The Hindu : Asthana given charge

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Mar 19, 2002

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Asthana given charge
By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, MARCH 18. Even as the fate of Air Marshal Manjit Singh Sekhon hung in the balance, the Air Force today asked the Deputy Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal T. M. Asthana, to temporarily man the post vacated by him at Thiruvanathapuram.

It is understood that Air Marshal Sekhon has been asked to put in his papers after he reportedly sought political benediction to further his career. He was removed from his post and attached to the Air Headquarters (AHQ) here pending a decision on his fate. The Government is also understood to have turned down a missive explaining his position and citing instances of his peers who had obtained promotions by seeking political backing.

The Defence Minister, George Fernandes, has refused comment as the case is still being processed. Despite intense media speculation, a decision on Air Marshal Sekhon's career in the armed forces is a difficult one for the IAF to take. The heavily decorated Air Marshal has served with distinction for four decades and was awarded the Param Vishist Seva Medal (PVSM) this year. He is the fourth senior-most officer in the IAF.

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