The MiG-27 upgrade is a very potent air to ground strike aircraft, which is capable of carrying a variety of armament loads comprising of bombs, rockets & front guns.

NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) MiG-27 will showcase its ground attack capabilities at the Vayushakti 2019 exercise on February 16.

The MiG-27 upgrade is a very potent air to ground strike aircraft, which is capable of carrying a variety of armament loads comprising of bombs, rockets & front guns. This aircraft can operate over a wide range of speeds due to its swing-wing design.

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The MiG-27 was originally built by the Mikoyan-Gurevich design bureau in the Soviet Union but is now produced in India by Hindustan Aeronautics as the Bahadur (“Valiant”).

Though this aircraft is based on the MiG-23 fighter aircraft, it is optimized for air-to-ground attack. The MiG-27 is currently used by Indian, Kazakh and Sri Lankan Air Forces in the ground attack role.

IAF’s Vayushakti 2019 is scheduled to be held on February 16 at Pokhran Air to Ground Armament range near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. The exercise will be used by the IAF for the demonstration of its firepower and showcase the ever-increasing potential of IAF’s combat platforms.

”Many Air Forces around the world display their might and aerial firepower through such demonstrations. Indian Air Force also conducts the demonstration to showcase the ever-increasing potential of its combat platforms over the years and to assure the citizens, its ability to safeguard India’s national interests,” the IAF said in the Facebook post.

The IAF post further stated, ”These exercises are also vital for operators, planners, and the leadership. It provides an opportunity for forces to operate in near realistic scenarios.”

Varinder Singh

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, February 10

While the ‘Birdh’ and dried-up ‘Sarovar’ is crying for attention of the Pakistan government and authorities, the main building of Gurdwara Bal Leela Sahib in Nankana Sahib in Pakistan has been thrown open for pilgrims and visitors following completion of a 10-year-long renovation and reconstruction process.

Gurdwara Bala Leela Sahib holds great importance. It was the place where Guru Nanak Dev used to play during his childhood in an open field along with his childhood friends. It was where the Guru — who was born in Nankana Sahib (now in Pakistan) on April 15 in 1469 — used to bestow his friends with enlightenment about the Almighty in his infancy.

Gurdwara Bal Leela was situated about 300 meters south-east of world-famed Gurdwara Janam Asthan. The Nanaksar sarovar (holy pond) on the gurdwara premises was originally built by Rai Bular — the ruler of Rai-Bhoe-Ki-Talwandi (presently known as Nankana Sahib after being named after Guru Nanak. The gurdwara management was with the ‘Nirmala Sikhs’ prior to the ‘Saka of 1921’.

Between 1921 and 1947, Panthic forces or Sikhs managed its affairs. After the Partition, the management of this holy shrine had got transferred to the Evacuee Trust Property Board of Pakistan (ETPB).

The dilapidated and unsafe main building of the gurdwara was virtually closed down for visitors about 15 years ago.

“Now, the Gurdwara has once again been opened for pilgrims after the completion of the ‘Kar Sewa’ of the holy place with the joint efforts of the the UK-based ‘Jatha Guru Ka Bagh’, Baba Jagtar Singh ‘Kar Sewa Wale’ of Tarn Taran, the ETPB and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC),” said Bhai Sukhbir Singh Maan, head granthi-cum-caretaker of the gurdwara while talking to The Tribune from Nankana Sahib over the phone.

The langar hall, the ‘Parkash Asthan’ and ‘Sukhaasan Sthan’ have been renovated, he said.

The ‘Birdh’ (Old) ‘Sarovar’ situated adjacent to the Gurdwara is still lying dried up and is badly in need of renovation. “The gurdwara is open all times for pilgrims and visitors now,” said Sukhbir Singh Maan.

Guru Hargobind, it was said, had also visited the town and had got the shrine premises enlarged. Similarly, Dewan Kaura Mal—A Hindu noble—had got the holy pond renovated and brick-lined after his victory over Multan in 1748. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was behind renovation of the holy shrine building and enlargement of the ‘Sarovar’ in early 1800.

The last renovation of the gurdwara was said have been held under the supervision of Sant Gurmukh Singh ‘Sewa Wale’ between 1930 and 1940.

They are the women who don the khaki uniform. They are the custodians of Constitutional values. On Republic Day, here’s catching up with some women police officers from tricity

SSP Nilambari Jagadale,ASP Ashwini Gotyal,DSP Harjit Kaur,ASP Niharika Bhatt

Mona

As we, the people of India, celebrate our 70th Republic Day with a resolve to constitute our country into a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic, republic, our forces carry on with their duties. We talk to tricity cops and know their thoughts on donning the vardi.

Big responsibility

Senior Superintendent of Police, UT, Chandigarh, Nilambari Jagadale, picked up this field due to the huge exposure it offers; an opportunity to deal with each strata of society — poor, middle class, upper class, elites. “Every strata has different problems and we get to solve them. Such exposure and opportunities are not possible except in government job. Challenges are that we need to have vision and foresee future problems. Then solve them,” says the cop, who enjoys being in uniform. It gives her a distinct identity. But at the same time, she finds it a constant reminder of serious responsibilities towards the law of the land and citizens. “The kind of opportunity police service offers, none other does.”

Dream job

“As the shine on the shoulders increases, the responsibility grows,” ASP Ashwini Gotyal puts it straight. Happy taking the typical South-Indian, middle-class family route, she had her engineering degree and IT job when her father inspired her for a bigger dream — to don the uniform. “This uniform literally takes your sweat and blood,” says the ASP with three shining stars on her shoulders. Vividly remembering her first day at National Police Academy, she avers, “They literally sculpt you to befit this uniform.” As she dons it day after day with pride, its courage and responsibility that becomes her armour. “Also you are just an officer in it; one gender neutral position,” she says.

High spirits

Donning a uniform was Niharika Bhatt’s childhood dream. ASP,  South Sub-division, Chandigarh, who would also be leading the parade this Republic Day, she recalls her rigorous training, “Goes without saying that the National Police Academy training is challenging, I value it because it made me mentally stronger to tackle any challenge on field.” A pride, an identity is what her vardi stands for her, “Seeing a lady officer in uniform, people approach with their problems and solving them is a responsibility, a duty I cherish.” While all government servants are serving according to our Constitution, Republic Day for her stands for a day that celebrates our country’s spirit.

Total faith

‘Mera vajood, meri pahchan meri uniform hai,” says DSP Harjit Kaur. In service from 1989, she has donned the khaki and fulfilled the responsibility that comes with this power all these years. A person in problem may repose more faith in a woman cop and she feels even more responsible to live up to that trust. Republic remains an important day for our country and the citizens; she says, “While rights we know, fundamental duties too should be known; only then can India become a country unparalleled in the world.”

With the arrest of five persons, the district police claim to have busted a statewide Army recruitment racket being run in Punjab for the past more than five years.

Those arrested have been identified as Amit Kumar and Manoj Kumar of Ferozepur Cantonment area, Manjit Singh and Sunil of Jind in Haryana and Yogesh Kumar of Ludhiana.

SSP Swapan Sharma said 29 Aadhaar cards, fake document sets of 48 individuals and Rs 8 lakh in cash were recovered. Sixtyeight attestation stamps, including of the designation of SHO, tehsildar and municipal councillor, were seized too.

“The gang had secured the recruitment of at least 26 persons in the Sikh, JAK and Artillery regiments on the basis of fake caste and domicile certificates. They would charge between Rs 3 lakh and Rs 5 lakh from every recruit,” the SSP said.

The police official said clerical staff at the Army recruitment centres in Patiala, Ferozepur and Ludhiana were allegedly hand in glove with the accused. Initial investigations revealed that Yogesh of Salem Tabri in Ludhiana was the kingpin of the gang, which had so far prepared fake documents for 150 persons, mostly from Haryana.

The police said Manjit and Sunil would allegedly make youths from Haryana appear in recruitment drives in Punjab, where the competition was “less”. Manoj and Amit would allegedly hunt for aspirants in Fazilka, Moga, Faridkot and Ferozepur.

The SSP said the names of several non-commissioned officers posted in Ludhiana, Gwalior, Ferozepur and Bhubaneswar too had figured in the scam. — TNS

Would charge Rs 5 lakh

The recruitment gang charged Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh from every successful job aspirant

Gang had secured ‘at least 26 recruitments in Sikh, JAK and Artillery regiments’

On basis of fake documents, Haryana youths were made to appear in job drives in Punjab where competition was less

Jammu, January 15

A Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) died on Tuesday apparently after suffering a massive heart attack while performing his duty near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said.

The JCO was on duty at a post in Sonawali Gali in Mankote sector when he suddenly fell unconscious on Tuesday morning, they said.

The officer was shifted to the hospital where he was declared brought dead, he said, adding that the body was handed over to his unit after legal formalities. PTI

After successfully leading ‘Operation All Out’ against militants in Kashmir, general officer commanding 15 Corps Lt. Gen A.K. Bhatt will hand over command to Lt. Gen. KVS Dhillon.

Bhatt is credited for presiding over one of the most successful anti-militancy operations in a decade during which 248 militants were killed and five others surrendered. He had taken over the command of 15 Corps, also called Chinar Corps, in February 2018.

Army sources in 15 Corps told THE WEEK that Bhatt will be placed as a military secretary in army headquarters in Delhi. The new posting is seen as an acknowledgment of his excellent leadership in combating militancy in Kashmir, especially in the restive south Kashmir.

Under his command, the army also observed NICO (non-initiation of combat operations) against militants in the month of Ramzan in 2018. He also supervised the killing of 17 most wanted commanders of Hizbul Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Muhammad, and Lashkar-e-Toiba, including those from Pakistan.

Sources told THE WEEK that Dhillon’s name has been cleared by the authorities concerned for the posting. He has served in Kashmir before in different capacities. He has commanded 7 Sector RR (Rashtriya Rifles) which is the lead anti-militancy force of the army in Kashmir and northeast.

According to sources, Dhillon’s appointment was made in view of his grasp of Kashmir situation and leadership qualities. His appointment comes ahead of the Lok Sabha and assembly polls and the proposed US withdrawal in Afghanistan.

Security agencies in Kashmir fear that the US withdrawal in Afghanistan could impact the situation in Kashmir. There is fear that militant groups could receive greater help from Pakistan and possibly the Taliban if the US pulls out of Afghanistan. Militant groups like Jaish could also rope in some of their contacts in Afghanistan for help in Kashmir. The army, however, is aware of the challenge as it has effectively thwarted repeated attempts by militants to intrude into Kashmir.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh recently told Rajya Sabha that the Centre was ready to hold assembly elections in the state after which the security forces, especially army, have increased vigil on the LoC.

The decision to handover 15 Corps’ command to Dhillon comes two months after the state administrative council, led by Governor Satya Pal Malik, cleared Dilbag Singh as the full-time police chief of J&K.

New Delhi, January 8

Upping the ante over HAL’s reported cash crunch, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid Rs 20,000 crore to France’s Dassault Aviation even though it had not delivered a single Rafale jet, but refused to pay the dues of the Indian aerospace major.

Gandhi’s attack comes a day after he accused the Modi government of weakening public sector undertaking Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and destroying India’s strategic capability in order to benefit industrialist Anil Ambani.

“The PM pays 20,000 Cr. to Dassault before a single RAFALE is delivered but refuses to pay HAL 15,700 Cr. it is owed, forcing it to borrow 1,000 Cr to pay salaries,” Gandhi tweeted.

“Meanwhile, the RM (Raksha Mantri) spins lie after lie but cannot answer my questions,” he said.

Gandhi also shared a video of his statement outside Parliament on Monday following Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s remarks in Parliament rejecting “doubts” raised by the Congress on her statement on HAL.

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament on Monday, Gandhi had alleged: “The strategy of the government is—weaken HAL, do not give it money, destroy India’s strategic capability and give the ‘gift’ to Anil Ambani. That is the plan and that is what we are trying to thwart.”

The Congress and the BJP-led NDA government have been involved in a war of words after a media report claimed that HAL, grappling with low finances, was forced to borrow Rs 1,000 crore to pay salaries to its employees, for the first time in years.

There was another report that claimed “not a single rupee of the said Rs 1 lakh crore has come to HAL, since not a single order, as claimed, has been signed till now”.

The Congress has been targeting the government, alleging that it denied HAL an offset contract under the Rafale fighter jets deal with France, a charge the government has denied.

Ambani has also rejected all such allegations.

On the other hand, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government has accused the Congress of not supporting HAL during its rule and asserted that the government is now strengthening the defence public sector undertaking. PTI

Privilege notice against Nirmala for ‘misleading’

New Delhi, January 7

The Congress today moved a privilege notice against Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for allegedly “misleading” the Lok Sabha during the debate on Rafale deal.

Congress’ KC Venugopal submitted a breach of privilege notice against Sitharaman that Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said was “under my consideration”.

Venugopal accused Sitharaman of misleading the House on two counts. “She told the House that Rs 1 lakh crore worth orders were given to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) which is false… During her reply on Rafale deal on Friday, she also misled the House by claiming that the Supreme Court has approved the government’s stand on pricing of jets and purposefully avoided to inform the House that the court in fact has said that it will not go into pricing details of the jets,” said Venugopal. — IANS

New Delhi, January 2

The CBI has booked five Army personnel, including a colonel, for allegedly receiving bribes worth Rs 18 lakh from a supplier of rations for troops posted in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, officials said on Wednesday.

This is the second case in the recent past when the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered an FIR against army officers for corruption in supplies.

In the latest case, the CBI has registered an FIR against Colonel Raman Dahda, Lieutenant Colonel Mahendra Kumar, Subedar Devender Kumar, Havildar Abhay Singh, Subedar Sahuran Sahu and supplier K K Yangfo for criminal conspiracy.

Dahda was the then Commanding Officer of the 556 Army Supply Corps and Mahendra Kumar a platoon commander.

They have been also booked under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

It is alleged that the officers received Rs 18 lakh in cash from civilian contractors in regard to procurement of fresh and dry rations for troops deployed in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

The action was taken on the basis of a complaint from the Army.

It is alleged that Dahda misused his official position and received Rs 4.15 lakh from supplier Yangfo through two transactions in the account Dahda’s father.

According to the complaint, Mahender Kumar, who was responsible for quality check, misused his official position and took Rs 1 lakh as bribe.

Subedar Devender Kumar allegedly took a bribe of Rs 2.04 lakh, Havildar Abhay Kumar Rs 98,000 and Subedar Sahuran Saho Rs 7.65 lakh in three transactions from Yangfo.

Yangfo, a civilian contractor in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang, supplied ration for the Army between 2015 and 2017.

The CBI carried out a preliminary inquiry which revealed that undue advantage was paid to an entire chain of officials and unit representatives involved in checking of quality and quantity of items being supplied by Yangfo.

Following the inquiry the agency has registered an FIR against the suspects.

The agency had registered a similar FIR against Lt Col Amit Sharma and Lt Col Sutikshan Rana, officers of the Army Service Corps, who allegedly received bribes worth Rs 82 lakh between 2012 and 2016 from a supplier of ration in Nagaland. – PTI

Our Correspondent

Anantnag, January 1

A Special Police Officer (SPO) was shot by militants in Pulwama district of south Kashmir on Tuesday evening here.

After a violent 2018 that claimed more than 413 lives in the Kashmir valley, the SPO has become the first casualty of 2019.

The slain SPO has been identified as Sameer Ahmad Mir, a resident of Hajin-Payeen village in the Rajpora area of Pulwama district.

It is the same village where four Jaish-e-Mohammad militants were killed on Saturday. The police said the attack occurred at 7.30 pm.

“The militants barged into the house of the SPO and fired at him several times,” a police officer said.

Sameer was being taken to a hospital but he succumbed to his injuries on the way.

Following the incident, security forces reached the spot. They have laid a cordon in the area to try and nab the assailants.

Army Chief arrives for two-day Valley visit 

Srinagar: The Chief of Army Staff, Gen Bipin Rawat, on Tuesday arrived in the Kashmir valley on a two-day visit. He interacted with the troops and reviewed the prevailing security situation along the LoC and in the hinterland. Accompanied by Northern Command chief Lt Gen Ranbir Singh and Chinar Corps GOC Lt Gen AK Bhatt, the Army Chief visited the frontier district of Kupwara, where he interacted with the troops. TNS