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Malerkotla Muslims organise langars to mark Sahibzadas martyrdom

Malerkotla Muslims organise langars to mark Sahibzadas martyrdom
Muslim volunteers from Malerkotla serve milk to pilgrims going to pay obeisance during the Shaheedi Jor Mela. Tribune photo

Mahesh Sharma

Malerkotla, December 26

As a token of gratitude for Guru Gobind Singh’s blessing of peace at this historic town, the Muslims of the region are making efforts to make the visit of the pilgrims at Shaheedi Jor Mela comfortable.

With an intent to promote intra-religious brotherhood, volunteers from the Muslim community are organising langars, seminars and distributing literature on communal harmony at Machhiwara, Fatehgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib and Sirhind, besides Malerkotla.

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Maintaining that Muslims from Malerkotla town and surrounding region have special respect for Guru Gobind Singh, Dr Naseer Akhtar, chairman of Sikh-Muslim Sanjh Organisation, said: “Though we started organising langars and events during nagar kirtans and Sikh festivals about five years ago, our organisation has been working for communal harmony for over two decades.”

“As Nawab Sher Mohammad Khan had opposed Wazir Khan’s decision to brick younger Sahibzadas alive in a wall, Guru Gobind Singh blessed the Nawab and the people of Malerkotla with everlasting peace,” Dr Akhtar added.

Wasim Sher, an office-bearer of Muslim Sikh Front of Punjab, lauded the fact that organised steps have been taken to instil a feeling of fraternity among Sikhs and Muslims.

Salim Mohammad, a local, said volunteers associated with him had been organising langars at Machhiwara every year during Shaheedi Jor Mela and Sabha days.

Guru’s blessing

As Nawab Sher Mohammad Khan had opposed Wazir Khan’s decision to brick the younger Sahibzadas alive in a wall, Guru Gobind Singh blessed the Nawab and the people of Malerkotla with everlasting peace. — Naseem Akhtar, chairman, Sikh-Muslim Sanjh organisation


In Rajouri, Rajnath tells soldiers to avoid ‘mistakes’ that harm citizens

Reviews security situation along LoC, meets families of civilians found dead in Poonch

In Rajouri, Rajnath tells soldiers to avoid ‘mistakes’ that harm citizens

Arjun Sharma

Jammu, December 27

Days after the killing of four soldiers in a terrorist ambush in Poonch and subsequent death of three civilians allegedly in Army custody, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today said it was the responsibility of the troops to win the hearts of the people while performing their duty towards the security of the nation.

Rajnath meets an injured civilian in a Rajouri hospital.

Rajnath, who was on a one-day visit to Jammu and Rajouri to review the security situation, urged the soldiers to not make any such “mistakes” that might hurt the citizens of the country.

“You are the guardians of the country. Apart from the responsibility towards the security of the country, winning the hearts of citizens is also a big responsibility on your shoulders. You are making efforts in this direction as well, but sometimes there does happen a mistake. Such mistakes, that may hurt any citizen of the country, should not happen,” Rajnath told troops during an interaction in Rajouri. The minister met the families of the deceased civilians and also visited Government Medical College to enquire about the health of four other “torture” victims.

Fight terror, but win hearts

It is your responsibility to win hearts of people while keeping the nation safe… But sometimes such mistakes do take place, which should not happen. —Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister

He was accompanied by Army Chief General Manoj Pande and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi.

He took stock of the security situation along the Line of Control (LoC) and carried out a first-hand assessment of the prevailing situation as well as counter-terror operations in Rajouri and Poonch.

He was briefed by Army commanders on the prevalent security situation, counter-infiltration grid and operational preparedness. The aspects associated with the operating challenges were discussed by the minister with the commanders. He called for professional conduct and due diligence while carrying out operations.

Interacting with the soldiers, the minister asked them to be actively connected with the people and gain their trust.

“The Indian Army is not an ordinary army. We have to win battles, eliminate terrorists, but the bigger objective is to win the hearts of people,” he said, while exhorting the troops to remain extra vigilant so that no untoward incident occurred in future.

He described the recent incidents in the sector as “unfortunate” and asked all ranks to undertake operations based on hard intelligence in accordance with established procedures aided by niche technology. Rajnath assured the troops that the government stood with them and the nation “will forever be indebted to the unparalleled valour and sacrifice of the soldiers”.

Masarat outfit declared illegal

The Centre on Wednesday declared Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) or MLJK-MA as an ‘unlawful association’ under Section 3(1) of the UAPA, 1967, Home Minister Amit Shah said in a post on X


Final farewell to three soldiers killed in Poonch terror attack

Final farewell to three soldiers killed in Poonch terror attack
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami pays tributes to Rifleman Gautam Kumar and Naik Birendra Singh at the Dehradun airport. PTI/ANI

Dehradun/Kanpur, Dec 25

The mortal remains of three Army soldiers — two from Uttarakhand and one from UP’s Kanpur who were killed in a terrorist attack in Poonch four days ago — were consigned to flames in their hometowns with full military honours and a large number of people in attendance on Monday.

Naik Birendra Singh (33) was cremated on the banks of Triveni Sangam — the confluence of three rivers — in Narayanbagar while Rifleman Gautam Kumar (28) was consigned to flames at Muktidham on the banks of the Khoh river in Kotdwar. Their elder brothers lit the funeral pyres. Kumar was to get married in March next year.

Kin pay last repects to Naik Karan Kumar in Kanpur. PTI/ANI

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami laid wreaths on the mortal remains of the two soldiers at the Jolly Grant airport here and said, “The sacrifice made by our soldiers for the defence of the nation will continue to inspire us all.” Consoling the bereaved family members, he said the state government stood with them in this hour of grief.

Before the cremation, Naik Birendra Singh’s mortal remains were kept at the GIC courtyard in Narayanbagar and Rifleman Gautam Kumar’s body was kept at his house in the Shivpur area of Kotdwar for people to pay their last respects.

Kotdwar MLA and Uttarakhand Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri visited Gautam Kumar’s home to lay a wreath on his coffin wrapped in the national flag.

Meanwhile, last respects were paid to Naik Karan Kumar in his native place in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The mortal remains of Kumar of the Army’s 48th Battalion of Rashtriya Rifles reached Kanpur this afternoon. The streets of the hometown of Naik Karan Kumar were flooded with people keen to be part of the last rites.

Four soldiers were killed and two injured when heavily armed terrorists ambushed two Army vehicles in Poonch district on December 21, officials said, adding the bodies of two of the slain soldiers were mutilated. — Agencies


Changing Army officers won’t solve the issue in Poonch: NC chief Farooq Abdullah

Changing Army officers won’t solve the issue in Poonch: NC chief Farooq Abdullah

Three civilians were found dead after they were picked up by Army for questioning following a terrorist ambush on two Army vehicles in Poonch last Thursday

Srinagar, December 26

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday said shunting out Army officers will not address the Poonch civilian deaths case and called for an investigation to find out why innocent people were “tortured” to death.

He also favoured talks with Pakistan, saying that otherwise “we will face same situation as is happening with Palestinians in Gaza”. However, it was not clear why he compared the situation here with that in Gaza.

Three civilians were found dead after they were picked up by the Army for questioning following a terrorist ambush on two Army vehicles in Poonch last Thursday that killed four soldiers.

“Peaceful citizens, eight of them, were taken away and three were beaten so mercilessly and chilli powder rubbed into their wounds. Three of them could not bear the torture and succumbed. Five others are in the hospital. The brother of one of the victims is in the BSF and has been serving for the past 24 years … now he says that he has got brother’s death in return to his services to the nation,” Abdullah told reporters here.

He added, “The Army Chief has taken Northern Commander also from here to the academy in Dehradun but it will not resolve the problem. There should an investigation into why this happened?” If innocent people who have nothing to do with terrorism are killed “which India are we living in”, he asked. “Is this Mahatma Gandhi’s India where we can live in peace? The hatred has spread so much that Hindus and Muslims think they are enemies of each other.” The former chief minister trashed the BJP claims about end of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Four years ago, the Home Minister made a speech in Chennai where he said Article 370 was responsible for terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Now terrorism will finish in JK and development is being done.

“Four years later, he made a speech in the Parliament and said he had not said anything like that. This is how much they are lying. Terrorism has not ended, it is increasing. Trained (terrorist) people are coming in and they are not caught. Innocent people are being targeted,” he said.

“I am once again saying that this (terrorism) will not end unless an atmosphere is created where talks can be held for finding a way to end it,” he added.

On the suspension of opposition MPs from Parliament, Abdullah, who is one of the suspended members, said all they were asking for was a statement by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the Parliament security breach.

“Two persons came in (the Parliament). They raised the issue of unemployment …. However, they came in. How did they come in? Tomorrow, someone can come with a gun. The way they sprayed the gas, it could have been poisonous. Everyone is under threat. We had asked for the home minister to make a statement. We were not to fight him, just wanted to hear from him,” he added.

In response to a question on whether India should hold talks with Pakistan, Abdullah referred to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s famous statement that “we can change friends but we cannot change neighbours”.

“If we live in friendship with neighbours, we will both prosper but if we live in enmity, then we cannot progress rapidly. Modiji also has said war is not an option now and issues have to be resolved through dialogue. Where is that dialogue?”

He further added, “Leave aside Imran Khan. Now Nawaz Sharief is going to be the PM of Pakistan and he has been saying at top of his voice that they are ready for talks. Why are we not talking? If we do not resolve it through talks, I am sorry to say that we will face same situation as happening with Palestinians in Gaza who are being bombarded every day. Anything can happen. May Allah have mercy on us!” he added.

Asked if the release of former Pakistan premier Imran Khan from jail will impact the situation, Abdullah said it is welcome thing.

“Thanks to Almighty, he (Imran) was not killed. I hope that he takes part in the elections and work for betterment of people and Pakistan. They are our neighbours,” he said.


Confident Army will wipe out terrorism from J-K, must avoid ‘mistakes’ that hurt citizens: Rajnath Singh in Rajouri

Defence Minister lauds the troops for their bravery

Confident Army will wipe out terrorism from J-K, must avoid ‘mistakes’ that hurt citizens: Rajnath Singh in Rajouri

PTI

Rajouri/Jammu, December 27

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said he had full faith in the Indian Army that it would wipe out terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir, even as he urged the troops to not make any such “mistakes” that may hurt the citizens of the country.

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It is the responsibility of the troops to win the hearts of the people while performing their duty towards the security of the nation, said Singh, who arrived in Jammu and Kashmir earlier in the day to review the security situation.

Singh is on a day-long visit to Rajouri and Jammu following a terrorist ambush in Poonch.

The minister’s statement comes amid the outrage that sparked in the wake of three civilians being found dead in Poonch district on December 22 allegedly after they were picked up by the security forces for questioning in connection with an ambush on two army vehicles that had left four soldiers dead a day earlier.

The Defence Minister, accompanied by Army Chief General Manoj Pande and Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, flew to Rajouri district soon after his arrival in Jammu to review the security situation, especially in the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch where terror attacks and infiltration attempts from across the Line of Control (LoC) have witnessed a spike this year.

Addressing the troops at a military garrison in Rajouri, the Defence Minister lauded the troops for their bravery.

“I believe in your bravery and steadfastness … Terrorism should be finished from Jammu and Kashmir and you need to move forward with this commitment. I have full faith that you will achieve victory,” Singh, flanked by General Pande and Lt Governor, said.

Four soldiers died and three others were injured when their vehicles were ambushed by terrorists at Dhatyar Morh between Dhera Ki Gali and Buffliaz in the Surankote area of Poonch on December 21.

Three civilians, aged between 27 and 42, were allegedly picked up by the Army for questioning following the attack. They were found dead the next day. Soon, video clips purportedly of torture of the detained civilians went viral on the social media.

“Such incidents (ambush) cannot be taken for granted. I know you are alert to the situation but feel more alertness is required. I want to assure you that the government stands with you and your welfare is our top priority,” Singh said.

Avoid ‘mistakes’ that hurt citizens: Defence Minister

In an apparent reference to the killing of three civilians, the Defence Minister asked the troops to avoid “mistakes that hurt the citizens of the country.”                

“The Indian Army is not considered an ordinary force in the world. The people accept that the Army is much more powerful than ever and also well-equipped compared to the past. You are the guardians of the nation but alongside protecting the country, you need to win the hearts of the citizens. It is a big responsibility on your shoulders,” the minister said.

“There is a need to do it with more seriousness and it can be achieved by meeting the people, listening to their problems and raising those issues at appropriate level for redressal,” he said.

Singh paid tribute to the fallen soldiers and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured personnel.

“I want to assure you that given the seriousness of the incident, required and appropriate steps would be taken. For us, every soldier is a part of the family and his life is very precious … any one eyeing our soldiers is not acceptable to us,” he said.

“The government treasury is open for further beefing up the security and the intelligence gathering,” he said.

“The sacrifice of the soldiers is unparalleled and cannot be compensated with money. The void can never be fulfilled,” he added. 


Indian Consulate in New York showcases valour of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons on Veer Bal Diwas

The Consulate General of India in New York showcases the exhibition on Veer Bal Diwas

Indian Consulate in New York showcases valour of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons on Veer Bal Diwas
Acting Consul General of India in New York Varun Jeph with others at Gurdwara Baba Makhan Shah Lubana to pay obeisance to the Veer Sahibzade on ‘Veer Bal Diwas’, in Queens, New York. PTI

PTI

New York, December 27

An exhibition highlighting the valour and sacrifices of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, the sons of Guru Gobind Singh, was organised here on Veer Bal Diwas.

The Consulate General of India in New York showcased the exhibition on Tuesday on Veer Bal Diwas to “commemorate the extraordinary valour and unparalleled sacrifices” made by ‘Veer Sahibzade’, sons of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, a press release from the mission said.

“Honouring the exemplary courage and immortal sacrifice of Veer Sahibzaade, proud sons of Guru Gobind Singh ji,” the Consulate said in a post on X, adding that it hosted an “exhibition on the occasion of #VeerBaalDiwas, paying our tributes to the bravehearts with unparalleled courage”.

A large number of members from the Indian-American community attended the event to pay their homage and tributes to the ‘Veer Sahibzade’.

The Consulate said that on the request of a local gurdwara priest and as a mark of respect, the exhibition would be displayed at the Consulate premises through December 28.

The exhibition will also be showcased at gurdwaras in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

Earlier in the day, Acting Consul General of India in New York Varun Jeph visited the Gurdwara Baba Makhan Shah Lubana in Queens and paid obeisance to the Veer Sahibzade.

He was joined by members of the gurdwara’s executive committee and local sangat in performing ardas and kirtan.

He also joined the community members for langar at the gurdwara.

Special videos on Veer Bal Diwas are also being showcased at the gurdwara for young students attending winter camps there.

The Consulate General of India in Houston also observed Veer Bal Diwas, “a day commemorating the valour and martyrdom of young heroes, Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Sahibzade. A photo exhibition showcased their courage and resilience”.

The Indian Embassy in the US said in a post on X, “Shaheedi Samagam was held at Brookfield Gurdwara, Wisconsin. Leading Sikh and Indian American leaders along with senior Embassy officials participated.”

The Indian Embassy added, “A fitting tribute was given to the exemplary courage and sacrifice of ‘sahibzadas’ of Guru Gobind Singh marking #VeerBaalDiwas.” 


Braveheart cremated with military honours

Braveheart cremated with military honours

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, December 26

The last rites of Lieut Col Karanbir Singh Natt, who passed away on Sunday after remaining comatose for eight years, were held at Ram Bagh cremation ground, near Jalandhar Cantonment, here today.

Veteran Army officials, including Lieut Gen JS Dhillon, serving defence personnel and staff from the civil administration attended the last rites held with military honours. Martyr’s elder daughter Guneet Kaur lit the pyre. Former minister Tript Rajinder met Lieut Col Natt’s father Col Jagtar Singh Natt and wife Navpreet Kaur and expressed his condolences to the bereaved family.

Lt Col Karanbir Singh Natt. File photo

Col Jagtar Singh Natt said, “I am a proud father. My son was not only a selfless Army man, but also a devout Sikh who would not have his breakfast before his morning routine of reciting Gurbani. His 160 TA unit had Muslims in majority with whom he also used to celebrate Eid. When I visited him in a Delhi hospital after he suffered injuries, his mobile phone was handed over to me. The status that he had posted on WhatsApp on that day in November 2015 read: ‘I do not know how my spirit will end, but no one will say I gave up’.”

Lieut Col Karanbir Singh Natt was injured in a counter-insurgency operation in Kupwara, Jammu & Kashmir. A militant holed up in an abandoned hut had fired at him and a bullet had smashed his lower jaw.

He went into coma and remained hospitalised for eight years in the Army hospitals at New Delhi and Jalandhar.


The 1948 Zoji La capture and the liberation of Ladakh

With just two years of commissioned service, Capt Jamwal led the attack for the capture of Zoji La, unmindful of the odds.

The 1948 Zoji La capture and the liberation of Ladakh

Lt Gen Baljit Singh (retd)

Military Commentator

HELLO, Victor 15, Gumri captured, enemy on the run, over.” This was the crisp radio message sent at 1500 hours (3 pm) on November 1, 1948, by Capt SDS Jamwal, Commander, C Squadron, 7 Light Cavalry. With just two years of commissioned service and in the manner of the 1854 ‘Charge of the Light Brigade’, Capt Jamwal had led the attack — unmindful of the odds — for the capture of Zoji La. The order for the commencement of the attack had been given to him by Maj Gen KS Thimayya at 10:15 am in the assembly area, which was about 1 km short of the pass but hidden from the view of the usurpers of Zoji La.

The presence of C Squadron in the valley had remained such a well-guarded secret that when the Stuart tanks zeroed in on Pakistani bunkers with the full force of their guns, Pakistan General Headquarters’ retort to their panicked soldiers was: “Don’t be stupid… I know those roads and bridges… no tanks can cross them. Those bloody things are probably jeeps made to look like tanks…” This vindicated Maj Gen Thimayya’s gamble born out of astute professionalism. The kinetic lethality and the tanks’ presence were so overwhelming that the follow-up combat by the infantry was ‘no big deal’.

When General Thimayya, a World War II veteran, “along with his buddy, Naik Ram Singh, walked up to our location”, about 5 km beyond Zoji La in Gumri Basin (the size of about three mega cricket fields), it was a fairly “cool joint”! But on C Squadron’s insistence, the GOC was sent back in a T16 carrier. As night temperature plummeted to minus 30-40°C, “there was one dry root of a big tree next to the Gumri rest house… drained some fuel from one tank… set the root on fire… sat through the longest night of the year!… on November 2, all commanders in the chain from Lt Gen KM Cariappa… Brig KL Atal arrived… and greeted us for the successful operation…”

The formal message from Corps Commander Lt Gen SM Shrinagesh read: “By our capture of Machoi, the enemy defences at Zoji La have been broken and he (enemy) is now fleeing towards Kargil, the magnificent part played by C Squadron… will always be remembered as the greatest achievement by tanks…. Please convey to Capt Sharak Dev Singh Jamwal, Commander, C Sqn, my warmest congratulations for his dash and boldness… the JCOs and OR… have won our admiration. Well done.”

These excerpts are from a 13-page narrative composed in 1999 by Lt Col Jamwal (retd) “to set the record straight” and reproduced in the 2022 book Treachery & Gallantry; Gilgit-Skardu-Ladakh 1947-48 by Col Ajay K Raina and Brig Rajendra Singh. The nonagenarian veteran was interviewed by the authors, and he amazed them by his “razor-sharp memory; uses no glasses or any other aid….”

On assuming command of Sri Division (present 19 Division) on May 3, 1948, Gen Thimayya had emphasised to his commanders and staff that “… the fall of Leh will be a strategic blow to India. It has to be saved at all costs…”, which also set the stage to attempt the first landing of a Dakota aircraft by Air Commodore Mehar Singh with Maj Gen Thimayya on board on May 24, 1948, at a rudimentary mud strip on the outskirts of Leh. The man behind the design and construction of the 2,300-yard airstrip, solely through manual labour, was Sonam Norbu (Leh-born but trained in civil engineering in London, courtesy Maharaja Hari Singh). When the first company of 2/4 GR (Gorkha Rifles) landed, the “Ladakhis were waiting with baskets full of grass that they wanted to feed the flying iron horses”, as narrated by Sonam to a friend.

However, the euphoria was shortlived as meteorological turbulence precluded reinforcements to Leh by air in the near future. Desperate situations demand courageous leadership and for a start Lt Gen Cariappa ordered 2/8 GR Battalion, based at Ferozepore, to despatch forthwith one rifle company to Leh via Manali. Lt Col HS Parab rose to the challenge manfully. Maj Hari Chand-led D Company (nicknamed ‘Arjun Column’) boarded a train for Pathankot on May 24, 1948, and commandeered local buses to Manali. Employing local guides subsequently, the column began a ‘forced march’ of 427 km, sans specialised clothing, and arrived at Leh on July 7, 1948.

The enemy, meanwhile, had arrived at Nimu, about 35 km from Leh, depriving Arjun Column much-deserved rest. Maj Hari Chand set about creating a mixed platoon of Gorkha and Leh militia, which went on to earn the ‘Ghost of Himalayas’ sobriquet and got him the Maha Vir Chakra.

The area from Gilgit to Skardu and Kargil to Nimo was still under enemy occupation. So, the remainder of the 2/8 battalion was also ordered to Leh. A Company (with Lt Col Parab) was airlifted from Srinagar to Leh, while B and C companies, carrying 600 extra rifles and 60,000 rounds of ammunition, were waved off from Manali on August 24, 1948, on another epic ‘forced march’, reaching Leh on September 18.

Lt Col Jamwal (retd), now 97, is probably the sole survivor from that mighty phalanx which brought the India-Pakistan war of 1947-48 to a conclusion. He deserves appropriate recognition at the national level.

Postscript: When Maj Gen Thimayya landed at Srinagar on May 3, 1948, to assume command of Sri Division, accompanying him was a filmmaker, Serbjeet Singh, who filmed the capture of Zoji La and made a documentary, Liberation of Ladakh.