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Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar acknowledged the protest, but called it “misguided”

Unhappy with provisions of the One-Rank-One-Pension scheme announced last week, hundreds of veterans returned their gallantry medals in Delhi and other places Tuesday.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar was quoted by PTI as saying in Goa that the ex-servicemen’s protest was “unlike that of a soldier”.
“Medals are given by the country for the service and gallantry acts that the soldiers have rendered. A section insisting on returning the medals because one is not happy with certain clauses of OROP, for which the government is paying over Rs 8,000 crore, is demeaning the medal itself… These acts are not in line with the army discipline,” he was quoted as saying.
The ex-servicemen said they will observe ‘black Diwali’ in protest against the “diluted” OROP provisions. More than 500 veterans marched from Jantar Mantar to the airport to return their medals in Delhi. Similar marches were held in 14 other cities, including Chandigarh, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Patiala, Rohtak, Hisar and Ambala. Group captain V K Gandhi, general secretary of Indian Ex Servicemen Movement, claimed nearly 2,000 retired soldiers had gathered at Jantar Mantar and over 600 medals had been “returned”. District Magistrate of New Delhi Sanjay Kumar had to come and receive the “surrendered” medals after the veterans threatened to “leave them on the road” to “let tourists see what the government was doing to the soldiers”. “It’s like politicians have eyes and ears but are refusing to see or hear anything,” said 70-year-old Lt Ganga Singh, a former paratrooper, who has travelled to Delhi for the sixth time since the hunger strike started in July. Gurnam Singh (80) returned nine medals, including those he won in the 1962 and 1965 wars. He said the government was “trying to divide” serving soldiers and veterans and create a split between jawans and officers. Meanwhile, former Defence Minister A K Antony accused the NDA government of betraying veterans. “It is not a Diwali gift. It is a Diwali shock for service personnel from the Modi government. It is a vast dilution of the UPA government’s order,” he added.

New Delhi, Nov 07: The Narendra Modi government on Saturday, issued the much-awaited notification for the implementation of the ‘One Rank One Pension’ (OROP) scheme for the armed forces personnel. The notification comes after years of protest by ex-servicemen across India.The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said late on Saturday night that the defence forces of India have a rich history and tradition of bravery and gallantry. “Defence forces have not only defend our borders with exemplary courage and valour but have also performed with fearless attitude and empathy in natural calamities and other trying circumstances. Government of India recognizes and respects their contribution,” MoD said. With the notification of OROP, Modi government has fulfilled yet another promise they made in the election manifesto in 2014. The government had earlier the announced modalities of OROP implementation in September this year. “The delay in issuing the notification was due to the Model Code of Conduct in place owing to Bihar elections,” MoD said. Judicial Committee to look into anomalies According to the order, personnel who opt to get discharged henceforth on their own request under Rule 13(3)1(i)(b),13(3)1(iv) or Rule 16B of the Army Rule 1954 or equivalent Navy or Air Force Rules will not be entitled to the benefits of OROP. It will be effective prospectively. The government also has decided to set up a Judicial Committee to look into anomalies, if any, arising out of implementation of OROP. The Judicial Committee will submit its report in six months. “Detailed instructions along with tables indicating revised pension for each rank and each category, shall be issued separately for updation of pension and payment of arrears directly by Pension Disbursing Agencies,” says MoD. Salient features of the OROP as per the order * Pension of the past pensioners would be re-fixed on the basis of pension of retirees of calendar year 2013 and the benefit will be effective with effect from 1.7.2014. * Pension will be re-fixed for all pensioners on the basis of the average of minimum and maximum pension of personnel retiring in 2013 in the same rank and with the same length of service. * Pension for those drawing above the average shall be protected. * Arrears will be paid in four equal half yearly installments. However, all the family pensioners, including those in receipt of Special/Liberalized family pensioners, and Gallantry award winners shall be paid arrears in one installment. * In future, the pension would be re-fixed every 5 years. OneIndia News

For representation only. File photo

New Delhi, November 18

Six persons, including four soldiers and two civilian porters, were killed after a team of Indian Army personnel patrolling the Siachen Glacier was struck by an avalanche in Ladakh on Monday.

A group of eight persons, including six soldiers from one of the battalions of the Dogra Regiment, was patrolling the area when the avalanche hit them at an altitude of 19,000 feet. The incident occurred around 3 pm in the northern part of the glacier.

A spokesperson for the Northern Command said avalanche rescue teams from nearby posts were rushed to the location for rescue work. All eight personnel were pulled out of the avalanche debris and taken to the nearest military hospital accompanied by medical teams. The four soldiers and two porters succumbed to extreme hypothermia, said Col Rajesh Kalia, Srinagar-based spokesperson for the Indian Army.

Siachen is the world’s highest battlefield and more soldiers have been killed in weather and terrain-related incidents in the area than in enemy firing. Indian soldiers have been deployed there since 1984, after Pakistan tried to usurp the glacier by sending soldiers and mountaineering expeditions in the area. In February 2016, 10 soldiers were killed in an avalanche. — TNS

Two survive the tragedy

A group of eight, including six soldiers from the Dogra Regiment, were on a patrol when the avalanche struck them at an altitude of 19,000 feet.  Two soldiers were lucky to survive the calamity.

Imran Khan. AFP file

London, November 14

The UK chapter of the Baloch National Movement (BNM) and associated organisations called on the Indian government to challenge the atrocities of the “rogue state of Pakistan” and assist Balochistan’s freedom movement.

At a memorial event to mark Baloch Martyrs’ Day in London on Wednesday, members of the BNM as well as groups such as the World Sindhi Congress and Baloch Students Organisation Azad paid tributes to those killed in their fight for Baloch freedom over the years and branded the UK government “hypocritical” for its silence on the human rights violations in the resource-rich region.

“Over 20,000 Baloch people have been kidnapped by Pakistani security forces and many killed in the last two decades. Our message to the Indian government is that they have to raise their voice against the atrocities by the Pakistani security forces,” said Hammal Haider, foreign affairs spokesperson of the Baloch National Movement.

“India played an important role in liberating Bangladesh and it must now come forward and support our movement to gain independence from the rogue state of Pakistan, which is breeding Islamist militants and destabilising the entire region,” he said.

The organization, along with Balochistan activists, around the world annually mark November 13 as Martyrs’ Day in tribute to the martyrdom of Baloch ruler Mir Mehrab Khan and his fighters who defended the region in the face of British invasion on November 13, 1839.

Candle-light vigils, poetry sessions and tributes are held to honour the memory of all those killed in their struggle for Baloch independence from Pakistan, which it sees as an illegal occupier of its land.

In reference to the British government, Haider said, “The UK talks about human rights of the Kashmiri people and remains silent on our suffering at the hands of Pakistan’s spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence.

“This is hypocritical, given that Balochistan was an independent country before the British colonialists created Pakistan and paved the way for Pakistani occupation of our land. They must speak out for all human rights violations.”

Lakhu Luhana, general secretary of the World Sindhi Congress, added, “It is the duty of the entire international community to speak out against the genocide in Balochistan.

“The British, the US, Indian governments all have a role to play to stop Pakistan because the implications pose a threat not only to the peace and security in the region, but also globally.”

The Baloch Martyrs’ Day event in London coincided with similar memorial events around the world, seen as a means of raising international awareness for the Baloch independence cause. PTI

Sumit Paul

The opening of the Kartarpur corridor should further strengthen the bonhomie, for Pakistan has important Sikh shrines like Nankana Sahib, Panja Sahib at Hasan Abdal, an hour’s drive from Islamabad, and Lyallpur (now Faislabad) gurdwara. Though there have been recent instances of persecution of Sikhs in Pakistan, they have thus far enjoyed freedom. Otherwise, how can a Sikh still have his restaurant near the Faislabad cricket stadium, with inscriptions in Urdu/Gurmukhi and English that jhatka meat is available there! Whenever I visit Pakistan, I make it a point to visit at least one gurdwara, as I love the lyrical recitation of Japji Sahab and ardaas. Despite being an atheist, the inner tranquility and serene ambience of all shrines appeal to me. Many a time, I discuss certain aspects of Shahmukhi (Gurmukhi written in Persian Nastaliq script) with Pakistani granthis and professors of Punjabi religious history at Lahore and Sialkot universities. Persian being my mother-tongue, I can relate to the baanis of Baba Farid and others, who first uttered them in Persian, and after that in Punjabi. I remember having the tastiest langar at a gurdwara at Narayanpura in Karachi. Punjabi culture is palpable in Pakistan. Most people in Pakistan can speak Punjabi, and even when they converse in Urdu, the Punjabi accent is very strong.

Being a foodie, I love to gorge on Punjabi cuisine. I dare say, the chhole-bhatoore one gets near the telephone exchange in Lahore are the best in the universe. The forever crowded eatery is run by a Sikh gentleman, who also makes the tastiest paranthe with pudina chutney. That taste lingers, and even at Chandni Chowk or Paranthe Wali Gali, I didn’t find paranthas as delicious as made by Kirpal Singh. The late Abdul Qadir, legendary Pakistani leg-spinner, was crazy about Kirpal Singh’s rajma-chawal while Kolkata-born ghazal singer Farida Khanum relishes his aloo di tikki.

Since I visit Pakistan regularly to teach Islamic theology at its universities, I go to these places for sumptuous Punjabi fare. But, I often feel embarrassed as no Punjabi (even Muslim) restaurant owner lets me pay! The hospitality of Punjabi Sikhs is legendary. This soul-gladdening hospitality is experienced all the more deeply when you interact with the Sikhs of Pakistan. 

Till seven decades ago, we were one. Artificial boundaries have erected pickets of imtiyaaz-o-ta’assub (differences and discrimination) among the people of India and Pakistan. We have a shared history and heritage. To quote Urdu poet Jigar Muradabadi, ‘Unka jo farz hai woh ahl-e-siyasat jaanein/ Mera paighaam mohabbat hai jahaan tak pahunche’ (The political people know their duties and objectives/ All I have is the eternal message of love that I try to disseminate as far as I can). So very true.

Kartarpur (Pakistan), November 9

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan received the first batch of Indian pilgrims who entered Pakistan on Saturday through the historic Kartarpur corridor ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak.

The corridor links Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev, to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab’s Gurdaspur.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the first batch of over 500 pilgrims, saying it will be easy to pay obeisance at the Darbar Sahib gurdwara after the opening of the Kartarpur corridor.

Asserting that he is fortunate to be able to dedicate the Kartarpur corridor to the country, Modi said the opening of the corridor and the integrated check post will bring double happiness to the people.

The first batch of Indian pilgrims includes Manmohan Singh, Akal Takht Jathedar Harpreet Singh, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal, Sukhbir Singh Badal, Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Navjot Singh Sidhu.

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee members and all the 117 MLAs and MPs from Punjab including ministers are also part of the first ‘jatha’.

Prime Minister Khan, who congratulated the Sikh community on the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, said the historic opening of the Kartarpur corridor is a testimony to Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace.

“We believe that the road to prosperity of region and bright future of our coming generation lies in peace,” Khan said in his message on the occasion.

“Today we are not only opening the border, but also our hearts for the Sikh community,” he said.

Khan said the unprecedented gesture of goodwill from his government was a reflection of its deep respect for Guru Nanak Dev and religious sentiments of the Sikh community.

Pakistan believes that interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence would provide an opportunity to work for larger interests of the people of the sub-continent, he said.

Notwithstanding their strained ties, India and Pakistan signed an agreement last month, paving the way for the inauguration of the Kartarpur corridor. According to the pact, Pakistan will allow 5,000 Indian pilgrims daily to visit Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib. Agencies

Jupinderjit Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 9

He campaigned for the opening of Kartarpur corridor for 24 years. Though the dream project has become a reality, his efforts were not recognised.

He does not even figure on the list of over 600 persons chosen by the Punjab Government for a special award in Kapurthala on Sunday to mark the 550th Parkash Purb of Guru Nanak.

Amritsar-based Bhabishan Singh Goraya, 67, had written hundreds of representations to the Indian and Pakistani authorities for opening of the corridor. He had also erected hoardings from Dera Baba Nanak to the Darshan Sthal on the border with Pakistan where binoculars are installed for darshan of the gurdwara. He had also been performing ardas at a gurdwara near the site twice every month.

Bhabishan Singh says he never worked for the corridor for any award, “The greatest award is the opening of the corridor for people like me who prayed to see this happening in their lifetime,” he says, declining to comment on claims by some politicians in India and abroad on credit for opening of the corridor.

Bhabishan says his inspiration was late MLA Kuldeep Singh Wadala who worked relentlessly for opening of the corridor, “I started working with him,” he says, adding that he did get a call from a government official seeking details of his contribution towards the project, but it was never followed up.

He said he was hopeful of the opening of the corridor when in 2008, Pranab Mukherjee, the then External Affairs Minister, visited the Darshan Sthal and announced that the corridor would be opened soon, he recalls as he had written to Mukherjee to visit the site.

Photo for representation.

Yash Goyal
Jaipur, November 6

In an alleged honeytrap case, intelligence and police agencies on Wednesday arrested an army soldier posted on the international border in Jaisalmer district for passing on confidential defence information via Facebook and WhatsApp to a woman agent of Pakistan’s ISI.

Vichitra Behera who hailed from Odisha was under the lens of intelligence agencies for sharing secret official information, movement of army and exercise location in Pokhran with his woman friend, Additional Director General (Intelligence) of Police Umesh Mishra said in a statement.

Behera was getting cash payment for providing such dossiers to the woman and got it transferred into his bank account, Mishra added.

CID (Intelligence) was also following the ADG-Intelligence instructions to investigate the case against the soldier.

Another soldier, hailing from Madhya Pradesh, was detained yesterday and is being interrogated. Both were honeytrapped by Pakistani women.

In January this year, jawan Sombir, a victim of honeytrap, was arrested at Jaislamer military station for sending confidential information across the border.

Tribune News Service

Mandi, October 29

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) opened a 50-feet bailey bridge over the Chhota Dara nullah on the Gramfu-Kaza highway in Lahaul Spiti district today. It would provide better road connectivity to the people of the Spiti valley.

A long road stretch at Chhota Dara was in a bad condition for the past few years, posing problems for commuters coming to Manali from the Kaza side or travelling from Manali towards Kaza. The road is important strategically as also for tourism purpose.

Earlier, this road was under the Public Works Department, but its maintenance work was handed over to the BRO a few years ago. As it snows heavily in the area, the BRO gets little time for its maintenance and as a result the road remains in a bad condition at several places.

The people of the Spiti valley have been demanding maintenance of the road for better connectivity. BRO Commander Col Uma Shankar said, “The BRO has set up a 50-feet bailey bridge over the Chhota Dara nullah on the Gramfu-Kaza road. This nullah was creating a lot of trouble for tourists and locals but now the road has been restored. The bridge material was used from reserve stores of the BRO”.

Nullah created problems for commuters

The BRO has set up a 50-feet bailey bridge over the Chhota Dara nullah on the Gramfu-Kaza road. This nullah was creating a lot of trouble for tourists and locals but now the road has been restored. The bridge material was used from reserve stores of the BRO. Col Uma Shankar, BRO Commander