Monthly Archives: August 2018

INDIA and China appear to be moving swiftly towards the normalisation of relations following the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping on October 23 in Kazan, Russia, held on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. A…

Lt Gen Dushyant Singh retd

INDIA and China appear to be moving swiftly towards the normalisation of relations following the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping on October 23 in Kazan, Russia, held on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. A key outcome of the talks was the initiation of Coordinated Joint Patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

India’s stance on its relationship with China in recent years has been firmly anchored in the principle of resolving friction points along the LAC as a precondition for any meaningful progress.

Experts have long stressed the importance of a structured approach to normalisation, involving de-escalation, disengagement and the eventual de-induction of troops from sensitive border areas.

However, given the deep trust deficit between the two Asian powers, any move to revert the troop levels to the pre-2020 conditions poses significant risks for India.

Recent weeks have seen a substantial momentum in multilateral diplomacy, with platforms like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and the G20 meetings fostering an environment conducive to breakthroughs between the two nations. Agreements reportedly under discussion include the resumption of direct flights, reciprocal accreditation of journalists and improved visa facilities, signalling a potential thaw in bilateral relations.

While these developments are welcome, they represent only the low-hanging fruit. Any temptation to scale back troop deployments to the pre-2020 levels must be resisted as such a move could prove disastrous. This caution is rooted in China’s history of violating border agreements, including the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence (1954), the Border Peace and Tranquillity Agreement (1993), the Agreement on Confidence-Building Measures (1996), the Protocol for the Implementation of Military Confidence-Building Measures (2005) and the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (2012).

Despite 31 rounds of talks under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination framework and 21 Corps Commander-level discussions yielding some progress, these mechanisms have failed to prevent incidents like the 1962 war, the 1967 Nathu La conflict, the 1975 firing incident and the more recent confrontations at Sumdorong Chu, Chumar, Depsang, Doklam, Galwan and Yangtse. This history underscores the need for continued vigilance in managing bilateral relations and securing the LAC.

A fragile trust

The critical question for India is how much trust can be placed in Xi Jinping’s leadership. Time and again, China has embarrassed India by expanding its claims to previously undisputed areas. For instance, Galwan Valley, once considered uncontroversial, became a flashpoint. Similarly, in Bhutan, China arbitrarily raised the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary as a disputed area to pressure India. Disputes along the LAC are categorised as either contested areas or zones of differing perceptions of the boundary.

Beyond territorial issues, China’s “grey zone” tactics include cyberattacks — India is the second-most targeted country in Asia after Taiwan — causing losses amounting to billions of dollars.

Moreover, China actively interferes in India’s neighbourhood, straining relations with Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and, to a lesser extent, Bhutan. Instances like its near-success in turning the Maldives against India, gaining port access in Sri Lanka, and suspected military activity on Myanmar’s Coco Islands highlight China’s strategic manoeuvring to contain Indian influence in the Indian Ocean region.

In this complex and high-stakes environment, it is difficult to trust China’s overtures or confidence-building measures. India must ask: What assurances, if any, has Xi Jinping provided to guarantee that China will not engage in future conflicts?

Without credible commitments, any premature de-induction of troops could embolden Beijing to initiate further incursions, forcing India into a settlement on unfavourable terms.

At a time when trust between India and China is at its nadir and China holds an upper hand in economic, military, intelligence and technological domains, troop de-induction from the LAC must not be entertained under any circumstances. For the first time since Independence, Chinese troops are deployed outside their peacetime accommodations in the challenging high altitudes of the Great Himalayan ranges.

This has created significant challenges for Beijing, including backlash from families due to the one-child policy, high sickness rates among Han Chinese soldiers and the need to recruit local troops better suited to the harsh conditions of Tibet and Xinjiang.

Despite efforts at theaterisation, the Tibetan and Xinjiang military regions remain distinct, reflecting Beijing’s logistical and organisational challenges.

India must maintain consistent military and diplomatic pressure to compel China to resolve the border issue on favourable terms. Any haste to normalise relations by withdrawing troops will only encourage China to launch another major incursion (the Big One), further undermining India’s position.

While economic ties with China — India’s largest trading partner — offer short-term benefits, these gains should not come at the cost of national security and military readiness.

India’s current achievements stem from a balanced application of hard and soft power. It is imperative to continue this approach, leveraging diplomatic and military strengths to buy time for enhancing military capabilities, completing the transition to theaterisation, and ensuring uninterrupted economic growth.

These efforts will help India realise the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047 — a nation backed by a robust military, ready to meet any challenge from adversaries, while ensuring the prosperity and wellbeing of its citizens.

This would also prevent any major clash between India and China and, thus, will help both Asian giants to achieve their centenary goals peacefully.

by Nilesh Kunwar

When Chinese ambassador Jiang Zaidong publicly declared that its citizens being “attacked twice in only six months,” was “unacceptable,” Pakistan’s Foreign Office reacted by calling this statement “perplexing.” However, it was abundantly clear that Islamabad had sensed the full import of this not-so-discreet warning from its ‘iron brother.” So, Islamabad’s recent announcement regarding a “comprehensive military operation against terrorist organisations operating in Balochistan,” comes as no big surprise.

There’s no doubt that terrorism needs to be dealt with firmly. However, it’s equally important that troops involved in counter-terrorist operations don’t go overboard and act with hatred or vengeance because those who have picked up guns against the state are the soldiers’ countrymen. That’s why professional armies the world have evolved a code of conduct for their rank and file, and soldiers are psychologically conditioned to discharge their duties impartially and without prejudice.

The human rights record of the Pakistan army and other security forces under its command however doesn’t quite measure up to expected standards and the reason for this serious shortcoming isn’t too hard to find. Instead of sensitising its rank and file on this issue, the army hierarchy in Pakistan has instead encouraged creation of an environment that encourages animosity towards their countrymen who have for ideological, political or other reasons picked up the gun.

To further motivate its soldiers, Rawalpindi has even fallen back on Islamic history. In an attempt to downplay popularity of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorist group in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan army chief Gen Syed Asim Munir has given it the moniker “Fitna al-Khawarij,” a name drawn from an early Muslim group that broke away from mainstream Islam. The idea of portraying TTP as a terrorist group that misuses religion to justify the violence it perpetuates and champions objectives that are un-Islamic is laudable.

Whereas such a depiction can well arouse religious emotions amongst soldiers and make them feel that they are not professional soldiers but ‘Ghazis’ (defenders of the Faith) and thus sanctify excesses against these so-called ‘enemies of Islam’. Similarly, using the phrase “sent to Hell” while referring to terrorists killed is in bad taste for many reasons, especially when it comes from an army that prides itself for professionalism and military ethics.

First, it’s not humans but our creator who decides the final destination of the deceased and so, the pompous declaration that someone has been ‘sent to Hell’, smacks of arrogance and borders on sacrilege. Secondly, it is universally expected that death should have a very sobering effect on the living and so, even though we may harbour intense hostility towards someone, but once he’s no more, to brag about having sent him to Hell is something that’s downright pathetic!

Human Rights Watch (HRW) 2011 report contains an interesting revelation that clearly reveals the sordid side of Pakistan army’s counter-terrorism campaigns. Bashir Azeem, the 76-year old secretary general of Baloch Republican Party (BRP) told HRW investigators that during his “unacknowledged detention” in 2010, a Pakistani official had told him that “Even if the president or chief justice tells us to release you, we won’t. We can torture you, or kill you, or keep you for years at our will. It is only the Army chief and the (ISI) chief that we obey.”.

Even though HRW is a reputed global human rights watch dog and has no axe to grind with Pakistan yet Rawalpindi will undoubtedly rubbish the God-fearing septuagenarian BRP general secretary’s testimony ibid, so purely for the sake of discussion let’s give Pakistan army the benefit of doubt and take its denial at face value. However, will Rawalpindi care to explain what exactly its media chief implied in 2019 when while replying a question on enforced disappearances in Balochistan by saying, “We don’t want anyone to be missing, but war is ruthless-everything is fair in love and war”?.

It’s not only rights groups and activists who are critical of the cavalier ways of the Pakistan army and its utter disregard for human right violations in Balochistan as facts speak for themselves. If enforced disappearances in Balochistan are merely a myth (as Rawalpindi maintains), then what impelled Baloch women who traditionally remained within the four walls of their houses to come out and undertake a 1,800 kilometre long March from Turbat near the Iran border to the Pakistani capital followed by a sit-in in peak winter?

Defence of Human Rights Pakistan (DHRP) is an independent organisation working for release of illegally detained Pakistani citizens headed by Amina Janjua, a half-widow whose husband was forcibly disappeared in 2005. When all efforts to trace him proved futile, instead of approaching the police or judiciary, Ms Janjua ultimately sought the help of Pakistan army’s media chief in 2019. If the Pakistan army isn’t complicit in orchestrating enforced disappearances in Balochistan, then why did the knowledgeable DHRP chairperson choose to specifically approach a Pakistan army General for help?

Pakistan army’s impending campaign in Balochistan will be a bloody one. While on the one hand Baloch fighters are a determined lot and will fight till the end, the Pakistan army on the other hand will use every ground based and aerial weapon platform at its disposal to pulverise what it believes are terrorist hideouts. Since it’s not accountable to anyone, Rawalpindi will not hesitate in targeting areas inhabited by innocent civilians. Furthermore, imposition of media censorship purportedly for ‘operational reasons’ will ensure that (like always) news of atrocities committed by the Pakistan army remain unreported.

How will things pan out in Balochistan once the military campaign commences isn’t very difficult to prognose. Pakistan army will definitely suffer casualties and in order to keep up its own image as well as assuage public anger it will have to produce dead bodies of the attackers, ensuring that they exceed the number of soldiers killed.

Rawalpindi is also under severe pressure to do something that would placate Beijing, which is enraged by attacks on Chinese citizens by Baloch fighters. The Pakistan army knows that the easiest way to do this is to create the illusion of having decisively crushed the Baloch separatist movement by producing a surfeit of body bags containing mortal remains of Sarmachars (Baloch insurgents) as evidence thereof.

The only problem is that abducting innocent Baloch youth, murdering them in cold blood and then presenting them as Baloch fighters could lead to widespread public unrest but with years of experience, Rawalpindi has already worked out an alternative. More than 2,500 Baloch men have been forcibly disappeared by the Pakistan army and its intelligence agencies and even we assume that 50 percentage have been secretly murdered, there are still enough Baloch people lodged in secret jails to cater for the requisite number of corpses to cool down Beijing’s frayed temper and public outrage would be an easy job. As such, resorting to rampant abductions and producing their corpses for ‘pushing up’ the number of casualties inflicted by the army won’t be necessary.

Though repugnant, this endeavour is a win-win situation for the Pakistan army because dead men tell no tales!

Postscript: Excesses committed by the Pakistan army against the Baloch people would even make the most stone-hearted squirm with horror and revulsion. In an undated video that definitely predates his short lived honeymoon with Rawalpindi, PTI chief Imran Khan can be heard saying, “Our army (is) bombing people in Balochistan, how can we bomb our own people, is there any army (there that) you are bombing? It is our own people with their children, but it is important to understand are we just bombing our people, just think about the sin of bombing villages with the women and children…You are talking about six million people in the tribal areas that are being bombed, their economy has been shattered, they are living in refugee camps, how are they sustaining, and what about the extra-judicial killing that is going on”?

This is unfortunately the raw reality of Pakistan army military campaigns in Balochistan!

Nilesh Kunwar is a retired Indian Army Officer who has served in Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur. He is a keen ‘Kashmir-Watcher,’ and after retirement is pursuing his favourite hobby of writing for newspapers, journals and think-tanks. Views expressed above are the author’s own

November 26, 2024 by Indian Defence News

General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of Army Staff of India, recently addressed young military leaders at the Military Institute of Technology (MILIT) in Pune, emphasizing the need for a seismic shift in military strategy to adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of warfare. He urged these next-generation leaders to “stay ahead of the curve” by reimagining and reconstructing their approaches to military operations and strategy.

General Dwivedi highlighted that the pace of change in warfare is relentless, necessitating innovative thinking among military commanders. He stressed the importance of being proactive rather than reactive in military planning and execution.

He called for an infusion of new technologies into military operations, advocating for a focus on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and blockchain solutions. This aligns with his broader vision of modernizing the Indian Army and enhancing its operational capabilities.

The General underscored the significance of collaboration between different branches of the armed forces and emphasized ongoing training initiatives. He noted that over 300 Nepali Army personnel have recently been trained in India, showcasing a commitment to joint training efforts that enhance regional security.

Drawing on the rich history of military cooperation between India and Nepal, he reiterated the vital role that Gorkha soldiers play in the Indian Army. His upcoming visit to Nepal aims to address recruitment issues concerning Nepali Gorkhas, highlighting their longstanding contribution to Indian military heritage.

General Dwivedi’s remarks reflect a strategic vision aimed at preparing the Indian Army for future challenges while fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability among its leaders.

Tuesday, November 26, 2024 by Indian Defence News

With a view to unearthing larger conspiracy behind brutal attacks, the anti-terror agency re-registered 3 cases afresh on November 13 after MHA decided to hand over investigations to NIA

Acting swiftly on the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) directions to bring the culprits to book expeditiously, the NIA has launched thorough investigations into three major cases relating to the recent spate of violence in Manipur, an official statement issued on Tuesday said.

With a view to unearthing the larger conspiracy behind the brutal attacks, the anti-terror agency re-registered three cases afresh on November 13 after the MHA decided to hand over the investigations to the NIA considering the gravity of the offences and the escalating violence in the strife-torn state, the statement said.

The process of handing over case documents from Manipur police to the NIA is currently underway, said the statement issued by the probe agency.

The NIA teams visited the spots on November 21 and 22 and started the probe, it said.

Giving details on the first case, the NIA said several houses were burnt and two civilians were killed at Borobekra. Later, unknown militants also abducted and murdered six persons including three women and three children, it said.

The gory incident took place on November 11, when some unknown armed militants fired towards Borobekra police station as well as some houses and shops located at Jakuradhor Karong. They also set them ablaze later.

The police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel retaliated, leading to a heavy exchange of fire. Subsequent search operations led to the recovery of two dead bodies inside the burnt houses.

The case has been re-registered by NIA under various sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 and Arms Act, 1959, the statement said.

The second case in which NIA has initiated a probe is connected with the November 11 attack on a CRPF post located at Jakuradhor Karong and Borobekra police stations in Jiribam by armed militants.

A CRPF constable sustained bullet injuries in the attack and was evacuated to Silchar for medical treatment.

During a search by security forces and the police team, dead bodies of unidentified armed militants along with arms and ammunition were recovered from the vicinity of the attack.

The NIA has re-registered this case under various sections of BNS, 2023 and the Arms Act, 1959.

The third case relates to the murder of a woman at Jiribam by fully armed militants.

The incident took place on November 7, when a mother of three children from Jairolpokpi (Zairawn) in Jiribam was brutally raped and burnt alive at her residence by fully armed militants, the statement said.

The case was originally registered at Jiribam police station on November 8. The NIA has re-registered the case under relevant sections of BNS, 2023, Arms Act, 1959, and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

In a massive crackdown on Over Ground Workers (OGWs) network in districts of Jammu region, at many as 56 locations, including hideouts of terror associates, were raided by the security forces on Tuesday. The operation was aimed at identifying, tracking,…

Arjun Sharma Our Correspondent

In a massive crackdown on Over Ground Workers (OGWs) network in districts of Jammu region, at many as 56 locations, including hideouts of terror associates, were raided by the security forces on Tuesday.

The operation was aimed at identifying, tracking, and apprehending OGWs and other terror suspects involved in providing support to terrorist outfits, including managing the logistics, recruitment and facilitating the movement of arms, ammunition and funds.

Nine locations were raided in Rajouri district, including Thanamandi, Darhal, Kalakote, Manjakote and Dharamsal areas.

12 raids were conducted in different locations of Poonch district. These are part of investigations into two separate cases. The raids were conducted in cases pertaining to a terrorist network active in the border district linked to proscribed terrorist organisations like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) trying to activate OGWs to initiate, organize and execute terror-related activities.

In Udhampur district, police conducted extensive searches at 25 locations in the Basantgarh area that has witnessed terror activities in recent past.

10 raids were conducted in different locations of Reasi district including those in Pauni, Gulabgarh, Arnas, Panassa, and Mahore-Chasana area.

Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Anand Jain said, “The action resulted in the arrest of several OGWs and terror suspects. Incriminating materials, including electronic devices, documents, unaccounted cash, weapons and ammunition were also recovered during the searches. The searches were carried out meticulously, with due care taken to avoid any collateral damage or inconvenience to innocent civilians”.

“Investigations will continue based on the material and information gathered during the raids. Further operations are planned to target any remaining elements attempting to disrupt peace in the region,” the ADGP said.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is actively developing smoothbore guns for the Next Generation Main Battle Tank (NGMBT), which is part of the broader Future Main Battle Tank (FMBT) project aimed at modernizing the Indian Army’s armoured capabilities. This initiative is crucial as it seeks to replace the aging T-72 tanks currently in service.

The NGMBT is designed to meet the evolving requirements of modern warfare, incorporating advanced technologies and features. This tank will enhance the Indian Army’s operational capabilities with superior mobility, protection, and lethality. The project has recently progressed towards its Critical Design Review (CDR), focusing on integrating cutting-edge systems such as next-generation explosive reactive armour and anti-drone technologies.

Key Features of the NGMBT

DRDO is developing smoothbore guns for the Next Generation Main Battle Tank (NGMBT) as part of the Future Main Battle Tank (FMBT) program.

The key features of Smoothbore Guns for NGMBT are:

Calibre Variants: DRDO is working on both 120mm and 125mm smoothbore gun systems. This dual-calibre approach allows flexibility in operational capabilities, catering to diverse battlefield requirements and evolving ammunition technologies.

Enhanced Projectile Velocity: Smoothbore guns provide superior projectile velocity compared to rifled guns, which translates to better armour penetration and overall lethality. This design is particularly effective for firing advanced kinetic energy penetrators such as Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) rounds and high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) projectiles.

Other Features

Auto-Loading Mechanism: The planned incorporation of an auto-loading system for the 125mm variant enhances the firing rate and reduces crew workload, improving overall efficiency and safety within the tank’s turret.

Auto-loaders enable a higher rate of fire compared to manual loading systems. This is crucial in combat situations where rapid engagement of multiple targets is necessary. The auto-loading mechanism can load a new round into the chamber almost immediately after firing, minimizing downtime between shots.

By automating the loading process, the need for a human loader in the turret is eliminated. This not only reduces the crew size required to operate the tank but also decreases the physical strain on crew members, allowing them to focus on targeting and situational awareness during engagements.

The auto-loading system can improve safety within the tank by reducing the risk of accidents associated with manual loading, such as misfires or injuries from handling ammunition in confined spaces. Automated systems can be designed to minimize human error and enhance operational safety.

Smoothbore guns equipped with auto-loaders can fire a variety of advanced munitions, including Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding-Sabot (APFSDS) rounds and laser-guided missiles. This versatility allows for effective engagement of both armoured and soft targets at extended ranges.

The design of smoothbore guns, combined with an auto-loading system, allows for greater propellant efficiency. This results in faster projectile velocities, which enhance armour penetration capabilities and overall lethality against modern armoured threats.

Compatibility with Advanced Ammunition: The smoothbore design allows for a wider range of ammunition types, including laser-guided missiles, which can extend the engagement range significantly, potentially up to 12 kilometers2. This capability is crucial for modern combat scenarios where precision strikes are essential.

Propellant Efficiency: The smoothbore configuration is designed to optimize propellant use, resulting in faster projectiles that can penetrate more effectively against contemporary armoured threats.

Integration with Modern Technologies: The NGMBT will also feature advanced technologies such as active protection systems, enhanced composite armour, and improved situational awareness tools, making it a future-ready platform capable of addressing modern battlefield challenges.

Mobility: It will be powered by a 1500 HP engine, ensuring high mobility across diverse terrains.

Protection Systems: The tank will feature an Active Protection System (APS) to counter modern anti-tank threats, along with advanced armour systems to enhance survivability.

Operational Lifespan: Designed for a service life of 35-45 years, the NGMBT aims to remain relevant in future combat scenarios.

Development Timeline

The Indian Army plans to procure approximately 1,700 units of these next-generation tanks in phases, with expectations for prototype availability within the next 3-4 years and initial inductions by 2030. The project is being executed under the Make-I category, which allows for significant government funding while promoting indigenous development.

The development of smoothbore guns for the NGMBT signifies a strategic shift in India’s armoured warfare capabilities. By integrating advanced technologies and focusing on indigenous production, the DRDO aims to enhance the effectiveness and survivability of its armoured forces in future combat environments. The successful implementation of this project will play a vital role in modernizing India’s military infrastructure and ensuring operational readiness against emerging threats.

The current Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Dr. D.K. Sunil, is reportedly visiting aircraft engine facilities in Russia. This visit aligns with HAL’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its collaboration in the defence sector, particularly in the area of aircraft engines, which are crucial for India’s military aviation capabilities.

Dr. Sunil, who took over as the full-time CMD on September 9, 2024, has extensive experience in engineering and research within HAL, having joined the company in 1987. His leadership is pivotal as HAL continues to enhance its capabilities in the design and production of aero engines, including those developed under license from Russian manufacturers. Recently, HAL secured a significant contract worth ₹26,000 crore (approximately $3.1 billion) for the supply of 240 AL-31FP engines for the Su-30MKI fighter jets, which are integral to India’s air force fleet.

During his visit to Russia, Dr. Sunil is likely to engage with local manufacturers and explore opportunities for technology transfer and collaboration that could further bolster HAL’s indigenous engine production capabilities. This is particularly relevant as HAL aims to increase the indigenous content of its engine production from 54% to 63% over the coming years, enhancing self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Dr. D.K. Sunil’s visit to aircraft engine facilities in Russia is part of a broader strategy by HAL to expand its technological expertise and production capabilities in military aviation, reinforcing India’s defence preparedness through enhanced collaboration with international partners.

Tuesday, November 26, 2024 by Indian Defence News

USEFUL INFO

The death of a loved one brings emotional challenges, but it also comes with the practical responsibility of managing their official documents and IDs, such as Aadhaar, PAN card, Voter ID, passport, and driving license.

Legal heirs often find themselves uncertain about what to do with these documents—whether to retain, surrender, or destroy them. While there are no universal rules for handling such documents, here is a detailed guide on the procedures and considerations for each.

Guide to handle Aadhaar Card, PAN, Passport, and Voter ID after a family member’s death.

1) AADHAR CARD

Purpose and retention

Aadhaar is used as a unique identification number and serves as proof of identity and address. It is often linked to critical services like LPG subsidies, scholarships, and EPF accounts.

Can Aadhaar be deactivated?

Currently, there is no provision to deactivate or cancel the Aadhaar card of a deceased individual. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has not integrated its system with state death registries, and Aadhaar is not mandatory for registering deaths.

Preventing misuse

Legal heirs should ensure the deceased’s Aadhaar is not misused. To secure the biometric data associated with Aadhaar, heirs can lock the biometrics through the UIDAI website.

2) PAN CARD

Significance of PAN

The PAN card is essential for filing income tax returns (ITR), operating bank and demat accounts, and completing financial transactions.

When to retain PAN

The PAN must be retained until all financial matters, such as filing ITRs, closing accounts, or claiming refunds, are resolved. The Income Tax Department can reopen assessments up to four years from the current assessment year.

How to surrender PAN

Write an application to the Assessing Officer (AO) under whose jurisdiction the PAN is registered.

Include the deceased’s name, PAN, date of birth, and a copy of the death certificate.

Surrendering the PAN is not mandatory, but it can be done once all financial matters are settled.

3) VOTERS CARD

Cancellation procedure

Under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, a deceased person’s voter ID can be canceled.

Visit the local election office.

Submit Form 7, available under the Electoral Rules, along with a copy of the death certificate.

The name will be removed from the voters’ list upon processing.

4) PASS PORT

Validity after death

A passport does not require surrender or cancellation upon the holder’s demise. However, once it expires, it automatically becomes invalid.

*Recommendation

Retain the expired passport, as it may serve as a useful document for unforeseen purposes, such as verification.

5) DRIVING LICENSE

Varied procedures

Each state has its regulations for the issuance and cancellation of driving licenses. While there is no central provision for surrendering a deceased person’s license, heirs can inquire with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) for specific procedures.

Vehicle transfer

Legal heirs should also initiate the process of transferring the ownership of any vehicle registered in the deceased’s name by visiting the RTO.

6) ECHS CARD

Return it to OIC ECHS

7) IDENTITY CARDS

Return it to Col Veteran at nearest Station/ Fmn HQ

8) DEPENDENTS CARD

Return it to issuing auth

9) CANTEEN CARDS

Return it to dependent CSD canteen

What happens to a deceased person’s documents if authorities aren’t informed?

There is no legal penalty for not surrendering these documents. However, failing to notify the issuing authorities leaves the documents vulnerable to misuse by fraudsters. Informing authorities adds a layer of security against such risks.

Storage and retention of documents of a deceased family member

For documents like Aadhaar and passports that cannot be surrendered:

Store them securely with the death certificate.

Do not destroy these documents, as they may serve as proof of identity or address for future legal or financial matters.

Chandigarh, November 26:

Continuing its mission to empower girls in Punjab, two Lady Cadets, Charanpreet Kaur and Mahak, from Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute for Girls in SAS Nagar (Mohali) have been selected for pre-commission training at the prestigious Air Force Academy, Dundigal from January 2025.

Lady Cadet Charanpreet Kaur is the daughter of S. Harminder Singh Banwait, who is a driver in a private company and she hails from Kurali (SAS Nagar). Lady Cadet Mahak is the daughter of Sh. Anil Kumar Dahiya, a government teacher, a resident of SAS Nagar. Among 192 women on the merit list, Lady Cadet Charanpreet Kaur achieved an All India Rank (AIR) of 4th, while Lady Cadet Mahak secured an AIR of 23.

Congratulating the two lady cadets for their remarkable feat, Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr. Aman Arora expressed that their success will undoubtedly inspire other girls from Punjab to pursue opportunities in serving the nation as commissioned officers in the defence services. He said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government had approved a path breaking initiative of starting an NDA Preparatory Wing for Girls at Mai Bhago AFPI last year. Four Lady Cadets of the Institute have already cleared the NDA entrance exam and are now preparing for their SSB screening.

Expressing his happiness over the selection of the Lady Cadets for the Air Force Academy, the Director of Mai Bhago AFPI, Major General Jasbir Singh Sandhu, AVSM (Retd.), mentioned that this achievement will further enhance their efforts to send more girls from the state to various armed forces pre-commission training academies. He also extended his best wishes to these girls for a bright future ahead in the Indian Air Force.

Northern Army Commander, Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar inaugurated a community radio station set up by the force in Hanle village in Ladakh on Monday. In a post on X, the Northern Command shared, “Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar, Army…

Northern Army Commander, Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar inaugurated a community radio station set up by the force in Hanle village in Ladakh on Monday.

In a post on X, the Northern Command shared, “Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar, Army Commander, Northern Command, along with the GOC, Fire & Fury Corps, inaugurated the community radio station at Hanle, Ladakh.”

A historic village, Hanle comprises six hamlets: Bhok, Dhado, Punguk, Khuldo, Naga, and a Tibetan refugee settlement.

The Indian Army operates community radio stations in remote regions of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, the post said. These stations are managed by local RJs, offering entertainment and regional content based on local interests to the residents.

“In the remotest and coldest region, locals will tune into the community radio station established by the Dhruva Command,” an officer stated.

The Army has already set up several community radio stations across the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. These include Drass, Karu, Leh and Baramulla in Ladakh and Pir Panjal region in J&K.

Hanle, located at an altitude of 4,300 metres, is also home to the Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) observatory, the world’s highest-imaging Cherenkov telescope. This observatory highlights India’s advancements in space and cosmic-ray research.

The MACE observatory, built indigenously by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) with support from the Electronics Corporation of India Limited and other Indian industry partners, is also the largest imaging Cherenkov telescope in Asia. — PTI