PATIALA: With the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) fielding former army chief Gen JJ Singh (retd) against Punjab Congress chief Capt Amarinder Singh from Patiala in the state polls to be held on February 4, the ex-servicemen stand divided in the constituency.

While some are accusing Gen Singh of “lowering the prestige of the post of an army general”, there are many who are set to join his campaign.

The All India Ex-Servicemen Joint Action Front (Sanjha Morcha) on Sunday lambasted Gen Singh, also for his comments against Amarinder.

“The general has not only downgraded the status of a former chief of army staff (COAS) but also disgraced the high office of governor (a post he held in Arunachal Pradesh),” said retired Lt Generals JS Dhaliwal, SS Brar and KS Dogra; and Maj Gen SPS Grewal (retd).

“If at all he wanted to contest polls, he should have done that for the Amritsar Lok Sabha seat, instead of downgrading himself to the level of assembly elections,” said Dhaliwal.

Brig Devinder Singh Grewal (retd) went further: “When he was made army chief, the media underlined that he was the first Sikh to hold the post. But Gen JJ Singh said, ‘I am Maratha’, as his regiment was Maratha Light Infantry. Why has he come to Punjab to contest polls? He should go to Maharashtra. He has no connection with Patiala. Amarinder is here and often meets ex-servicemen.”

Gen Singh, who has cited family connections and childhood days in Patiala for a local connect, hit back, saying, “Some ex-servicemen with vested interests, and motivated by Capt Amarinder, are hitting below the belt. They are afraid of my popularity.”

“Does having held the rank of COAS stop you from serving the nation through politics?,” he asked, and added, “Amarinder never faced a bullet in his three years in the army, while I led from the front in all important operations.”

Many of his ex-colleagues have started coming to Patiala to campaign. Lt Gen Jagdish Singh Dhillon (retd), under whom JJ Singh once served, said, “I will certainly campaign in Patiala as JJ remained my junior in the army. I am here to support him.”

“There can’t be double standards. Another former army chief, Gen VK Singh (retd), also contested elections. Why the objection against Gen Singh? It’s his personal choice,” he said.

Brig Ramesh Bhatia (retd), a batchmate, is among those who has come to native Punjab from Dehradun to support Gen Singh. “Many of my colleagues are coming to give a befitting reply to Amarinder in the polls,” said Gen Singh.

Ex-servicemen matter not only in terms of population but also perception in Patiala, which has a cantonment with nearly 5,000 votes. Add to that, around 6,500 votes of serving soldiers and ex-servicemen, who have been known to vote for Amarinder and his clan in the past. Patiala in all has 1.5 lakh votes.

PUNJAB DIARY

Congress had the ‘upper hand’

PPCC chief Capt Amarinder Singh and his supporters at the party headquarters in Chandigarh. Tribune photo

Chandigarh: At the Punjab Congress headquarters in Chandigarh, it was an unusual scene at the joining of AAP leaders from Gidderbaha last week. A number of Congress supporters who had come with Gidderbaha candidate Amrinder Singh Raja Warring were made to sport AAP caps reading ‘Mai Aam Aadmi’. For a moment, those wearing AAP caps outnumbered those wearing Congress robe. A few minutes later, AAP caps were in the air before landing in the feet of those assembled there. The Congress had the upper hand over AAP, at least at the event.

FASCINATING FACEOFF

Brig vs Major in Balachaur

AAP candidate Brig Raj Kumar campaign with their supporters in Balachaur on Sunday. Tribune Photo: Sarabjit Singh

Deepkamal Kaur

Tribune News Service

Balachaur, January 8

If it’s a Captain (Amarinder Singh) versus a General (JJ Singh) from Patiala Urban, a retired Brigadier is taking on a Major from Balachaur. While the Aam Aadmi Party picked Brig Raj Kumar (60), party worker Major Jarnail Singh (49) turned rebel and recently became a nominee of the Aapna Punjab Party (APP).Raj Kumar is a Gujjar, just like two other contestants — four-time MLA Ch Nand Lal (SAD) and Darshan Manguwal of the Congress. Jarnail, a Jat Sikh, claims that he is in the fray to bring justice to non-Gujjar communities as the Gujjars, having remained in power here, have enjoyed most of the benefits. Gujjars comprise about 30 per cent of the population in the constituency.Campaigning at Saroya village, Raj Kumar terms Jarnail a “party-hopper”, having switched over from the Congress to AAP and then to APP, while the latter terms the former an “outsider”.There are about 1,100 ex-servicemen and 2,200-odd serving Army personnel in Balachaur; both leaders are claiming their support. While Raj Kumar served the Army for 36 years, Jarnail took premature retirement in 2007 after 20 years of service.Talking about his family, Raj Kumar says, “My daughter, Neha Chaudhary, is a commercial pilot in New Delhi, while my son, Capt Arjun Chaudhary, is posted in Leh. Both can’t come for campaigning because of their jobs.”“Me and my wife were putting up with our daughter in Delhi when I observed AAP’sworking. Iwas impressed. Having retired two years ago, I felt that this party could provide me a platform to work in my native place,” he adds.“Then, we moved here. I was born in a village near Garhshankar. My schooling up to Class IV was in a government school at Balachaur, after which I went to Sainik School, Kapurthala. My father, Dhyan Chand, served as a patwari in Balachaur. This constituency is so backward that some villages don’t even have water supply. Women have to fetch it from neighbouring areas.”Jarnail’s wife is a lecturer at Fatehgarh Sahib, while his daughters are studying at Panjab University and DPS School in Chandigarh. “My family is too busy to do canvassing,” he says.The two officers have a common take on the two kinds of battles. “You have to strategise in both cases. You can somewhat predict the enemy’s next move from across the border, but not in a political contest. It was a regimented life for us in the Army, but here things are chaotic — but more interesting. The meal times, in particular, have become erratic.”

Manmohan to unveil Congress manifesto today

Manmohan Singh

Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 8

Former PM Manmohan Singh will unveil the Congress manifesto for Punjab at the party headquarters here tomorrow in the presence of state leaders, including PPCC chief Capt Amarinder Singh.The manifesto, which Congress leaders are describing as unique, will promise sops for several sections, mainly farmers, the poor and the homeless, girl students, youth and Scheduled Castes.A major promise will be houses for the homeless across rural and urban sections. A job for one person per household is another tall promise the Congress is likely to make. Also on cards is tuition and hostel fee waiver right up to the doctorate level for girls from economically weaker sections.For farmers, the manifesto will hold a greater promise given party vice-president Rahul Gandhi’s involvement on the issue of loan waiver and revised MSP for farm produce.With Punjab farmers’ dues running into some Rs60,000 crore, the Congress is expected to promise a loan waiver.Speaking to The Tribune today, chairperson of the Congress manifesto panel Rajinder Kaur Bhattal said: “The manifesto will not be a routine text of promises. We have explained therein how we will fulfill these promises. In fact, the finer points of the manifesto were earlier discussed with Dr Manmohan Singh and we explained to him the details of financial inflows and outflows. Our manifesto is a genuine document of the party’s intent.”Screening panel meets againThe Congress screening committee, headed by Ashok Gehlot, met again in Delhi today to discuss 40 pending seats. The Tribune has learnt 18 seats have been sealed and discussions on the remaining will continue ahead of the central election committee’s meeting on January 10.

Mann Ki Baat: I want to be CM

AAP MP Bhagwant Mann

Chandigarh/Jalandhar: The tug of war between AAP leaders for the CM’s post has come out in the open. One of the main contenders, Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann, has started campaigning for the post. During a rally in Jagraon on Friday, Mann asked the audience to raise their hands if they wanted him as the Chief Minister. He repeated this exercise at other rallies. However, AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal had said recently that only the elected candidates would take a call on picking the CM. When asked about the matter, party’s political affairs incharge Sanjay Singh quipped in Jalandhar on Sunday, “Mann has said that if the party makes him the CM, he will be happy. No person will ever say that he will be unhappy to be CM.”  TNSEC scissors threaten AAP filmChandigarh: When a party has actors Gurpreet Singh Ghuggi and Bhagwant Mann in its ranks, reaching out to the masses through films is an obvious choice. The Aam Aadmi Party has made a film highlighting issues such as the drug menace, sacrilege, lack of development, and family rule in Punjab. AAP wants to show the movie during its rallies, besides posting it on social media. But the party will have to wait .The Election Commission has asked for 10 cuts. “We have appealed against the cuts. There is nothing objectionable in the film. It is based on our manifesto,” said a party spokesperson. TNSSGPC member Gora joins Congress Muktsar: Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) member and SAD leader Gurpal Singh Gora, along with his supporters and some sarpanches, joined the Congress in the presence of PPCC vice-president Manpreet Singh Badal, Indian Youth Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring and Congress candidate from Malout Ajaib Singh Bhatti in Gidderbaha on Sunday. Gora told the gathering that he was upset with the SAD after the desecration incidents. TNSCong MLA’s brother, nephew join APP Gurdaspur: Dera Baba Nanak Congress MLA Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa’s brother Inderjit Singh and nephew Deepinder Singh Randhawa joined the Sucha Singh Chhotepur-led Aapna Punjab Party (APP) here on Sunday. Soon after joining the party, Chhotepur announced that Deepinder Randhawa would be the party candidate from the Dera Baba Nanak seat. He will be engaged in a four-cornered contest with Sukhjinder, GS Khushalpur (AAP) and former minister Sucha Singh Langah (SAD). TNS

 

Party vows to depoliticise police force

Sarbjit Dhaliwal

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 8

The Congress manifesto will focus on “complete elimination” of the VIP culture, besides laying down a code of conduct for the party’s elected representatives, including MLAs.Sources said the manifesto would promise to make the police functioning immune to political interference, besides implementing the Parkash Singh committee report regarding police reforms in letter and spirit. For the past few years, political interference allegedly by halqa chiefs in the police functioning remained a burning issue in the state.The Congress would promise to rid the department of that sort of political culture. The eight-hour duty norm will be implemented for police personnel. Security cover would be provided only on merit.There would be a list of dos and don’ts for the elected representatives. Promise would be made to enact new laws to tackle existing problems such as monopoly of cable network. All officers will have to declare their assets and the Lok Pal will be strengthened.The manifesto would announce to protect Punjab’s right over riverwaters and to restore the primacy of the state at the national level. There is likely to be a special package for border belt. Other major focus would be on women empowerment and gender equality.

SAD nominee faces tough questions

Sacrilege, police firing incidents haunt Akalis in Faridkot segment

Suba Singh Badal

Balwant Garg

Tribune News Service

Faridkot, January 8

Akali Dal’s candidate from Jaito Suba Singh Badal faced a volley of tough questions from the son of Krishan Bhagwan Singh, one of the two persons killed in police firing while they were protesting the desecration of Guru Granth Sahib at Behbal Kalan village on October 14 last year.During campaigning at Niamiwala village today, the Akali leader was listing out “achievements” of the government when Sukhraj Singh, son of the deceased, questioned him why the government and Akali leaders had been ignoring Niamiwala and other villages in the area for the past 10 years.“Where were you in the past 10 years? You never came before. Why now?” Sukhraj asked Suba Singh.The village sarpanch, Jagdev Singh, tried to put up a defence by saying that Sukhraj Singh was a first-timer. He claimed that once elected, Suba Singh would develop villages. The nominee soon left after that.Not only in Niamiwala, the SAD candidate is facing a tough time in Bargari, Sarawan, Burj Jawahar Singh Wala and Behbal Kalan villages as well. These villages were the centre of the agitation for more than three months in the light of sacrilege incidents.Though the government has laid the foundation stones of community centres in the memory of two persons killed in police firing — one in Niamiwala village and the other in Sarawan village — the government has been unable to pacify villagers.Congress’ candidate Mohammad Sadique and AAP’s Master Baldev Singh, meanwhile, are focusing on these villages. The two candidates are promising to arrest those responsible for the sacrilege incidents and prosecute policemen who had killed protesters in Behbal Kalan.Sadique began campaigning by visiting gurdwaras at Bargari and Burj Jawahar Singh Wala villages. He says the Justice Zora Singh Commission report on sacrilege incidents is a cover-up. “The CBI is not making any headway after more than six months of investigation.”

In the line of fire

• While campaigning at Niamiwala village, the Akali leader was listing out ‘achievements’ of the government when he was interrupted by Sukhraj Singh — son of Krishan Bhagwan Singh who was killed in police firing while he was protesting a desecration incident on October 14. Sukhraj questioned him, “Where were you in the past 10 years? You never came before. Why now?”

Stones hurled at Sukhbir convoy in Jalalabad, 4 hurt

FAZILKA: Four persons were injured and a police vehicle damaged when stones were hurled at the convoy of deputy chief minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal by a group of protesters at a village in his constituency, Jalalabad, in Fazilka district on Sunday.

HT PHOTOAfter the incident, cops deployed at Kandhwala Hajar Khan village near Jalalabad in Fazilka district on Sunday.

THE SAD LATER BLAMED AAP, WHICH DENIED ANY INVOLVEMENT, THOUGH A VIDEO OF THE INCIDENT WAS SHARED BY AAP ON ITS SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS

The SAD later blamed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which denied any involvement, though a video of the incident was shared by the AAP on its social media accounts.

Sukhbir was unhurt as his car had already gone past the dozen-odd protesters, who were reportedly miffed at not getting a chance to talk to him about an issue with public toilets. This was Sukhbir’s first visit to the segment — where the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has fielded its firebrand leader Bhagwant Mann — after officially being declared the party candidate.

It occurred around 6pm, when Sukhbir was moving towards Fazilka after a public gathering at Kandhwala Hajar Khan, 20 km from the district headquarters. Ketan Baliram Patil, senior superintendent of police (SSP), Fazilka, acknowledged that the vehicle of SP Amarjeet Singh, who was deployed for Sukhbir’s security, was among some vehicles damaged. “A probe is on and very soon the culprits will be taken to task as per law,” he said.

After the incident, a large number of policemen, besides a battery of officials, reached at the spot. Among those injured were Akali leader Palwinder Singh, who is a former sarpanch, and Manpreet Singh. They were taken to the Fazilka civil hospital but the injuries were not reported to be serious. Village sarpanch Harjinder Singh Bhullar alleged, “This was the handiwork of AAP workers who cannot digest the eventuality of an Akali Dal victory.” But AAP’s Mann refuted it. “Our party does not believe in violence. Rather, this is the outburst of the common man against 10 years of misrule by the Akalis.”Before Kandhwala Hajar Khan, Sukhbir had addressed gatherings at three other villages.

Balbir Sidhu’s wife campaigns in Mohali

Balbir Sidhu’s wife Daljit Kaur interacts with residents at Phase I in Mohali on Sunday. Tribune photo: Vicky Gharu

Mohali, January 8

Daljit Kaur Sidhu, wife of Balbir Sidhu, Congress candidate from Mohali Assembly seat today carried out an extensive campaign for her husband at Sector 70 and Phase 1 here today.Accompanied by Mahila Congress leaders and workers, Sidhu sought vote for development. Talking to residents during campaigning, Daljit Sidhu said that after Congress came to power in Punjab, the self-employment process for women would be strengthened and special women training centers would also be opened to help women make both ends meet.—OC

(From L) Congress leaders Ambika Soni, Virbhadra Singh, Capt Amarinder Singh and Harish Rawat with OROP leader Maj Gen Satbir Singh (retd) in New Delhi on Thursday. Mukesh Aggarwal

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 5The Congress headquarters here turned into a political rally ground with scores of ex-servicemen raising anti-government slogans as they pledged support to the Congress in all upcoming poll-bound states.Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh, Himachal CM Virbhadra Singh and Uttarakhand CM Harish Rawat welcomed the move with Singh saying: “I too am a soldier first and a politician later. I understand your pain.”Speaking for the veterans, Maj Gen Satbir Singh (retd) cited the BJP’s “betrayal” on the promise of OROP to say: “One of the options available to us is interference in elections to educate voters about who will fulfil the promises made to us. We fully support the Congress for accepting all our demands.”Maj Gen Singh, convenor of the All India Ex-Servicemen’s Movement, however, ruled out contesting elections.Capt Amarinder released his 21-point agenda for the welfare of defence personnel in Punjab, saying the Congress manifesto would promise an ex-servicemen cell in the CM’s office besides setting up a department called “Guardians of Governance” comprising ex-servicemen posted at every village.Virbhadra said: “It is shameful that soldiers have to hit the streets to press for their demands. A soldier can die for his country, his regiment. It’s a shame you all have to struggle for your rights.”Rawat said: “We are hurt at the way the government is bulldozing the demands of ex-servicemen. We welcome veterans’ support for the Congress to expose the betrayal of the BJP government, which diluted the definition of OROP drafted by the UPA.”

Ex-servicemen body to support Congress

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Thursday got a boost with a prominent ex-servicemen organisation lending support to it, alleging that PM Narendra Modi has done “precious little”. The Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM), spearheading an agitation for one-rank-one-pension (OROP) here, announced the support in presence of Punjab Congress chief Capt Amarinder Singh and CMs of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand ,Virbhadra Singh and Harish Rawat, respectively.IESM chief Maj Gen Satbir Singh (retd), hit out at Modi for not fulfilling his promise of OROP to all soldiers and accused the government of changing the definition of OROP.

Ex-servicemen body to support Cong in assembly polls

The Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement, led by chairman Maj Gen Satbir Singh (retd), is spearheading an agitation for OROP. — File photo

New Delhi, January 5The Congress on Thursday got a boost with a prominent ex-servicemen organisation lending support to it for the upcoming Assembly elections, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has done “precious little” for their welfare.

The Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM), which is spearheading an agitation for OROP implementation for last 571 days here, announced to support the Congress in presence of PCC president Amarinder Singh and chief ministers of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, Virbhadra Singh and Harish Rawat, respectively.

Speaking at the AICC headquarters, IESM chairman Maj Gen Satbir Singh (retd), hit out at the Prime Minister for not fulfilling his promise of granting OROP to all soldiers and accused the government of changing the definition of OROP as spelt out by Congress-led UPA before it was voted out of power.In an apparent dig at the Prime Minister, he quoted Chanakya to say the king is not worthy of respect if a soldier has to go to him to seek something for him or his family.Insisting that IESM, which is a federation of ex-servicemen’s organisations all over the country, has agreed to back the Congress in the poll-going states as also elsewhere in the country as the party leadership has agreed to a charter of demands on OROP and related issues for welfare of soldiers, Satbir Singh said.”The Congress has given its agreement on implementation of OROP… We fully support the Congress in all the state in these elections,” he said.The League has also taken upon itself for educating people to cast vote to those who fulfill their assurances. “We will be with you if you don’t break our assurances,” he said.

Amarinder Singh said most of the ex-service organisations throughout the country will be working together for the benefit of the Congress.He said the movement entered its 571st day of protest at Jantar Mantar, on issues which they feel as ex-servicemen are vital for welfare of servicemen, like OROP, 7th Pay Commission and most importantly the downgrading of precedence of various ranks of the Army in relation to civilian counterparts.”The last issue is the biggest thing.

The ‘Izzat’ of a serviceman is more important than anything else. These issues are not limited just to Punjab. But, is affecting everybody,” he said.Amarinder said there is great strength in servicemen. “We have all come on the same stage to work for benefit of all,” he said.”We have agreed to an ESM cell at the Chief Ministers Office and we have started a new department called ‘Guardians of Governance’,” the PCC chief said.”This will be a paid organisation which will employ ex-servicemen down to village-level and monitor how funds are spent. We hope this will help us improve the governance of Punjab,” he said.

Criticising the Defence Minister for his remarks against two top Army commanders, Amarinder said, instead of focusing on important issues, the Defence Minister is criticising for the sake of criticism.”We took umbrage at the comments made by Defence Minister against the two Army commanders, both of whom are outstanding soldiers.

Then he said IB looked into them. That is an insult to the Army Commanders,” he said.Virbhadra Singh said Himachal Pradesh is a state with a large number of serving and retired service personnel.”We are here to give support to ex-servicemen, who are agitating for the real implementation of the promises made to them. OROP has in reality not been fulfilled and falls short of expectations. Service personnel are people of Honour. They live with Honour. The Centre should not ignore their demands,” he said.”It is shameful that our soldiers have to sit-in Jantar Mantar for their demands which are just and we fully endorse them. The government is totally oblivious of their demands and are adding salt to their wounds.”It is not a question of money but a question of honour for soldiers,” Virbhadra said.

Rawat said the way ex-servicemen were treated by the Prime Minister is not “acceptable”, even as he accused the government of not just diluting the OROP issue but also of diverting from the issue.”Their right demands and concerns are being bulldozed and we are feeling very hurt and rejected over it,” he said.Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said Prime Minister Modi promised to give OROP to ex-soldiers but changed it to ‘One Rank and 5 pensions’ and by doing so has betrayed the ex-servicemen.”There has been proud history of Congress and soldiers and former soldiers have decided to support the Congress all over the country and expose and highlight the Modi government’s betrayal,” he said.Senior Congress leaders Ambika Soni, Asha Kumari and former CLP leader in Punjab Sunil Jakhar were also present. — PTI 

Two-front war a threat, preparing for it | Studying China’s theatre commands | Looking for new tank

Gen Bipin Rawat meets Vice-President Hamid Ansari in New Delhi. PTI

Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 3

The Indian Army has been tasked to maintain a strict vigil along the contentious Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China while presenting a friendly face to their counterparts from across the Himalayan divide.Newly appointed Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat, in an interview to The Tribune today, gave his opinion on maintaining peace at the LAC: “Maintain a vigil while presenting a friendly face.”Gen Rawat, who took charge of the 1.3-million strong Army on December 31, was responding to a question as to how would he ensure that peace was maintained along the 3,488-km-long LAC, the de-facto boundary between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.The soldiers of either country patrol in areas perceived as their own and often come face-to-face. Asked whether the recent restructuring by China of its commands into ‘theatre commands’— one man commands resources of all three services — would be done in India too, Gen Rawat said, “We are studying the Chinese format. We will also have our own format to operate jointly with the IAF and the Navy, which may not necessarily be a theatre command format.”On the probability of a two-front collusive war with Pakistan and China, the Army Chief said, “A two-front war threat does not loom immediately, but is very much a possibility and we are preparing for it. That is the mandate.”The Army, Gen Rawat said, was also looking for a new tank beyond the T-90 from Russia and the indigenous Arjun. “At present, we are upgrading T-72 and T-90 tanks and getting newer infantry carrying vehicles (these are armour-plated running on tank-type tracks).”  Asked whether the new tank would be of Russian parentage, he said, “We will design and develop on our own. We have the capability.” The Army, like the Navy, recently opened its own design bureau, which aims to work closely with the DRDO. On building infrastructure in the Himalayas, which is needed to rapidly move troops and equipment, Gen Rawat said, “We have identified spots where tunnels need to be built to ensure all-weather access to remote areas.” The Mountain Strike Corps was coming up as per plan, he said.

AFT gets new chief, 10 posts still vacant

 

Vijay Mohan

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 3

After remaining vacant for 10 months, the post of the Chairman of the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) has finally been filled with the appointment of Justice Virender Singh, former Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court, today.The appointment comes in the wake of the Supreme Court taking cognisance of a letter by the AFT Bar Association to the Chief Justice of India pointing out that work at the tribunal had virtually come to a standstill due to non-appointment of judicial members. At present 10 out of 17 posts of judicial members are vacant and, consequently, out of the AFT’s eight Benches located across India, those at Chandigarh, Chennai, Kochi, Kolkata and Guwahati are non-functional. Courts were being held at these places occasionally, with judicial members from Delhi, Jabalpur and Lucknow Benches being deputed for a few days temporarily.The AFT hears cases pertaining to court martial, service matters, promotions, pay, pensions and disability benefits. Non-functional Benches have adversely affected defence litigants. More than 16,000 cases are said to be pending before the AFT. At the time of AFT’s establishment in 2009, the number of such cases pending before the High Courts was 9,449. The Bar Association had also pointed out the lack of proper judicial review of AFT orders. While civilians aggrieved by the orders of the Central Administrative Tribunal could approach the High Courts within their states, defence employees and their families were not allowed to challenge any orders of the AFT except in the SC and that too only in cases involving points of law of general public importance.

Haryana-Punjab link

• Justice Virender Singh (pic) is an alumnus of the Government College, Rohtak, and has worked as Deputy Advocate General, Haryana, for about five years
• He was elevated as Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in July 2002. He has also been posted to the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir

T he Constitution of India came into being on January 26, 1950. This was the day on which the first Republic Day parade was held. It was commanded by Brigadier (later Lt Gen and Army Commander) Joginder Singh Dhillon from the Corps of Army Engineers. I was serving in the Army at that time and Brigadier Dhillon was our Brigade Commander in 1951. What I know of that parade is that it was led by the Navy and not the Army because of some confusion. However, I do not claim to be sure of this.

NSG commandos at the 68th Republic Day parade at Rajpath in New Delhi on Thursday.

Since then, Rajpath has become synonymous with January 26 parade. It was quite in the fitness of things to celebrate the formation of our Republic to bring joy to all Indians. But to continue doing so seems to be divorced of logic. India, barring France, is perhaps the only democracy that focuses on its military prowess on the day of national rejoicing. Such a display on January 26 serves only two purposes. One, to make it clear to our adversaries that militarily we are strong and capable. Two, to restore confidence in the public about our military strength to thwart mischief by the enemy.

Today, with a major breakthrough in information technology, there is hardly any information about the hardware of any country that remains hidden. In any case military might needs to be exhibited on the battlefield and not on a solemn national occasion.

Now think of the colossal expenditure that we incur on this extravaganza year after year by moving manpower and equipment from all over the country to Delhi and by tying it down to the national capital for about two months. We suffered heavy casualties in the Kargil war due to our outdated and poor equipment. And we are not better even today. Instead of wasting crores of rupees on this display of military might, we should spend this amount on equipping ourselves with the latest hardware and other equipment. No doubt, Republic Day should continue to be celebrated, but certainly not in this manner. It should be celebrated as a day of rejoicing over our achievements, by rewarding the deserving for their good work and by honouring our soldiers for their gallant actions. We should also declare it as a day of pledge by all Indians to some national service that they would carry out during the ensuing year.

Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 24

As the Army awaits a new set of artillery guns, two separate classes of the weapon’s home-made version will be showcased at the Republic Day parade as part of the ‘Make in India’ push.Dhanush, produced by Ordnance Factory Board, and Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System, being made by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), will complete the India-made troika along with the Light Combat Aircraft, Tejas, at the parade.This is the first time that locally made products will signify the virtual coming of age for the Indian defence equipment production.In case of Dhanush, the Army has carried out ‘user-validation’ trials in the Himalayas during the ongoing winter. A total of six guns are being tested-fired in snow and in conditions where temperature hovers around minus 10 degrees. A production-level prototype is being tested and this is supposed to be the last lap of trials before the ordnance factory starts bulk production.Dhanush 155 MM/45 calibre gun is based on the 1980s’ Bofors FH-77B/39 calibre artillery gun designed and aided by the transfer of technology (ToT) clause signed with the Swedish company.The gun’s bore, or its gun barrel, is 155 millimetres. Calibre relates to barrel length —the greater the calibre, the longer the barrel, resultantly its ability to fire increases.Dhanush has several improvements over Bofors to make it a modern weapon.The other gun is the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System, which was successfully tested in Odisha in December. Though the DRDO is its producer, most parts have been built by two private firms — Tata Power Strategic Engineering Division and Kalyani Group have made a prototype each. The barrels of the gun come from the ordnance factory.

Chandu Chavan being received by BSF personnel at Attari. PTI

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 21

Pakistan today released an Indian soldier, Chandu Babulal Chavan, who had inadvertently crossed the border in September last year after surgical strikes on terror bases across the Line of Control.Chavan (22) returned through the land transit route of Attari-Wagah border. The BSF handed him over to the Army, which took him to an undisclosed location.A statement released by the Pakistan foreign office today said the decision to return the Indian soldier was based on “humanitarian grounds and the commitment to ensure peace and tranquility at the LoC and the working boundary”.Posted with 37 Rashtriya Rifles, Chavan had deserted his post at the LoC due to his alleged grievances of maltreatment against his commanders, the Pakistan statement said. Hailing from Borvihir village in Dhule district of Maharashtra, he had mistakenly crossed the border hours after India conducted the surgical strikes following a terror attack on an Army camp in Uri. India had been following up on the case with Pakistan and on January 12, Union Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said Pakistan had assured of releasing Chavan post-inquiry. His grandmother suffered a cardiac arrest and died after the family was informed that he had been captured by the Pakistan army. Chavan’s brother Bhushan Chavan, also a soldier, said he was thankful to the Army for its effort. “I am thankful to DGMO and Army for the efforts. I am never going to forget this. I am also a soldier and will continue to do my duty with full honesty,” he said.He said since his brother had been freed, their grandmother’s ashes would be immersed. 

Governor Acharya Devvrat pays a visit to the Gorkha War Memorial at Subathu cantonment in Solan district on Sunday

Ex-servicemen at the Kargil Park on the occasion of Army Day in Mandi on Sunday. Photos: Amit kanwar & Jai Kumar

Tribune Reporters

Shimla, January 15

Governor Acharya Devvrat today urged the youth to remember the sacrifices of great revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh, Raj Guru and Sukh Dev and follow the path of nation building.The Governor was speaking on the occasion of Mini Marathon – Run For Nation as part of Army Day organised by 14 Gorkha Training Centre at Subathu in Solan district today. Children, youth and senior citizens of Subathu and Jutogh cantonments participated in the marathon.Congratulating the Army contingents on Army Day, the Governor said Army personnel were rendering yeoman services on border areas by putting their lives to risk for the sake of the country. It was due to their selfless services, we were enjoying the freedom. He said such activities would help in channellising youth energy into constructive works, besides strengthening the spirit of nationalism among them.He said India was a country of spiritual thoughts and since ages our traditions remained liberal. Human service and welfare had been our objective, he added. He gave a clarion call to the youth to preserve our rich and high values and traditions and work for the development of the country. He said it was our moral responsibility to dedicate ourselves to the nation and always be ready for sacrificing our life for the sake of the country.Chief Executive Officer, Jutogh cantonment, Tanu Jain welcomed the Governor and briefed the activities of the event. She said this marathon was being organised in 62 cantonments across the country on the occasion of the Republic Day. The main aim of the event was to awaken the spirit of patriotism among youth.Member of Parliament Virender Kashayap, Officiating Commandant, 14 GTC, Jutogh, Col MS Gains, Superintendent of Police Anjum Sara, senior Army officers and prominent people were present on the occasion.War memorial at Kargil Park soughtMandi: Captain Het Ram (retd) stated that they started celebrations to respect KM Cariappa, who was the first Army’s Commander-in-Chief.“It is celebrated every year at Army Command headquarters by organising parades, including many other military shows,” he added.He said, “We had been demanding a war memorial at Kargil Park in Mandi for a long time, but governments were paying no heed to respect the soldiers.”

Army Day celebrated

Shimla: The Army Training Command (ARTRAC) on Sunday celebrated Army Day by organising a Weapons Display and Band Display at the Ridge.The event was a huge success with large number of tourists and locals witnessing the event. There was great interest shown in the Weapons Display area, which certainly would have motivated the youth to join the Armed Forces.On this occasion, Lt Gen DR Soni, VSM, GOC-in-C, ARTRAC, conveyed his best wishes to all ranks on this momentous occasion, and urged them to rededicate themselves to the service of the nation.

Paul greets people on Army Day, flags off mini marathon

Governor KK Paul flags off a mini marathon on Sunday.

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 15

Governor KK Paul flagged off a five-km mini marathon ‘Run for the Nation’, organised by members of the cantonment board here today.Before flagging off the run from Mahindra Ground, the Governor greeted defence personnel on the occasion of Army Day today.He said every Indian was proud of each soldier who was serving the country in the remotest parts. Almost every family of Uttarakhand had a member serving in the defence forces. This tradition was a matter of pride for the state.The Governor said today’s mini marathon was significant for national unity and gave a message to civilians to be disciplined, determined and patient. He appreciated the enthusiasm of the participants and said winning the race was not important but the enthusiasm with which they were participating was in itself their victory.

Ambitious Punjab manifesto promises Rs 67,000-cr farm loan waiver

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Sigh, Punjab Congress chief Capt Amarinder Singh and other leaders release the Congress manifesto for Punjab Assembly elections in New Delhi on Monday. Photo by Mukesh Aggarwal

Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 9

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today unveiled the Congress’ please-all manifesto for poll-bound Punjab, saying the state badly needed Capt  Amarinder Singh’s leadership to realise its full potential.In an attack on the Akali-BJP combine that has ruled the state for 10 years, Manmohan Singh said the incumbents had been misusing governance tools throughout their regime.Punjab page: Cong poll freebies to cost Rs10,000 cr a yearSpeaking at the Congress headquarters in the presence of Capt Amarinder, party’s state incharge Asha Kumari, campaign panel chief Ambika Soni and Punjab manifesto committee chairperson Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, Manmohan Singh described the manifesto as a “forward-looking, visionary document” that held a promise to undo the damages inflicted by the ruling combine in the state.“Punjab is a state with potential, but this potential has not been utilised in the past 10 years. The people of Punjab need a better tomorrow in terms of agriculture and manufacturing services. Captain Sahib’s leadership is badly needed by the state,” said the ex-PM.Capt Amarinder detailed the manifesto promises, including ambitious targets of “sealing drug supply, consumption and distribution within four weeks of coming to power; one job per household; free education for girls of weaker sections from KG to PhD; free houses to homeless Dalits; farm loan waiver worth Rs 67,000 crore and Re 1 as cess per bottle of alcohol to serve Congress’ socialist agenda”.“We took six months to prepare the manifesto. We have gone through villages and reached out to the people. In Punjab, we have a huge budget deficit. To tide over this, we have come out with programmes for people from every walk of life. The rural debt is Rs 67,000 crore. We will negotiate with banks to ensure that farmers don’t have to pay that money, although this is something the Centre should have done,” Capt Amarinder said. He promised to continue free power to farmers and assured free houses to homeless Dalits.

Rs 2,500 stipend to unemployed

• Loan waiver and free power to farmers
• Wiping out drug trade within a month
• Stipend of Rs 2,500 per month to unemployed youth
• Free education for girls of weaker sections from KG to PhD
• New industrial policy within 90 days of assuming power
• Free smartphones to youth, free textbooks to all children

‘Punjab needs Capt’

• Captain Sahib’s leadership is badly needed by the state (Punjab). I believe under his leadership, the Congress will undo the damage done to Punjab in 10 years. — Manmohan Singh, ex-PM

Cong poll freebies to cost Rs10,000 cr a year

Punjab Congress leader Manpreet Badal (L) and party’s Mohali candidate Balbir Singh Sidhu release the manifesto in Chandigarh on Monday. Tribune Photo: Manoj Mahajan

Sarbjit Dhaliwal & Rajmeet Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 9

At a time when the state is already reeling under a debt of Rs1.38 lakh crore, the Punjab Congress, in its manifesto released today, offered freebies that would cost the state exchequer an estimated Rs10,000 crore per annum.Manpreet Badal, one of the key architects of the manifesto, claims they have plans to part finance the expenditure on the freebies in such a manner that it will not put pressure on the existing resources.“Instead of burdening the existing resources, as is being done by the governments in the past, the required funds will be generated by strictly checking pilferage of revenue by various mafias operating in the state and cutting wasteful expenditure by closing irrelevant board and corporations and non-statutory commissions,” he claims.He says his vision for Punjab has become a reality with the Congress agreeing to incorporate 11 dream agendas in the manifesto of his erstwhile PPP.He also says if the Congress came to power, it will enact “The Conflict of Interest Act” which will unseat a minister or an MLA if he uses his official position to protect and promote his business at any level.“We will be perhaps the first party in the country to propose such a law,” he says, adding that several other countries have such a legal provision.“Politicians with interests in liquor, transport and real estate have been holding important positions in the government, taking decisions on matters directly related to their businesses. There are numerous instances of politicians appointing their relatives on important political postings. Such practices have to stop.”Rival parties give thumbs downThere is no reason to believe anything written in the Congress manifesto because the party has never implemented any of its earlier manifestos. —Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy CMThe Congress is trying to build castles in the air. It makes tall promises, but forgets them when the elections are over. Our govt is already running scores of schemes. —Vijay Sampla, state BJP ChiefIt’s nothing but a bundle of lies. It seems that most of the points have been taken from the four manifestos already released by the Aam Aadmi Party. —Kanwar Sandhu, Chief, AAP Manifesto panel

Cong pleases all in its manifesto

Promises Rs 2,500 stipend a month to jobless, free smartphones, job to each family

Congress leader Rana Gurjeet Singh and other leaders release party manifesto ahead of the Assembly elections in Amritsar on Monday. Photo: Vishal Kumar

Neeraj Bagga

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, January 9

With an objective to impress each section of society ahead of the Assembly elections, the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) is dangling carrots to all of them in the manifesto here today released by senior Congress leader Rana Gurjeet Singh.As a majority of the state’s population falls in the youth category, hence they were the prime target. Promising to eradicate the drug menace within a month of assuming power, a stipend of Rs 2,500 a month to unemployed, free smartphones to youths and textbooks to all children and the last but not the least, job for a member of each family.When asked to comment over the way and means of providing such high number of jobs, Rana Gurjeet Singh said: “There will be annual budgetary allocation to the tune of Rs 2,200 crore to achieve the goal.”When quizzed on the procedure to generate such huge amount in the state, passing huge deficit budget every year, he countered that: “Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has spent Rs 6,500 crore during sangat darshans. These funds will be diverted under this head.”Next in the number are farmers in society so in the manifesto.He said the stand of the Congress on the contentious SYL Canal issue was consistent and clear that no additional water was available in Punjab. It promises waiver of agricultural debt, continuous free power, direct transfer of subsidies to prevent misappropriation, full input tax waiver for agro and food processing industries, farmers’ pension scheme, raising ex-gratia payment to Rs 10 lakh for families affected by suicides, crop insurance of Rs 20,000 per acre and provision of health, life and a plot-based crop insurance.Next came trade and industry, which is the second most employment-generation sector after agriculture. It promises affordable electricity at Rs 5 per unit, subsidised water and sewerage. Introduction of new industrial policy within 90 days and revamp of excise and taxation policy. Taking a leaf out of the AAP style of government, the Congress manifesto promises ending the VIP culture, bring sweeping economic reforms and total transparency in governance.A major chunk of voters — Dalits/SCs/OBCs — found mention in the promises of one job in every family and free houses for the homeless.Promises related to 33 per cent reservation for women in jobs and ex-servicemen, legislative reforms, war against corruption, education, health, tourism, transport, rural development, minorities, real estate sector, cooperatives, street vendors, labourers, safai karamcharis, gaushalas, media, ration depot holders, chowkidars, lambardars, jewellers, etc, cover almost all sections of society.

Youth prime target

• As a majority of the state’s population falls in the youth category, hence, they were the prime target. Promising to eradicate the drug menace within a month of assuming power, a stipend of Rs 2,500 a month to unemployed, free smartphones to youths and textbooks to all children andlast but not the least, job for a member of each family.

BATTLE FOR PUNJAB

Congress to probe SAD-BJP ‘scams’: Jakhar

Releases manifesto of the Congress in the city, hours after former PM Manmohan Singh launches it in Delhi

Senior Congress leader Sunil Jakhar interacts with mediapersons during the release of the party’s manifesto in Bathinda on Monday. Tribune photo: Pawan sharma

Sukhmeet Bhasin

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, Janaury 9

Senior Congress leader Sunil Jakhar today claimed that the Congress would constitute six commissions to probe the ‘network of the mafia’ and ‘scams’ that had taken place under the patronage of SAD-BJP leaders, once the party comes to power.He said the Congress would also break the nexus between the government and corporate groups, which had been running in the state for the last 10 years.Jakhar said the Badal family had twisted the norms in their vested business interests and to loot public resources.The Congress leader claimed that the political power restricted to one family would not be tolerated.Speaking over the stone pelting on Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal’s convoy yesterday at Jalalabad, Jakhar said he condemned the incident as people should not resort to violence during the elections.From sources, he came to know that poor people wanted to meet the Deputy Chief Minister to tell him that funds send for making toilets had not reached them, but they were not allowed to meet him, Jakhar said, adding that helpless residents finally resorted to this act.Over the shifting of Doda to the Amritsar jail, Jakhar said he had written to CEO VK Singh, appealing him conduct raids at the Amritsar jail to avoid any untoward incident in elections as he had the information that DGP rank officials were linked with this and they were providing everything to the accused in the jail.He said two incidents within a span of one month — the first one was the Nabha jail break and now, the Fazilka jail incident — showed the total failure of the system.Jakhar was in the city today to release the manifesto of the Congress, a few hours later after the manifesto was officially launched by former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh in Delhi in the morning.

Stone pelting on Deputy chief minister

• Jakhar said the Badal family had twisted the rules to serve their vested business interests and to loot public resources
• On stone pelting on Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal’s convoy on Sunday at Jalalabad, Jakhar said he condemned the incident as people should not resort toviolence during the elections
• He said two incidents within a span of one month — the first was the Nabha jail-break and now, the Fazilka jail incident — showed the total failure of the system

Congress releases poll manifesto

Patiala MLA Preneet Kaur, along with other party leaders, releases the PPCC manifesto for the Assembly poll in Patiala on Monday. Tribune photo: Rajesh Sachar

Tribune News Service

Patiala, January 9

Three MLAs from Patiala, Preneet Kaur, Brahm Mohindra and Hardyal Kambhoj, today attended a function at the District Congress Committee office where the Congress manifesto was released.“The Punjab Congress manifesto for the Assembly elections promises legislative and police reforms to improve the state’s law and order situation, which is in complete doldrums as a result of the criminal links and the stranglehold of ruling party leaders,” said Preneet Kaur.The manifesto lists out a series of new legislations the party will bring out when elected to power. These include the Right to Education Act, NRI Marriage Regulation Act, Child Labour Act, NRI Property Safeguard Act, Whistleblower Safeguard Legislation, Cable Authority Act amd Confiscation of Drug Dealers’ Property Act.

Vijay Inder Singla, former Congress MP, along with other leaders, releases the manifesto of the party in Ludhiana on Monday. Tribune Photo: Himanshu mahajan

Minna Zutshi

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, January 9

The Congress manifesto, released today, had a slew of promises for the industry.If the Congress is voted to power, it will announce a new industrial policy in the state within 90 days of assuming office, the manifesto says.  “The first priority of the Congress government will be to revive the existing industrial units by resolving their problems,” said Congress leader and former Member of Parliament Vijay Inder Singla, who released the manifesto in Ludhiana.  The manifesto was released simultaneously from other district headquarters too.The new policy will address all issues and requirements of different industries such as textiles, yarn, hosiery, hand tools, light engineering, cycles and garment said Singla. According to the manifesto, a new land bank will be created for industrial development.A new policy for industrial clusters in the state will be announced. “Already more than 40 clusters have been identified in the state, but MSMEs are not coming forward as there is no defined policy of the SAD-BJP government in this regard,” said Singla.For Ludhiana, the manifesto promised a few special incentives. Apart from an industrial exhibition-cum-convention centre, workers’ hostel for migrant labour will be set up in the city. The proposal for a full-fledged airport at Ludhiana will be pursued.A large number of small household units are operating in mixed land use areas such as Shimlapuri, Basti Jodhewal. The Congress government will develop a focal point for all such units                                            and provide land and other facilities such as common effluent treatment plant with modern amenities in the areas at subsidised rates.According to the Congress manifesto, the PAU will tie up with the industry for new technology and for products, particularly in agro and food industry.

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Cong manifesto highlights

• Industrial Suvidha Centres will be established in all districts under the Punjab Bureau of Industrial Promotion.
• Advance tax will be withdrawn.
• Electricity tariff for the existing and new industry will be frozen at Rs 5 per unit for the next five years.
• Start-ups will be promoted. Any investment made by start-ups will be exempt from payment of all taxes for five years.
• Special budgetary allocation will be made to improve the existing industrial infrastructure, particularly at the industrial estates and focal points.
• Establishment of hostels for workers of MSMEs will be encouraged.

Ashu kicks off campaign

KD opens election office