Monthly Archives: August 2018

Israelis may be delighted with the departure of the Biden administration in the United States, but the re-election of Donald Trump does not guarantee a new US-Israel honeymoon. Despite the widely publicised pictures of Biden hugging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin…

Shyam Bhatia

Israelis may be delighted with the departure of the Biden administration in the United States, but the re-election of Donald Trump does not guarantee a new US-Israel honeymoon.

Despite the widely publicised pictures of Biden hugging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the wake of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, the underlying bilateral tensions were never far from the surface.

Washington’s pressure on Netanyahu started to intensify as casualties mounted in Gaza and a humanitarian crisis emerged with the killings of thousands of Palestinian civilians. In the weeks leading up to the US presidential election, the crisis between Washington DC and Jerusalem reached a new climax with President Joe Biden reportedly telling Netanyahu “stop bull-shitting me.”

By all accounts, the frustrated Americans additionally suspended some deliveries of bunker-busting bombs that they believed would increase civilian casualties. So, it was hardly surprising to hear the sighs of relief from the Israeli Prime Minister’s office when the results of the US presidential election started rolling in.

The humiliating defeat suffered by Biden’s vice-president and chosen successor Kamala Harris generated a euphoria, both within Israel’s far right cabinet and among many Israeli Jewish civilians. What Israelis now hope for is a return to the golden era of the first Trump administration when the US undertook a number of measures that were seen as a full endorsement of the Israeli far right’s ideology.

These measures included the relocation of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, the recognition of Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel and the further recognition of the Golan Heights — previously Syrian territory — as an integral part of Israel. Contrary to UN resolutions and international law, the Americans, under Trump, also ruled that Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank were entirely legitimate. US officials even went as far as cutting off all financial aid to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which for the past seven decades has been providing vital food, medical and educational services to millions of Palestinian families.

These policies embraced by Trump allowed him to boast how he was the most pro-Israeli US President in history. Yet, despite his pro-Israel record, which also enraged the Palestinians and other Arabs, it turns out that the vast majority of American Jews opted to vote for his rival Kamala Harris. Most American Jews are known to be traditionally more sympathetic to the Democrats and they expressed their support at the ballot box.

Among the reasons for their distaste of Trump were media portrayals of the incoming president as a supporter of dictators, including Adolph Hitler, and his alleged hostility towards illegal immigrants who were denounced by him and his supporters as “rapists”, “murderers” and “criminals” who revelled in eating domestic pets like cats and dogs.

Back in 2020, when Trump lost the election to Joe Biden, the defeated US President was outraged by an “ungrateful” Netanyahu who rushed to congratulate his Democrat rival. Soon afterwards, in a recorded interview with Israeli journalist Barak Ravid, when asked about Netanyahu, Trump responded: “f*** him.”

Trump’s profile suggests he is a man who harbours grudges against those perceived to be disloyal. So, whether he can now forgive and forget Netanyahu’s past actions, remains to be seen.

Since Trump’s recent victory was confirmed, Netanyahu was among the first world leaders to offer his congratulations and he has made at least three subsequent telephone calls to the President-elect. These telephone calls reflect the deep concern in Netanyahu’s office that Trump will no longer be the pushover he once was.

Statements made by Trump in the immediate aftermath of the presidential election have added to the concern of Israeli officials. His declaration that the US is committed to ending conflicts, not prolonging them, has aroused fears that the new US administration will follow the same line as the Biden administration by demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities in West Asia, including the Israeli-led wars in Gaza and Lebanon.

Israeli officials are also worried by the influence of a new member of the wider Trump family who happens to be a Lebanese Christian. Massad Boulos, father-in-law of Trump’s daughter Tiffany, is believed to have convinced many Arab voters in the US to cast their lot with Trump. Inevitably, Trump now feels indebted to this new block of Arab political supporters who are extremely critical of what they see as Washington’s blind support for Israel.

In Jerusalem’s multiple think tanks, the talk is all about how it would be a mistake to take Trump for granted in his second and final term in office. This argument goes that the new US administration has excellent ties with the Saudis and Gulf governments and will be more susceptible than before to pressure Israel.

Trump’s long-held dream has been to be accepted as a peacemaker who excels in cutting deals, including bringing an end to the historic conflict between Jews and Arabs. If that results in his winning the Nobel Peace Prize, he may be prepared to force Israel to make relevant compromises, such as agreeing to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

This is just the kind of policy shift that Trump’s Arab allies are also demanding. First and foremost are the Saudis who say that they are ready to make peace with Israel in return for recognition of a Palestinian state. The Arabs argue that allowing a Palestinian state would undercut Iran’s attempts to dominate the region and isolate the Ayatollahs in Tehran as they move closer to acquiring nuclear weapons capability.

Fear of Iran’s nuclear ambitions has long been shared by Israelis of all political persuasions. They remember how Biden stopped Israel from bombing Iran’s nuclear and oil facilities. Will Trump do the same?

Shutdown throws normal life out of gear in five districts, 2 trucks torched by militants

Animesh Singh Tribune News Service

With fresh tension prevailing in Manipur after the gunning down of 10 militants by the CRPF, the Centre has deployed 20 additional companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in the state, including 15 companies of CRPF and five of the BSF, until November 30. The militants killed by the CRPF have been claimed to be village volunteers by the tribal bodies of the state.

With the latest additional deployment, a total of 218 companies of CAPFs have been deployed in the state — 115 companies of the CRPF, 84 of the BSF, eight of Rapid Action Force, six of Sashastra Seema Bal and five of the ITBP. The order regarding additional deployment was issued on November 12.

Meanwhile, normal life was affected in Manipur’s Imphal valley on Wednesday due to a total shutdown called by 13 civil rights organisations to protest the alleged abduction of three women and children each by militants in Jiribam district, an official said.

Business establishments and educational institutions in the five Valley districts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur were closed due to the shutdown which commenced at 6 pm on Tuesday (November 12) and ended on 6 pm on Wednesday (November 13).

Both private and inter-district public transportation remained suspended and government offices recorded negligible attendance, the official added. The shutdown was called by International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA), All Clubs Organisations Association and Meira Paibi Lup (ACOAM Lup), Indigenous People’s Association of Kangleipak (IPAK) and Kangleipak Students’ Association (KSA), among others.

No untoward incident was reported in the Valley during the shutdown, except two trucks carrying goods being set ablaze allegedly by armed militants near Old Kaiphundai in the Naga-dominated Tamenglong district near Jiribam.

Suspected hill-based militants stopped the trucks along NH-37 by firing several rounds in the air and then torched the trucks, an official said.

Amid widespread condemnation by various tribal groups in Manipur of the November 11 encounter with CRPF personnel in which 10 militants were killed, the Mizo National Front (MNF) also condemned the killing of what they said were 10 Hmar volunteers.

“The Mizo National Front is deeply shocked and saddened by the killing of 10 Hmar volunteers who were guarding their village, allegedly at the hands of the CRPF, an entity expected to maintain neutrality in the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur,” the MNF said. It added that instead of fostering peace, the CRPF has exhibited bias, culminating in the extrajudicial killings of November 11.

MNF joins tribal bodies to condemn encounter

• Amid widespread condemnation by various tribal groups of the November 11 encounter with CRPF personnel, in which 10 militants were killed, the Mizo National Front (MNF) also flayed the killing of what they said were 10 Hmar volunteers
• “We are deeply shocked and saddened by the killing of 10 Hmar volunteers who were guarding their village, allegedly at the hands of the CRPF, an entity expected to maintain neutrality in the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur,” the MNF said.

By Ron Fanfair

Published: 1:49 PM November 7, 202

Toronto Police members along with military veterans and active soldiers joined politicians and community members at the 17th annual Sikh Remembrance Day on November 2 at Mount Hope Cemetery in Kitchener.

“Attending Sikh Remembrance Day holds a profound significance for me, especially as we honor pioneers like Private Buckam Singh,” said Constable Mandeep Chahal. “His story coming to Canada in 1907 as a young Sikh immigrant, enlisting with the Canadian Expeditionary Force in World War One and making the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefields of Flanders speaks to the resilience, courage and dedication that define the Sikh community.

“To stand here at Mount Hope Cemetery alongside our senior officers is to honor his legacy and the contributions of all Sikh soldiers who served with such distinction in World War One. Their stories, once forgotten, are now reclaimed and celebrated as an essential part of our shared history.”

TPS Chief Administrative Officer Svina Dhaliwal and Superintendent Mandeep Mann of 31 Division led the group of Toronto Police members at the event.

The ceremony was created to honour Private Buckam Singh who was one of nine Sikh soldiers that served in the Canadian Army during the First World War.

“As a historian, I spent a lot of time researching Private Singh’s life and his experiences,” said Sandeep Singh Brar who is the Sikh Remembrance Day Chief Organizer. “I have an idea of where he was from the military records and what the Canadian Forces were doing there. But one of the things I have wondered is what did he actually experience on the ground.

“I got an idea through letters written by Private Percy Kingsley from Picton who was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 2nd Brigade of the Canadian Expeditionary Force. Through his words, we get an idea of what war was like. It was everything we imagined. Reading the letter, I know why so many soldiers returned to Canada and refused to talk about their war experience. They were traumatized for life.’

Major Sarabjot Anand is thankful for Buckam Singh.

“The hero of today’s ceremony has ultimately paved the path for soldiers like me to serve the nation we all love,” he added.

Buckam Singh succumbed to tuberculosis in 1919 in a Kitchener hospital at age 25.

His grave is the only known one for a Sikh soldier in Canada.

“Today’s special ceremony is not just to honour him,” said Rupinder Kaur, who is a co-organizer of the event. “It is to pay tribute to and thank all the veterans of conflicts and wars, past and present. Veterans have given so much for our country and our wearing of the poppy is a small way for us to give back and say thanks.”

Over 83,000 turban-wearing Sikh ally soldiers were killed and about 109,000 wounded in the two World Wars.

PCDA (P) Allahabad has implemented a new system of resolution for SPARSH problems through WhatsApp msgs, separately for Army, Navy and IAF Veterans. Veterans facing any kind of SPARSH problems can send their messages through WhatsApp, and they will be attended to.

FOR ARMY VETERANS :-
For Army Veterans, they can approach through WhatsApp,
OIC DPPC (Defence Pension Contact Number) : 7393073973.

FOR NAVY VETERANS :
There is Naval Pension Liaison Cell in PCDA(P) Allahabad.
All Naval Pensioners can approach
Cdr Dhruv Tiwari who is the Officer-In-Charge Naval Pension Liaison Cell in PCDA(Pension), Prayagraj
Mob : 9969100293.

FOR THE IAF VETERANS :
AFLC : Air Force Liaison Cell is functional at PCDA (P) Allahabad.
WhatsApp/Contact details : 87076 01638.

Please pass on this message to all ESM you know.
Thanks
Jai Hind

A recent event in Covent Garden, London, marked the launch of the World War I Sikh Remembrance Campaign, highlighting the brave contributions of Sikh soldiers in both World Wars.

Organized by the Sikh Military Foundation (SMF), the gathering featured respected figures, including Armed Forces dignitaries, Lord Kulvir Ranger, and Preet Gill MP, underscoring the significance of Sikh representation and remembrance.

The SMF event began with the ceremonial signing of the Armed Forces Covenant, symbolizing the commitment to support Sikh soldiers and veterans. A highlight was the unveiling of the “Sikh Subedar” silhouette—a powerful tribute portraying a Sikh Sergeant, recognizable by his traditional turban, uncut beard, and the Kara bangle, embodying Sikh resilience in adversity.

“We want to ensure the incredible contributions of Sikh soldiers are remembered,” said SMF Chair Maj Dal Singh Virdee MBE VR. “The Sikh Subedar silhouette symbolizes the courage and sacrifice Sikhs made in both World Wars, and aims to inspire greater participation in remembrance and Armed Forces service today.”

The event also reintroduced the “1914 Sikhs” initiative and the unique “Khanda Poppy,” a symbol designed to honor Sikh contributions. In a moving moment, attendees heard a final letter from a WWI Sikh soldier, reflecting the dedication of Sikhs who served with valor and humanity.

With Sikhs comprising 22% of the British Indian Army during WWI despite being only 2% of India’s population, their role in key battles across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa is a remarkable legacy of bravery. Over 2,000 Sikh soldiers received medals, including Victoria Crosses, for their courage.

The Sikh Military Foundation, aspiring to become the UK’s first Armed Forces Sikh charity, promotes Sikh martial heritage and assists Sikh veterans. This campaign reminds us all of the Sikhs’ proud legacy and contributions that continue to inspire generations worldwide.

Terror attacks have killed 44 people, including 18 security personnel, in Jammu this year with the strikes spreading from the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch to six other areas in the troubled region, security officials said on Monday. Though…

PTI

Terror attacks have killed 44 people, including 18 security personnel, in Jammu this year with the strikes spreading from the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch to six other areas in the troubled region, security officials said on Monday.

Though the Pir Panjal districts of Rajouri and Poonch witnessed a considerable drop in terror activities in 2024 compared to the previous years, the series of incidents in Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Kathua, Udhampur and Jammu from April-May onwards have kept the security agencies on their toes.

To counter the threat and thwart the attempts of Pakistan-based handlers to spread terror in the peaceful areas of the region, officials said the Army, in close synergy with the police and the central armed police forces, has launched relentless operations in the vulnerable regions, especially in the dense forests.

As per official data, Doda, Kathua and Reasi districts recorded nine killings each this year followed by Kishtwar (five), Udhampur (four), Jammu and Rajouri (three each), and Poonch (two).

The deceased included 18 security personnel and 13 terrorists, the officials said, adding that among the 14 civilians killed by the terrorists, seven were pilgrims returning from the Shiv Khouri temple while three were village defence guards (VGDs).

While the pilgrims were killed in an attack on their bus which also claimed the life of the local driver and conductor, the VDGs were shot in Udhampur and Kishtwar districts.

Seven security personnel lost their lives in terror incidents this year in Kathua, five in Doda, three in Kishtwar, two in Poonch and one in Udhampur, the officials said, adding that three terrorists were killed in a two-day long operation in Akhnoor sector of Jammu region in October, four in separate encounters in Doda, two each in Kathua, Udhampur and Rajouri.

The Rajouri-Poonch belt, which like other parts of Jammu region were almost cleared of terrorism over a decade ago, witnessed deadly terror attacks mostly targeting Army vehicles since October 2021, resulting in the death of more than 100 persons, including 47 security personnel and 48 terrorists, besides seven civilians.

Rajouri accounted for 19 deaths in 2021, 14 in 2022 and 28 in 2023. Likewise, Poonch recorded 15 deaths in 2021, four in 2022 and 24 in 2023, the officials said quoting the data.

They said the footprints of the security forces have been increased in many areas where they were earlier reduced or completely withdrawn due to the improved security situation over the years.

Night patrolling has also been intensified across the region, especially in the border villages, to check infiltration of terrorists from across the border, the officials said.

They added that public outreach in the form of medical camps and other welfare measures under ‘Operation Sadbhavana’ (goodwill), including frequent interaction with the elders and the youth, have also recorded a manifold increase. — PTI

A historian says he hopes a monument to Sikh soldiers who fought for the UK will help to educate younger generations about their sacrifices.

Gurinder Singh Mann said Sikhs have had “a great relationship” with the British that dated back to the 18th Century.

The bronze figure depicts a Sikh soldier, which sits on a granite plinth in Victoria Park and honours Sikhs who fought for the UK in conflicts across the world.

Mr Singh added he thought it was “really important to have tangible things” to commemorate Sikh involvement in British history, such as the statue, which was created by artist Taranjit Singh and installed in 2022.

The statue was paid for with Leicester City Council funding and donations from Sikh congregations.

Mr Singh Mann said: “I’m a Sikh historian and, for me, it’s all about actually telling these stories.

“Whether it’s about the great Maharaja Ranjit Singh, about the Sikh Empire, but also in terms of this great relationship that the Sikhs have had with the British as well.

“This is extends from the 18th Century effectively, so this story needs to be continued and it needs to be carried on throughout the ages as well.”

Mr Singh Mann, from Leicester, said based on Sunday’s Remembrance events, he thought there were a greater number of younger people attending memorials.

Sandy Kaur, a member of the Sikh community from Kibworth in Leicestershire, said: “For me, the statue stands out as a heartfelt reminder of the sacrifices that were made by the Sikh soldiers and I think it’s important for us, because it shows that at times of need, we stand together with Britain. We were united.

“It’s about standing together, regardless of differences, and that was really important to share our history with the nation and within the community in Leicestershire as well.”

A gunbattle between militants and security forces took place in North Kashmir’s Bandipore on Tuesday morning, said Army officials. This is eighth such encounter in Kashmir Valley this month as security forces have intensified anti-militancy operations. Based on intelligence inputs…

Adil Akhzer Our Correspondent

A gunbattle between militants and security forces took place in North Kashmir’s Bandipore on Tuesday morning, said Army officials. This is eighth such encounter in Kashmir Valley this month as security forces have intensified anti-militancy operations.

Based on intelligence inputs regarding presence of terrorists, security forces launched a search operation in Nagmarg forest of Bandipore district, they said.

The forest area where the exchange of fire took place is situated in the middle of north Kashmir’s Bandipore and Kupwara districts and close to the Line of Control.

Army’s Srinagar-based Chinar Corps wrote on X that the forces had received inputs about the presence of militants in the area. “On 12 November 24, based on specific intelligence input regarding presence of terrorists, a joint operation launched by Army, police in general area Nagmarg, Bandipore,” the Army wrote on X.

It said “suspicious activity was observed by vigilant troops and on being challenged terrorists opened indiscriminate fire.”

“Own troops effectively retaliated. Operation is in progress,” Army said. Security sources said additional forces were sent to the area to hunt down the militants.

After militants carried out several attacks in the Kashmir Valley, the security forces have intensified the anti-militancy operations across the Valley and even conducting cordon and search operations in the forest areas, where militants are believed to be hiding.

Not only in Kashmir, the security forces are conducting anti-terrorist operations in Jammu region as well, where over the last few weeks, militants have carried several attacks on security forces.

8th incident in valley

• Based on intelligence inputs regarding presence of terrorists, the security forces launched a search operation in Nagmarg forest of Bandipore district
• Eighth such encounter in the Kashmir valley in November as the security forces have intensified anti-militancy operations
• The area is situated in the middle of north Bandipore and Kupwara districts and is close to LoC

Light intermittent snowfall continued in some of the higher reaches of Kashmir, resulting in the closure of vital routes in the upper areas of the Kashmir Valley, officials said on Tuesday. The season’s first snowfall in Kashmir, which began on…

Our Correspondent

Light intermittent snowfall continued in some of the higher reaches of Kashmir, resulting in the closure of vital routes in the upper areas of the Kashmir Valley, officials said on Tuesday.

The season’s first snowfall in Kashmir, which began on Monday, continued at many places during the night, the officials said.

Reports of snowfall were received from upper areas of Gulmarg and Sonamarg tourist resorts. Parts of Kupwara and Bandipora districts also withnessed snowfall.

The snowfall led to the temporary closure of Srinagar-Leh national highway and other vital routes in the higher reaches of the Valley, the officials said.

At least 20 vehicles, which were stuck in snow, were rescued by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) from Bandipora-Gurez Road. A team of BRO, along with J&K police rescued the passengers of these vehicles which were stuck in the snow near Zadkhus Nallah and Razdan Top on Monday night on the Bandipora-Gurez Road which saw snowfall.

Razdan Pass situated at 11,667 ft above sea level connects Gurez Valley in Bandipora district with Kashmir Valley.

The Meteorological Department has forecast generally dry weather till November 13.

From November 14-15, there is a possibility of light rain/light snow, especially in the higher reaches, at many places of Kashmir and few places of Jammu Division, while on November 16, there are chances of light rain/light snow in the higher reaches at scattered places, the MeT Office said. It said from November 17-23, the weather would remain generally dry.