Monthly Archives: August 2018

Gen. Rawat pays tribute to infantry soldiers at the Amar Jawan Jyoti in New Delhi. PTI photo

New Delhi, October 27

Stone-pelters in Jammu and Kashmir are overground workers of terror groups and should be dealt with sternly,  Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said on Saturday, a day after a 22-year-old jawan was killed in stone-pelting in Kashmir, even as he warned Pakistan to desist from supporting cross-border terrorism.

Sending a tough message to Pakistan, Gen. Rawat said if Islamabad continues to support cross-border terrorism, then the Indian Army can resort to “other actions” too.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event to mark the Infantry Day, the Army Chief, however, did not elaborate on what could be the possible action he was talking about.

The Army had carried out “surgical strikes” on terror launchpads across the Line of Actual Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir on September 28, 2016, following a string of terror attacks on military installations in India by Pakistan-based terror groups.

The Army Chief also asked Pakistan to desist from aiding and abetting terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the Indian State was “strong enough” to ensure that the border state remains a part of India and no one can take it away by force or any other means.

On the death of jawan Rajendra Singh in stone-pelting in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district, Gen. Rawat reiterated his earlier stand that the stone-pelters are nothing but overground workers of terror outfits. “I still say the same… If they (stone-pelters) can kill people with such acts, are they not becoming like terrorists.” The 22-year-old Singh died at a hospital in Srinagar Friday after he sustained head injuries during stone-pelting by a group of youths on Thursday.

“I want to tell them (stone-pelters) that no one will benefit from stone-pelting,” said the Army Chief, adding tough action should be taken against them. He said the Army has got an FIR lodged in the case.

Talking about Pakistan’s support to cross-border terrorism, Gen. Rawat suggested that the neighbouring country was resorting to a “proxy war” to avenge its defeat at the hands of India in the 1971 War when Bangladesh was liberated.

The aim of Pakistan, he said, is to keep the Indian Army “embroiled in this proxy war that they have lost.” “But, let me assure you, Indian Army and the Indian State is strong enough to ensure that Jammu and Kashmir remain part of India… No one else can take it away by force or by any other means, because legally, legitimately J&K is an integral part of India,” he said.

Asked about the cross-border infiltration, he said Pakistan would be wise to know that by indulging in such activities, harm is coming to Pakistan only.

“We are capable of finishing any infiltrators who reach our side. But, if Pakistan continues to support infiltration, we can use other kind of action too,” Rawat said. He said Pakistan was continuing to fuel disturbances in Jammu and Kashmir, fully knowing that they will never succeed.

“Legitimately, legally and by all rights, J and K is part of India. Pakistan somehow has been trying to annex this part of the country, more so after they lost East Pakistan with liberation of Bangladesh,” he said.

The Army Chief said despite the passage of so many years, Pakistan still has a desire to succeed in that.

“And, with liberation of Bangladesh they decided to create a similar situation in Kashmir… Has Pakistan succeeded? They have not. And, Pakistan is fully aware they cannot succeed in Jammu and Kashmir, but they still hope they can succeed. It is just another way to keep the turmoil going and not allow development in the state,” he said.

The Infantry Day is observed every year to commemorate supreme sacrifices made by Indian Army’s infantry against Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir.

Rawat earlier laid a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti to pay tribute to numerous infantry soldiers who died in the line of duty. PTI

Our Correspondent

Una, October 26

A pal of gloom descended on Nanavin village in the Dhundla panchayat of Bangana subdivision after the news of the death of an Army jawan, belonging to the village, reached here.

Brijesh Sharma (36) was killed in a grenade attack by terrorists while on duty in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday.

He is survived by his mother, wife and a six-year-old daughter. Recruited in 2003 in the 14 Punjab Regiment, Brijesh was currently deployed with the 22 Rashtriya Rifles.

His wife Shweta was inconsolable. It is learnt that Brijesh had rejoined duty after vacation 20 days ago. Bangana SDM Sanjeev Kumar said the body was expected to reach the village on Saturday. He would be cremated with full military honours. Local MLA and Rural Development Minister Virender Kanwar expressed grief over the jawan’s death.

Mandi, October 19

Ex-servicemen chairperson Brigadier Khushal Thakur (Retd) said the proposed Kargil War memorial would to be constructed at Indira Market, Mandi. The project has been hanging fire since long. He said on Thursday, a delegation of ex servicemen met Deputy Commissioner Rugved Thakur to discuss the issue.

He said earlier, the war memorial was proposed to be constructed at Kargil Park in Mandi town, but due to some reasons it could not executed. Now, the district administration had decided to construct it at Indira Market. “The apathy of the state government has led to the inordinate delay in the construction of the Kargil War memorial,” he added.

He said the thought of constructing war memorial at Kargil Park had come up post Kargil War by the then state government as there were 12 martyrs from Mandi district alone. The objective of the war memorial was aimed to honour the martyrs who laid down their life for the country.

Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda had announced a grant of Rs 50 lakh for the war memorial, while Mandi MP Ramswaroop Sharma had announced Rs 20 lakh, but the project did not see the light of day. — TNS

Pune: Four Indian Army personnel, who are posted at Khadki Military hospital in Pune, were booked for molesting and raping a speech-impaired woman. As per reports, the crime took place in the hospital premises.

The victim had filed a complaint in Indore with the help of an NGO. A report states that the letter was also sent to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Army Chief Bipin Singh Rawat.

As per Army sources, the matter dates back to 2015. It escalated in May this year after an NGO approached the Army. Court of inquiry was ordered in May and is believed to be in progress.

Pune ACP Kalyanrao Vidhate, while speaking to media, informed that the incident took place between January to June 2015. “Victim and accused used to work in night shifts at the same organisation. She can’t speak, so accused took advantage of her condition and committed sexual assault. She told her colleague and he also committed sexual assault. Two other men did the same thing,” he informed.

The Khadki police station on Tuesday registered an FIR against all four Army personnel, as per ANI. While FIR was registered against three of them under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), one was booked under Section 354 of IPC.

In a similar incident last month, an Army Major was booked for allegedly raping his domestic help in southwest Delhi. In her complaint, the woman also accused the Army Major and his relative of killing her husband.

The woman, in the complaint, stated that she was raped by the Major on July 12. The same day her husband allegedly killed himself.

In another incident, an Army man was arrested on September 25 in connection with the gangrape of a 19-year-old woman from Rewari district in Haryana. Identified as Navin alias Nikku, the Army personnel was nabbed by the SIT in Odisha.

The woman was abducted from a bus stop in Kanina town in Mahendragarh district, neighbouring Rewari, on September 12 while she was on the way to a coaching class. She was allegedly drugged and gang-raped at a room housing a tubewell for irrigation.

Tribune News Service
Jammu, October 17

The Pakistan Rangers on Wednesday violated the truce agreement by opening small arms fire on a forward post of the Border Security Force (BSF) in the Arnia sector of Jammu district.

Intelligence sources said the Pakistan Rangers resorted to ceasefire violation by opening small arms fire on the Pittal Post in Arnia sector at 1.15 pm. The BSF personnel of the 62 Battalion retaliated in equal and calibrated measure.

Sources said the exchange of fire lasted for a few minutes. “There was no loss of life or injuries on the Indian side,” sources said.

They said the extent of damage on the other side was not known but there was a possibility that the Pakistan side might have suffered a casualty.

BSF officers, however, remained tight-lipped over the incident.

Deepender Deswal

Tribune News Service

Hisar, October 14

The family of sepoy Palu Ram of Nagathla village, who went missing during World War II in Italy fighting the German army, was taken by surprise when the Indian Army broke the news about the recovery of his mortal remains.

The reports said Palu Ram was 19 years old and unmarried when he took part in the war. He participated as a soldier of the 4th Battalion of the 13th Frontier Force Rifles, which was under the British Indian Army, in 1944.

He went missing on September 13, 1944, fighting the German Infantry division at Poggio Alto in Italy.

Leelu Ram, a villager, said that it was a big surprise when the Army authorities approached him to inquire about Palu Ram’s family.

“After some inquiry, I came to know that his family is still live in the village. He is related to the family of Ramji Lal, a farmers’ family in the village. It was also news for his own family,” he said.

He said Palu Ram was one of the two sons of Pat Ram, Moji Ram being the other one. While the unmarried Palu Ram, who joined the British Army, went missing, his brother Moji Ram had two sons — Kana Ram and Ramji Lal.

Kana Ram has died. The family members of Kana Ram and Ramji Lal are marginal farmers.

Ramesh, grandson of Moji Ram, said that the Army contacted him on the basis of the pension records of Palu Ram. “My great grandfather Pat Ram had been getting pension for Palu Ram after he went missing in action. In fact, my grandfather Moji Ram too died early. My great grandfather Pat Ram brought up my father Ramji Lal and uncle Kana Ram,” he said.

“We are feeling relieved that the last rites of the mortal remains will be performed after 74 years of his demise. We will be able to immerse his ashes as per our religious rites. We are proud that our ancestor participated in World War II,” Ramesh said.

Reports had said that in 1996, human bones were found in Poggio Alto. The Italian authorities in 2010 began investigations to identify the remains. The DNA tests in 2012 revealed that the remains belonged to non-European adults aged 20-21 years who were later identified as Palu Ram of Nangthala and Hari Singh of Rohtak.

The last rites would be performed at Girone monumental cemetery in Florence, Italy, the Indian Army is reported to have decided.

Indian Army Recruitment 2018: Applications have been invited from eligible candidates for the post of Religious Teachers (Junior Commissioned Officers). Interested candidates can apply before the last date on the prescribed format.

Indian Army Recruitment 2018: The Indian Army recruitment wing has released a notification regarding the recruitment of Junior Commissioned Officers in the department. According to reports, there are 96 vacancies for Religious Teachers for RRT 87 and 88 courses. Interested and eligible candidates can apply through the prescribed format. Candidates are advised to check the official notification before filling up the application form.

As per reports, the last date for filling up the application form through the prescribed format has been scheduled for November 3, 2018. Moreover, the candidates applying for the posts must have the necessary educational qualifications for being eligible to apply for the post. Candidates must note that they should be in between the age of 25 and 34 years as on 01 Oct 2019 for being eligible for application.

Educational Qualification:

For Pandit: Hindu candidates with Acharya in Sanskrit language or Shastri in Sanskrit language along with one-year diploma in ‘Karam Kand is mandatory

For Granthi- Sikh Candidates and should be Gyani in Punjabi.

For Maulvi (Sunni) and Maulvi (Shia): Muslims candidates who have Maulvi Alim degree in Arabic or Adib Alim in Urdu are eligible for the post.

For other eligibility criteria, candidates can log in to the official website and go through the detailed notification online.

Important Dates for Indian Army Recruitment 2018:

Online registration starts: October 5

Closure of online registration: November 3,

Vacancy Details of Army Recruitment for Religious Teachers 2018:

Maulvi (Sunni) – 5 posts

Maulvi (Shia) -1 post

Padre – 2 posts

Pandit – 78 posts

Pandit (Gorkha) – 3 posts

Granthi – 6 posts

Bodh Monk (Mahayaana) – 1 post

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat

Rescue on high seas can also be highly political and divisive. But maintaining good maritime order can only be ensured with jointmanship as demonstrated by the timely rescue of Commander Abhilash Tomy by both the French and Australian navies

Befittingly, the hardened men-in-white of the Indian Navy promise ‘an ocean opportunities’ as they tease the Josh-types to choose between becoming ‘General Manager Arun Kumar’ or ‘Commander Arun Kumar’, in their luring advertisements. For eons, sayings like “hearts of oak are our ships, gallant tars are our men”, have romanced the young and seeped into their bloodstreams before luring them into the Navy — a decision that they seldom regret.

One such seafarer with the wanderlust for the open oceans and brazen adventures is Commander Abhilash Tomy KC, a quintessential Indian Navy man who had braved come-hell-or-high-water as the first Indian to sail and circumnavigate across the globe solo, non-stop and unassisted in 2013.

The expanse of 23,000 nautical miles across four oceans had taken 150 days for Tomy’s sheer daredevilry, earning him a Kirti Chakra for gallantry. Such restless seafarers are cut from a different cloth, where the spirit of challenge never dims and on July 1, 2018, Commander Abhilash Tomy took to sails again in the Golden Globe Race, which pits 18 of the finest and fittest sailors from across the world in a grueling round-the-globe challenge.

Except this time, fate and nature had different plans and his 36-foot boat, Thuriya, was hit by an extreme storm with 80 mph winds and 46-foot sea waves that left the tireless yachtsman, badly injured and in desperate need for rescue.

Since time immemorial there have been traditions and unwritten codes of seamanship that governed the conduct of rescue in high seas, and in 1979, an international convention pertaining to search and rescue (SAR) was adopted for the rescue of persons in distress at sea.

The common procedures, protocols, pooling of resources et al were established to ensure a robust mechanism. In this particular rescue operation that occurred a good 2,000 miles off the coast of Australia, help was taken from the French and Australian elements, besides the Indian Navy committing its own resources. Finally, it was the French patrol vessel, Osiris, that reached Abhilash Tomy, as the Indian long-range P8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft kept circling overhead.

India heaved a collective sigh of relief as the Indian President took the lead in rightfully thanking the foreign navies for their unstinted rescue efforts and obvious, spirit of seamanship. The parallel spirit exhibited by Irish yachtsman and fellow-competitor Gregor McGuckin and Estonian yachtsman Uku Randmaa, in making efforts to reach out to Abhilash Tomy, were in keeping with the sportsmanship, seamanship and camaraderie at its finest.

This unique race that is a virtual ode to the oft-forgotten DNA of sailing in the era of modern technology and aids, deliberately disallows any technological help and affords simple reliance on stars, sun and a magnetic compass to navigate the frequently punishing and choppy waters.

This was in stark contrast to the horrific tragedy which struck the supposedly ‘unsinkable’, Oscar-class Russian nuclear submarine, ‘Kursk’, where all 118 personnel on board had died in 2000. The sinking of the pride of the Russian fleet had been vociferously criticised for its slow, inept handling and delay in accepting help from foreign navies in the vicinity of the said accident. It was only on the fifth day of the disaster that Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to take British and Norwegian help.

Even then, the Russians enforced certain constraints on the Norwegian team from desisting on working on the stern of the submarine, even though the rescue team thought it impeded the rescue operations, especially since the fate of all the crew members had not yet been fully established.

Later, head of the Kursk incident cell, Vice Admiral Vladislav Ilyin concluded that some of the crew had lived up to three days and the formal investigation had slammed the delay in rescue operations.

Rescue on high seas can also be highly political and divisive. Successful search and rescue operations of the fleeing Middle Eastern and North African immigrants onto to the European lands was seen as a ‘pull factor’ for more immigration. Even though reports from agencies like Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) countered the allegation with data that showed that defending humanity at sea did not deteriorate maritime safety and only saved lives — the haunting image of the washed-ashore body of a tiny three-year-old Syrian boy, Alan Kurdi, pricked the collective conscience of the Western world.

Countries like Australia have aggressive ‘turn back’ and ‘push-back’ policies for incoming asylum boats. Closer home, the Rohingya ‘boat people’ or the ‘nowhere people’ are also a subject of much debate and polarisation. While Thailand has a strict push back policy for fleeing Rohingya’s by boat, others like Malaysia, Bangladesh and India, remain more nebulous in handling the issue.

Beyond overtly political issues like the Rohingya crisis and the geopolitical issues like the Chinese assertions, expansion and belligerence in the South China Seas — the human angle of search and rescue operations remains fairly universal.

Earlier this year, the Pakistani Navy is said to have provided “medical and humanitarian assistance” to 12 Indian fishermen who were stranded and lost for eight days after developing engine trouble, whereas last year the Indian Navy was involved in saving a Chinese merchant vessel  from pirate attack in the Arabian Sea.

In March this year, the Indian Navy held the 10th edition of MILAN Exercise, entailing 20 ships from nine countries, off the coast of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Besides enhancing interoperability and exchanging best practices, search and rescue operations and medical evacuation drills were part of the training.

HMAS Larrakia (ACPB 84) of Australia was one of the participants in the biennial congregation of friendly navies. Maritime good order can only be ensured with such jointmanship in the high seas as the timely rescue of Commander Abhilash Tomy demonstrated by both the French and Australian efforts, besides the obvious blessings of Varuna, the God of skies and oceans.

As the passionate seafarer Commander Tomy would probably agree: “On life’s vast ocean diversely we sail. Reasons the card, but passion the gale.”

(The writer, a military veteran, is a former Lt Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Puducherry)