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Jammu, April 30

A number of activities were organised by Army Public School, Jammu Cantt, to commemorate the Army Welfare Education Society’s foundation day on the school premises on Monday.To mark the day, a special morning assembly was conducted by Manekshaw House. The programme began with the welcome of chief guest Rita Singh, president, Army Wives Welfare Association, 25 Infantry Division, along with other dignitaries.The main event of the day was the inauguration of an organic garden. — TNS

New Delhi, April 30The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, headed by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and including Rahul Gandhi, would visit border areas in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh next month to take stock of the situation following the Doklam crisis with China, sources said.The panel has been looking into various aspects of the India-China military standoff at Doklam and has been briefed several times on the issue by the former and current Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.“The panel will visit the border areas in Sikkim and Arunachal to see the ground realities and take stock of the situation on border in these two states,” a source said.The idea is to get a firsthand experience of the situation on the India-China border in the two states and to see, or if possible, visit areas where incursions had happened, another source said.The panel, which might also use a chopper to get an aerial view, could also interact with top security and defence officials deployed there, sources said.Troops of India and China were locked in a 73-day standoff in Doklam in the Sikkim sector from June 16 last year after the Indian side stopped the building of a road in the disputed tri-junction by the Chinese Army.Bhutan and China have a dispute over Doklam.Earlier, foreign ministry officials had informed the 31-member parliamentary panel that Bhutan was firmly with India on the issue.During the discussions, Congress president Gandhi questioned foreign ministry officials on China’s objective and why Beijing chose Doklam to create a confrontation, sources had said.Gandhi had also asked about reports of a major Chinese buildup near Doklam, to which officials replied that nothing had been done in the Indian territory. PTI

File photo of Pakistan”s former envoy to the US, Husain Haqqani.

New Delhi, April 15

Pakistan should become a “trading nation” rather than a “warrior nation” while ensuring it does not turn into China’s pawn, Islamabad’s former envoy to the US, Husain Haqqani, has said.

In an interview to PTI, Haqqani said Pakistan also needs to take a call on what is more important – supporting terror suspect Hafiz Saeed or gaining international credibility and respect.

Amid the consolidation of the already-robust Sino-Pak ties, Haqqani, who served as ambassador to the US from 2008 to 2011, stressed Pakistan should not go from being dependent on the US to relying on China and must refrain from becoming a “Chinese pawn”.

“Pakistan needs to build a self-sustaining economy,” he said, warning Islamabad of the pitfalls of aligning with a major power.

Haqqani, who was in India last week for the launch of his new book ‘Reimagining Pakistan: Transforming a Dysfunctional Nuclear State’, said the country needs to “re-think its overall direction”, including in the economic sector.

Pakistan should become a “trading nation rather than a warrior nation” and start thinking about geo-economics rather than geo strategy, said the 61-year-old former diplomat and author of ‘Pakistan Between Mosque and Military’ and ‘India v Pakistan: Why Can’t We Just Be Friends?’, among other books.

“Trying to take advantage of its strategic location by allowing itself to be used by one major power or another has brought Pakistan to the present situation and if we continue to play the same game, the result is not going to be very different in the future,” he said.

While Islamabad should seek good relations with Beijing, “there is no reason why Pakistan should become a Chinese pawn in the mistaken belief” that this would somehow make it a power in its own right, he said when asked if Pakistan’s dependence on China could prove counterproductive.

His remarks assume significance as in January, the US had suspended more than USD 1.15 billion security assistance to Pakistan, accusing it of harbouring terror groups such as the Afghan Taliban and Afghan guerrilla group Haqqani Network.

After US President Donald Trump had lashed out at Pakistan earlier this year for providing “safe havens” to terrorists, China had defended Islamabad, saying the world community should acknowledge its all-weather ally’s “outstanding contribution” to counter terrorism.

Asked if America’s tougher stance against terror would push Islamabad into a robust military alliance with Beijing, Haqqani said the more America and India came close, the more Pakistan would try to strengthen its ties with China.

“But, for Pakistan’s own sake, it would be useful to have relationships with multiple partners. Dependence on the US did not prove useful for Pakistan in the 50s and 60s; dependence on China will not necessarily be the key to Pakistan’s progress in the 21^st century,” said Haqqani, who lives in the US, where he is Senior Fellow and Director for South and Central Asia at the Washington-based Hudson Institute.

Haqqani was removed as Pakistan’s envoy to the US for his alleged role in what is known as the ‘Memogate’ controversy, which revolved around a memorandum seeking help from the Obama administration after the killing of Osama bin Laden to avert a military takeover of the civilian government in his country.

Asked if the suspension of American aid had brought about a change in Pakistan’s attitude, Haqqani said the establishment had not changed its world view and was still hoping that logistical and other considerations would make the Trump administration soften its stance.

On the possibility of power blocs being formed in the region, he said a “new Cold War” in which Pakistan aligns with China and India with the United States was not going to be positive for South Asia.

“I think that aligning with one major power against another is not the recipe for economic growth and success for a country like Pakistan,” said Haqqani, who also served as the Pakistani envoy to Sri Lanka from 1992 to 1993.

The former diplomat, who is often critical of the Pakistani military, rued that the power structure in the country had not changed fundamentally and national security and foreign policy remained in the hands of the Army.

Pakistan has made distinctions between terror groups that have acted against it and those that have acted outside the country, and that distinction had not worked to its advantage, he said.

Islamabad’s insistence on “mainstreaming terrorists” rather than marginalising them was going to be counter-productive for the country, he held.

Haqqani also said the Kashmir issue could be put on the back burner to build normal Indo-Pak relations.

“It is also a reality that the problem of Kashmir has not been solved in 70 years. And if Pakistan insists on solving the Kashmir problem before moving forward on normal relations with India, then it may have to wait for another 70 years,” he said. PTI

Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

Chennai, April 12

Within a week of the new tender from India to get 110 fighter jets for the Indian Air Force, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday assured foreign companies that they would “not spend a decade on it”.The obvious reference has come as the foreign industry is skeptical that the tender is a re-run of the scrapped tender to buy 126 fighter jets. It was started in 2004 and scrapped in 2015 after years of trials, discussions and cost negotiations.Speaking at the ‘def-expo-2018’, the Prime Minister mentioned the long-drawn process of fighter jets and took a dig at the previous UPA government saying “issues which should have been long addressed are being resolved now”.“We have not only taken bold action to meet immediate requirement (purchased 36 Rafale jets) we have started a new process for 110 jets, he said, adding, “We will not spend 10 years without any tangible outcome.”Taking another dig at the UPA, he said the ‘policy paralysis’ that had set in the defence sector is a thing of the past. “It shall not happen again.” He cited how the issue of bulletproof jackets to soldiers was kept hanging for years.Addressing concerns of the industry, he said, “Our goal is not merely to tinker but to transform. We want to move fast, but with no shortcuts. I am aware we need to do a lot more; we are committed to doing so. Our dream is to develop an eco system.”The PM said the government would undertake extensive consultation with all stakeholders with Indian and foreign companies for the defence production policy (a draft has been released and 100 suggestions have come) and also the defence procurement policy. “Our aim is not just to discuss but to draw right lessons. Our intention is to listen and not merely lecture,” Modi added.It is strategically imperative “to make in India, Make for India and supply from India”.He suggested the setting up of a defence industrial complex which would have room for public sector undertakings, Indian and foreign firms. “I understand it’s not that simple. Many pieces of this puzzle need to fit together”.Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the ‘def-expo’ showcased the best of equipment and military ammunition by leading producers.She said, “Not only are we going to buy from various manufacturers. Fifty per cent of this expo today has Indian manufacturers.” On the defence production corridor, Sitharaman said, “We hope to go with great speed to have these activated and performing so that India realised the dream of being a manufacturing hub.”“We have allowed great flexibility for foreign companies and more policies are being relaxed,” she said.The programme was telecast live to 35 Indian embassies in Nepal, Bhutan, Nigeria and Afghanistan, among others.Modi launched the innovation of defence excellence (IDEX), a new scheme that looks to work with start-ups doing technology.

Ludhiana, April 3

An Army jawan has alleged that his motorcycle was forcibly taken away by men in police uniform from his house at Kehar Singh Nagar on the Jassian road. Lance Nayak Sunny Pathania, posted with 30th Battalion of Punjab Regiment in Binnaguri, West Bengal, is running from pillar to post to find out which police station had impounded his bike.Pathania said his brother Manish Pathania was named in a robbery case and recently, a fresh case of decoity was also registered against him at the Salem Tabri police station. Alleging that the police had taken his bike, Splendor Pro (PB10DD 5053), from his house without telling anything to his elderly mother.“On March 22, several personnel, reportedly of the Ludhiana police, came to his house and forcibly took his locked motorcycle. When my mother and local residents asked about the reason for it, the policemen said nothing. If my brother is facing any FIR, why the motorcycle registered in my name was taken away by thet police. Now, my elderly mother is running from one police station to another to find the bike. Police stations are denying being in possession of my bike,” Sunny told The Tribune.The Army jawan said he and his mother were not in touch with his brother wanted by the police, still the police were harassing his mother, who had serious health issues.“A few days ago, my mother was informed by some city policemen that the bike was impounded by the Kotwali police. When she reached there, the policemen asked her to go to PS 4. When my mother went to PS 4, the personnel there, too, denied impounding any such bike,”The jawan later approached his Major, Coy Commander JK Aggarwal, 30th   Battalion, Punjab Regiment, Binnaguri, West Bengal, who sent a letter to the Deputy Commissioner, Ludhiana; the Zila Sainik Welfare Office, the SDM and the Police Department.   The Major writes: “I have received an application from Lance Nayak Sunny Pathania serving with the Punjab Regiment. It is requested the matter may please be investigated thoroughly to be resolved at the earliest since the individual is currently under stress and is unable to perform his duties with peace of mind. Action taken report on the subject may please be intimated to this unit”.  Meanwhile, PS 4 SHO Rajwant Singh said no one from his police station took away any bike from the Army jawan’s house. Kotwali SHO Birbal said no such bike was impounded by the police in the recent past.

An IAF MI-17 V5 helicopter crashed near Kedarnath shrine in Uttarakhand on Tuesday morning. All those on board the helicopter, including the pilot and the co-pilot, were safe. The helicopter was carrying heavy construction equipment from Guptkashi to Kedarnath when the accident occurred.“The incident occurred around 8.10 am. The helicopter crashed 60 metres from the helipad. Only the IAF can ascertain the exact cause,” said the Rudraprayag DM. The state government had requisitioned MI-17 V5 as the Irrigation Department needed heavy machinery for reconstruction work. PTI

Tribune News Service

Solan,March 30

Veer naris and widows of ex-servicemen from across the state on Friday participated in a mega ex-servicemen rally organised by the Pine Division under the aegis of Vajra Corps at the local military station here.The General Officer Commanding (GOC), Pine Division, was also present.Addressing a gathering, officials assured them of making all efforts to resolve their grievances. The rally aimed at resolving service and civil administration-related grievances of these people through several counters.A medical camp was also organised by the Army as part of “The Year of War Disabled”. Soldiers with disabilities were also honoured.Three modified auto scooters, two wheelchairs and various grants were distributed. As many as 34 Veer naris and 94 widows were felicitated.

Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 1Faced with problem of terrorists targeting military bases, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is now testing out an unmanned tech-based solution to provide security for the perimeter of such military stations.In the past few years, there have been almost a dozen attacks or attempts by terrorists to storm a military base to pick on easy targets like women and children living in the Army quarters.The DRDO is carrying out an experiment at a 4,000-acre military area in southern part of India. It has a mix of laser walls, radars, physical vibration sensors. The input is then aggregated. “Let us prove it, we will pass on this technology to the industry,” DRDO Chairman Dr S Christopher told The Tribune.Notably, the DRDO has demonstrated an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) that can be sent to the spot to set aside any suspicion detected by the technology at the perimeter. “The UGV will have a light and camera, it can send across a live picture. But it will not have a weapon,” the DRDO chief said.Talking about radars, Dr Christopher said “We have told the Defence Minister that by 2022 the country will not need to import any type of radars.”We will look at Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) and also private companies. “There are good companies, who are making radars,” he said. So far DRDO has not given full-fledged radars technology to any private company. The joint work has been done between DRDO and private companies. The BEL-produced radars are a success and installed at various locations.The DRDO, he said, was working on projects as varied as submarines to satellites. Negotiations have been completed for the six Airbus- 330 planes which will be fitted with radars and surveillance equipment. At present, India uses the Boeing P8-I for looking over the sea while the Russian IL-76 has been modified or a role with the IAF.

A model of the Tiangong-1 space lab module (L), the Shenzhou-9 manned spacecraft (R), and three Chinese astronauts is displayed during a news conference at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, in Gansu province, China on June 15, 2012. Reuters

Shanghai, April 2

China’s defunct uncontrolled Tiangong-1 space station re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere and burnt up over the middle of the South Pacific on Monday, the Chinese space authority said.

The “vast majority” of the craft burnt up on re-entry, at around 8:15 a.m. (0015 GMT), the authority said in a brief statement on its website, without saying exactly where the remnants might have landed.

Earlier, it had said the craft was expected to re-enter the atmosphere off the Brazilian coast in the South Atlantic near the cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

The United States Air Force 18^th Space Control Squadron, which tracks and detects all artificial objects in Earth’s orbit, said it had also tracked the Tiangong-1 in its re-entry over the South Pacific.

It said in a statement it had confirmed re-entry in coordination with counterparts in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea and Britain.

The remnants of Tiangong-1 appeared to have landed about 100 km (62 miles) northwest of Tahiti, said Brad Tucker, an astrophysicist at Australian National University.

“Small bits definitely will have made it to the surface,” he told Reuters, adding that while about 90 percent would have burnt up in the atmosphere and just 10 percent made it to the ground, that fraction still amounted to 700 kg (1,543 lb) to 800 kg (1,764 lb).

“Most likely the debris is in the ocean, and even if people stumbled over it, it would just look like rubbish in the ocean and be spread over a huge area of thousands of square kilometres.”

Beijing said on Friday it was unlikely any large pieces would reach the ground.

The 10.4-metre-long (34.1-foot) Tiangong-1, or “Heavenly Palace 1”, was launched in 2011 to carry out docking and orbit experiments as part of China’s ambitious space programme, which aims to place a permanent station in orbit by 2023.

It was originally planned to be decommissioned in 2013 but its mission was repeatedly extended.

China had said re-entry would happen in late 2017, but that process was delayed, leading some experts to suggest the space laboratory was out of control.

Worldwide media hype about the re-entry reflected overseas “envy” of China’s space industry, the Chinese tabloid Global Times said on Monday.

“It’s normal for spacecraft to re-enter the atmosphere, yet Tiangong-1 received so much attention, partly because some Western countries are trying to hype and sling mud at China’s fast-growing aerospace industry,” it said. Reuters