CHANDIGARH: The army will start civil works for setting up Service Selection Centre (North) at Rupnagar, Lieutenant General Surinder Singh, GOC-in-C of Western Command, informed chief minister Parkash Singh Badal on Monday.

HT PHOTOWestern Command chief Lt Gen Surinder Singh greeting chief minister Parkash Singh Badal at his residence in Chandigarh on Sunday evening.

The commander of the Western Command said that army was running the provisional campus of SSC at Kapurthala and it will be shifted to Rupnagar after the work was completed. The Punjab government had given 200 acres for the centre. During the meeting, the CM assured Lt Gen Singh of support and cooperation from the state government for financial assistance to Sainik School, Kapurthala.

Tribune News Service

Rewari, December 21

Former minister and Kosli MLA Bikram Singh Yadav today inaugurated the army recruitment sub-centre on the premises of the Sainik Parivar Bhawan here.The centre was announced by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh while accepting the demand of Union minister Rao Inderjit at the Sainik Samman rally organised here on November 16.“Now retired army personnel residing here need not to go to Charkhi Dadri to get their problems regarding pension and other benefits resolved. All their grievances will now be redressed here. Even, local youths will be able to get latest information about army recruitment from the centre,” said Yadav.Meanwhile, Naresh Chauhan, general secretary of the Rezang La Shaurya Samiti, has urged the Centre to put up hoardings of the army recruitment on the premises of the Rezang La Memorial, Rezang La Shaheedi Park, District War Memorial, Rao Tularam Park, District Sainik Board, Sainik School and the Secretariat so that agents could not cheat the youths.

Mumbai, November 11

Continuous efforts are being made for the safe return of 22-year-old Indian soldier Chandu Chavan from Pakistan but the process will take more time, according to Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre.Bhamre, who was in the city to attend a function, said the Pakistan government’s admission that Chavan is in their custody is significant in view of the strained relations between the two nations.“We have referred to the agreement and communicated with the Pakistan government. It is true that relations between the two governments are a bit tense after the incident (cross-LoC surgical strikes). But, we will continue our efforts and bring him back,” he said.Earlier, the Pakistani army had denied that it had captured the jawan, who had inadvertently crossed the Line of Control after the surgical strikes in September.On September 30, Chavan from 37 Rashtriya Rifles had inadvertently crossed the Line of Control following which Pakistan had been informed by the DGMO (Director General of Military Operations) on the hotline.Soon after the news broke, Chavan’s aged grandmother Lila Chindha Patil died of shock. The Army jawan was planning to get married around Diwali. His parents died when he was small and his grandmother had raised him. — PTI

: Bungalow For Sale(Owned by Retd. Army Officer)

At Mhow in Royal Town opposite Hema range on 4 lane highway 3 BHK Plus Duplex Bungalow is available with special discount to Armed forces Veterans. On 2000 sq ft plot, constructed area 1800 sq ft Having 3 Bedrooms, 4 toilets,drawing room, dining , modular kitchen, parking, kitchen store, wash area, bore well all around boundary wall. 750 sq ft open lawn with kota stone fitted. Two terraces one each on grand & first floor.

Cost 46 lakhs(negotiable)  

 Additional info: East facing, corner plot on East &  South side colony roads, 5 minutes drive to Either side to Mhow & Pithampur. Kindly help me out in selling this bungalow. If any veterans know any civilian friend interested please pass it on to him/her. Also kindly post it to other groups, I shall highly be obliged. Tons of thanks.-

contact Col. Gopal L Sharma on 9713266482.

Col. Gopal L Sharma(owner of the said Bungalow)

Tribune News Service

Ambala, November 10

In the wake of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha said while the chances of a full scale convention war were very low, terror attacks and sub-conventional warfare would continue to be primary concerns.Addressing mediapersons, the Air Chief said the armed forces were continuously preparing to meet this challenge. Stating that deterrence was an important aspect of preventing war, he said some gaps in security observed during the terror attack on Pathankot airbase earlier this year were being plugged with advanced surveillance technology, revamped training and induction of modern weapons and equipment. He claimed that airbases were better off now to take on attackers.Raha said the first Rafale squadron is expected to be operational in three years and the second would be fully functional in five-and-a-half years. One squadron each would be based in the eastern and western theatre.The Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft, being developed jointly with Russia, is expected to roll out in 7-10 years. It would have advanced features such as stealth, super cruise and advanced radar, avionics and weapons.On the controversy over the Seventh Pay Commission, he said while some of the issues have been addressed, several anomalies, including those related to allowances, remain.

Prez presents Standards to 2 IAF units

President Pranab Mukherjee and Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha present the President’s Standards at the Ambala Air Force Station. Photo: Manoj Mahajan

Vijay Mohan

Tribune News Service

Ambala, November 10

Asserting that India is firmly committed to peace, President Pranab Mukherjee, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, said that we would use all our might to protect the sovereignty of our nation.Addressing IAF officers and men at the Ambala Air Force Station after presenting Standards to 501 Signal Unit and 30 Squadron, the President said, “India’s increasing eminence in the comity of nations also draws its strength from the ever-increasing capabilities of our armed forces.”The President’s Standards are awarded to military establishments for having rendered exceptional service during war and peace. The Standards were received by Gp Capt Vineet Jindal, Commanding Officer, 501 Signals Unit, and Wg Cdr Abhay Phansalkar, Commanding Officer, 30 Squadron.The 501 Signals Unit, which commenced operations in 1966 and is now located at Barnala, is responsible for defending the Punjab Sector against the western adversary with its radars and aerostats. Raised at Tezpur on MiG-21s and now flying SU-30s from Pune, 30 Squadron’s vast responsibilities include maritime operations.Haryana Governor, Kaptan Singh Solanki, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, Air Officers Commanding-in-Chief of Western Air Command and South Western Air Command, Air Marshal SB Deo and Air Marshal RK Dhir along with a large number of senior Air Force and Army officers as well as civilian dignitaries were present on the occasion.The President also released a Special First Day Cover and brochure to mark the occasion. A flypast by Mi-17, Jaguar and Su-30 formations, performance by the Air Force Drill Team and scintillating aerobatics by the Sarang Helicopter Display Team and the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team were other highlights of the event.

The winning units

• The 501 Signals Unit, which commenced operations in 1966 and is now located at Barnala, is responsible for defending the Punjab Sector against the western adversary with its radars and aerostats
• Raised at Tezpur on MiG-21s and now flying SU-30s from Pune, 30 Squadron’s vast responsibilities include maritime operations

Vijay Diwas (Victory Day) is commemorated every year on 16th December in India as it marks its military victory over Pakistan in 1971 during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. The end of the war resulted in the unilateral surrender of the Pakistan Army and subsequent secession of East Pakistan into Bangladesh.

This day, however, does not merely mark the celebration of our victory over Pakistan. It is a day to remember and honour the courage of a soldier. It is a day to look back at their deeds which continue to inspire generations of soldiers. It is a day to remember that honour in battle much like in life, is all about standing one’s ground and fighting till the last tank or man if necessary.

It remembers the heroes of 1971 and salutes them for their bravery.

Click to read the Untold Stories of the Indo-Pak War 1971 narrated by the war veterans themselves:

click on links below to open the Article

 

 

 

 “The Battle of Boundary Pillar (BP) 638”

Lord Of The Battle Point 638

A story of the unknown valour of Indian Army specially ‘The Kumaon Regiment’

Malharis’ Battle Of Gadra City In 1971 War

Former Pakistani Col Nadir Ali’s talks of his experiences from 1971 in Bangladesh

Liberation War-Historicising a Personal Narrative

Evidence of 54 Indian Prisoners of War (POWs) holed up in Pakistan since the 1971 War

Indian Prisoners Of War Holed Till Death In Pakistan

A retired Pakistani Brigadier looking back with love and warmth on an Indian JCO, who happened to touch his life, when he was a Prisoner of War in India. Just proves how truly universal can human sentiments be.

Doongar Singh – A Pakistani Brigadier Looks Back to an Indian JCO

A very touching account of Late  Col Swittens (from 37th NDA) as narrated by his dearest friend and course mate Gp Capt Unni Kartha (Veteran)

Eternal Vigil – POW Joe’s Story

Our Correspondent

Una, November 5

State BJP president and Una MLA Satpal Singh Satti today asked Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders to stop degrading the status of a martyr.Addressing mediapersons at the Circuit House here, he termed the incident in which former Army man, Ram Krishan Grewal, committed suicide on the OROP issue as unfortunate.The BJP leader said if members of the Opposition parties referred to the former soldier, who took his own life as a martyr, then how the country should define the men who make the supreme sacrifice while fighting for the security and integrity of the motherland? He said political parties were doing so to gain cheap political publicity.Satti said the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party were trying to implicate Prime Minister Narendra Modi in unfortunate mishaps in the country, just for the sake of politics. He advised Congress activists to burning effigies of leaders from Nehru and Gandhi family instead of burning effigies of the Prime Minister. It was Congress leaders who were responsible for the partition of India that led to the biggest migration of human population in the world, besides triggering the death of lakhs of people in India and Pakistan.Satti said the then deliberate mistake, including the Constitutional provision of a special status state to Jammu and Kashmir continues to give pain and agony to the people of the country. He questioned the reason why the then Congress government had released 90,000 Pakistani prisoners after the 1971 war.The BJP leader asked the Congress leaders to spell out the financial assistance rendered to the families of martyrs during the 1962, 1965 and 1971 wars against China and Pakistan, adding that during the Kargil war which took place during the NDA regime, martyrs were cremated with honours at their respective native places and their families were given adequate financial compensation, besides alternate avenues for income generation.Satti said after the Modi-led NDA government took over, India had not only witnessed increased pace of development, but its image in the international forums has also enhanced manifolds. He said today, Pakistan stands isolated on the issue of terrorism, adding that dozens of Muslim-dominated countries were with India on the issue.

‘Rahul shedding crocodile tears over OROP’

Tribune News Service

Shimla, November 5

Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition PK Dhumal today lashed out at All-India Congress Committee (AICC) vice-president Rahul Gandhi for shedding crocodile tears on the issue of one rank, one pension (OROP). He said the Congress did nothing during the past 40 years to resolve the issue and was trying to mislead the people.Decrying the attempts of Rahul to derive political mileage from the suicide committed by an ex-serviceman, Dhumal said Congress leaders had only exposed their “insensitiveness” over such a sensitive issue.Recalling that he had raised the issue for first time in Lok Sabha in 1990 and brought it in public domain, Dhumal said the Congress leaders misled ex-servicemen on this issue by making false promises and when the demand started gaining momentum in 2013, the UPA government made a provision of only Rs 500 crore, which tantamount to playing with sentiments of ex-soldiers.Cautioning the ex-servicemen to remain vigilant against the sinister designs of the Congress, Dhumal said “Ex-servicemen should not forget that Modi government had already released Rs 5,500 crore for implementing OROP and more funds would be released to ensure that every ex-soldier got the benefit of the OROP.

FIVE BOOKED Retired havildar Beant Singh, 35, had objected to ‘overpriced’ liquor

At the behest of Harjinder and Sunny (liquor contractors), their workers beat up Beant to death using sticks. JASWANT SINGH, victim’s cousin

MOGA: Two owners of a liquor shop and their three aides allegedly beat up a retired army man to death at Thathi Bhai village in Smalsar near here on Thursday night, reportedly after the victim objected to liquor being overpriced. Five people have been booked for murder.

The deceased, Beant Singh, 35, of Chida village in Smalsar town of Moga, who had retired as havildar from the army a year ago, had gone to the Thathi Bhai village to buy liquor from the vend owned by Sunny Gill and his partner Harjinder Singh. The liquor shop had been sealed by the excise department recently over non-renewal of licence, still the contractors had been doing brisk business, it is learnt. The contractors’ men were selling liquor at exorbitant rates from a vehicle parked outside the shop.

Smalsar police have booked contractors Sunny Gill, Harjinder Singh, and their aides Sant Ram, Jagdeep Singh alias Giani of Moga, Jeet Singh of Smalsar, for murder. Gill is said to be close to some Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders and he has liquor business interests in Moga, Ludhiana and Sangrur. He reportedly also has shares in the Fastway cable network company in Moga district.

“Beant had insisted on paying the market rate for the liquor he wanted to buy, which the accused didn’t agree, leading to a scuffle. At the behest of Harjinder and Sunny, their workers beat up Beant to death using sticks,” said Jaswant Singh, a cousin of the victim.

Smalsar station house officer (SHO) Bhupinder Singh said all the accused were absconding and police teams were raiding their possible hideouts.

Meanwhile, a case has been registered under Sections 302 (murder) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

INS Betwa that tipped over in a dry dock on Monday. — Tribune photo

Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 6

The Indian Navy has ordered an inquiry into Monday’s incident in which a warship tipped over on a dry- dock in Mumbai, killing two sailors.  “Rear Admiral Deepak Bali, Flag-Officer Offshore Defence Advisory Group, to head Board of Inquiry in (yesterday’s) INS Betwa incident,” a Navy spokesperson said this evening.”Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba visited the Naval Dockyard here this morning and was briefed about the incident and situation on ground,” the spokesperson said.It has also decided to make the warship, INS Betwa, battle-worthy within its ongoing re-fit cycle that ends April 2018.The ship had tipped over in the dry-dock at Mumbai while being undocked on Monday.(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)It was undergoing a two year re-fit cycle that started in April 2016.Navy spokesperson Capt DK Sharma said professional salvagers from across the world have been called in to give an assessment on how to lift the ship from its 90 degree position and salvage it.  “We will salvage it. This is the decision made on Tuesday,” Capt Sharma said in New Delhi.The ship costing Rs 600 crore was commissioned in 2004. Since it’s indigenously made the re-fit and any new material can be sourced from India.The Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lanba met the families of the two sailors who were killed when the ship tipped over. (With agency inputs)