The purchase of Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missiles (QR-SAM), which was being done from global sources, is now on ‘buy Indian’ list

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 16

As part of a relook at importing military equipment, some items have been put on the list that will only be sourced indigenously.

Policy on cards

The Ministry of Defence is crafting a policy that will allow import of only specific items that cannot be produced in India. It will lay down guidelines which items can be imported and why.

The purchase of Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missiles (QR-SAM), which was being done from global sources, is now on ‘buy Indian’ list. Only Indian firms will be able to supply the missile for Army’s air-defence system.

Similarly, the all-terrain vehicles used in high-altitude areas will only be sourced from Indian vendors. The light machine guns (LMGs) for the Army will also be sourced from local sources. A decision in this regard was taken at a high-level virtual meeting on Friday. The decision to add more items on the ‘import ban’ list is expected in the coming week.

The Tribune had first reported in its January 12 edition that only cutting-edge technology will be imported and that too will have some kind of clause of servicing and maintaining the equipment. Import could be allowed in items such as aircraft engines, armed drones and long-range planes, among others.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had last month said at an industry event that it will be ‘make in India’ for military equipment in future.

Within the Ministry of Defence, a policy is being crafted that will allow import of only specific items which cannot be produced in India. This will lay down guidelines which items can be imported and why. It is called ‘Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy’.

The review will provide the list of items that cannot be imported and those which could be made in India.

IAF to commemorate Tangail air drop and Meghna crossing during the war

Photo for representation purposes

Tribune News Service

Ajay Banerjee

New Delhi, January 17

At this year’s Republic Day parade, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will pay homage to some of the exploits of its pilots and also the armed forces during the 1971 war with Pakistan.

The tableau of the IAF that will be part of the parade at Rajpath will have a display of a jet bombing the Governor’s House at Dhaka.

Also, a model of the Gnat fighter will form the display.The Gnat hadearned the name ‘Sabre slayer’ for its efficacy in shooting down the Sabres – aname for a Jet – of the Pakistani Air Force.

The flypast will pay homage to two important events that possibly changed the course of war in East Pakistan.

Among the several formations that will be flying, the IAF has named two of the flying displays as ‘Tangail’ and ‘Meghna’.

Tangail is the place in Bangladesh where the Indian Army’sParachute Regiment, known as Para’s,were air-dropped behind enemy lines. A Dakota – a plane used in the para-dropin 1971- will fly past Rajpath as part of the flying display. It will be flanked by a Dornier 228 and a special operations plane, the C130-J.

This segment of the display is named ‘Tangail’.

Meghna is ariver east of Dhaka and crossing it was important during the 1971 war if Indian forces wanted to capture Dhaka.

IAF helicopters were used to cross thousands of Indian Army troops across the 4 km expanse of the Meghna. The flying display at Rajpath will include a Chinook heavy lift copter and four Mi17V5 copters flying in to commemorate the crossing of the Meghna. The segment is named ‘Meghna’.

THE Pakistan Government offered two sneak previews of its first-ever national security policy last week. The first input by an unnamed official to the media was about the policy focusing on geo-economics. – File photo

THE Pakistan Government offered two sneak previews of its first-ever national security policy last week. The first input by an unnamed official to the media was about the policy focusing on geo-economics. Then, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan made public about half of this policy document on the day the Punjab Police recovered a 5-kg bomb near the India-Pak border. Two days earlier, Babar Bhai, who had infiltrated from Pakistan, was gunned down in Kulgam, Kashmir. Though of acute interest to India, the new security policy gives no insight into whether Pakistan’s purported geo-economic pivot also means abandoning in Kashmir and Punjab its once-successful and low-cost policy of ‘inflicting a thousand cuts’, perfected against the occupying Soviet forces in Afghanistan.

In terms of the traditional security framework, Pakistan plans to not just upgrade its capabilities in continental defence but also step up its maritime activities, all with an eye on India where ‘a regressive and dangerous ideology’ has heightened the prospect of violent conflict. For an ecosystem that is well and truly on the ventilator, Pakistan would do well with the extra focus on economics. Surprisingly, instead of reducing the aggressive space for disagreement on trade, the policy counter-accuses India of ‘holding hostage’ eastward connectivity. The disconnect between rhetoric and reality cannot be starker. For over two months now, Pakistan has been unable to decide on land transit for Indian aid to the starving people of Afghanistan.

The strategic goals of a ‘dedicated focus’ on export-led growth will remain partly fulfilled if Pakistan continues to block access of its businesses to a natural market in the Indian subcontinent. The policy rightly points out that sustainable and inclusive economic growth is needed to bolster traditional and human security. It claims to demonstrate resolve against extremism and sectarianism, both of which have been fuelled by the ISI’s violent meddling in different parts of India. It is unfair to make assumptions from only half a policy. But the conspicuous sense of hostility in the 17 references to India suggests that Pakistan needs more soul-searching for economics to become the principal load-bearing pillar of its ties with India.

The Honorary Captain stood out for his resourcefulness, zest, and the electrifying effect he had on all those around

Brig IS Gakhal (Retd)

Havildar Daulat Singh was sent out in April 1964 to raise 9 Sikh. Diminutive in frame (by Sikh regimental standards), Daulat was an extremely resourceful soldier. There was no task he could not accomplish, and such characters in a newly raised battalion are of prime focus whenever given a task.

When an officer told him, “Hav Daulat, kampany layee 16 picketan chahidiyan (Need 16 long angle iron pickets for the company)”, he would reply: “Saab, labh layanwan ge, par baad wich kithon ayeeyan eh na puchiyo (Saab, we shall find them, but do not later question us on the source).”

Daulat was like the present-day e-commerce operators’ delivery, always on time. He thus progressed to become Senior JCO of Bravo Company (Major KC Bali was the Company Commander) when 9 Sikh was deployed in Tutmari Gali in Jammu and Kashmir during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

Starting on December 3 that year, the battalion excelled in the operations and captured Lipa valley (46 sq km) on its own till the ceasefire was announced. The 9 Sikh suffered many casualties. Sub Daulat Singh himself suffered an LMG burst on the right midriff, needing immediate evacuation. For two days, the helicopter services were not available mainly because of the weather.

The medical officer decided to evacuate him without further delay. Strapped to a saddle astride a mule, Sub Daulat Singh moved to Tutmari Gali. The medical officer had called the Medical Aid Post (MAP), located half-way to the battalion headquarters, informing them that if Daulat Saab arrived alive, administer morphine, give coffee to drink and move him on without delay. This conversation was overheard by Subedar Saab.

As the mule climbed to the pass, Sub Daulat Singh let out a loud jaikara, “Bole So Nihal Sat Sri Akal”, to announce that he was alive. Soon, he was on his way to Radha Post, the battalion headquarters. As he approached Radha Post, Sub Daulat Singh belted out another jaikara, this time loudly responded to by the Subedar Major and the jawans waiting to receive him. The jaikaras continued for a while till Daulat was loaded onto the ambulance and on his way to Military Hospital, Srinagar.

Many months later, Sub Daulat Singh was discharged from the Military Hospital and given sick leave, with movement order for the Sikh Regimental Centre at Meerut. He was downgraded medically and restrictions were imposed on his posting in the hills or high-altitude areas. Here is where the story becomes interesting.

Sub Daulat Singh reported back to the unit and insisted that he must go back to Bravo Company for his farewell ‘bara khana’, followed by one in the Battalion JCO Mess. Despite his medical restriction, Sub Daulat Singh moved across Tutmari Gali to Bravo Company on foot, attended the ‘bara khana’, came back to Radha Post where he was dined out from an ad hoc JCO Mess, and then went his way.

Subedar Daulat Singh retired some years later with the Honorary Captain rank. That was not all. After retirement, he served as the administrative officer with the Border Roads Organisation in Joshimath area in Uttarakhand, throwing his medical category restrictions out of the window.

Even today, he never fails to attend a get-together of 9 Sikh. Long live Capt Daulat Singh, a living relic of 9 Sikh.

he Chief of Staff, Western Command, Lt Gen Devendra Sharma, pays tributes at the Veer Smriti war memorial in Chandimandir on Saturday. Tribune Photo

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 15

As part of the 74th Army Day commemorations at Headquarters Western Command, homage was paid to the martyrs at the Chandimandir military station today. The Chief of Staff, Western Command, Lt Gen Devendra Sharma, laid a wreath at the Veer Smriti war memorial on behalf of all ranks. On this day, the Western Command reaffirmed its commitment and firm resolve to ensure the safety, security and sanctity of the nation and its borders, an official statement said.

Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year to mark the appointment of the first Indian Commander-in-Chief, Gen KM Cariappa (later Field Marshal), post-Independence, who succeeded the last British Commander-in-Chief, Gen Francis Roy Butcher, on this day in 1948.

The day is also an occasion to honour the selfless service and valour of the soldiers and remember their sacrifices towards safeguarding the nation and its citizens. —

Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane releases commemorative postage stamps during the Army Day Parade, at KM Cariappa Parade Ground, in New Delhi, on Saturday, January 15, 2022. PTI

PTI

New Delhi, January 15

Army Chief General M M Naravane on Saturday released a postage stamp commemorating permanent commission to women officers in the Indian Army.

The Supreme Court, in a landmark ruling in February 2020, had directed the Centre to ensure that women short service commission (SSC) officers are given permanent commission (PC) in the Indian Army, including command postings.

The Army said on Saturday tweeted, “On the occasion of Army Day, General M M Naravane, Chief of Army Staff, eleased a commemorative postage stamp, ‘Permanent Commission to Women Officers in the Indian Army’.” After the SC ruling, the Army had constituted a special selection board in September, 2020 to screen women officers. The results were declared in November, 2020.

The women officers who were not granted PC moved the apex court. In March, 2021, the court found that the “evaluation criteria set by the Army constituted systemic discrimination” against these women officers.

The top court, in its March 2021 order, laid down revised parameters on the basis of which the women officers were evaluated for permanent commission in the Army.

Thereafter, in July, 2021, a total of 147 additional women SSC officers of the Indian Army were granted permanent commission according to the revised parameters set by the Supreme Court

24,000 spectators to witness parade

Soldiers dance during the rehearsal for the Republic Day parade on a foggy winter morning in New Delhi. Reuters

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 15

Republic Day celebrations from this year onwards will begin from January 23 instead of January 24 to include the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

“This is in line with the government’s focus on celebrating/commemorating important aspects of our history and culture,” sources said, noting it had earlier started celebrating Bose’s birth anniversary as “Parakram Divas”.

Other such days, observance of which have become a yearly affair, are August 14 as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, October 31 as National Unity Day (birth anniversary of Sardar Patel), November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas (Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary), November 26 as Constitution Day and December 26 as Veer Baal Divas (a tribute to the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh), sources added.

Besides, around 24,000 persons will be permitted to attend the Republic Day parade on January 26 this year given the Covid-19 situation in the national capital, sources in the defence establishment said on Saturday.

In 2020, before the pandemic struck India, 1.25 lakh persons were permitted to attend the parade. Last year’s Republic Day parade took place amid the pandemic and close to 25,000 persons were allowed to attend it, sources mentioned.

Like last year, this time too the parade may not have any foreign dignitary as the chief guest due to the pandemic.

Out of 24,000 persons who would be attending the parade, 19,000 would be invited and the rest would be the general public, who could purchase tickets, sources said.

Three former Army officers moved the Supreme Court seeking an SIT probe into hate speeches allegedly made at Dharam Sansads held at Haridwar and Delhi last month. – File photo

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 15

Three former Army officers moved the Supreme Court seeking an SIT probe into hate speeches allegedly made at Dharam Sansads held at Haridwar and Delhi last month.

A Bench led by CJI NV Ramana has already issued notices to the Centre, Delhi Police and Uttarakhand Government on another PIL on the issue filed by journalist Qurban Ali and senior advocate Anjana Prakash. Ali and Prakash too have sought an “independent, credible and impartial investigation” by an SIT into the incidents of alleged hate speeches at the Dharm Sansads.

Referring to the videos with blatant calls for genocide against minority communities being circulating on social media, the petitioners — Major General SG Vombatkere, Colonel PK Nair and Major Priyadarshi Chowdhury — said if unchecked, such incidents would have a serious impact on the morale of the soldiers in the armed forces who come from diverse communities and religions.

“From personal experience, it is felt that such hate speeches can even affect the battle-efficiency of our armed forces and in turn compromise national security,” the petitioners submitted.

Such seditious and divisive speeches violate not only the criminal law of the land, but also strike at the core of Article 19 of the Constitution, they said, adding, “These speeches stain the secular fabric of the nation and also have serious potential to impact public order adversely.”

Will impact morale of armed forces

In their petition, Major General SG Vombatkere, Colonel PK Nair and Major Priyadarshi Chowdhury said if unchecked, such incidents would have a serious impact on the morale of the soldiers in the armed forces who come from diverse communities and religions.

Major HPS Ahluwalia (retd), a key member of the first Indian mountaineering team to have successfully summitted Mount Everest in May 1965, died here.

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 15

Major HPS Ahluwalia (retd), a key member of the first Indian mountaineering team to have successfully summitted Mount Everest in May 1965, died here.

He was 85 years of age. He was chairman of the Indian Spinal Centre in the national capital. He was paralysed after being shot at during the Indo-Pak war in Sept 1965.

He had written several books, including two on Everest —“Higher than Everest” and “Faces of Everest”.

In 1965, the Indian expedition was led by Commander MS Kohli (retd) as leader when Maj Ahluwalia reached the top of the peak, the highest in the world.

Maj Ahluwalia, despite being wheelchair-bound since 1965, contributed to fields of adventure, sports, environment, disability and social work.

Maj Ahluwalia had also remained president of the Indian Mountaineering Foundation and the Delhi Mountaineering Association. He was honoured with the country’s most prestigious awards — Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri and the Arjuna Award. He also received the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award.

He was born and raised in Shimla. His father worked for the Central Public Works Department as a Civil Engineer.

Maj Ahluwalia received advanced training in mountaineering at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling.

He climbed extensively in Sikkim and Nepal. He is survived by his wife Bholi Ahluwalia and daughter Sugandh Ahluwalia.

Scaled Everest in 1965

• Major HPS Ahluwalia (retd) was a trained mountaineer, author and social worker
• He was a key member of the first Indian mountaineering team to have successfully summitted Mount Everest in May 1965
• He was honoured with the country’s most prestigious awards — Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri and the Arjuna Award. He also received the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award

Tribune News Service

Ajay Banerjee

New Delhi, January 15

For the third time in four days, Army Chief General MM Naravane made a statement defending the sanctity of the 3,488-km Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Army role crucial

The Army will remain central to securing the national interests as India grows in stature and strength. Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister

In his address at the Army Day parade here, General Naravane said, “Our message is clear, the Army will stall any effort to unilaterally change the status quo at the boundary.” This third successive reference made it clear that the LAC cannot be altered by force. The LAC is the de facto boundary with China along the Himalayas and is not demarcated.

In a message broadcast on Friday night, the General said, “We stand firm to counter any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo along borders.” On January 12, he had said, “No status quo (at the LAC) can be changed with force.” India has in the past officially said that China made a unilateral attempt in April/May 2020 to alter the LAC. Both countries have their own perception where the LAC runs hence the dispute. A military stand-off has ensued in the past 20 months and the Army Chief’s words come at time when the 14th round of talks between military commanders failed to resolve all points of friction along the LAC in eastern Ladakh.

This morning at the parade, the Army Chief said the two armies have disengaged at several places and termed it as “a positive step”. He added, “We continue to work to resolve the existing issue on basis of mutual security.”

Asserting that the morale of our troops was high, he said, “Patience is the outcome of our self-confidence, none should try and test it.”

New combat uniform

The Army on Saturday unveiled a new combat uniform that is comfortable, climate-friendly and features a digital disruptive pattern. A contingent of commandos, wearing the new uniforms, took part in a parade.