Dear Editor,
News reports indicate that the State Govt had recommended the three slain senior police officers for the award of Ashok Chakra Posthumous for the bravery and leading the force from the front. The award is the highest for exceptional valor, courage and devotion to duty in an internal emergency.
The celebrated officers and three constables while riding in a police jeep were gunned down in a dimly lit avenue in their own city by two ruthless, dare devil suicide fidayeen terrorists in what we now know as an impromptu ambush. The police officers were well trained, senior enough to lead the force after a cleverly planned move, having known that the terrorists were lurking behind the trees. They fought well with the weapons they held and it is quite unfortunate that they are not among us to tell the details.
Another brave young commando officer, Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, was also killed by terrorist's bullets elsewhere in the city. He might also be considered for a well deserved bravery award in the days to come.
Few months back, one of our enterprising Diplomat and our Military Attaché were killed in a car bomb attack at Kabul. It is not clear whether they were leading the battle, action, countermeasures etc: but they were there. For living among the turmoil and terrorist/warlike atmosphere, besides their enhanced wages, they were bestowed with the highest award posthumously. Financial assistance, job for the widow etc were also extended. They were merely present in the target site and not known whether they were participating in it.
When these three incidents are remembered, one tend to think of the adage used by Gen Patton during Second World War-- You win the war by making the enemy sacrifice his life for his country.
We will also take the case of Asst Police Inspector A Omble (Umbale). He was part of the road block created at Girgaum, saw the terrorist opening the door of the car and coming out with his weapon blazing- (filmy style..?). Here is our friend, Mr Omble running and single handedly subduing him all the while receiving not one- but five bullets wound in a giffy- but subdued he did.. and obtained the most priceless catch ever caught by Maharashtra Police !! He was a simple police personal, not senior enough to think, plan and act-- but think he did. He acted in such a way that the whole police force should be proud of him.
The wealth of information obtained from him (forget the quality of info) did keep the heads raised, of over hundred and ten crore Indians. Our Country could stand tall among other nations of the world pointing a finger at the country of eternal perpetrators of terrorism. The entire episode could have been different, if Mr. Omble has not acted the way he did. If this is not utmost devotion to duty and selfless courage in the face of the enemy what else could it be called? There seems to be no move to honour this true soldier. If Param Vir Chakra cannot be awarded for this act, honour him at least with a Bharat Ratna- he deserves it better than many other recipients.

Commander GVK Unnithan, Indian Navy (Retd), mobile: +91 9860 2382 00