The carrier was built and deployed by the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom in 1959. PTI file

Mumbai, December 3

Only “dignified activities” will be permitted on board the Indian Navy’s decommissioned aircraft carrier INS Viraat, Western Naval Command chief Vice-Admiral Girish Luthra said on Monday.

Since its decommissioning, several states have expressed interest to convert the ship into a tourism hub or a museum.

The carrier, built and deployed by the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom in 1959, served the Indian Navy from 1987 till it was formally decommissioned in March, 2017.

The Centaur-Class aircraft carrier operated for 56 years under British and Indian flags, earning itself a Guinness World Records mention for being the oldest serving warship.

“Proposals have been received from several states, including Maharashtra, to convert INS Viraat into some tourism destination. We will be permitting only dignified activities there,” Vice Admiral Luthra told reporters here.

He also said the proposal from Maharashtra had been forwarded to the Defence Ministry.

The Vice-Admiral said the ship, in its future avatar, could be a public private partnership initiative.

“It is going to be a Public Private Partnership (model) which means the state as well as a private company is going to be involved. Whether it will be a convention centre or a museum or a tourism destination will depend on the PPP,” he said.

About the Maharashtra government’s proposal for INS Viraat, Vice-Admiral Luthra said, “It is being examined actively at the highest level.” On the maintenance cost of the decommissioned aircraft carrier, he said about 225 people have been deployed to take care of the ship, but the Navy did not “do any costing” of it.

INS Viraat was commissioned into the Indian Navy on May 12, 1987, and operated Sea Harrier fighter aircraft, Sea King 42B anti-submarine helicopters, Sea King 42C commando carrier helicopters and Chetaks as its main air elements.

The aircraft carrier is reputed for having been out at sea for over six years, covering the globe 27 times. PTI

Jammu/Anantnag, December 1

Two soldiers were killed and two others were injured in an accidental landmine blast in Pallanwala area of the Akhnoor sector near the Line of Control (LoC).

The injured have been shifted to hospital, where the condition of a soldier is stated to be critical.

While Vivek Gupta, DIG, Jammu, said two soldiers had been killed, the Army is yet to confirm the incident. 

Meanwhile, a civilian was injured on Saturday evening in crossfiring as security forces and militants briefly exchanged gunfire in Pulwama district of south Kashmir.

The injured civilian has been identified as Bashir Ahmad Mir, a resident of Litter village. Sources said militants opened fire at an Army patrol party in Niloora village of the district at 6 pm. “The Army retaliated and in the exchange of fire, a civilian was injured.”  

Police officials, however, said the exchange of fire took place amid a cordon and search operation in the area.

The injured civilian was being treated at the Sub-District Hospital in Bijbehara. — TNS

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, November 23

Paying tribute to Guru Nanak, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the proposed Kartarpur corridor could serve as a bridge for people-to-people contact. Addressing a function at the residence of Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur here, he said the tragic incidents of 1947 should be left behind and a new chapter of ties opened between the two countries.

He did not elaborate, except for pointing out that the Berlin Wall too had been pulled down, reuniting the people of East and West Germany. “This was unthinkable at one point of time,” he observed.

The PM said India believed in “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and bore ill-will towards none. He offered “ardas” and listened to Gurbani during his visit that lasted 30 minutes. He was felicitated with a siropa and a turban by SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal and Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) president Manjit Singh (GK).

The PM attributed the good works by his government to blessing of the Gurus and saints. “The sacrifices of the Gurus have built and protected the country. Their message encapsulate the culture of India: love for everyone and equality of all without discrimination of caste and class,” he noted.

Sukhbir lauded the government for its decision to build and develop the Kartarpur corridor as well as Sultanpur Lodhi. Manjit Singh said Vice-President of India Venkaiah Naidu would lay the foundation stone of the corridor.

Among others present were Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and former PM Manmohan Singh.

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, November 22

India will build and develop a corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab’s Gurdaspur district to the International Border to facilitate Sikh pilgrims visiting Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur on the banks of the Ravi river in Pakistan, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday.

Kartarpur Sahib, located just across the International Border, is the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev and one of the holiest shrines of Sikhs.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to commemorate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak.

New Delhi will also request Islamabad to recognise the sentiments of the Sikh community and develop a corridor with suitable facilities in their territory as well.

“In a landmark decision, the Cabinet approves building and development of Kartarpur corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district to International Border. Kartarpur corridor project with all modern amenities and facilities to be implemented with Central Government funding,” he said in a series of tweets.

The Kartarpur corridor will provide smooth and easy passage to pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib throughout the year. The Pakistan government would be urged to reciprocate and develop a corridor with suitable facilities in their territory, he said.

A high-powered telescope will be installed along the Indo-Pak border for devotees to view Kartarpur Sahib in Punjab.

The issue of Kartarpur Sahib came into focus after Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu visited Pakistan in August to attend the oath-taking ceremony of his cricketer-turned-politician friend Imran Khan as prime minister of that country.

After his return, Sidhu claimed that Pakistan Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa had told him that Pakistan might open a corridor to Kartarpur Sahib.

The Home Minister said the Union cabinet also decided to develop the historic town of Sultanpur Lodhi as heritage town on smart city principles.

As major attraction for pilgrims and tourists, a heritage complex at Sultanpur Lodhi, ‘Pind Babe Nanak da’ is to be developed to depict times of Guru Nanak. Sultanpur Lodhi railway station will be upgraded and developed.

A centre for inter-faith studies is to be set up at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. Chairs on Guru Nanak Dev will be set up in one university each in the United Kingdom and Canada. International seminar on the life and teachings of Guru Nanak will be organised in New Delhi.

Singh said commemorative coin and postage stamps would be released by the government and religious activities organised throughout the country. Doordarshan will telecast programmes on Guru Nanak and Gurbani.

The Ministry of Railways will run a train passing through holy places associated with Guru Nanak.

The Home Minister said states and union territories are being requested to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak in a befitting manner.

The Indian missions overseas will organise special events on the occasion. UNESCO will be be requested to publish Guru Nanak’s writings in world languages. The National Book Trust will publish Gurbani in different Indian languages.

A high-level committee chaired by the Home Minister will regularly review, monitor and oversee the implementation of activities to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. With PTI

A captured Pakistani tank displayed at the war memorial at the battle site to commemorate the valour of Indian troops. The memorial’s main path has been named after Brigadier Chandpuri.

Chandigarh: Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Wednesday deplored the alleged attempts to politicise the defence forces. The armed forces were meant to report only to their regimental heads and not work at the behest of the political dispensation, he told a gathering at the Remembrance Day ceremony here. TNS

Amarinder deplores attempts to politicise defence forces

Chandigarh, November 14

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Wednesday deplored attempts to “politicise” the defence forces, asserting that the personnel were meant to report only to their regimental heads and not work at the behest of the political dispensation.

He said there was an immediate end to the “current cult of political interference” in the functioning of defence services, to enable the officers and soldiers to discharge their duties efficaciously.

The Congress leader said it was necessary in the larger interest of the nation to secure its unity, integrity and security.

Singh condemned the attempts to “politicise” the defence forces, asserting the personnel were meant to report only to their regimental heads and not work at the behest of the political dispensation.

He was addressing a gathering at the Remembrance Day ceremony here which paid homage to commonwealth nations’ armed forces personnel who sacrificed their lives during World War I.

A two-minute silence was observed in memory of the martyrs, an official release said.

The chief minister said the exemplary valour and indomitable courage of all soldiers in preserving the ethos of freedom, liberty and democratic values had remained largely unrecognised.

He noted nearly 74,000 Indian soldiers attained martyrdom and 67,000 were wounded in this war.

While most Indians were aware of the sacrifices made by millions of people in the Independence struggle, the supreme contribution of the brave men who fought in the Great War was largely forgotten, the chief minister said.

He called for aggressively propagating the nation’s rich military history among the youths to make them more aware about the glorious legacy of the armed forces.

Underscoring the need to acclimatise the younger generation with the past events, Singh advocated for inclusion of detailed chapters on India’s contribution both in World War 1 and 2 in school curriculum.

Referring to his recent visit to Turkey’s Gallipoli’s Helles and Turkish memorials, where he paid his respects to the martyred Commonwealth soldiers, including Indians, he said there was a marked difference in the awareness levels of youth about the military exploits compared to India.

Earlier, British Deputy High Commissioner in Chandigarh, Andrew Ayre lauded the role played by Indian soldiers in the war.

Canadian Consulate General Mia Yen also paid glowing tributes to the soldiers in securing peace, prosperity and democratic freedom for their future generations. — PTI

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Mandi, November 13

Rescue posts have been set up at Koksar and Marhi on the Manali-Leh highway for villagers if they get trapped while trying to cross Rohtang on foot even as the pass was officially closed for vehicular traffic today.

The traffic movement between Manali and Lahaul was stopped on Monday due to fresh snowfall at Rohtang.

Generally, Rohtang Pass is officially closed every year for traffic on November 15 for winter but due to early snowfall this year, the BRO has pulled back its machinery and workforce from the area.

According to a BRO official, the pass received more than 60 cm snow in two days. The road had turned slippery and frost started to deposit on the ground, which could be risky for those travelling on the route.

DC, Lahaul Spiti, Ashwani Kumar Chaudhari said the district administration had set up two rescue posts at Koksar and Marhi, where 10 persons have been deployed for rescue.

The DC said the villagers had been advised to ensure their registration at each post while coming from Manali and heading towards Lahaul.

This has been done to enable the district administration to provide immediate help if anybody who gets trapped while crossing in the area on foot. The rescue posts will be removed on December 31 or earlier depending over the weather condition.

During winter these days, residents of Lahaul Spiti shuttle between Manali and Lahaul via Rohtang Pass on foot, when the Pass is closed for vehicular traffic.

The world, for now, has come together, turning away from belligerence to solemnity, in gratitude, and perhaps some guilt, for the millions who perished in the bitter Great War; one that was waged ‘to end all wars’. The world changed, but not for the better; and not enough to prevent another ruinous war two decades later. The year 2018 marks the centenary of the end of World War I. There are lessons — some learnt, some forgotten — and countries remember their dead. And so, November 11, the day the Armistice was signed, is commemorated as Remembrance Day for the fallen soldier.

British India contributed a fair bulk of men and material to the war. A majority of the over 14 lakh men drafted were despatched to places as diverse and distant as Egypt, France, Palestine and Sinai. As per records, 74,187 soldiers from India were killed; 70,000 were maimed or wounded. Many were drawn from the undivided Punjab. PM Modi announced on November 11 that India remembers its brave soldiers who fought in WWI. Does it really? Turkey is home to the Helles Memorial, a Commonwealth war graves memorial; France has its Neuve-Chapelle Memorial, Israel the Haifa Memorial — to remember Indian soldiers, too. And India? What remains of their memory is the 13,000-odd names inscribed on India Gate Memorial (completed in 1933), and the odd ceremony at Patiala State Forces Memorial, for soldiers from military units of the erstwhile princely state. Since 1949, Armed Forces Flag Day (December 7) is the only official annual event related to our soldier.

India has always thought of it as someone else’s war, and there is a valid school of thought: how far back in time do we go to own up our soldiers, and which all wars. But it can’t be denied that thousands of our valiant men died fighting that war. Like there was a will, and a way — funds were not an encumbrance — for the imposing Sardar Patel statue, India should establish a long-awaited war memorial; a badge of honour. A hero must live on in the imagination of coming generations. That’s how he never dies.

n a post shared by Ahmedabad resident Esha Shah on Facebook, one gets to read a firsthand account of a ‘Soldier never being Off-Duty’.

As much as men and women in uniform generate huge admiration and respect, little do most people know how overwhelmingly hectic and unpredictable life can get for them. Holidays and vacations are forsaken when duty calls, and spending quality family time is a luxury that these folks experience very sporadically.

I can personally vouch for this, as my father served in the defence for about three decades. Several vacations and plans have gone for a toss because my father was duty-bound to serve the nation above everything else, and there have been times when he was away from home for a prolonged period of time. Truth be told, I secretly envied my friends from ‘civilian’ backgrounds who would be surrounded by all their family members during holidays and festivals.

For Ahmedabad resident Esha Shah, however, overhearing the conversations of a young man on the phone, as they stood in a queue at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport a few days before Diwali, was an eye-opening moment.

As the conversation progressed, it became apparent to Esha that the gentleman was a Naval officer who was heading home for holidays, but found out that his leave had been cancelled moments before he was ready to board the flight.

Not only was she impressed by the officer’s gracious acceptance of the orders passed down from the top echelons, but was also rather overwhelmed by the fact that many things that we take for granted in our daily lives are actually a luxury for the folks in uniform.

As a gesture of gratitude, Esha and her companion offered the officer their place in the queue. Furthermore, she took to social media to share this touching episode as an ode to not just this young officer but also countless other defence personnel who risk their lives on a day-to-day basis so that we get to sleep peacefully at night.

For him serving our country against the odds, a 5min (sic) jump-the-queue was ridiculously insignificant, but that was the only thing we could offer in order to convey our THANK YOU, which I also told him in as many words,” she wrote in her post.

You can read the entire post here:

Addressing the ‘Defence attaches conclave’ in Delhi, the Army Chief said, “Our Defence force is in the phase of transformation.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Monday underlined that either the armed forces transform itself as per modern necessities or else they perish.

Addressing the ‘Defence attaches conclave’ in Delhi, the Army Chief said, “Our Defence force is in the phase of transformation. We are imbibing modern technology to be integrated with a weapon system and equipment to enable our armed forces to be prepared for the future. We also do appreciate that in these modern days, either you transform or you perish. And, transformation can only happen through co-operation”.

General Rawat continued to say that India is currently engaged in wide-ranging collaborations with countries like Brazil and Chile on the western edge and Vietnam on the eastern edge, adding that the countries have shown a keen interest in sharing technology with the Indian Defence forces.

“Large number of weapon system needs to be upgraded. We put all this out in the open domain. India has been the largest importer of weapons systems and equipment. Time has come for us to enhance in-house manufacturing capabilities. India is currently engaged in wide-ranging collaborations with countries like Brazil and Chile on the western edge and Vietnam on the eastern edge, adding that the countries have shown a keen interest in sharing technology with us. We are proud to announce about the Defence Corridor that will soon begin to take shape,” he added.

On being asked to react on youth being trained in Pakistan, General Rawat said that people need to pay more attention while the youth need to be more alert because they are being used as cannon fodder.

The Army Chief stated that terrorists who have attacked soldiers who were alone, unarmed and were spending time with their families are basically frustrated and they are under pressure to prove their existence.

“When you start targeting people who are alone, unarmed and spending time with their families, (it) is a sign of frustration. There is frustration setting in, the terrorists are under pressure, they have to prove that they also exist, that is why they are doing this,” he told the media after the conclusion of the event.

General Rawat said there was no evidence of sniper rifles being used in Jammu and Kashmir.

He added, “We have had some casualties to our security personnel in Jammu and Kashmir. Whether these have been done by snipers or not, we are still studying. We have not yet recovered a sniper weapon.”