Retired lieutenant general HS Panag has joined the brigade of supporters standing behind newly commissioned Army pilot Captain Bharat Bhardwaj, saying young officers should not be subjected to excessive scrutiny over personal moments.
Debating the officer's viral proposal to his partner following a passing-out parade in Nashik, Panag's intervention adds to a growing list of retired senior military officers who have defended Bhardwaj.
He said he had encountered similar situations during service and made conscious efforts to shield young officers from what he described as unnecessarily rigid interpretations of regulations.
Also Read | ‘Youngster nahi karega, toh kaun’: Veterans defend Army captain after proposal sparks 'security' concerns
The controversy erupted after videos showed Bhardwaj, dressed in ceremonial uniform, going down on one knee on the tarmac and proposing to his partner with an Army helicopter visible in the background.
Veterans dismiss security concerns, arguing that military equipment is routinely visible to the public during official events.
