Governor NN Vohra presents a critical care ambulance for the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families to the Rajya Sainik Board in Jammu on Tuesday. Tribune photo

Tribune News Service

Jammu, December 6

Governor NN Vohra has appealed to the people of the state to contribute generously towards the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund and stressed the need for involving all sections of society in the noble cause.The Governor was speaking during a function organised by the Rajya Sainik Board in connection with the Armed Forces Flag Day celebrations at Tiger Auditorium here today.He emphasised the importance of raising a large corpus fund for promoting the welfare of the ex-servicemen and their families in the state. He observed that it was “our moral responsibility to take special care of the families of our martyrs” and urged the state government to explore the ways and means for providing suitable support to the widows of the soldiers who were not receiving pension. He said he would address the Defence Minister in this regard.Vohra the Armed Forces Flag Day, observed on December 7 every year, was an important occasion to remember the valiant soldiers who had sacrificed their lives for protecting the territorial integrity of the nation. He lauded the crucial role of the armed forces, both during war and in peace, and observed that their sacrifices were founded in their bravery, devotion and dedication.On behalf of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, the Governor presented to the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme a critical care ambulance for the welfare of the ex-servicemen and their families.Director, Rajya Sainik Board, Brig Harcharan Singh (retd) and president, Ex-Servicemen League, Maj Gen GS Jamwal (retd) spoke on the occasion.The Governor presented cheques of Rs 10,000 each to about two dozen widows and gave away prizes to winners of painting and patriotic song competitions for children. He also gave away certificates of appreciation to Jammu citizens who had donated blood for the medical care of ex-serviceman and their families.Chief Secretary BR Sharma, Principal Secretary to the Governor PK Tripathi, Principal Secretary, Home, RK Goyal, General Officer Commanding, 26 Infantry Division, Maj Gen SK Sharma, former minister RS Chib and Additional Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, MK Kumar were present on the occasion.

Northern Command chief Lt Gen Devraj Anbu (centre) during his visit to Kashmir on Sunday. Tribune photo

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, December 4

The newly appointed Northern Command chief has asked soldiers to remain alert along the Line of Control for any eventuality. He also urged the soldiers to maintain pressure on militant groups in the Valley. On his maiden visit to the Valley just a couple of days after taking over the reins of the Udhampur-based Northern Command, Lt Gen Devraj Anbu reviewed the security along the LoC and hinterland.The Northern Command chief arrived in Srinagar yesterday for a two-day tour, an Army spokesman said.In Srinagar, Lt General Anbu was briefed by Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen JS Sandhu on the overall security situation and major operational, logistical and administrative aspects pertaining to the 15 Corps.“During his two-day visit, Lt General Anbu visited the frontier areas of Baramulla, Uri and Kupwara where he was briefed by the GOCs of Baramulla and Kupwara divisions and other local commanders on all measures taken by the Army along the LoC to rebuff any misadventure from across,” the spokesman said. “During his interaction with officers and men on the ground, the Northern Command chief lauded their high levels of operational preparedness, vigil and morale and exhorted them to remain alert for any eventuality,” the spokesman added.The General Officer Command-in-Chief also visited the hinterland formations at Sharifabad and Awantipora where he was given an account of the ground situation. “The Commander urged all to sustain the pressure on all terrorist groups operating in the Valley and also to continue with the humanitarian initiatives to help the civil administration in alleviating the problems of the people. He appreciated the synergy being maintained amongst all security agencies which, he said, was the most critical aspect of counter-terrorist operations,” the spokesman said.Lt General Anbu assumed the charge of the Northern Command on December 1.

The incident occurred at 2 pm. — Representational photo

Guwahati, December 3

Two soldiers were killed and eight others injured as militants, believed to be from the banned Naga outfit NSCN-K, ambushed a convoy of the Assam Rifles along the India-Myanmar border in Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday, a defence spokesman said.

Wing Commander SS Birdi, spokesperson of Army’s Eastern Command, said the incident occurred at 2 pm today.(The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) An Assam Rifles spokesman said the attack took place at Nginu village in Tirap district, in the radius of 20 km from the border.Two vehicles belonging to the Assam Rifles were targeted by the militants.

“Soldiers belonging to the 16 Assam Rifles were returning from a patrol when the heavily armed militants fired at them. While two of them, including a JCO (Junior Commissioned Officer) died, eight others were injured. The condition of two of them is stated to be serious,” the spokesman said, adding more forces have been sent to launch counter-insurgency operations in and around the area.

“We believe it to be handiwork of anti-talk faction, Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang militants who have some presence in Tirap district.On November 19, a combined team of the NSCN-K and the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) had carried out an ambush on Army personnel in Assam’s Tinsukia district, killing three soldiers and injuring four others.After this attack, the United National Liberation Front of Western South East Asia (UNLFW), which is a joint platform of all the northeastern militant outfits, ambushed a group of commandos of 21 Para in Chandel district of Manipur on November 26, injuring five soldiers. — TNS/Agencies

Guwahati, December 3

An Assam Rifles jawan was killed while nine others were injured when armed militants ambushed a convoy at Wakka village in Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh today. The attack, suspected to have been carried out by militants belonging to the banned Naga outfit NSCN-K, took place near the Indo-Myanmar border.Sources said the injured personnel were airlifted to the Army base hospital in Dinjan in eastern Assam. Troops have launched a combing operation. “We believe it to be handiwork of Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang militants who have some presence in Tirap district,” a defence spokesman said. It was the third attack on security personnel in the area close to the border in the past 15 days. On November 19, a combined team of the NSCN-K and the United Liberation Front of Assam had carried out an ambush on Army personnel in Tinsukia district, killing three soldiers. On November 26, the United National Liberation Front of Western South East Asia ambushed a group of 21 Para commandos in Manipur, injuring five. — TNS/IANS

New Delhi, December 2

A Delhi court on Friday granted bail to retired Colonel Ajay Ahlawat, who was arrested in a high profile sex-racket case allegedly involving government servants and women from Central Asian countries.Additional Sessions Judge Ajay Kumar Jain granted bail to Ahlawat, who was produced from judicial custody, on a personal bond of Rs one lakh and a surety of a like amount, saying “no purpose would be served by keeping him in jail anymore.”        The judge also asked him not to contact or influence the complainant in any manner.Ahlawat, who was arrested on November 10, is one of the accused besides businessman PN Sanyal in the human trafficking and impersonation racket which came to fore after Sanyal’s residences in Safdarjung Enclave and Vasant Kunj in South Delhi were raided by Income Tax authorities in June 2016.Seeking bail for Ahlawat, his counsel Pradeep Rana argued that there was no incriminating evidence against his client and he was cooperating with the police.“Ahlawat had appeared before police initially and thereafter he was exploring legal remedies available to him.When High Court dismissed his anticipatory bail, he surrendered before the court himself,” he said.Opposing the bail plea, Delhi Police submitted that Ahlawat had been absconding during the proceedings and did not cooperate with the investigating agency.The court, however, allowed the bail plea saying no new material against him has come on record which required Ahlawat to remain in jail.The court also accepted the defence counsel’s submission that the complainant, a Russian woman, had told the high court earlier that she was residing with the main accused Sanyal at her free will and did not allege anything against Ahlawat.The I-T officials had rescued the 23-year-old Russian woman from Sanyal’s residence in Safdarjung Enclave.A case was lodged by the police claiming that SMSes and WhatsApp data of the woman’s mobile phone indicated that she was being kept against her will. Her travel documents including passport were allegedly taken away by the accused, it had alleged.The I-T raid had also led to recovery of copies of passports of other foreign nationals as well as phone numbers of dozens of women belonging to Central Asian countries.During investigation, it was found that Sanyal had sent messages to government servants and other senior functionaries posing as MPs and top bureaucrats for getting favours in certain business deals, the cops had said.Messages exchanged between Sanyal and his associates had revealed financial transactions relating to foreign women. He was granted bail by the High Court. — PTI

Lt Arun Khetarpal (PVC) and Brig KS Chandpuri (MVC)

Battle of Basantar

The Battle of Basantar, fought between December 4 and 16, was one of the vital battles that saw Indian troops winning a hard-fought battle and securing the area along the Basantar river in the Punjab-Jammu sector. Invading the Shakargarh bulge was a crucial component of Pakistan’s war strategy in the western sector, where it had hoped that by occupying the bulge, the main Indian link between Kashmir and Pathankot would be cut-off, following which, it could easily invade Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian I Corps, including armoured and engineer elements, moved into the sector to capture the key areas. As they advanced, they were met with a series of minefields and by stiff Pakistani resistance. Despite being at a quantitative and qualitative disadvantage, Indian troops made massive gains during the final days of the battle and repelled the Pakistani counterattack, coming very close to capturing Sialkot. It was in this sector that Lt. Arun Khetarpal of the Poona Horse hit 10 enemy tanks before he was killed in action, for which he was decorated posthumously with the Param Vir Chakra. India had gained control of more than thousand sq miles of Pakistani territory, but a large chunk was later vacated.

Battle of Hilli

Also known as the Battle of Bogra, fought by the 20 Mountain Division between November 23 to December 11, it is regarded as the most pitched battle in the Eastern Theatre. Indian Army’s main objective was to control Bogra, thereby cutting off the Pakistani forces in the north from the rest of East Pakistan. This battle had started before the official declaration of the war, but continued right until the formal surrender by Pakistan. The best way of getting to Bogra was through Hilli. The frontal assault on the Pakistan fortifications took a huge toll on both sides, before the Indian forces finally broke through by establishing a block in the rear of Pakistani forces in Hilli. The commander of the Pakistani brigade in this sector was severely injured in an ambush by the Mukti Bahni and captured. After he was evacuated to an Indian hospital, a Pakistani major was especially flown in for the surrender of this brigade on December 18. It was in this battle that Lance Naik Albert Ekka of 14 Guards received the only Param Vir Chakra posthumously to be awarded in the Eastern Sector during the 1971 War. 

Battle of Sylhet

Quite significant and successful operation undertaken in the Eastern Theatre between December 7-15, it was the Indian Army’s first heli-borne operation. Located in north-east Bangladesh with two Pakistani brigades having moved there, Sylhet was headquarters of a large district and a communications center, thereby making it important from the military and geographical point of view as its fall would be severe setback to the enemy. Some Indian troops were heli-dropped near Sylhet on December 10 and engaged the enemy, with gun fights erupting over the next few days. The next day, close air support was provided by three IAF Hunters that attacked Pakistani positions, though different Indian battalions did not link up initially as planned. Counter-attacks launched by the Pakistani forces failed to dislodge Indian troops entrenched in their positions and by December 12, further supplies replenished Indian ammunition stocks. Physical and psychological pressure on the Pakistanis was kept up and on December 15, a day before the official Pakistani surrender, Indian forward positions reported a large concentration of enemy troops ahead of them, with some persons holding white flags. The same day, the Pakistani station commander met the Indian Brigade Commander to work out the details of the surrender. The men of the Sylhet Garrison who surrendered included three Brigadiers, one Colonel, 107 officers and 6,448 other ranks.

Battle of Longewala

Perhaps the most glamourised battle of the war, it took place in the deserts of Rajasthan on December 4-7 and was one of the first major engagements in the Western Theatre. Considered an epic battle where a handful of infantrymen from 23 Punjab held up a night assault by an armoured-supported Pakistani brigade, the battle saw heavy Pakistani losses and subsequent withdrawal. The Pakistani offensive began a little after midnight with medium artillery targeting the Indian post. The post was under the command of Maj (later Brigadier) KS Chandpuri, who was decorated with the Maha Vir Chakra. The initial attack stalled almost immediately after 12 enemy tanks were hit and the enemy suspected a minefield ahead of them. Armoured vehicles from the second attack that tried to surround the post were bogged down in sand and gun battles continued through the night, with the Pakistanis being unable to advance. As dawn broke, Pakistan forces still could not overrun the post and in the morning the Indian Air Force was able to launch HF-24 Maruts and Hawker Hunter aircraft for providing air support and Pakistani tanks and vehicles were sitting ducks for them. By noon the next day, the assault completely fizzled out, with 100 vehicles claimed to have been destroyed, including 22 tanks by aircraft, 12 by ground anti-tank fire, and some being captured after being abandoned.

Battle of Garibpur

Garibpur in north-east Bangladesh was at an important location for both nations and its control was vital as it included a highway to Jessore from India. On November 21, the 14 Punjab Battalion, supported by a squadron of 14 PT-76 tanks from 45 Cavalry, moved in to capture the areas around Garibpur inside the Pakistani territory. Pakistan responded with a brigade supported by armour and aircraft. The Punjab Battalion set up defensive positions to face a counterattack while tanks were sent forward to ambush the oncoming Pakistani troops. Over the next few hours, Indian troops pounded the Pakistani formations who couldn’t pinpoint the source of attacks due to poor visibility. Despite this, Pakistan tanks and infantry launched an offensive against Indian defensive positions, but these were again repulsed resulting in heavy Pakistani casualties. A dozen Pakistani tanks were destroyed and another three captured in working condition, while the Indians lost six PT-76s. The Pakistani brigade was severely battered with most of its original strength depleted. The battle coming just weeks before the official start of the war had an unexpected turn of events, where a single battalion had been able to neutralise an entire brigade supported by an air force and artillery. — Vijay Mohan

Army Chief visits attack site; search op called off
Army Chief Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag in Nagrota on Wednesday. A Tribune Photo
Amir Karim Tantray
Tribune News Service
Jammu, November 30
A day after two Army officers and five soldiers got martyred during a fidayeen attack on an Army unit in Nagrota area of Jammu, Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag visited the encounter site and Corps headquarters.
The Army Chief was briefed about the sequence of events of the attack and the combing operation of the Army. He spent around 25 minutes at the site and took the overview of the situation.
Meanwhile, the Army Chief also laid a wreath on the mortal remains of the bravehearts and paid rich tributes to the gallant officers and men of the White Knight Corps.
All ranks of the Northern Command saluted the sacrifice of these Army men and offered condolences to the bereaved families. The mortal remains of the martyrs will be taken to their respective hometowns where the last rites will be performed by their family members.
Earlier, the combing operation, which was suspended last night, resumed this morning. Bomb disposal squads destroyed blinds at the encounter site till the evening after which the operation was called off. During the operation, it was found that no other terrorist was present inside the Army unit.
Bodies of the terrorists were handed over to the Jammu and Kashmir police for further process. “An inquiry has also been initiated and things are expected to unfold in the coming days,” a police officer said.
Meanwhile, there were reports that some papers of Shuhda Brigade of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) were recovered from the possession of the terrorists. However, the Army hasn’t confirmed it so far.

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 28

Averring that the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) has failed in achieving its objectives to provide an effective judicial forum to aggrieved soldiers due to faulty composition and vested interests, veterans have called for an overhaul of the existing system.In a letter written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, Saviours of Human Rights for Armed Forces Personnel (SHRAF) has stated that unlike the Central Administrative Tribunal that deals in only administrative matters, the AFT in addition to such issues also handles criminal appeals and a review of trial evidence, which requires knowledge and experience of criminal law, criminal jurisprudence and the evidence Act.Administrative members of the AFT, who are retired senior armed forces officers, do not possess such qualifications and appointing them to decide criminal matters involving inter-woven questions of law and facts is nothing but fraud with the judicial system, the letter states.Pointing out that hundreds of cases are listed daily in the AFT only to be adjourned due to non-availability of members, adding to the suffering of soldiers and veterans, SHRAF has demanded that only judicial members, who are retired judges, should constitute an AFT Bench and the posts of administrative members be abolished. Also, the number of benches should be increased.

Wants retired judges on Bench

• In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Saviours of Human Rights for Armed Forces Personnel has stated that AFT members do not possess knowledge of criminal law, criminal jurisprudence and the evidence Act
• It has demanded that only retired judges should constitute an AFT Bench and the posts of administrative members be abolished. Also, the number of Benches should be increased

The passing-out parade at the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre, Leh. Tribune Photo

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, November 26

A fresh batch of 190 recruits from Jammu and Kashmir participated in the passing out parade today at Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAK LI) Regimental Centre, Rangreth, after completing a year of strenuous training.Lt Gen Rakesh Sharma, Director General of Operational Logistics & Strategic Movement in the Army Headquarters, reviewed the passing out parade at the JAK LI’s Bana Singh Parade Ground. The parade, depicting graduation of a recruit and his transformation into a soldier, was attended by over 1,500 parents and relatives of young soldiers from J&K along with a number of civil and military dignitaries, an Army spokesman said.General Sharma congratulated the young soldiers for their immaculate parade and impressed upon selfless service towards the nation. He praised their contribution towards encouraging more and more youth from J&K to come forward to join security forces and also highlighted the vital role played by their parents in motivating their wards to join this noble profession.The young soldiers who distinguished themselves in varied facets of training were felicitated by General Sharma. Recruit Mukesh Kumar received the Sher-e-Kashmir Sword of Honour and Triveni Singh Medal for being adjudged the ‘Overall Best Recruit’ and Recruit Lal Hussain bagged the Chewang Rinchen medal for being the ‘Best in Firing’.52 recruits begin career as soldiers  The highest-located drill square of Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre was stirred by precise drill movements and ankles digging into the parade ground as 52 recruits of Ladakh Scouts Regiment began their lifetime journey as soldiers. The passing out parade was on Saturday held at the regiment centre in Leh. The impressive ceremony, reviewed by Col TPS Consel, Deputy Commander, Headquarters, Chushul Brigade, was attended by civil and service dignitaries and parents of recruits. The young recruits, hailing from all regions of Ladakh, took oath in unison to serve the supreme cause of the nation. Colonel Consel congratulated the young soldiers for the march past and urged them to devote their life in the service of the country. The young soldiers are now ready to join their Battalions of Ladakh Scouts Regiment.

Param Vir Chakra Major Somnath Sharma (Posthumous), 4 KUMAON (1947) Naik Jadunath Singh (Posthumous), 1 RAJPUT (1948) 2nd Lt Rama Raghoba Rane, BOMBAY ENGINEER (1948) CHM Piru Singh (Posthumous), 6 RAJ RIF (1948) Lance Naik Karam Singh, 1 SIKH (1948) Capt Gurbachan Singh Salaria (Posthumous), 3/1 GR (1961) Major Dhan Singh Thapa, 1/8 GR (1962) Subedar Joginder Singh (Posthumous), 1 SIKH (1962) Major Shaitan Singh (Posthumous) 13 KUMAON (1962) CQMH Abdul Hamid (Posthumous), 4GRENADIERS (1965) Lt Col AB Tarapore (Posthumous), 17 HORSE (1965) L/Naik Albert Ekka (Posthumous) 14 GUARDS (1971) 2nd Lt Arun Khetrapal (Posthumous), 17 HORSE (1971) Major Hoshiar Singh, 3 GRENADIERS (1971) Naib Subedar Bana Singh, 8 JAK LI (1987) Major R Parameswaran (Posthumous), 8 MAHAR (1987) Capt Vikram Batra (Posthumous), 13 JAK RIF (1999) Lt Manoj Kumar Pandey (Posthumous), 1/11GR (1999) Grenadier Yogender Singh Yadav, 18 GRENADIERS (1999)

MARTIAL MUSIC INDIAN ARMY MARTIAL TUNE

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