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Went to Russia as tourist, but was forced to enter battlefield: Punjab youth

Recruited to take on Ukraine: Hoshiarpur youth

Went to Russia as tourist, but was forced to enter battlefield: Punjab youth

Sanjiv Kumar Bakshi

Hoshiarpur, March 6

Gurpreet Singh, a youth from Harta village in Hoshiarpur, is stuck in Russia. He had gone on tourist visa to celebrate New Year there. 

Related News

He has been recruited into the Russian army which threatened him with 10 years in jail for visa violation. After only 15 days of “training”, he along with other youths is set to be sent to fight for Russia in the Ukraine war.

Gurpreet’s brother Amrit told The Tribune that Gurpreet was keen to travel abroad. On December 27, 2023, he left home to go to Russia. There were some other Indian youths with him in Russia. 

Gurpreet told his family over the phone that someone told them they could also go to Belarus from there. But they were not aware that to go to Belarus, they needed a separate visa.

They hired a taxi and went to Belarus. On reaching there, the taxi driver started demanding more money. When they refused, he left them on the highway and fled. As they didn’t have a visa, the police caught them and handed them over to the Russian police.

The police threatened them that for violating visa norms, they would have to go to jail for 10 years. To evade jail term, they would have to sign an agreement to join the Russian army for one year under which they would be given small jobs like helper, cook or driver and would not be sent to the battlefield. 

They signed the agreement and were taken to the army training centre near Moscow. There, Gurpreet came to know that he had been recruited into the army to fight. After 15 days of nominal training there, they were sent to a camp and were told that they would be sent to Ukraine to fight in a day or two.

“We spoke with Gurpreet three days ago. At that time, he was in a training camp and told us that they would be sent to fight in a day or two. After that, we haven’t had any contact with him,” said Amrit. He said they had appealed to the government to help Gurpreet return to India by taking up the matter with the Russian Government.


Be ready for operations, Rajnath Singh tells Navy commanders

Be ready for operations, Rajnath Singh tells Navy commanders

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 9

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while commending the brave and prompt response by the Indian Navy to recent incidents of piracy and missile attacks, exhorted the Commanders to remain poised for operations across the spectrum of conflict.

He was addressing the Naval Commanders’ Conference, the Ministry of Defence said.

The Conference was conducted in two-phases – one at sea where the Minister was shown operations by both aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant. The second phase of proceedings, held at New Delhi (March 7-8), included a review of major operational, materiel, infrastructure, logistics and personnel-related initiatives.

The naval leadership reviewed existing and future plans, including capability enhancements in the island territories, to mitigate contemporary and future challenges in the maritime domain. Service Chiefs of the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force also engaged with the Naval Commanders, sharing their assessment of the operating environment, outlining readiness levels to defend national interests amidst prevailing and evolving security challenges.

The inaugural session of the Conference was held onboard the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya.

On the sidelines of the conference, Naval Commanders also interacted with various ‘think tanks’ yesterday. The forum provided an opportunity to engage with MSMEs, innovators and academia to deliberate ways to further enhance self-reliance in defence production.


Video of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing in Canada surfaces

Nijjar was shot and killed outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023

Video of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing in Canada surfaces

Tribune Web Desk

Chandigarh, March 9

Close to a year after killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, a video footage of the incident has surfaced, CBC News has reported.

Nijjar was shot and killed outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023.

he was a designated terrorist by India in 2020.

CBC News obtained the video from ‘The Fifth Estate’, a Canadian investigative documentary series that airs on the CBC network.

The footage has been verified by more than one source, CBC News reported.

The video shows Nijjar leaving the parking lot of the gurdwara in his grey Dodge Ram pickup truck, as a white Sedan is on the adjacent road. As he approaches the exit, the car pulls in front of Nijjar and blocks his truck.

First the white sedan drew up alongside Nijjar’s pickup truck and then moved forward to cut its path. As soon as the sedan brakes to a stop, two men in hoodies but visibly bearded jumped out and fired at least 50 shots at Nijjar. Meanwhile, a white car drives out of the parking lot, according to the footage. Witnesses said the two men who fired at Nijjar were masked, of average height and had “pagdis” visible beneath their hoodies.

A witness, Bhupinderjit Singh Sidhu, was playing football about 100 yards away and first thought fireworks had gone off. On realising that shots had been fired, he jumped into a truck driven by a gurdwara leader, Gurmeet Singh Toor, and tried to give chase.

The witnesses saw “two guys running”. “We started running towards…where the sound was coming from.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had last year told Canada’s House of Commons that authorities were pursuing “credible allegations” that agents of the Indian government were involved in the killing. The Indian government had strongly refuted the allegations.


Border forces of India, Bangladesh agree to check human trafficking

Border forces of India, Bangladesh agree to check human trafficking

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 9

India and Bangladesh have mutually agreed to undertaken combined efforts to bring down incidents of trans-border crimes, human trafficking and illegal crossing alongside the International Border.

They have also agreed to cut down on incidents of attack on BSF personnel by Bangladesh-based criminals.

These agreements were reached during the 54th Director General-level coordination conference between the Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), which was held in Dhaka between March 5 and 9.

BSF DG Nitin Agrawal and BGB chief Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui represented their respective forces in the conference.

Reiterating the need for synergistic efforts to uphold human rights and curb violence on the border, both sides agreed to work in partnership and engage professionally by enhancing joint patrolling, vigilance, intensifying public awareness programme, undertaking appropriate socio-economic development programme and sharing of real-time information in order to ensure that incidents of death at the border will be brought down to zero with mutual cooperation in near future.

Highlighting the importance of Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) in curbing trans-border crimes, human trafficking and illegal crossing, both sides agreed to pursue and share real-time information and investigation reports of traffickers. They also assured to remain extra vigilant to curb such crimes and put all out efforts to make Indo-Bangladesh border crime-free. Both the sides also agreed to aid victims of human trafficking and to facilitate their rescue and rehabilitation as soon as possible as per law of the land.

The DG level talks are held twice every year, once in India and once in Bangladesh.


Crucial twin-lane tunnel connecting Tawang opens

Crucial twin-lane tunnel connecting Tawang opens

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 9

A strategically significant twin-lane tunnel under Sela, a 13,700 feet Himalayan massif on the route between Tezpur and Tawang, was opened today, which will ensure all-weather connectivity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in western Arunachal Pradesh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually dedicated to the nation the tunnel built by the Border Roads Organisation. Constructed at a cost of Rs 825 crore, the tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity to Tawang across Sela on the Balipara-Chariduar-Tawang road, boosting the preparedness of the armed forces, the Ministry of Defence said.

Strategic infra

  • The tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity to Tawang across Sela on the Balipara-Chariduar-Tawang road, boosting the preparedness of the armed forces, the Ministry of Defence said
  • India and China were involved in war in western Arunachal Pradesh in 1962. A nine-month-long standoff had ensued in 1986 at Sumdorong Chu. In December 2022, the two sides had clashed at Yangtse

India and China were involved in war in western Arunachal Pradesh in 1962. A nine-month-long standoff had ensued in 1986 at Sumdorong Chu. In December 2022, the two sides had clashed at Yangtse.

Arunachal gets all-weather twin-lane sela tunnel

13,700 ft Elevation

Rs 825 cr cost

  • 1,003 metre is length of first single-tube Sela tunnel; 1,595 metre that of second
  • 90 lakh man-hours taken with an average of 650 labourers working daily for 5 years
  • 71,000 MT cement, 5,000 MT steel & 800 MT explosives used in construction
  • 5 years taken by BRO to complete project
  • 3,000 cars & 2,000 trucks can ply every day; strategically key due to LAC proximity
  • 80 kmph is the maximum speed allowed

The tunnel will provide year-round connectivity and shorten the travel time between Tezpur and Tawang by almost 90 minutes, besides doing away with the long circuitous mountain route that often gets blocked in winter.

In his address today, PM Modi voiced government’s unwavering commitment to the development of the Northeast region. “The Sela tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity and improve ease of travel for the people of Tawang. Work on many tunnels is going on in the region,” he said.

The Prime Minister criticised the “earlier neglect” of the development of border villages. He reiterated that his government worked as per the needs of the nation and not for electoral benefits.

The Sela tunnel has been constructed using the new Austrian tunnelling method and incorporates safety features of the highest standards.

The foundation stone of the tunnel was laid by the Prime Minister on February 9, 2019. It has been completed in just five years, overcoming challenges of difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Minister of Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju were among the dignitaries present during the inauguration ceremony.


Army’s new anti-drone weapon — high-flying kites armed with camera

Eagle family birds to intercept drones, provide live feed

Army’s new anti-drone weapon — high-flying kites armed with camera

Tribune News Service

Ajay Banerjee

New Delhi, March 5

As a joint India-Japan Army team mimicked a raid during the “Dharma Guardian” exercise underway in Rajasthan, the Indian Army used a kite, a bird from the eagle family, trained for anti-drone and surveillance missions.

The kite flew overhead, providing real-time imagery and situational awareness to ground troops, who are part of the “Dharma Guardian” exercise being held in Rajasthan, officials said.

“Arjun” and “Deep” have been trained to intercept drones and provide live feed with a head-mounted camera system connected via secure communication to ground stations. The small, lightweight camera system attached to the heads of the birds for aerial surveillance represents a remarkable fusion of nature and technology.

It is difficult to combat dangerous combat drones that can launch airborne assaults in border and conflict zones. Birds possess the ability to navigate complex terrains, making them ideal for surveying remote or challenging areas. Additionally, their unobtrusive presence reduces the risk of detection by enemies. Conventional drones or aircraft are detectable by enemy radars.

The Army also used specially trained dogs during the “Dharma Guardian” exercise. The canines have been trained to assault, immobilise and even kill on handler’s command.

Assault dogs undergo rigorous training in varied scenarios and conditions to develop skillsets which make them invaluable assets for the military personnel in apprehension, jungle search, vehicle assault and other such scenarios. The Army also has explosive detection and mine detection dogs.

About The AuthorTribune News Service

The Tribune News Service brings you the latest news, analysis and insights from the region, India and around the world. Follow the Tribune News Service for a wide-ranging coverage of events as they unfold, with perspective and clarity.


On a record-setting spree, BRO scales new heights

The world records achieved by the BRO symbolise cutting-edge leadership and the government’s foresight & support.

On a record-setting spree, BRO scales new heights

Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry (Retd)

Former Director General, Border Roads Organisation

THE Border Roads Organisation (BRO), an emblem of the nation’s engineering prowess and determination, has put Bharat on the global infrastructure map by creating eight world records — and all during the past three years. Today, the Tricolour flies high with pride on the highest road (at an altitude of 19,024 ft) in the world.

Building roads in the plains and in the mountains are two entirely different activities. The latter was neglected by previous governments, thereby stunting the progress of the mountainous region and remote areas along the northern borders. Due to the lack or absence of infrastructure in many border villages, the people got deprived of the fruits of progress, to the extent that a large proportion of them were not even getting access to Central Government schemes.

The government has played a pivotal role in the transformation of the BRO through enhanced budgetary support and the sanctioning of ambitious projects. BRO Karmyogis have responded well against all odds of the harshest terrain and the most inclement weather conditions and created seven out of eight world records at freezing heights in Ladakh alone.

The 52-km-long road connecting Chisumle to Demchok passes through Umling La at 19,024 ft, which is not only higher than Siachen Glacier but also pips both the base camps of Mount Everest in Nepal and Tibet.

The Atal tunnel is another engineering marvel that represents a significant milestone in India’s infrastructure development. It is the world’s longest highway tunnel, situated above 10,000 ft, stretching for 9.02 km to connect Manali to Lahaul & Spiti Valley.

The world’s highest Bailey suspension bridge at Shyok village at an altitude of 11,960 ft is a critical link on the Darbuk–Shyok–Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) Road. However, this has been supplemented by a 120-metre-long ‘class 70’ permanent iron bridge which was inaugurated by the Defence Minister from the bridge site on October 28, 2022.

The world’s highest oxygen café has come as a boon for the bikers and tourists who started visiting the world’s highest road at Umling La of late, and has become a social media sensation.

The BRO inducted 755 Task Force/Himank at Hanle, situated at 15,000 ft, to construct the world’s highest road connecting Likaru to Fukche. This task force at Hanle has been declared the world’s highest construction task force; it is also responsible for the construction of the world’s highest fighter airbase at Nyoma (13,700 ft).

The 78 RCC (Road Construction Company) of 50 TF/Himank located at Burtse (16,200 ft) is responsible for the construction/maintenance of the strategically most critical Darbuk–Shyok–DBO and SBG roads in the harshest terrain of the Sub-Sector North.

The world’s highest workshop, which is located at Sultan Chushku (14,650 ft), is responsible for the repair and maintenance of a huge number of machines and equipment involved in construction of roads and bridges in the DBO sector. Sultan Chushku is situated south of Murgo (‘Gateway to death’).

To deal with medical emergencies involving tourists, locals as well as security personnel, the BRO has constructed a medical centre equipped with modern facilities at Umling La. This is the world’s highest medical centre.

The Sela tunnel, the world’s longest bi-lane tunnel above 13,000 ft, would ensure all-weather connectivity between Guwahati and Tawang.

The BRO started constructing the world’s highest road on August 15, 2023, connecting Likaru, Migla (19,400 ft) and Fukche through a stretch of 64 km. This road will break the BRO’s own record of Umling La. Of the 14 highest roads in the world, 11 are in India.

Work is going on in full swing at Nyoma airbase, which will provide strategic edge to the Indian Air Force over China and extend operational and logistic reach of the Army in Eastern Ladakh.

The BRO has completed work on the world’s highest bridge located at an altitude of 15,300 ft at Saser Brangsa over the Shyok river in just one working season last year. This 345-metre-long bridge is ‘class 70’ and has seven piers resting on a total of 329 micropiles. The bridge is awaiting dedication to the nation.

The Shinkun La tunnel at an altitude of 15,855 ft will connect 36 villages of Zanskar to 137 villages of Lahaul & Spiti and would be the world’s highest tunnel, beating the record of China’s Mila tunnel (15,584 ft).

The BRO has completed three tunnels during the past three years, while 10 are under construction. The organisation is poised to take up at least eight more tunnels in the near future, for which planning process is near complete. Six of these tunnels would be higher than Mont Blanc (15,771 ft) — the highest peak in the Alps. Till now, the world used to look with awe and admiration at mountain tunnels in the Alps, but the focus will soon be shifting to India when it comes to the construction of tunnels at super-high altitudes.

The world records achieved by the BRO are more than engineering marvels; these symbolise human grit and resilience, cutting-edge leadership as well as the government’s foresight and support. Demonstrating exceptional skills in various construction sectors, the BRO is emerging as a source of inspiration for the global construction industry. 


Conspiracy of Double-Murder’ in Food & Drug Administration Office at Kharar, District SAS Nagar (Mohali) in Punjab on 29.3.2019;

To:
Hon’ble Prime Minister India
Shri Narendra Modi Ji
7, Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi-110011 3rd March 2024

Respected Sir,

Subject Petition for Two Murder Investigations. ‘Conspiracy of Double-Murder’ in Food & Drug Administration Office at Kharar, District SAS Nagar (Mohali) in Punjab on 29.3.2019; For ten thousand crore rupees Scam by Embezzlement of 150 crore(till date) Buprenorphine Tablets. Neha Shoree, Drug Licensing Authority cum-Punjab State Flying Squad Head; was murdered in her Office Seat at 11:33 AM. Her planted killer was also murdered within the next two minutes.

1.We submit that a double murder plan was executed by the Drug Mafia with the support of Punjab Civil Administration. A peddler Balwinder Singh of Morinda was identified & planted for murder of Ms. Neha Shoree. On 10.3.2019, the Election Commission had imposed the Model Code of Conduct for 17th Lok Sabha Elections, i.e., on Sunday. Balwinder Singh had been hired for murder of Neha Shoree. He was granted Revolver License & Ammunition illegally, and on 12.3.2019 after the imposition of Model Code; for murder of Neha Shoree: a topper and meritorious Lady Officer.
2.The Drug Mafia was making a huge profit of thousands of crores of rupees by selling Buprenorphine Naloxone tablets and many other Drugs at exorbitant prices to the youth in Punjab. During 2017, her controller, Joint Commissioner (Drugs) Mr. Pardeep Mattoo; instructed Neha Shoree to check the drugs proliferation and particularly, the Drug De-addiction Centers for tablets’ pilferage for sales outside. He asked her to assist the visiting Center’s Teams in their inspections of the De-addiction Centers. Neha Shoree pointed at embezzlement of Buprenorphine Naloxone tablets by regular pilferage from about 800 registered De-addiction Centers & OOAT clinics, and from thousands of private unregistered centers & village shops. She apprised Mr. Mattoo about the Drug Menace in detail. As directed by him, she submitted her investigation report in writing to Mr. Mattoo with complete details on the functioning of Sidhu De-addiction Center at Kharar. Politicians perceived Neha Shoree as an impediment in their commercial and electoral gains from Drugs’ Businesses during the impending Lok Sabha elections. Mr. Mattoo, in collusion with the authorities in power connived for Ms. Neha Shoree’s murder in her Office Seat.
3.DGP of Punjab formed four SITs in a short span of twelve days. We immensely cooperated with all the SITs of Punjab Police. But all along, we were misled; kept in dark and deceived. We provided password details of our daughter’s iPhone to the SIT: only to discover later that the data of her iPhone had been deleted. SIT took out its SIM card and did not return it with her iPhone. Forensics of Cyber and Ballistic reports were abnormally delayed. (Forensic expert’s examinations started after a delay of 103 days, Ballistic started after 131 days and Cyber examination started after 41 days: and only to obliterate the leftover proofs, if any). All investigations were botched-up despite our relentless & vigorous co-operation, and follow-up. Four months after our Petition to HHC on 07.11.2019, the SIT supplied its investigation report to us on 24.02.2020. SIT had surreptitiously closed it in January 2020, i.e., ten months after the two Murders: as untraced. SIT gave us its report on 24.2.2020, i.e., eleven months after this Double-Murder. SIT’s report is Blank.
4.Neha Shoree was shot dead in her office seat in less than ten seconds. Balwinder Singh was shot dead at a distance of 120 yards within two minutes of murdering Neha Shoree. This Double-Murder operation was extraordinarily swift due to prior elaborate planning with precision.
5.Since Nov 2019, our petition No. CRM-M-48105/2019 is lurking in Hon’ble P&H High Court. Technically, the petition is not sub-judice because no FIR is existing; and nor HHC has given any orders for registration of the FIR since January 2020. We humbly request that Honorable Courts may kindly avoid partiality and discrimination in the Justice systems and its delivery to the common Citizens. All authorities of the Nation are evading responsibility under the misnomer of sub-judice, which has thwarted the Justice itself.
6.We humbly request your honor to order for two separate investigations into these two murders by the CBI, and by the other relevant &Constitutionally mandated Central Agencies which deal with the crimes related to Drugs: and the crimes related to the Security of our border States. We attach a copy of the letter dated 16.4.2019 of the then Health Minister Shri Brahm Mohindra to the then Chief Minister, Capt. Amarinder Singh for your perusal.
7.Neha Shoree has orphaned her (then) two years old baby girl.
8.We humbly request your honor for Justice.

Thanking you in anticipation

Yours sincerely

Captain (Retd)Kailash Kumar Shoree (Father of the deceased, 1971 War Veteran) Mob-8146668502.
Mrs. Arun Shoree (Mother of the deceased, retired teacher) Mobile No-7087400392.
Residence #267, Sector-12, Panchkula-134112. (0172-4084267)


Day after inking defence pact with China, Maldives bars all Indians from manning choppers after May 10

Day after inking defence pact with China, Maldives bars all Indians from manning choppers after May 10

Tribune News Service

Sandeep Dikshit

New Delhi, March 5

A day after the Maldives reportedly signed an agreement with China to receive free military aid, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu made an about turn on the issue of Indians manning emergency evacuation and surveillance platforms by stating that no Indian troops, including those in civilian clothing, will be allowed to enter the country after May 10.

South Block had earlier presumed that the stand taken by the new Maldives government on clearing the country of all foreign military personnel meant that there would be no objection to replacing the 80-odd Indian army men posted there with civilians.

But just as the first lot of Indian civilians arrived to replace the military men, Muizzu has thrown a spanner by saying that, “these people (Indian military) are not departing, and they are returning after changing their uniforms into civilian clothing. We must not indulge such thoughts that instill doubts in our hearts and spread lies,’’ Maldives media reported Muizzu as saying.

“There will be no Indian troops in the country come May 10. Not in uniform and not in civilian clothing. The Indian military will not be residing in this country in any form of clothing. I state this with confidence,” he reportedly added.

India had presumed that the February 2 India-Maldives core group meeting had agreed to begin replacing Indian military personnel operating three aviation platforms in the Maldives by May 10 with the first phase to be completed by March 10.

Late on Monday, Maldives Defence Ministry said in a X post that it had signed an “agreement on China’s provision of military assistance” with China but gave no further details. The Chinese Foreign Office deflected the query to “competent Chinese authorities’’.

“More broadly, China is committed to working with the Maldives to build a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Normal cooperation between China and the Maldives does not target any third party and will not be disrupted by any third party,’’ said its spokesperson Mao Ning.

On Sunday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had countered the charge that India was acting like a bully with the Maldives by stating that “big bullies do not offer $4.5 billion aid or vaccine or food when neighbouring countries are in distress.’’


No Indian troops, not even in civvies: Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu

Muizzu steps up anti-India rhetoric hours after military aid pact with China

No Indian troops, not even in civvies: Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu

Tribune News Service

Sandeep Dikshit

New Delhi, March 5

On a day when the Maldives reportedly signed an agreement with China to receive free military aid, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu made an about turn on the issue of Indians manning emergency evacuation and surveillance platforms by stating that no Indian troops, including those in civilian clothing, would be allowed to enter the country after May 10.

South Block had earlier presumed that the stand taken by the new Maldives government on clearing the country of all foreign military personnel meant there would be no objection to replacing the 80-odd Indian Army men posted there with civilians.

But just as the first lot of Indian civilians arrived to replace the military men, Muizzu has thrown a spanner by stating that, “These people (Indian military) are not departing, and they are returning after changing their uniforms into civilian clothing. We must not indulge such thoughts that instil doubts in our hearts and spread lies.”

“There will be no Indian troops in the country come May 10. Not in uniform and not in civilian clothing. The Indian military will not be residing in this country in any form of clothing. I state this with confidence,” Maldives media reported Muizzu as saying.

Late on Monday, Maldives Defence Ministry said in a X post that it had signed an “agreement on China’s provision of military assistance” but gave no further details. The Chinese Foreign Office deflected the query to “competent Chinese authorities”.

“More broadly, China is committed to working with the Maldives to build a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Normal cooperation between China and the Maldives does not target any third party and will not be disrupted by any third party,” said its spokesperson, Mao Ning.