The tragic incident occurred on Sunday evening

Pankaj Sharma Our Correspondent

A pall of gloom descended on Baraban village in Sirmaur district as the news of Lance Naik Manish Thakur’s martyrdom reached his hometown. The young soldier, just 27 years old, lost his life in a tragic landslide near the Brigade Headquarters at Chatten in North Sikkim on Sunday evening while on duty.

Son of Joginder Singh and Kiran Bala, Manish had joined the Army’s Dogra Regiment in September 2016. Known for his discipline and quiet dedication, he served the nation for over eight years. He is survived by his wife, Tanu Devi, and his grieving family in Baraban (Kolar) village of Nahan tehsil in Sirmaur district.

Deputy Director of the Sainik Welfare Board, Sirmaur, Major (Retd) Deepak Dhawan confirmed the unfortunate news and shared details of the arrangements being made. “It is hoped that the mortal remains of the brave soldier will arrive in Chandigarh by aircraft this evening. From there, the body will be brought to Sirmaur by road with full military honours,” he said.

He added, “Lance Naik Manish Thakur has laid down his life in the line of duty and we salute his supreme sacrifice. The district administration, along with the Army and Sainik Welfare Board, stands firmly with the bereaved family.”

The final rites will be performed in his native village with full military honours under the Assured Decent Last Rites (ADLR) protocol.Subedar Dinesh Kumar will be escorting the mortal remains.

The palace has now been turned into a museum and historical gallery

Maharaja Ranjeet Singh’s panorama depicting the life and events at Summer Palace in Ram Bagh in Amritsar on Friday. Photos: Vishal Kumar

A critical outpost during the Sikh empire, the fort holds enduring tales of courage and resistance, featuring prominently in narratives of the 1857 war of independence

Anirudh Gupta Our Correspondent

To boost tourism in the border region of Punjab, the Army’s Golden Arrow Division on Sunday opened to the public the centuries-old Ferozepur Fort, a monument that was occupied for long by the British and was envied by German dictator Adolf Hitler due to its vast ammunition reserves.

It’s the first time in over 200 years that this significant architectural and historical site has been made accessible to the public as part of the Army’s programme to connect the locals with the country’s rich military and cultural heritage.

A critical outpost during the Sikh empire, the fort holds enduring tales of courage and resistance, featuring prominently in narratives of the 1857 war of independence. There were more than 200 buildings in the fort and each was given a number.

Historians say the fort was occupied by the British through deceit after the death of Sardarni Lachhman Kaur in 1835 and was converted into a British garrison in 1839 following instructions from the Duke of Wellington. In 1858, the British opened an arsenal here and different kinds of ammunition were manufactured. The fort served as the base depot for the supply of guns, ammunition, trained horses and bullocks. About 10,000 bullocks, as many horses and 150 camels would be tethered here at any given time.

The fort continued to be used as an arsenal until 1941 when the ammunition was shifted to Kasubegu as a tactical move by the British during World War-II.

AdvertisementDr Rameshwar Singh, a historian, said the monument had come to the notice of German dictator Adolf Hitler. “The historic fort finds a mention in Hitler’s autobiography ‘Mein Kampf’. He mentioned about the British ammunition marked with name ‘Ferozepore’, due to which he wanted to destroy the fort as well as the city,” he said.

Addressing the inauguration event today, Major General RS Manral, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Golden Arrow Division, said the move reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserve national heritage and promote responsible border tourism. “Strategically positioned near the India-Pakistan border, the Ferozepur Fort is a remarkable example of the 19th century military architecture from the Sikh empire. Its unique hexagonal design and robust defensive features showcase the strategic ingenuity of its time,” he said.

Brig Bikram Singh, Station Commander, said Ferozepur held a special place in the country’s freedom movement, having produced numerous martyrs and revolutionaries who bravely resisted colonial rule. “This fort and its surroundings have been a witness to pivotal historical events, which continue to symbolise national pride and sacrifice,” he said.

China feels that the Shangri-La Dialogue is an important forum to rebut allegations about its defence policies for Asian countries

Vappala Balachandran

AMISTAKEN impression that the Shangri-La Dialogue is meant to be a common front against China might emerge from the speeches delivered by French President Emmanuel Macron and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on May 31 in Singapore. While Hegseth warned that the threat from China was “real and potentially imminent”, Macron called on “key allies in Asia” to increase military spending as the NATO members had done, “thanks to President Trump.”

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When narrative warfare needs its own force BY Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd)

INDIAN ARMY REACTIONS DURING WAR

एक बार जो मैंने कमिट किया, फिर मैं अपने आप की भी नहीं सुनता`, एयर चीफ मार्शल के शब्द सुन खौफ में आ जाएगा पाकिस्तान : IAF CHIEF

NESTLED in the rugged terrain of Sikkim lies not just a strategic military zone but also a region steeped in mystery, faith and folklore. During my tenure in the Eastern Himalayas as Officer Commanding of 214 Field Workshop and Divisional Troops Workshop at Gangtok from 1997 to 1999, I heard a poignant anecdote that predated my posting — one that continues to echo through the mountains and among the troops stationed there.

In May 1993, Lt Gen Jameel Mahmood, then GOC-in-C, Eastern Command, visited the 33 Corps zone in Sikkim. As per custom, senior officers visiting the sector made it a point to pay homage at the shrine of Baba Harbhajan Singh at Nathu La. He was a soldier of the Punjab Regiment, who passed on in 1968 but is still believed to protect Indian soldiers posted in the high Himalayas.

Pressed for time, the General skipped the shrine, stating that he would visit it on his next tour. However, inclement weather prevented helicopter clearance for his return journey. Officers gently suggested that this delay could be used to visit the Baba’s shrine. He declined once more.

He then opted to travel by road to Siliguri, but the convoy was halted after his vehicle reportedly suffered a minor mishap. Once again, some advised him to reconsider visiting the shrine — perhaps this was a signal. The General, known for his professionalism, dismissed the suggestions, remarking that he was not superstitious and needed to adhere to his schedule.

Ultimately, despite the poor weather, the helicopter took off from Gangtok. On May 7, 1993, the Mi-8 chopper crashed near Paro, Bhutan. All eight onboard, including Lt Gen Mahmood and his wife, were killed. A Court of Inquiry reported a sudden loss of power but could not establish the precise cause.

Chandigarh, May 30:

Bringing laurels to the state, eight cadets from Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (MRSAFPI), SAS Nagar, on Friday, graduated from the National Defence Academy (NDA) Khadakwasla (Pune), as a part of the 148th NDA Course Passing Out Parade, reviewed by General VK Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, ADC (Retd), Governor of Mizoram and former Chief of Army Staff.

Sharing this information here today, Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr. Aman Arora said that the eight cadets- Paramjot Singh and Aniket Kahol from Hoshiarpur, Arpit Parashar from Sangrur, Abhay Singh Raghav and Vishesh Sood from SAS Nagar, Udhibir Singh from Ropar and Anurag Chauhan & Tanmay Sharma from Pathankot have successfully completed three years of rigorous training at NDA and now they will proceed to Service Training Academies for a year-long training before being commissioned into the Defence Services.

Mr. Aman Arora also encouraged them to excel and bring pride to the state, while highlighting the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s commitment to fulfil the aspirations of the youth who want to join the defence services as commissioned officers. He also expressed contentment over the outstanding results being delivered by Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute.

Major General Ajay H. Chauhan, VSM (Retd), Director of MRSAFPI, congratulated the cadets, noting that 28 more cadets are awaiting call-up letters to join Service Training Academies. He also highlighted that three cadets from the MRSAFPI are currently serving as instructors at NDA, Khadakwasla. He said that these achievements bring immense pride to MRSAFPI and the state of Punjab.

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Tech key to success in Op Sindoor: CDS

Ajay Banerjee Tribune News Service

hief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan today said technology and joint operations were the key to success in Operation Sindoor even as Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Pakistan’s chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, claimed the two militaries had started the process of drawing down troop levels.

Both Generals are in Singapore for the Shangri-La Dialogue. A bilateral meeting between the two is not scheduled. They will be participating in separate sessions on Saturday afternoon.

General Mirza was quoted by a news agency, Reuters, describing how there was a reduction in troops by India and Pakistan. He said, “We have almost come back to the pre-April 22 situation.”

Warning that a future clash might not allow enough time for international mediation, he made it clear there was no move towards nuclear weapons during the May 7-10 conflict.

He said, “Nothing happened this time… But you can’t rule out any strategic miscalculation at any time, because when the crisis is on, the responses are different.”He said Pakistan was open to dialogue but beyond a crisis hotline between the Directors General of Military Operations, there was no other communication between the two countries.

Meanwhile, General Chauhan interacted with think tanks from various nations on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue. Speaking on ‘Future Wars and Warfare’, he highlighted various aspects of Operation Sindoor, including force application, network-centric operations, cyber and disinformation campaigns and intelligence capabilities.

He termed the use of indigenous weapons and conduct of joint operations as being vital for winning battles.

The CDS also met top military commanders of Japan and Australia, both of whom are partners of India and the US in the Quad.

General Chauhan met General Yoshida Yoshihide, chief of staff, joint staff of Japan.

In a post on X, the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, an office under the CDS, said, “In the backdrop of Operation Sindoor, discussions focused on enhancing defence cooperation, regional security and strategic collaboration in the Indo-Pacific.”

The interaction reaffirmed the shared commitment of both nations to address emerging security challenges and foster closer bilateral defence ties, the post said.

General Chauhan also met Admiral David Johnston, chief of the defence force, Australia. “Both military leaders discussed security matters of bilateral and regional interest, particularly in maritime cooperation, as well as identifying avenues to enhance the existing India-Australia defence cooperation,” a post on X said.

The CDS also met Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, chief of defence staff, United Kingdom; Air Marshal Tony Davies, chief of defence force, New Zealand; and Admiral Nicolas Vaujour, chief of staff of the French navy.

elangana CM Revanth Reddy faces backlash for questioning PM Modi on Rafale jets shot down by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.

Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy has sparked major political backlash after demanding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi explain to 140 crore Indians how many Rafale fighter jets were shot down by the Pakistani Army during India’s Operation Sindoor.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday lashed out at Revanth Reddy, who was speaking at a rally in Hyderabad on Thursday, and the Congress for questioning the Indian armed forces. Taking a dig at the Telangana chief minister, the BJP advised him to “stick to Miss World photo ops”, instead of speaking on national security.

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Addressing the ‘Jai Hind’ rally, Reddy sought to know why PM Narendra Modi, who had called for an all-party meeting before going to war with Pakistan, did not do so before calling off the armed conflict with the neighbouring country.

Also Read | ‘Babbar of Pakistan’: BJP doubles down on Revanth Reddy over Rafale jets question

He also alleged that Modi failed to separate Balochistan from Pakistan and take control over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), despite the wishes of 140 crore Indians.

“The soldiers of this (Secunderabad ) Cantonment participated in the war. The war planes being manufactured in Telangana upheld respect for our country. Rafale aircraft brought by Narendra Modi were shot down by Pakistan. There is no discussion on how many Rafales were shot down. Narendra Modi should answer how many Rafale aircraft were shot down by Pakistan during the recent war. You give us the account,” news agency PTI quoted Reddy as saying.

Also Read | ‘Operation Sindoor’ not over yet, we have hit Pakistan thrice inside its home: PM Modi

Reddy further alleged that contracts worth thousands of crores were awarded to people close to Modi, who then purchased Rafale aircraft.

Reddy said senior Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Meenakshi Natarajan said only one thing: when it comes to national security, irrespective of political lines, everyone should come together. Accordingly, they assured the NDA government that it would stand by it during the fight with Pakistan.

“After four days of war, we do not know who threatened whom and who succumbed to whom. All of a sudden, US President Donald Trump came out and said he threatened India and stopped the war,” the CM said.

He also accused China of encroaching 4000 sq km of Indian territory even as PM Modi failed to give a befitting reply to the neighbour.

Reddy said former PM Indira Gandhi defeated China in 1967 and sent out a message to the world that if anybody messed with India, they would be taught a lesson.

He further said, despite threats by the then US government, Indira Gandhi did not go back on the Indo-Pak war in 1971 and went on creating Bangladesh by separating it from Pakistan.

BJP hits back

The Telangana unit of the BJP launched a scathing attack on Revanth Reddy, accusing him of echoing Pakistan’s stance on key defence issues.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), BJP Telangana claimed that Reddy went beyond just questioning national security operations, alleging that he referred to Pakistan as “Mana Pakistan” (Our Pakistan) — a comment the party says aligns with Pakistan’s narrative.