BrahMos weapon system. — PTI file photo

New Delhi, July 28

Missile systems that were to be installed at six locations, apparently along the India-China border between 2013-15, have not yet been installed, a CAG report said on Friday.

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This revelation comes at a time when a standoff between Indian and Chinese troops continues along the border in the Sikkim sector.

A report of Comptroller and Auditor General, tabled in Parliament on Friday, without naming the sectors or air bases where the missiles were to be installed, pointed at the delay in installing the missile, manufactured by Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL).

“Based on the threat perception, the Government of India in 2010 had envisaged induction of Strategic missile system for the IAF, in the ‘S’ sector to create deterrence. This deterrence capability was planned to be put in place between June 2013 and December 2015 in a phased manner.

“But till date, even after four years, this urgently needed capability has not been created and the strategic objective remains unachieved. This was primarily due to the abnormal delay in creation of the infrastructure required for installation of the missile systems. About Rs. 4,000 crore has already been spent for the purpose,” said the government auditor’s report.

While the report did not name the missile or the exact area where it was to be deployed, according to sources, the ‘S’ sector is under the Eastern Command of Indian Air Force, which covers the area along India-China border.

The report, referring to the missile system, as a “medium range, supersonic, surface to air missile system with capability to engage a wide variety of aerial threats within a range of ‘X’ km”. It also said that the missile system has been developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and is produced by BEL.

While the IAF refused to comment on which missile system it was, the reference is likely to the Akash missile systems, developed by the DRDO and produced by BEL.

The report said after clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security, the missile systems were inducted in “A command” and “B command” in October 2014 and March 2015.

In an apparent hint that the sector being referred to is along the China border, the report said in 2009, Indian posture in aS’ sector was changed from ‘Dissuasive’ to ‘Deterrence’, due to build-up of large scale military infrastructure by the adversary.

Around the same time, India moved from policy of ‘dissuasion’ to ‘deterrence’ against China, which was later reflected in the Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan 2012-2027.

The report said that the Cabinet Committee on Security in November 2010 had approved procurement and induction of six squadrons of this “strategic” missile system from BEL to be located at six IAF stations in the ‘C’ Command, at a total cost of Rs 3,619.25 crore, along with approval for creation of necessary infrastructure, like missile preparation and storage facility, ramp structure and workshop at a cost of around Rs 100 crore.

“Though the need for creating deterrence capability in the ‘S’ sector was recognised in 2009 and a contract for procurement of strategic missile system was signed in December 2010, the strategic missile system were not yet inducted at any of the six locations as of March 2017,” the CAG said.

The reasons the report gave for the delays included delay in creation of infrastructure at the site, which includes building for storage, and the work was not complete till October 2016. At two stations which were not named, 85 to 90 percent construction was finished but it was not taken by IAF due to problems in construction.

Site Acceptance Test for the missiles, which is supposed to be completed within 30-60 days of delivery of the system, was done only at three of the six sites, and that too after delays ranging from seven months to one year.

Hence, performance of the missile system supplied was yet to be fully tested and accepted for use, it said, adding that the delay in creation of infrastructure for storage led to detrioration in the missile systems. — IANS

Simran Sodhi

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 19

China has moved tonnes of military hardware into regions of Tibet, close to the point of the Doklam standoff, according to reports put out by the official mouthpiece of the Chinese Army today.While sources in the Indian establishment were quick to shoot down these reports, their veracity remains a matter of debate.According to the PLA Daily, the official mouthpiece of the Chinese military, China has moved vast amounts of military equipment to a region south of the Kunlun Mountains in northern Tibet by the Western Theatre Command, which oversees the restive regions of Xinjiang and Tibet, and handles border issues with India.The report ups the ante on the India-China standoff. The state-run Chinese media has been regularly running articles warning India of the dire consequences of this ‘illegal trespass’.The PLA report added that the move took place late last month and involved hardware being moved simultaneously by road and rail from across the entire region.National Security Adviser Ajit Doval will be travelling to Beijing next week to attend a BRICS meet. Sources said this would present an opportunity for India to take up the matter with China to discuss steps for de-escalation. Sources also point out that it is difficult to read the Chinese mind and how Doval’s visit pans out will be carefully watched.The India-China standoff in Doklam is nearly a month old now with both sides refusing to step down from their stated positions. China has asked India to withdraw its troops from the area as a pre-condition for any ‘meaningful dialogue’ to begin. India, however, has run a more cautious line and has argued that this is a situation which calls for dialogue and that ‘differences should not be allowed to become disputes’.

China ready to attack India, says Mulayam 

• Former Defence Minister and Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav (pic) on Wednesday cautioned the government against China’s ‘ill-designs’
• Expressing concern at the successive Central governments not addressing threats from China, he said it was India’s responsibility to provide security to Sikkim and Bhutan
• “China has made preparations for a war with India. It has subjugated Pakistan and gobbled parts of Kashmir in collusion with it… The government should verify and act on a report I have received that China has stockpiled atom bombs underground in Pakistan to be used against India,” he said in the Lok Sabha tns

‘Beijing moved military vehicles, gear to Tibet’

Naik Muddasar Ahmed

Amir Karim Tantray & Shyam Sood

Tribune News Service

Jammu/Rajouri, July 17

Pakistani troops today resorted to heavy shelling in Balakote and Mankote sectors of Poonch district and also targeted Tarkundi and Manjakote sectors in Rajouri. A soldier and a six-year-old girl were killed in Tarkundi sector. Naik Muddasar Ahmed  belonged to Duchoo village in Tral, Pulwama district, whereas the girl, Sajida Kafeel, was from Barooti Dadiana village in Rajouri district.In Manjakote, Muhammad Sharief and his wife Shah Begum of Panjgrain village were injured in heavy  shelling. Shah Begum’s condition was said to be critical. Defence spokesperson Lt Col Manish Mehta said the Pakistani troops opened unprovoked fire on Indian posts in Rajouri sector at 7.30 am. The Indian Army retaliated strongly and effectively. In the exchange of fire, Naik Muddasar Ahmed (37) was grievously injured when mortar shells landed on his bunker. He later succumbed to his injuries. He is survived by his wife Shaheena Muddasar and two children.(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)“Naik Muddasar Ahmed was a brave soldier. He loved his job to the core. The nation will remain indebted to him for his supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty,” Lt Col Mehta said.Several villages have been affected by the heavy shelling. The district administration has had to shut at least 16 schools for an indefinite period. At least 120 students trapped inside a school in Panjgrain have been evacuated. Pakistani troops also violated the ceasefire agreement in Bhimber Gali sector of Poonch district. Rajouri DC Shahid Iqbal Choudhary held a meeting with locals at Panjgrain and briefed them on the arrangements made for setting up camps in case of evacuation, ration and medicine supplies.Pakistani troops also resorted to unprovoked firing at three villages in Kamalkote area of Uri in Baramulla later in the day, defence sources said. One soldier was injured. Media reports in Pakistan said four Pakistani soldiers were killed on Sunday when their jeep, hit by a shell, fell into a river.

Reserve right to retaliate: DGMO

• New Delhi: India’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) on Monday made it clear to his Pakistani counterpart that the Indian Army was sincere in maintaining peace along the Line of Control as long as Pakistan reciprocated. However, the Army will retaliate to any firing from across the LoC. DGMO Lt Gen AK Bhatt told Pakistani counterpart Maj Gen Sahir S Mirza over the hotline that the “Indian Army reserved the right to retaliate appropriately to any violation of ceasefire”. Army spokesperson Col Aman Anand said the DGMO pointed out that all violations of the 2003 ceasefire were initiated by the Pakistan army. The Pak DGMO said four soldiers had died in Indian firing in PoK opposite the Keran sector in Kupwara. TNS

Mahavir Chakra Major Bhupinder Singh

In sept. 1965, Major Bhupinder Singh commanded the “B” squadron of the 4 Horse against Pakistani forces. On the 11th Sept 1965.He successfully led his forces in cutting of the enemy retreat along the Gadgor-Phillora road.

In the battle of Sadoke that followed, Major took over the command of the regiment after the commander was forced to abandon his tank. Inspired by this gallantary, the regiment fought valiantly and destroyed several enemy tanks. Nine days later the Major led his men in the battle of Sodreke.

His tank targeted by the enemy caught fire after it was struck several times. The Major continued fighting even when all but two of his tanks were disabled. However he sustained severe burns when he was finally compelled to abandon his burning vehicle and died soon after. He was posthumously honored with the Mahavira Chakra for his awe inspiring courage and gallantry.

Major Bhupinder Singh’’’, a son of Ludhiana, set an inspiring example of personal sacrifice and bravery in the best traditions of the Indian Army.

 With skillful deployment and bold action, his squadron was able to cause large-scale destruction of Pakistani tanks and other equipment. Although his tank was hit on several occasions, he continued to remain in effective command and, by several acts of personal gallantry, inspired his men to fight courageously. On September 19, 1965, in the battle of Sodreke his tank was hit and caught fire. While escaping from his flame engulfed tank. Burned severely Major Bhupinder Singh succumbed to his injuries.

COMMENTS

The Statue of Major Bhupinder Singh MVC  is Located at Ludhiana Bharat Nagar Chowk. The previous Govt has failed to maintain it or give due respectability by Civil Administration on any occasions. 

Now Col CM Lakahanpal and his social outfit has cleaned and painted and area around it cleaned of wild growth. The  Station Commander need to look into this responsibility as a moral responsibility 

WE Salute Col Lakhapal for such a wonderful initiative and a lead to all ESM of the Nation to ensure Martyrs Statue are Maintained  at all cost which will only earn respectability to us all. 

Col CJS Khera(Retd)

Photo for representational purpose only. Thinkstock

Imphal, July 10

An Army jawan was on Monday found dead with bullet injury in Bishenpur district, the police said.

The jawan was identified as 37-year-old Moirangthem Herachandra. His body was found in a canal located at the vicinity of Nachau and Kwaksiphai in Bishenpur district by the locals who informed the police.

The body had a bullet injury on the forehead, said a senior police officer.

The police said Herachandra was posted at Chandel district and was currently on leave. PTI

Indian and Chinese troops have prepared for long haul at Doklam. File

Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 10

As Indian and Chinese troops dig in for a long haul at the 10,000-ft-high Doklam plateau in Bhutan, defence experts say the resolution of past such standoffs was possible only after forces of both sides carried out simultaneous withdrawal from disputed areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).An agreement to withdraw forces simultaneously from the disputed site was the only option left to defuse the crisis, said a top functionary. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)The area is disputed at the tri-junction of India, China and Bhutan and as per existing agreements, tri-junctions cannot be disturbed till all three parties agree. In 2013, 2014 and 2015, all three standoffs in Ladakh and the one in Anjaw (Arunachal Pradesh) were resolved through simultaneous withdrawal of troops. In the past three decades, peace treaties have kept sanity along the 3,488-km LAC. There have been a series of agreements that dictate the conduct of soldiers and also how a high-powered committee with members of both sides would sort out matters.Each year, troops of either side come face to face many times while patrolling along disputed areas. As per an agreement inked in 2005, troops are supposed to back off from the positions of patrolling. This is done after troops of either side show a banner asking the other to back off as per the “protocol on modalities for implementation of confidence-building measures in the military field along the LAC”. The mandate of the agreement is: “Throughout the face-to-face situation, neither side shall use force or threaten to use force against the other.” It also calls upon both the sides to stop their activities in the area and not advance any further. They have to return to their respective bases after the banner drill. It is only after this mechanism fails and troops don’t withdraw that the situation is called a standoff, as in the present case.