates of my conscience, I decided to abandon all hopes I may have had of becoming the Army Chief, and to retire from the service on reaching the age of superannuation. This happened on 8 May 1961 when both Thimayya and I retired.''

                                                                                          Lt. Gen. SPP Thorat.

  Publisher. Hedwig Media House

Author. Lt. Gen. SPP Thorat Kirti Chakra, DSO (Retd)