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Surge in mails after Balakot strike, most willing to quit jobs for Air Force stint again

Ajay Banerjee
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, March 20

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is lately dealing with a new surge of emotions, from its own retired personnel who wish to fight for the nation.

The IAF mailbox — email and normal mail — is flooded with requests from retired officers and airmen offering their services to the IAF, fearing the country may face some “exigency”.

Sources say retired fighter pilots, helicopter pilots, engineers and airmen (IAF nomenclature for jawans and JCOs) have sent in mails detailing their expertise along with rank, name and number held during service. All of them have offered to leave their existing jobs and enterprises and work for the Indian Air Force.

The mails have been trickling in since the air strike at Jaish-e-Mohammed’s Balakot terror camp in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on February 26 and subsequent air battle over Nowshera/Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir on February 27 when Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman ejected in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

While the IAF has not accepted any such request, retired personnel are all in, apparently feeling that the Air Force may need manpower to monitor ground stations, radars, sensors and warplanes would need to be “hot-serviced” for a quick turnaround. All of them are trained men.

Normally, if an exigency arises, the duties would entail ground operations, managing logistics and back-end administration.

Old-timers recollect a similar surge in emotions during the Kargil conflict of 1999.

The IAF, on its part, has war-gamed its manpower needs in case of an emergency and conducted a pan-India exercise “Gagan Shakti-2018” from April 8-22, 2018, to validate it. The exercise was real-time coordination, deployment and employment of air power in a short and intense battle scenario.

During the exercise, more than 11,000 sorties were flown.

Rules for ‘reserves’

• Under the IAF Act, 1950, those who retire from the IAF are deemed to be on ‘reserve’ for a period of two years after retirement
• This means, if a war breaks out and the IAF suffers losses, medically-fit ‘reserves’ can be called back to duty
• The clause of ‘reserves’ does not apply to higher ranks where officers retire at 60 years of age

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was captured by Pakistan and returned, downed a Pakistani F16 fighter jet, from his MIG 21 BISON, a rare feat.

New Delhi, March 11

Two weeks after the airstrikes on the Jaish-e-Mohammed camp at Balakot in Pakistan, forces remain on high alert. Beneath the calm is a strain of tension. The armed forces — the Army, Navy and the IAF — on both sides remain on alert.

Today, when Lt Gen KJS Dhillion spoke in Srinagar and answered questions on firing from across the Line of Control (LoC), he summed up the underlying reality. “Pakistan is targeting our civilian areas as it has not been able to hit us. We have hit military targets,” he told the media.

On both sides there are daily alarms about air intrusion by UAVs. “That these are being detected and targeted means surveillance is at an all-time high,” said a senior officer, adding the UAVs were largely used to study movements in particular areas.

Air defence guns have been used to shoot down such UAVs. The navies have been constantly patrolling and the air force of both sides are flying air patrols, even as radar pictures and satellites are being used to track movement. The Army Chiefs of both countries have been visiting respective units on their own side.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat has asked formations “to ensure readiness and be prepared to decisively deal with emerging challenges that may develop”. The General has been briefed on readiness of the Western Command as also the Northern Command. He has already visited the formations around Samba in Jammu and Kashmir, or locations north of ‘Shakargarh Bulge’.

Pitched battles have been fought in the past in these areas and also areas where the Ravi and the Satluj run a zig-zag course dividing the two Punjabs on both sides.

The Army Chief has been interacting with troops in the forward locations. He has “expressed complete confidence in the Indian Army’s capabilities to thwart any nefarious design of the enemies of the country and handle any situation”.

Supreme Court recently asked the Election Commission to allow Army personnel to vote like ordinary citizens at the place of their voting. File photo
Deepkamal Kaur

Tribune News Service

Kapurthala, March 8

After the Supreme Court recently asked the Election Commission to allow Army personnel to vote like ordinary citizens at the place of their voting, the process of enrolment of nearly 7,000 jawans and officers posted at the Kapurthala Brigade started today.
The Kapurthala District Election staff today organised a camp for Kapurthala Military Station at the shopping complex of the new cantonment here. All armed personnel and their dependents posted here were provided Form No. 6 so that they could enrol themselves as general voters. The camp will continue for another day. Earlier, 15 lakh Army personnel used to exercise their franchise though postal ballots, which often used to get misplaced or reached late.

Lt Col HS Sangha (retd), an ex-serviceman who hails from Kala Sanghian village in Kapurthala and was a part of the camp, said, “While serving in the Army, we hardly got a chance to vote. But with the Supreme Court verdict coming in our favour last month and the ECI beginning to follow the directions, we hope that similar camps get started in 62 cantonments and nearly 149 military stations across the country”.
Col Sadhu Singh Ghuman (retd), an ex-serviceman based in Jalandhar, said, “While there are 15-16 units in Kapurthala, there will be nearly 63 units in Jalandhar, which is the corps headquarter. We are urging the BLOs to get nearly 17,000-18,000 Army personnel registered here. There will be a larger number of defence personnel posted at Gurdaspur, Ferozepur and Pathankot too, where local electoral officers need to enrol them to get the SC orders implemented.”

7,000 to be covered

The process to enrol 7,000 jawans and officers posted at the Kapurthala Brigade in the voters’ list began
Recently, the SC has asked the Election Commission to allow Army personnel to vote like ordinary citizens at the place of their voting
Earlier, 15 lakh Army personnel used to exercise their franchise though postal ballots, which often used to get misplaced or reached late

New Delhi, March 6

Amid heightened Indo-Pak tension, sources in the security establishment on Wednesday said Pakistan has mobilised additional troops and military equipment from its frontier with Afghanistan to forward positions in several sensitive sectors along the LoC in Kashmir.

The Indian Army on Wednesday also issued a stern warning to Pakistan against targeting civilians along the LoC, saying any further provocation or misadventure by it will have “dire consequences”.

Official sources said the warning came after Pakistan targeted forward posts in Nowshera sector with 155 mm artillery guns which was retaliated by the Indian Army with Bofors guns.

Sources said the military officials of the two armies spoke over the hotline on Tuesday during which India had asked Pakistani side not to target civilian population along the LoC.

“Post our warning to the Pakistan Army not to target civilian areas, the overall situation along the Line of Control remains relatively calm,” the Army said in a statement while reiterating the warning on Wednesday about attacks on civilians.

According to the statement, the Pakistan Army resorted to intense and unprovoked firing with heavy caliber weapons in selected areas of Krishna Ghati and Sunderbani, targeting Indian posts and civilian areas with mortar bombs and heavy guns.

“The same was effectively retaliated by the Indian Army. There have been no casualties on the Indian side,” it said.

A strict vigil is being maintained along the LoC and the international border and any further “provocation or misadventure by Pakistan will be responded in a befitting manner with dire consequences,” the statement added.

Tensions between the two countries escalated after Indian fighters bombed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed’s biggest training camp near Balakot deep inside Pakistan on February 26.

Sources also post-Balakot strike, Pakistani side has mobilised additional troops and military equipment from its borders with Afghanistan to forward positions in several sensitive sectors along the LoC.

Pakistan retaliated by attempting to target Indian military installations on February 27. However, the IAF thwarted their plans.

The Indian strike on the JeM camp came 12 days after the terror outfit claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a CRPF convoy in Kashmir, killing 40 soldiers. — PTI

Photo for representational purpose only. AFP

New Delhi, March 7

The Editors Guild of India on Thursday “unequivocally” condemned Attorney General’s remarks before the Supreme Court pertaining to the documents based on which the media had reported on the Rafale deal, saying any attempt to use the Official Secrets Act against the media is as “reprehensible” as asking journalists to disclose their sources.

The Guild, in a statement, also denounced “threats” against the media in the matter and urged the government to refrain from initiating any action that might undermine the media’s freedom and independence.

“The Editors Guild of India unequivocally condemns the Attorney General’s comments before the Supreme Court pertaining to documents based on which the media, including The Hindu, had reported on the Rafale deal,” the statement said.

Attorney General K K Venugopal on Wednesday sought dismissal of a petition for a review of the apex court’s earlier judgment on allegations over the Rafale deal on the ground that the fresh petition had relied on documents that were “stolen” from the defence ministry and that investigations were going on to find out if it was a crime and violative of the Official Secrets Act, it said.

“Although the Attorney General later clarified that the investigation and contemplated action would not be initiated against journalists or lawyers who used these documents, the Guild is perturbed over such threats,” the statement said.

These will intimidate the media in general and curb its freedom to report and comment on the Rafale deal in particular, the Guild said.

“Any attempt to use the Official Secrets Act against the media is as reprehensible as asking the journalists to disclose their sources,” it said.

“The Guild denounces these threats and urges the government to refrain from initiating any action that might undermine the media’s freedom and independence,” the statement said.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi has been attacking Modi over the Rafale deal, alleging corruption and favourtism. The government has denied the charges. PTI

Raj Kadyan

Every Army battalion appoints a duty officer of the week (DOW) with a charter of duties. Our battalion was in the process of being raised. With only a few officers posted, the DOW turn came every four or five weeks.

Our Second-in-Command (2IC), a bachelor with obsession for punctiliousness, came down with measles and was hospitalised. As DOW, I went to see him. Being outside visiting hours, I sought permission from the duty nurse. Seeing two stars on her shoulder, I executed a parade-ground salute. The loud clatter of my regulation 13-nail boots on the concrete sent panicked birds scurrying out of trees. Amused, she looked up enquiringly. I told her I had come to see Major MDC. ‘You can’t, he is in the segregation ward.’ Not meeting the 2IC would invite trouble. ‘Please, sister,’ I pleaded, ‘he is my 2IC and I have to see him.’ My entreaty worked. ‘Okay, at your own risk,’ she said.

Opening the door of the 2IC’s quarantined room, I faced a barrage of questions.  ‘How did you come in this ward?’ ‘I took permission from the duty nurse, Sir,’ I said, self-protectively. ‘Who is the nurse on duty?’ ‘I don’t know, Sir.’ Nameplates were not in vogue then. ‘That fair, good-looking, tall girl?’ I nodded. ‘The one whose little finger is as long as the ring finger?’ ‘I didn’t notice, Sir,’ I said, curiously surprised. ‘She has shown dereliction by violating orders. I will sort her out,’ he said threateningly.

Wishing him speedy recovery, I made my exit. Feeling guilty, I decided to warn the nurse, but she smiled uncaringly. I furtively looked at her finger oddity. The 2IC’s observation was spot-on. I wondered if he was showing more interest in the nurse than a patient should.

Being the Intelligence Officer, I shared office space with the Adjutant, a senior Major. He was friendly and loved tittle-tattle. I gave him the sub-cheese of the hospital visit. Before I could clarify that it was a mere hunch, he had walked into the CO’s office. Standing by the door, I could overhear: ‘I don’t think the 2IC is coming back in a hurry, Sir,’ the Adjutant began and added liberal embellishment to my report. The CO’s concluding remark, ‘High time Minoo settled down’, made me sweat.

The 2IC was back shortly and the CO asked him when to expect the good news. I don’t know how the 2IC reacted but I was marched up to him the next morning. The proceedings were brief. ‘Do you know spreading rumours is an offence?’ ‘Yes, Sir,’ I said. ‘Being your first time, I’m letting you off lightly. You will remain DOW for the next eight weeks. Dismissed.’

At lunch in the mess the 2IC was a different man. He ordered me a drink. ‘Thank you for visiting me despite the risk,’ he said. ‘My pleasure, Sir.’ ‘You got the poor nurse in trouble, though. She got a mouthful from me. You need to atone by taking her out for coffee.’ ‘I will, Sir.’ We clinked glasses.

Like a true military professional he punished the fault, not the person.

Indian Air Force officials show sections of an exploded AMRAAM missile, said to be fired by Pakistan Air Force F-16s, at an IAF, Army and Navy joint press conference at South Block in New Delhi, on February 28, 2019. PTI

Washington, March 6

The US is “very closely” following the reports which have claimed that Pakistan misused American-made F-16 fighter jets against India in the recent aerial confrontation between the air forces of the two countries, a top State Department official has said.

The Indian Air Force on Thursday displayed parts of an AMRAAM beyond visual range air-to-air missile as evidence to “conclusively” prove that Pakistan deployed US-manufactured F-16 fighter jets during an aerial raid targeting Indian military installations in Kashmir after India’s anti-terror operation in Balakot.

Pakistan has said that no F-16 fighter jets were used.

The US State Department has said that America is seeking more information from Pakistan on the potential misuse of American-made F-16 fighter jets by it against India in violation of the end-user agreement.

“We’ve seen those reports and we’re following that issue very closely,” US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino told reporters at his biweekly news conference on Tuesday.

He was responding to questions that Pakistan has violated the end-user agreement on F-16 that it procured from the United States.

“I can’t confirm anything, but as a matter of policy, we don’t publicly comment on the contents of bilateral agreements that we have in this regard involving US defence technologies nor the communications that we have with other countries about that.

“So, we’re taking a look and we’re going to continue to take a look. I’m going to leave it at that,” Palladino said.

AMRAAM missiles allow a fighter pilot to target an enemy aircraft that is beyond visual range, in day or night, and in all-weather conditions. They have an autonomous guidance capability, which allows the pilot to manoeuvre immediately after the missile’s launch.

Tensions between India and Pakistan flared up after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel in Kashmir’s Pulwama district on February 14.

India launched a counter-terror operation in Balakot on February 26.

The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 and captured its pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was handed over to India on Friday. PTI

File photo for representation only.

New Delhi, February 21

On the lines of the Army, the CRPF is mulling to enhance the number of leave given to its combat personnel, as part of a renewed push to provide enhanced rest and recuperation to its troops deployed extensively for anti-terrorism and anti-Naxal operations in the country, officials said on Thursday.

The force is planning to enhance by 13 days the number of casual leave given in a year to its jawans and officials, up to the rank of Commanding Officer (CO), they said.

At present, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troops, up to the CO rank, get 60 days of EL (earned leave) and 15 days of casual leave (CL) while being in an operationally active area like Jammu and Kashmir, left wing extremism deployment or counter-insurgency duties in the north east.

It is now planning to enhance the CL to 28 days.

In the Army, all the officials—from a sepoy to the Army chief—get 60 days of EL and 28 days of CL whether they are deployed in a peace station or the operations grid. This system helps a jawan to plan his off-duty activities and vacations better, they said.

The proposal was much favoured by the troops and officers of the force after CRPF Director General (DG) RR Bhatnagar visited his formations for two days in the Kashmir Valley post the February 14 Pulwama attack, they said.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed while five others were injured after a suicide bomber triggered a deadly explosion next to a force bus plying on the Jammu-Srinagar highway as part of a convoy.

The official said all field commanders of the over 3-lakh personnel strong force have been asked to firm up their views after which the CRPF will move the Ministry of Home Affairs seeking its sanction to the proposal.

“The move will greatly benefit the troops in planning their time when they are off duty.

“They can better spend their time with their families or get their domestic work done or to simply say make the most of their holidays, given the hectic and stressful work schedule they have on job,” the official said. — PTI

A family member of slain CRPF Mahesh Yadav cries before his funeral at Tudihar, in Allahabad district on February 16, 2019. PTI photo

Lucknow/Jaipur, February 16

Sobbing family members Saturday lit the funeral pyres of the CRPF jawans killed in the Pulwama terror attack, joined by other mourners who at places gathered in their thousands.

In an Uttarakhand village, a 3-year-old child lit his father’s pyre.  At another cremation in Rajasthan, a 2-month baby was made to symbolically touch the torch used for the last rites.

Traders downed shutters and people lined the streets at many places as caskets carrying the remains of the jawans arrived at their native villages and towns across the country, amid the chanting of slogans—some of them anti-Pakistan.

Union ministers flew down from New Delhi to join ministers from the states to lay wreaths on the caskets of many of the 40 jawans killed in the suicide attack on the Jammu-Srinagar highway on Thursday.

In most cases, the coffins draped in the tricolor arrived from Delhi at the nearest airport, and were then taken by road to the jawans’ villages for state funerals.

In a village in Uttarakhand’s Udham Singh Nagar district, the 3-year-old Rehan lit his father Virendra Singh’s funeral pyre.

Union Minister of state for Textiles Ajay Tamta and Uttarakhand minister Yashpal Arya were at the cremation, where CRPF jawans fired three rounds in the air as a salute to their fallen colleague.

Shopkeepers in nearby Khatima, Chakarpur and Jhankat downed shutters. People taking part in a procession in Khatima shouted anti-Pakistan slogans.

In Ghalauti Khurd in Punjab’s Moga district, Jaimal Singh’s 5-year-old son Gurprakash lit the pyre. Rohitash Lamba’s infant son was made to symbolically touch the torch that lit his pyre in Shahpura town near Jaipur.

Thousands of people, including Union minister Jitendra Singh, attended the burial of head constable Naseer Ahmad at Dudasunballa village in the border district of Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir.

Officers from the Central Reserve Police Force and the Army also visited the village to pay homage, promising to take care of the jawan’s family which includes his wife and two children, officials said.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman laid a wreath on the coffin of C Sivachandran at Tiruchirappali airport, where his body had been flown on the way to his village.

As Pankaj Tripathi’s body reached Harpur Bailhiya in Uttar Pradesh’s Maharajganj district, the villagers broke out in slogans hailing him as a martyr, and also chanting “Pakistan murdabad”.

Taking the cue from Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarks, Union Minister Shiv Pratap Shukla, who attended the funeral, said: “India will give a befitting reply to the cowardly act of Pakistan”. He announced that the local primary school will be renamed after the jawan.

“My son was coming soon to meet me, but it seems that something else was written in my fate,” his mother told reporters.

Uttarakhand’s Trivendra Singh Rawat, Himachal Pradesh’s Jai Ram Thakur and Odisha’s Naveen Pathak were among the chief ministers who paid homage as the remains of soldiers from their states arrived.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal turned pallbearer when head constable Maneswar Basumatari’s body arrived in Guwahati, flown in by the Indian Air Force.

“The nation will fight united to protect the sovereignty of our country. Basumatari’s sacrifice, along with that of the other CRPF jawans, will not go in vain,” he told reporters.

In Deoria district, Vijay Maurya’s wife Vijay Laxmi demanded that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath should visit the family before the cremation takes place.

UP Minister Anupama Jaiswal and other leaders were trying to persuade her to go ahead with the last rites. PTI