Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 14

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today asked the armed forces to maintain all-round vigil on the nation’s borders and said the assets be kept in a state of “readiness” allowing “mobiliaation” of troops to forward positions at short notice. ‘Assets’ is euphuism for all military hardware like planes, guns, missiles and tanks.Parrikar made the comments during his customary broadcast to the armed forces personnel over All India Radio on the eve of the 70th Independence Day today evening.The Defence Minister said, “There is a need to constantly upgrade and modernise our weapon systems and equipment. The government has taken many steps to streamline the procurement process and make it faster and transparent.”He went on to talk about indigenous 155mm Howitzer gun ‘Dhanush’. “This advanced gun has now been handed over to the Army for user trials. This will enhance the firepower of our Army to a great extent,” he said.Addressing the issue of the missing Indian Air Force AN 32 transport plane, Parrikar said all next of kin of crew and passengers on board were being informed and regular updates on the search operations were being given to them by nominated officials. The plane is missing over the Bay of Bengal since July 22.Parrikar commended the “daring response” against terrorists who came fully armed from across the border to attack the Pathankot Airbase. He lauded the role of Armed Forces for showing ‘utmost restraint’ in tackling terrorists in the Kashmir valley.

PM to receive Guard of Honour by Army’s iconic battalion

New Delhi, August 14

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will unfurl the National Flag at the Red Fort tomorrow, will be given a Guard of Honour and among the contingent will be men from the battalion formed in the aftermath of Independence in 1947 to drive out Pakistan-backed raiders from Kashmir.  The Guard of Honour consists of one officer and 24 men each from the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Delhi Police.The Army contingent for the PM’s Guard is drawn from the 8th J&K Light Infantry (Siachen). The battalion was raised as the First Battalion Border Scouts by volunteers who took up arms in the wake of partition to stop the raiders at Poonch on December 18, 1947. The battalion was re-designated as 8th J&K Militia on April 15, 1948. The Regiment was rechristened J&K Light Infantry on April 27, 1976. — TNS