New Delhi. Former Army Chief General M.M. Amid the controversy over the proposed book of MM Naravane, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has clarified the situation and said that there is no ban on retired military officers writing books or publishing memoirs. He also rejected the speculations claiming that the idea of ​​imposing a ‘cooling-off period’ on writing for 20 years after retirement is being floated at the government level. The Defense Minister clearly said that no such proposal has come before the government or the cabinet for consideration. According to him, former military officers are free to write about their experiences while following the prescribed rules and provisions related to sensitive information.
How did the controversy regarding the book start?
This discussion intensified when a political debate broke out over some excerpts from General Naravane’s unpublished book Four Stars of Destiny. It was told that the book mentions important military developments like the Ladakh standoff with China, which led to public and political reaction.
Issue reaches Parliament, political rhetoric intensifies
This matter also took a political color. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi raised questions regarding this, while the ruling party MPs defended the government. There was a heated argument between the two sides, due to which this issue became a topic of national discussion. Rajnath Singh said while talking to the media that there is neither any plan to implement any policy like ‘cooling-off period’ nor has any formal proposal in this regard. He stressed that the balance between military traditions, national security and freedom of expression is maintained under already established procedures.
Indications given on other defense matters also
The Defense Minister also informed during the conversation that the government is making efforts to take forward international agreements related to defense cooperation in the coming months and related processes are underway. The government has made it clear that no new ban or 20-year waiting rule is being implemented on the writings of retired military officers. They can share their experiences while staying within the existing safety guidelines.