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On IAF’s plea, paragliding banned near defence areas
Tribune News Service
Jammu, June 13
Against the backdrop of Pathankot airbase terror strike, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has banned private airborne activity — para-jumping, paragliding and hoisting of air balloons — within a radius of one kilometre of any defence and security installations in the state. It follows the request of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Police Headquarters, to all district magistrates to restrict “private airborne activity”. In this regard, a communiqué from the IAF, Police Headquarters (Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu area), was issued on June 2. The IAF apprehends that terrorists could use sub-conventional methods to target IAF, defence and police installations in future. Invoking provisions of Section 144 of the J&K Criminal Procedure Code, Jammu District Magistrate Simrandeep Singh has ordered the ban on private airborne activity. He said,“it has been brought to my notice that terrorists may use sub-conventional methods to target IAF, defence and police installations in near future.” The order said, “Such sub-conventional methods include the use of adventure sporting equipment, like paragliders and parachutes. It is imperative to impose restrictions on agencies involved in adventure sports, like parasailing, paragliding.” The district magistrate ordered that there would be no private airborne activity within a radius of one kilometre of any defence or security installations in Jammu. “Even otherwise, prior permission of the district magistrate shall be required in case any such activity is to be conducted anywhere in the district. All private agencies involved in such business shall disclose the details, including equipment, to the additional deputy commissioner (law and order), Jammu, within 60 days of the issuance of this order,” the district magistrate said. He said the sub-divisional magistrates, tehsildars and SHOs in the district would ensure compliance to this order. Sources said that Udhampur district was also contemplating ban on private airborne activity shortly.Pertinently, the state administration, on the directions of Governor NN Vohra, had conducted a multi-agency security audit of all vital civil and defence establishments and installations across Jammu and Kashmir.On January 19, the Governor had said at New Delhi on 7th raising day of NIA that Pathankot terror strike could have been prevented, had lessons been learnt from previous attacks, with focus on securing the international border with Pakistan, which was not yet “well-guarded”.
Terror threat
- The IAF apprehends that terrorists could use sub-conventional methods to target IAF, defence and police installations
- in future
- The Jammu district magistrate orders ban on private airborne activity within a radius of one kilometre of any defence or security installationsin Jammu
- Prior permission of the district magistrate shall be required in case any such activity is to be conducted anywhere in the Jammu district
MiG-27 crashes in Jodhpur, no casualties
MiG-27 crashes in Jodhpur, no casualties
Air Force personnel gather around an Indian Air Force MiG-27 fighter jet that crashed into a residential building in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, on Monday. The pilot escaped unhurt. AFP
A MiG-27 aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed in a residential area of Jodhpur on Monday morning, with the pilot ejecting safely. The aircraft was on a routine training sortie when it crashed at 11.30 am
The MiG-27, which had taken off from the Jodhpur Air Force Station, developed a technical problem and hit a locked house in Kudi Bhaktasni area, officials said. No one was injured on the ground
The plane caught fire after the crash and fire fighters were rushed to douse the blaze. The pilot had sought priority landing but as the engine failed, he had to eject. A court of inquiry has been orderedhttp://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/mig-27-crashes-in-jodhpur-no-casualties/251385.html
Pakistan’s N-stockpile still bigger than India’s China gradually modernising its capacities, says Stockholm think tank
London, June 13
Pakistan continues to be ahead of India when it comes to having higher number of nuclear warheads and beats Israel as well as North Korea, a report by a Stockholm-based think tank said today.The report comes just days after disgraced nuclear scientist AQ Khan, father of Pakistan’s nuclear programme, claimed the country had the ability to hit India in five minutes. The claim was ridiculed by Indian experts who underlined that nukes should always be weapons of deterrence and not offensive.As per the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) annual nuclear forces data, Pakistan is believed to have 110-130 nuclear warheads.On the contrary, India is said to have about 100-120 nuclear warheads. The report said, while the US and Russia were slowly reducing their nuclear arsenals, they were modernising their capacities.The other nuclear weapon-possessing states have much smaller arsenals, but have all either begun to deploy new nuclear weapon delivery systems or announced their intention to do so, it added.“China appears to be gradually increasing its nuclear forces as it modernises the arsenal. India and Pakistan are both expanding their nuclear weapon stockpiles and missile delivery capabilities. North Korea is estimated to have enough fissile material for around 10 nuclear warheads. However, it is unclear whether North Korea has produced or deployed operational weapons,” the report said.Last year also, Pakistan was ahead of India when it came to nuclear warheads. While India was said to have about 90-110 nuclear warheads, Pakistan had 100-120 of them.At the start of 2016, nine nations — the US, Russia, the UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea — possessed approximately 4,120 operationally deployed nuclear weapons.If all nuclear warheads are counted, these states together possessed a total of around 15,395 nuclear weapons compared with 15,850 in early 2015, the report said. — PTI
Year on, Pak nuclear arsenal up from 100-120 to 110-130
- Stockholm International Peace Research Institute’s annual data suggests at the start of 2016, Pakistan had 110-130 nuclear warheads, against India’s 100-120
- Last year, too, Pakistan was positioned ahead of India with 100-120 nuclear warheads. India was a step below its neighbour having 90-110 warheads
- At the start of 2016, nine nations together possessed a total of around 15,395 nuclear weapons compared with 15,850 in 2015, the report said
Army felicitates 350 war widows, resolves their grievances
Under an extensive outreach drive, the Dograi Brigade of the Indian Army organised a Women Empowerment Conclave at the Military Station Khasa on Sunday. A Tribune photograph
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, June 12
Under an extensive outreach drive, the Dograi Brigade of Indian Army organised a Women Empowerment Conclave at Military Station Khasa near here today.In the run up to the conclave, special teams contacted all war widows of Amritsar and Tarn Taran districts to proactively resolve their grievances, especially those related to pension, healthcare, land, legal cases and other entitlements to them with minimum delay. During this drive, approximately 861 widows were contacted.Anupveer Cheema, zonal president, AWWA, Vajra Corps, interacted with the widows and enquired about their problems. On this occasion, more than 350 widows were felicitated by the Army Wives Welfare Association by presenting them with utility items. The chief guest awarded three education scholarships to girl children of the widows.During the event, a number of stalls from various welfare functionaries and organisations of the Army and civil establishments were set up at the venue to provide solutions under one roof. The representatives of Zila Sainik Welfare Office, Records Office and Veteran Sahayata Kendra held meetings and interviews and addressed the grievances of widows. Non-Governmental Organisations and public sector banks organised special workshops to acquaint the widows of all possible welfare avenues available to them. Job letters to 12 dependents of veterans as packaging supervisors and foremen in industries were also presented on the occasion.Medical and Ex-servicemen Health Contributory Scheme (ECHS) camp with all specialist facilities including medical, surgical, gynecologists, dental, eye and ENT, Lab and dispensary were established. The Army also distributed booklets to the widows containing pension entitlements, welfare schemes and important contact numbers of officials to follow up their concerns in future.The event was inaugurated by Lieutenant General JS Cheema, General Officer Commanding, Vajra Corps while Major General Nav K Khanduri, General Officer Commanding, Panther Division, was also present on the occasion.
US christens PM’s vision of Indo-US ties as ‘Modi Doctrine’
President Barack Obama reaches to shake hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Tuesday on June 7, 2016. AP/PTI
Washington, June 10
Describing the just concluded US visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “historic”, the Obama administration has christened his vision of Indo-US ties that has overcome the “hesitations of history” and working for the betterment of the global good as “Modi Doctrine”.“The most important outcome in my mind of the visit this week and of the years of effort that preceded it is the clear and compelling vision that was laid out by Prime Minister Modi before joint session of the US Congress,” Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Nisha Desai Biswal said.“This vision which I have come to call The Modi Doctrine laid out a foreign policy that overcomes the hesitations of history and embraces the convergence between our two countries and our shared interests,” Biswal told a Washington audience.Biswal, the Obama Administration’s point person for South and Central Asia, said this at a discussion on ‘Security and Strategic Outcomes from the Modi Visit’ organised on Thursday here jointly by the Heritage Foundation–an American think-tank–and India Foundation, a New Delhi-based think-tank.Modi, she said, in his speech furthered his bold vision of India-US partnership that can anchor peace, prosperity and stability from Asia to Africa, from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific and help ensure the security of the sea lanes of commerce and freedom of navigation on the seas.“This Modi Doctrine notes that the absence of an agreed security architecture creates uncertainty in Asia and reiterates India’s adherence to and calls for others’ support for international laws and norms,” Biswal said.India, she said, is now key element of Obama Administration’s rebalance to Asia, a strategy which recognises that America’s security and prosperity increasingly depend on the security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific.“The joint strategic vision which was issued last year laid out our mutual goals and interests in the Indo-Pacific and across the global commons. We are now implementing a road map that sets out a path of cooperation to achieve those goals and protect those interests,” Biswal said.In his remarks, US Ambassador to India Richard Verma said the US welcomed and shared the Prime Minister’s vision.“We have made a clear and strategic choice to support India’s transition to become, as Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar has articulated, a leading power. Our actions, as security partners in every sense of the word, speak to this endeavor,” he said.“We envision India as a leading power that can uphold international norms and support what Defence Secretary Carter called last week a “principled security network” in Asia. A leading power that can grow its economy while at the same time demonstrating global leadership on clean energy and climate,” he said.“And a leading power that joins likeminded partners to safeguard the global commons. Realising this vision will require diligent work on part of the bureaucracies in both Washington and Delhi and resilience to overcome obstacles that may arise,” Verma said.Indian Ambassador to the US Arun K Singh described the Prime Minister’s visit as “historic”.“There is a need step-by-step to build confidence and to build the habit of working together. That calls for regular meetings, including at the highest levels,” Singh said.On the political side, he said: “We are finding that even though we may not agree on every aspect there is an increasing convergence in our interest and assessment of issues.” In the Prime Minister’s speech to the Congress there was a reflection of the fact that this growing convergence is in the interest of India and the US. The areas of convergence are in the field of terrorism, situation in the Indian Ocean, Asia Pacific region, cyber issues.Singh said the two countries had recognised that clean energy would be an important area of partnership. PTI
MT EVEREST CONQUEROR Grand reception for Lt Col Jamw al
Lt Col Ranveer Singh Jamwal being honoured during a function in Jammu on Sunday. Tribune Photo: Amarjeet Singh
Tribune News Service
Jammu, June 5
Jammu today accorded a grand reception to Lt Colonel Ranveer Singh Jamwal for scaling the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, for a third time.Social groups comprising Amar Kshatriya Rajput Sabha, Jammu; Rajput Sabha, Jammu and Samba and Dogri Sanstha, Jammu and Pahal, organised an impressive programme to honour Lt Col Jamwal for achieving the feat.Lt Col Jamwal, who landed at Jammu airport this morning, was taken to the venue from the airport in a procession which saw participation of hundreds of youth from different parts of the region.Apart from representatives of various social groups, Param Vir Chakra awardee Bana Singh, Cabinet minister Chander Parkash Ganga, former minister Surjit Singh Slathia, senior officers from police and district administration were also present on the occasion.Lt Col Jamwal is the first Army officer from Jammu and Kashmir to achieve the feat for a third time. He had first scaled the world’s highest peak at 8,848 metres on May 25, 2012 and the second time on May 19, 2013.During their address, the speakers said that Lt Col Jamwal had brought laurels for J&K and demanded the government should name a stadium or a government building in his name to give him a real honour.
Reducing flab in armed forces :::::Gen V P Malik (retd)
The Indian army today is the third largest in the world with over 38,000 officers and 11.38 lakh soldiers
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has set up a 12-member committee headed by Lieut-Gen DB Shekatkar (retd) to suggest structural changes in the Army, the IAF and the Navy on cutting down flab and reducing revenue (maintenance) expenditure. Its recommendations will entail doing away with posts that may have become redundant due to technology, and to ensure that addition of new equipment (modernisation) does not mean a corresponding rise in the personnel strength of the forces.Parrikar has two important reasons for ordering this study. One is the ever-increasing revenue expenditure on manpower which leaves less than 20 per cent of the defence budget for weapons and equipment modernisation. The other is the advice from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his address at the Combined Commanders’ Conference in December 2015, Modi had said, “At a time when major powers are reducing their forces and rely more on technology, we are still constantly seeking to expand the size of our forces. Modernisation and expansion of forces at the same time is a difficult and unnecessary goal.” Articulating global, regional and national strategic environment and politico-military concerns, the Prime Minister exhorted the Defence Minister and the military commanders to promote “jointness” across every level, shorten the tooth-to-tail ratio, and re-examine assumptions that keep massive funds locked up in inventories. There is no doubt that budgetary constraint is the primary reason for this decision. As a percentage of the GDP, the defence budget has been decreasing over the last decade. This year there was an increase of 1.16 per cent on the basis of the budget estimate of FY 2015-16. Calculated against the revised estimates (Rs 18,295 crore was surrendered by the Ministry of Defence), it works to an increase of 9 per cent. This allocation does not cover the rate of inflation, fall in the value of the rupee against the dollar, and the sharply increasing cost of weapons and equipment all over the world. Due to the “One Rank, One Pension” scheme, the pension bill will increase substantially. With implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations, salaries, allowances and establishment charges of all civil and military personnel, paid from the defence budget, will shoot up. Recently, Defence Secretary G. Mohan Kumar admitted to the Standing Committee on Defence that “India’s military spending for FY 2016-17 is not as per the requirements of the services.” Unless the government hikes the defence budget, which is very unlikely, the Ministry of Defence would face a serious resource crunch to make up huge deficiencies of weapons, equipment and ammunition. Any force modernisation will remain a dream. We faced a similar situation in the late 1990s. As Army Chief, I decided to suppress 50,000 manpower (mostly from non-field force) over a period of three years, provided the money saved would be given to the army for capital purchases. D B Shekatkar, then a Major-General, heading Perspective Planning Directorate, worked on details in consultation with the heads of arms and services, principal staff officers and army commanders. There was considerable opposition within the army and outside. After obtaining approval and a written commitment on the savings from the Cabinet Committee on Security, we implemented the scheme for two years. The Kargil war put an end to that scheme in its third year. The Indian army today is the third largest in the world with over 38,000 officers (sanctioned strength is 49,631 officers) and 11.38 lakh soldiers. Cadre reviews and implementation of the Ajai Vikram Singh report has made it top-heavy with bloated headquarters. This is definitely not in line with modern defence management to win short and swift wars.Incidentally, India is not alone in its attempt to trim its armed forces and improve the teeth-to-tail ratio. In the last decade, all major armed forces of the world have attempted such exercises and made deep cuts in manpower — the most important and costliest military resource. In 2012, the UK announced a 20 per cent cut, reducing the strength of its army to 82,000 combatants by the end of this decade. The Russian army has done away with large size divisional headquarters to make itself a quick-strike, lean force. The US army has announced a reduction of strength by a whopping 80,000 by 2017 to “reduce the overall number of headquarters, while sustaining as much combat capabilities as possible.” China’s recently announced military reforms envisage a cut of 300,000 personnel in its 2.3 million PLA forces by 2020. The idea is to “remake the PLA from a manpower intensive force to a smaller, technologically able and mobile force capable of combat beyond its geographical borders.”Over the last decade, India’s armed forces have absorbed a fair amount of technological developments, including communications and digitisation. Manpower intake is better educated, savvy on computers and smart phones. Most of them have driving licences. But the resultant organisational changes, shedding of redundant establishments and manpower savings have seldom been attempted by the army. On many of these issues, there is a lot to be learnt from the best practices of the private sector. In the past, many units were raised to meet special operational circumstances of that period e.g. Rashtriya Rifles for Punjab. A review to examine the need or quantum of such forces is overdue. Meanwhile, there is considerable scope for downsizing forces in areas which are not of operational importance, and to reduce the flab. Some suggestions which require further study are:
- By further improving jointness amongst the forces, there is scope to cut down duplication (sometime triplication) of logistic (medical, supplies, station duties) and security resources.
- Reducing size of headquarters, particularly of field formations, training establishments and shedding redundant establishments.
- Merger and pruning of logistic units and training facilities of the army like the EME, Ordnance, Army Service Corps, Army Education Corps, and so on.
- Clubbing of non-essential unit functions such as Military Farms and Army Postal Service, or outsourcing their functions.
- A review of all peace establishments.
- Multiple use of lands/facilities wherever units and formations are in close proximity to each other.
With the development of the automobile sector and availability of civilian repair and maintenance infrastructure in forward areas, this requirement of the armed forces fleet can be outsourced, or even better, contracted with vehicle manufacturers.The flab is not only within the military. Civilian organisations like the ordnance factories, defence PSUs, DRDO, the MES, the Defence Estate, and the Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Services, paid from the defence budget, also need to be trimmed. With the Indian private sector coming of age and contributing more for the defence, and greater opportunity to outsource services, these organisations should be included in the flab reduction exercise.
Pakistan denies consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav
Kulbhushan Jadhav. — Video grab/AFP file photo
Islamabad, June 6
Pakistan has rejected India’s request for consular access to alleged spy Kulbushan Jadhav who was arrested for his involvement in “subversive activities”, Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan said today.”The Indian spy, Kulbhushan, entered Pakistan with a special purpose. Hence, it has been decided that consular access will not been given to him,” Khan told reporters here.Pakistan claimed its security forces had arrested Jadhav from Balochistan in March and alleged that he was “a serving officer in the Indian Navy and deputed to the Indian intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).” It accused Jadhav of planning “subversive activities” in the country.India has acknowledged that Jadhav had served with the navy but denied that he has any connection with the government.”The individual has no link with government since his premature retirement from Indian Navy,” the External Affairs Ministry had said in a statement.India had sought consular access to Jadhav. — PTI
Akash gets top RIMC honour
Maj Gen SC Mohanty, GOC, 14 Rapid (S), presents the Sword of Honour to Akash Sraban Ghose in Dehradun on Thursday. Tribune photo
Tribune News Service
Dehradun, June 2
Maj Gen SC Mohanty, GOC, 14 Rapid (S), has said students should work hard to achieve their goals. While addressing a gathering during the 179th graduation ceremony of the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) here yesterday, he said participating in sports and adventure activities helped in the overall personality development of an individual.A total of 33 cadets graduated from the college.Maj Gen Mohanty spoke on the importance of understanding the value of titles which cadets wore on their shoulders. He said office-bearers of the college should work hard to exhibit their academic and sporting skills.Cadets of the RIMC enthralled the audience with their talent in dance and drama which was followed the award ceremony.The most coveted Sword of Honour award was bagged by Cadet Section Commander Akash Sraban Ghose, while Wavell Sword was won by Cadet Section Commander Nirbhay Kumar. The Maj Gen Manoharan Trophy was won by Shrang Vats, and Lt Gen SS Dhillion Trophy and Col DH Parab Trophy was won by Cadet Section Commander L Moirangthem and Cadet NCO Arpit Garg, respectively. The best in leadership award was given to Cadet Captain Divyam Dwivedi.Cadet Mridul Rawat was awarded the College Blue in boxing and PT, while Cadet Devesh Rathore received the same honour for cricket. Cadet Arpit Garg walked away with the highest academic award – Gold Badge.RIMC Commandant, Col Vivek Sharma gave a scintillating presentation about the achievements of the college during the function.
