In a bid to maintain its secular credentials, the Army has forbidden the display of religious symbols on its vehicles.
In a letter circulated to all units and formations, Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt-Gen Shantanu Choudhary has expressed his displeasure at religious symbols and pictures being displayed on staff cars and light vehicles by Army personnel.
Many drivers of Army vehicles usually place figurines and pictures of Gods and Goddesses on the dashboards of the vehicles. Stickers and rosaries are also common seen.
Lt-Gen Choudhary has stated that "such display of religious and devotional symbols is a departure from the spirit of our traditions and will be stopped forthwith". The use of agarbattis (incense sticks) in vehicles has also been banned.
According to sources in Western Command HQs, Lt-Gen Choudhary's letter has also pointed out that despite instructions prohibiting display of religious symbols while in uniform, a large number of even very senior officers defy the orders by wearing overt religious symbols like wrist threads and tikkas.
It has gone on to state that such an instance had come to light at the recently held defence investiture ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
Stating that such actions are contrary to the value of secularism — an intrinsic component of the service — the vice chief has demanded explanations from erring personnel "notwithstanding rank or status".
"However after close consideration I am not resorting to this to avoid embarrassment," he states.
Lt-Gen Choudhary has instead deemed it more appropriate to re-apprise senior officers on the need to sensitise the environment and to ensure strict compliance of rules and regulations among everyone.
However, the letter states that some leeway can be given in certain conditions.
Religious symbols might be allowed when troops are in operation.