At least 29 Naxalites, including their top leader Shankar Rao, were killed during an encounter with security forces in Kanker district of Chhattisgarh on Tuesday. Three security personnel sustained injuries in the fierce gunfight that took place just three days ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
A large quantity of weapons was seized from the spot. Rao carried a reward of Rs 25 lakh on his head. The fierce encounter took place at 2 pm in Hapatola forest between Binagunda and Koronar villages under Chhotebethiya police station limits when a joint team of the BSF and state police’s District Reserve Guard was patrolling the area, police officials said.
An injured security man being treated in Kanker district. PTI
Rao carried Rs 25L reward on head
Naxal leader Shankar Rao, killed in the gunfight, carried a reward of Rs 25 lakh on his head
Encounter took place in Hapatola forest between Binagunda & Koronar villages of Kanker
Bodies of 29 Maoists — most fatalities suffered by Naxalites in a single encounter in state — huge cache of arms recovered
79 killed in region since January
79 Naxals killed in separate encounters in Bastar region, comprising seven districts, including Kanker, so far this year
“After the encounter, the area was searched and a huge cache of weapons, including AK-47, SLR, Insas and .303 rifles, was recovered,” the state police said. This was one of the biggest anti-Naxal operations in the area, said Bastar IGP Sundarraj. Polling in the Naxalite-hit Bastar LS seat will take place in the first phase on April 19, while Kanker, also in the region, will vote in the second phase on April 26.
Security remains Beijing’s top concern. It was mentioned 28 times in the Govt Work Report, three times more than in last year’s report.
Jayadeva Ranade
President, Centre for China Analysis and Strategy
NEARLY 6,000 members of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the government’s top echelons congregated in Beijing recently to attend the week-long plenary meetings of the National People’s Congress (NPC) — China’s version of a parliament — and its top political advisory body, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). This NPC session (March 4-11) signalled that President Xi Jinping had further consolidated his authority as China’s pre-eminent leader and more firmly stamped the CCP’s imprimatur on the state. Equally importantly, it reaffirmed China’s global leadership ambitions. However, the economic difficulties were glossed over.
The 40-page Government Work Report, read out by Premier Li Qiang on the opening day, included laudatory references to President Xi — mandatory since the 18th Party Congress in 2012. This year, however, Premier Li singled him out for special praise. Li asserted: “We owe our achievements in 2023 to General Secretary Xi Jinping, who is at the helm charting the course.”
Security remains Beijing’s top concern and was mentioned 28 times in the report, three times more than in last year’s report. Asserting the importance of “promoting stability through progress” while addressing leaders of central and provincial governments, Li stressed that “stability is of overall importance, as it is the basis for everything we do. All localities and government departments should adopt more policies that are conducive to keeping expectations, economic growth and employment stable”. This emphasis on stability and security was also noticeable in the report of the Supreme People’s Court, presented on March 8. It claimed an increase of 29.5 per cent in the number of completed cases. Interestingly, it referred to “0.04 per cent of the other cases” meaning those “harming national security, harming defence interests…” In other words, the Supreme People’s Court tried 70,520 national security and defence-related cases in 2023, but just under 1 in 20,000 Chinese were charged with subversion!
The national defence budget was increased by 7.2 per cent or 1.67 trillion yuan ($231.4 billion), making 2024 the ninth straight year to see a single-digit hike in the country’s defence budget. This budget has doubled since 2013, when Xi took over. This increase, in spite of a slowing GDP growth rate, confirms China’s efforts to build a modern, technologically advanced, world-class army and its ambition to ‘recover’ its ‘lost’ territories. Noticeable is the fresh thrust towards advanced technology and emphasis on building the navy. Speaking to PLA representatives at the NPC and CPPCC plenary sessions on March 7, Xi “emphasised that the strategic capabilities in emerging fields are crucial components of the national strategic system and capabilities, which are related to the high-quality development of China’s economy and society, national security, and the initiative of military struggle”. He stressed the need to “promote the efficient integration and two-way stimulation of new productive forces and new combat forces”.
Xi stressed the importance of enhancing the strategic capabilities in emerging fields and said it was important to “integrate preparation for maritime military warfare, safeguarding maritime rights and development of the maritime economy”. On the sidelines of the NPC session, Yuan Huazhi, Political Commissar of the PLA Navy and NPC Deputy, told the Hong Kong Commercial Daily (March 5) that China would unveil its fourth aircraft carrier soon. He said there were no obstacles in developing China’s aircraft carrier technologies. The appointment of Gen Dong Jun, a PLA Navy officer and submariner, as Defence Minister will ensure adequate funds for the navy.
Xi also mentioned building a network space defence system and enhancing the ability to safeguard national network security. Alluding to the civil-military fusion, he called for strengthening the coordinated implementation of major projects in science and technology, promoting independent and original innovation, and fostering a vibrant ecosystem for innovation. Zhang Yuzhuo, Chairman of the state-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, disclosed that investment by central state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in strategic emerging industries increased by 32.1 per cent in 2023 and that this would grow. He said there would be a focus “especially on brain-like intelligence, quantum information and controlled nuclear fusion”.
As anticipated, the Government Work Report sought to paper over China’s economic problems. However, by projecting a GDP growth rate of 5 per cent — the same as the previous year — and estimating the inflation rate also at last year’s 3 per cent, it revealed the country’s economic difficulties. The unchanged 5 per cent growth rate indicated the government’s reluctance to set a figure it cannot reach, or a realistically low figure which would further undermine confidence. Unlike last year, when Beijing’s abrupt exit from the ‘zero Covid’ policy saw a sudden burst in economic activities in the first half, this time, China has no such advantage. Further, though the government sees inflation at around 3 per cent, China’s National Statistics Bureau reports that the economy is slipping into deflation. The CCP’s failure to hold the Third Plenum, which stipulates the country’s economic goals, on schedule in October or November suggests differences within the party.
The NPC plenary session strengthened and reconfirmed Xi and the CCP’s pre-eminent position. It indicated that manufacturing remains important and there will be emphasis on preserving China’s position in the global supply chain. No stimulus measures were announced, however, for China’s economy. China’s private entrepreneurs would have been disappointed at the absence of incentives and the pronouncedly favoured status accorded by the Politburo to the SOEs. What was important was Xi’s attention to strengthening the armed forces for multi-dimensional warfare (land, air, cyber, space and sea) by using advanced technology and enhancing the PLA Navy’s capabilities.
India in 2023 showcased itself as a global leader as it demonstrated a greater willingness to counter China’s activity throughout the Indo-Pacific region and took steps to modernise its military and reduce its dependency on Russian origin-equipment, the top US intelligence official has told Congress.
The remarks by Lt Gen Jeffrey Kruse, Director of the Defence Intelligence Agency came during a Congressional hearing on defence intelligence countering China.
“During the past year, India has showcased itself as a global leader by hosting the Group of 20 economic summit and demonstrated a greater willingness to counter PRC’s (People’s Republic of China) activity throughout the Indo-Pacific region,” Kruse told members of the House Armed Services Committee — the subcommittee on intelligence and special operations.
“In 2023, India took steps to modernise its military to compete with China and reduce its dependency on Russian-origin equipment. India conducted sea trials for its first domestically produced aircraft carrier and also has negotiated with several Western countries on the transfer of key defence technologies,” Kruse said. — PTI
US intel: Pak sustained Nuclear programme
Pakistan sustained its nuclear modernisation efforts last year, despite its economic turmoil as its contentious ties with India, continue to drive its defence policy, Lt Gen Jeffrey Kruse, Director of the Defence Intelligence Agency, has told Congress
Islamabad is improving the security of its nuclear materials and command and control, he said
The Congress manifesto on security addressed the need for having a formal National Security Strategy. “So far, ad-hoc and personalised policymaking is being done,” the party document says, adding that the Congress would issue a comprehensive National Security Strategy.
Formal national security strategy
Comprehensive national security strategy
National Security Council, office of the NSA to be brought under the oversight of a select committee of Parliament
New operational directive to deal with current two-front (Pakistan and China) challenge
Institutionalise the process of appointing the CDS
Scrap the Agnipath scheme
Boost to border infrastructure
Expand India’s defence footprint, partner with friendly countries
Theatre commands for the armed forces
Robust infrastructure along borders
1.BJP manifesto promises to expand India’s defence footprint and have theatre commands for the armed forces. T
2.The Congress mentioned “Chinese intrusions in Ladakh” and said they represented setbacks to the Indian national security. The manifesto blamed PM Narendra Modi for giving a clean chit to China that considerably “weakened our negotiating position”. “Despite 21 rounds of military-level talks, Chinese troops continue to occupy Indian territory and deny Indian forces access to 26 out of 65 patrolling points, equivalent to an area of 2,000 square km, in eastern Ladakh,” the docume
3. The BJP document promises “expanding Bharat’s defence footprint across strategic locations and partner with friendly countries”. The party said it would ensure robust infrastructure along borders. “We will accelerate development of robust infrastructure along the India-China, Indo-Pakistan and Indo-Myanmar borders,” party’s manifesto said.
4. The BJP said it had started constructing roads, railway, telecom towers, optical fibre cables and electricity networks in border areas.
5. The Congress manifesto does a deep dive on policy-making, saying the National Security Council and the office of the National Security Adviser will be brought under the oversight of a select committee of Parliament.
6. The Congress added that the Defence Minister’s “operational directive determines the Armed Forces’ war planning”. “The UPA government issued the last directive in 2009. The Congress will bring a new operational directive to deal with our current two-front (Pakistan and China) challenge, it party manifesto states.
7. “The Congress will institutionalise the process of appointing the Chief of Defence Staff to ensure transparency and military consensus,” it says.
Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande today embarked on a three-day visit to Uzbekistan. Simultaneously, an armed forces contingent also left for a two-week joint exercise (April 15-28) — ‘Dustlik’ — with the Uzbek army.
General Pande will engage in dialogues with top defence leadership of Uzbekistan. Meetings are planned with Uzbekistan’s Defence Minister Lieutenant General Bakhodir Kurbanov, First Deputy Minister of Defence and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Major General Khalmukhamedov Shukhrat Gayratjanovich, and the Deputy Minister and Chief of Air and Air Defence Forces Major General Burkhanov Ahmed Jamalovich.
General Pande will pay homage to former PM Lal Bahadur Shastri, who died at Tashkent, Uzbekistan. He will also visit the Uzbekistan Armed Forces Academy and inaugurate an IT lab, which has been established with India’s assistance.
On April 18, the Army Chief is scheduled to witness ‘Dustlik’ at Termez. The drill is an annual feature and this is the fifth edition. The exercise aims to execute joint operations in mountainous as well as semi-urban terrain. It would focus on high degree of physical fitness, joint planning, joint tactical drills and basics of special arms skills.
Iran permits Indian officials to meet 17 crew aboard seized ship
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said government representatives will soon meet 17 Indians who were aboard an Israel-linked merchant vessel seized by Iran for allegedly violating maritime rules.
Told Iran, Israel to calm down: EAM
It’s a crucial region as a large number of our ships pass through it… We have told both nations to calm down. S Jaishankar, EAM
“Yesterday night, I spoke to my Iranian counterpart (Hossein Amir-Abdollahian). I told him there are 17 crew members from India. We are making the point with the Iranian government that these people should be released,” Jaishankar said.
World urges Israel not to avenge attack
Not for escalation, but will defend Israel: US
Iran president to visit Pakistan on april 22
The Iranian military had seized the cargo ship with Israeli links near the Strait of Hormuz. “I’m getting some reports but I want our embassy people to actually go there and meet these people. That will be my first point of satisfaction,” he said.
“Secondly, I would absolutely press for the people to come back to India as quickly as we can and my Iranian counterpart was quite responsive. He said okay, I understand it. I will try and do something really good,” he added. Iran had seized MSC Aries on April 13 for “violating maritime laws”. The seizure took place in the Strait of Hormuz days after Israel bombed the Iranian consulate in Damascus on April 1.
ANTI DRONE AND BALLISTIC MISSILES: IRON CLAD AIR DEFENSE by Maj Gen Harvijay Singh, SM
There is tremendous hype over the role of Drones, Ballistic and Cruise Missiles in W
There is tremendous hype over the role of Drones, Ballistic and Cruise Missiles in Warfare emerging from Battlefield Ukraine, looking at the results there, rightly so. Maybe!! On 13 Apr Iran launched more than 300 explosive drones and 10 ballistic missiles in Operation Va’de-ye Sadeq (True Promise) – a significant attack by any account. Reported casualties and damage are however insignificant; the difference (with Ukraine) – An Iron Clad Air Defence. Maybe !! Certainly yes. 99 Percent Iranian Drones, Missiles Intercepted: Israeli Military Missiles and Drones Likely to Have Been Used by Iran: • Drones: Shahed-136: Self-detonating Loitering Suicide Drones, Max Speed: 185 km/h, Guidance System: GNSS, INS. Although slow, used in large numbers with a strategy to overwhelm the defence system. Shahed-107: A new addition with similar capabilities. • Missiles: Fateh-313 and Qiam missiles, short range ballistic missile. They were equipped with cluster warheads which are difficult to intercept. Israel’s Multilayered Air-Defence System: Long-Range Interception (The Arrow), Intermediate Interception (David’s Sling and Patriot), Short-Range Interception (Iron Dome) and Very Short-Range Interception Systems. • The Arrow: Outside the atmosphere hypersonic anti-ballistic missile. It can intercept ballistic missiles, including ICBMs with nuclear, chemical, biological, or conventional warheads, during the space-flight portion of their trajectory. Has a reported range of up to 2,400 km and can reach altitudes greater than 100 km. • David’s Sling: Intercept a variety of aerial threats, including planes, drones, tactical ballistic missiles, medium- to long-range rockets, and cruise missiles. Op Range: 40 to 300 km. Guidance System: AESA millimeter 3D radar and dual electro-optical/imaging infrared (CCD/IIR) seeker for precise targeting. (designed to replace older systems like the MIM-23 Hawk and MIM-104 Patriot). • Patriot: now used to shoot down aircraft, including drones. • Iron Dome: Intercept and destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells fired from distances of 4 to 70 km – a remarkable success rate of intercepting over 90% of threats. Lessons to Be Learnt • Surprise: That these attacks were coming was known for days. Surprise remains the biggest winnable factor of war. Same systems were not so effective during rocket attacks by Hamas on 7 Oct 2023. • Size: Israel – a small compact country – 20,770 Sq kms. India with hostile neighbors (having ballistic missile and drones’ capability) – 3,287,263 Sq km; threats will have to seriously wargammed for economy of effort. • Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Kill: The distance of launch sites and heavy deployment of American assets gave a fair warning and reasonable reaction time (a few mins, maybe lesser). India: not likely to get this space, must develop a strong strategic deterrence to prevent even the thought of such an attack. Strategic Deterrence: • Requires credible military capability; demonstrating readiness (always) is as crucial. • Targets the psychological, cognitive, and decision-making systems of enemy; fear of retaliation. • Strategic Partners and International Collaboration makes the cost of an attack potentially higher due to the involvement of multiple nations. The Harsh Truth of Strategic Deterrence: Simply face painting does not scare an enemy. By its actions, Iran defended its right to retaliate against Israel’s belligerence in attacking Iran’s embassy in Damascus. Iran has said – It is over for now. Everyone would welcome that except Israel. The Million Dollar Ques therefore is; Will Israel retaliate? o I will say – Maybe NOT, except something against the proxies – in terms of conflict escalation that has little significance
Russia deploys Marshal Shaposhnikov, a frigate capable of carrying Kinzhal hyper sonic missiles, to the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal.
• Move will help de-escalation and maintain balance of power. Good for regional security.
• This development is significant as it underscores the potential for the conflict between Iran and Israel to draw in other regional and global powers.
. The Kh-47M2, nicknamed ‘Kinzhal’ (Dagger), is a nuclear-capable, Russian ballistic missile.
. The Kinzhal can reach speeds of up to Mach 10 (12,350 km/hr).
. Rg 1,500-2,000 km.
. Ukraine claims to have destroyed Kinzals using the Patriot system.
Congress candidate Manish Tewari today said he would take on his BJP opponent Sanjay Tandon over national issues with the support of “robust city Congress cadres” and INDIA bloc partner AAP.
“We have to understand it’s parliament poll, not MC election. This is a battle of soul of nation. A parliamentarian’s principal responsibility is to defend the Constitution. Local issues are important, but principally these are national elections,” he said while talking to Chandigarh Tribune, emphasising need to take up national matters in the run up to the June 1 poll.
He felt the way things were going on in India, it could be the last election of the country and the Constitution made by Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar, whose birth anniversary falls today, would be repealed.
What issues he is going to raise during the elections, he said, “As a parliamentarian, he moved a Bill for a Rajya Sabha seat for Chandigarh and it also got overwhelming response from the local Municipal Corporation. He had also taken up the issue of privatisation of power department earlier. Besides, the governance model of the city needs to be revisited like division of power between the Municipal Corporation and the UT Administration. The Congress guarantees as per the manifesto will also be highlighted.”
His take On Tandon
On his fight with Tandon, who is also going to fight the election on national issues, Tewari said, “It is a battle of two completely different ideologies, narratives and worldview.” He said the city Congress was robust and along with the support of its INDIA bloc partner AAP, they would sail through.
Meanwhile, on his previous constituencies, the former Union minister posted on X, “I remain indebted to the good people of Ludhiana and Sri Anandpur Sahib whose love, affection and support will continue to sustain me. To them, I say my relationship with you is from dust to dust – ashes to ashes
MAJOR GEN HARVIAY PRAISES TEWARI
A brilliant choice.
He is young and energetic.
He is eloquent in his speaking and writing.
I have heard him speak on China last year, he spoke with authority on the subject.
A great patriot,Concerned for veterans And,
a local lad.
State Stalwarts
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