Simran Sodhi

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 15

India today reacted strongly to Pakistan’s decision to observe July 19 as ‘Black Day’ to express solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, calling it provocative and interference in its internal affairs.Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, addressing a Cabinet meeting in Lahore, described the Kashmiri movement as a “movement of freedom” and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to continue giving moral, political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiris in their “just struggle for the right to self-determination”, Radio Pakistan said.The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a hard-hitting statement, said: “India completely and unequivocally rejects in entirety the decisions adopted by the Cabinet of Pakistan. We are dismayed at the continued attempts by Pakistan to interfere in our internal matters.” The killing of Hizbul militant Burhan Wani has brought back the focus on the Kashmir imbroglio. While India maintains it is a bilateral issue, Pakistan is making every effort to ‘internationalise’ the Wani killing, which it has termed as ‘extra-judicial’. The Pakistan Cabinet has decided to convene a joint session of parliament to discuss the situation in J&K. This is certain to provoke India further. The MEA today termed Pakistan’s actions as ‘self-serving’. “The attempts in Pakistan by various players to ingratiate themselves to the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the run-up to the so-called elections in territories under Pakistan’s illegal occupation will not succeed,” the MEA said. Panel to find a way forward in ValleySrinagar: The Centre has set up a panel headed by Home Minister Rajnath Singh to look into the unrest in Kashmir and find a way out. Other members are Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, NSA Ajit Doval, Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrish, IB Director Dineshwar Sharma, the chief of the Research and Analysis Wing and the Defence Secretary. Rajnath Singh, meanwhile, held a meeting in New Delhi to  review security in the wake of the Kashmir turmoil and terror attack in France. He was told that the Valley was slowly returning to normalcy. — Azhar Qadri

India hits back as Pak says will mark black day on J&K deaths

ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI: Pakistan said on Friday it will observe July 19 as a “black day” to protest against killings in Jammu and Kashmir, drawing an angry reaction from India which again accused Islamabad of interfering in New Delhi’s internal affairs and backing terrorism.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif proposed the observance of the “black day” while chairing a meeting of his cabinet in Lahore that discussed the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, which has been roiled by protests over the killing of militant commander Burhan Wani last week.

Sharif and Pakistan’s foreign ministry have angered India by referring to Wani, a commander of the banned Hizbul Mujahideen, as a “Kashmiri leader” and describing his death as an “extrajudicial killing”. At least 37 people have died in protests following Wani’s killing.

India again dismissed Pakistan’s criticism of its handling of the situation in Kashmir, saying it was “dismayed” at Islamabad’s continued attempts “to interfere in our internal matters” where external parties have no role.

External affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said: “India completely and unequivocally rejects in entirety the decisions adopted by the cabinet of Pakistan on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir…” “Continued glorification of terrorists belonging to proscribed terrorist organisations makes it amply clear where Pakistan’s sympathies continue to lie,” he said

Swarup asked Pakistan to “respond constructively” to India’s initiatives for peace and normalising bilateral ties.

Despite the ire expressed by India in the past few days, Sharif again described Wani as a “martyr of (the) independence movement” on Friday. He also characterised the “movement of Kashmiris as a movement of freedom”. During the cabinet meeting, Sharif trotted out Pakistan’s stated position of extending “moral, political and diplomatic support” to Kashmiris for their right to self-determination. The cabinet also decided to convene a joint session of parliament on the Kashmir situation Calling on the UN to fulfill its “incomplete agenda” on Kashmir, Sharif said, “I and entire Pakistan nation steadfastly stand by Kashmiris against Indian oppression.” Describing the “freedom movement” as terrorism amounted to sheer dishonesty by India, he said.

Sharif ’s cabinet asked India to hold dialogue with Pakistan on the Kashmir issue and to include Kashmiri leaders in the process. He directed government departments to highlight alleged “atrocities” in Jammu and Kashmir at international forums. The cabinet also offered prayers for what it described as the “martyrs of Kashmir”.

Rebutting Pakistan, Swarup said Islamabad’s “self serving actions” to derive political mileage out of recent developments in Jammu and Kashmir had followed “planned infiltration and terrorism aimed at India”.

He hinted attempts by various players in Pakistan to ingratiate themselves with the Kashmiri people were aimed at forthcoming polls in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. “We hope that Pakistan will desist from further interfering in India’s internal affairs and destabilising the situation in South Asia through support to terrorism and other subversive acts,” he added.

PINJORE: He is hard of hearing and has lost his teeth. Naik Sarup Singh, 105, doesn’t have any medical problem as such. The soldier inside him is still alive. “I never feared, though had a close shave with death several times during the World War II and 1947-48 Indo-Pak conflict. I never got injured in the army,” he says.

On Wednesday, 15 Punjab, which has a history of 311 years and is one of the oldest regiments, reached Chira village in Pinjore to honour its only alive soldier who fought the Battle of Zoji La in the 1947-48 Indo-Pak war.

“I have met my ‘paltan’ after 56 years,” says Sarup Singh. “I am thankful to you,” he adds.

Subedar Satnam Singh handed him an appreciation letter of Commanding Officer of 15 Punjab, Col Vikas Sharma, `25,000 in cash and a trophy.

In his message to his ‘paltan’, Sarup said, “I am honoured. Chardi kalan to all ranks. I am thankful. Khalsa ji ki fateh.” THE BATTLE OF ZOJI LA

On May 11, 1948, the First Patiala (now 15 Punjab) was flown from Jammu to Srinagar for securing Zoji La pass (11,000 ft) through which passed the strategic Srinagar-Leh highway. Sarup Singh was part of the recee patrol. “He went as close as 50mt from enemy positions and weapons. The attack followed and we succeeded. It is because of such people that 15 Punjab is respected,” said Subedar Satnam Singh, who had come on behalf of 15 Punjab. The battle earned the First Patiala eight Maha Vir Chakras and 18 Vir Chakras. It not only evicted the Pakistan Army from the pass, but also cleared the looming threat to the Valley. Furthermore, the battalion continued its advance up to Kargil and linked up with Indian troops arriving from Leh and thus saved Ladakh. 15 Punjab now celebrates Zoji La Day to celebrate the victory. Sarup Singh came home after 18-month-long engagement in the battlefield. TURNS 106 TOMORROW

Sarup turns 106 on July 15. Born in 1911, he got recruited in the army in 1941. He was engaged to a girl before the World War II but couldn’t solemnise his marriage and finally got hitched when he was 42. His wife is also fit and is now 86-year-old.

None of Sarup’s three sons could join the army. Now, his grandson Malkiat Singh is aiming to join 15 Punjab.

Sarup retired in 1959 and later worked as a security guard in a cement factory in Pinjore.

“I only trust God. Everything belongs to him. All human beings are a same community.” He is said to have saved the lives of 116 Muslims at Karanpur village in Pinjore when riots broke out after the Partition in 1947. “Villagers wanted to kill Muslim men and violate their women. But I resisted and succeeded,” he says.

He had a gun and gave shelter to Muslims in his house for over a month.

He got late in joining back to unit by 45 days but when he told the reason he was honoured. “Families which migrated to Pakistan later also kept coming to meet him,” said Rajinder Singh, eldest son of Sarup Singh.

Once 45 of his colleagues died but not a single pellet touched him in Java (Indonesia) in World War II. Later during 1947-48 Indo Pak war, Sarup and others from his unit were surrounded from all sides and their ammunition got exhausted.

New Delhi, June 3

The reported statement of the NIA chief that there is no hand of the Pakistan government or its agencies in helping the JeM carry out the Pathankot attack has triggered sparring between India and Pakistan with New Delhi saying that involvement of its nationals “is an accepted fact”.Even as the NIA backtracked on its chief Sharad Kumar’s statement, Islamabad said his remarks were a “vindication” of its long-standing position in that regard. The row started over a written interview by Kumar to a television channel in which he said, “So far, (there is) no evidence to show that the Pakistan government or any Pakistani government agency was helping Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) or Masood Azhar or his aides carry out the Pathankot attack.”Later, the NIA issued a statement saying the observation attributed to the NIA DG is “strongly refuted”. It said his statement had been misquoted. Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Vikas Swarup said, “I understand that the DG NIA has issued a clarification that his words are being misinterpreted. Let me clarify the position. The involvement of Pakistan’s nationals in the Pathankot air base attack is an accepted fact.” He further said “enough information” has also been provided to the Pakistani authorities through two Letters Rogatory to conduct investigation in Pakistan so that “all those associated in Pakistan with planning, support and execution of the attack are brought to justice”.  — Agencies

What Sharad said on Pathankot attackSo far (there is) no evidence to show that the Pakistan government or any Pakistani government agency was helping Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) or Masood Azhar or his aides carry out the Pathankot attack. – Sharad Kumar, NIA DG

No clean chit to Pak official machinery: RijijuThere is no question of a clean chit or any clarification in connection with the terror attack on the Pathankot airbase. Investigation is on – Kiren Rijiju, union minister of state for home.

White Knight Corps GOC Lt Gen RR Nimbhorkar lays a wreath at the martyrs’ memorial in Jammu on Wednesday. A Tribune Photo

Jammu, June 1

General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the White Knight Corps Lt Gen RR Nimbhorkar today exhorted soldiers to keep combating militancy so as to pave the way for return of complete normalcy to the state.Lt General Nimbhorkar was addressing troops at Nagrota near here today on the 45th Raising Day of the White Knight Corps.The GOC complimented all ranks on their outstanding contribution to combating militancy and assisting the civil administration in regaining normalcy in the region, said defence spokesperson Lt Col Manish Mehta.The spokesperson said the GOC exhorted all troops to persist with same zeal and enthusiasm towards their profession to achieve new milestones.A solemn wreath-laying ceremony was conducted this morning with full military honours during which Lt General Nimbhorkar paid tributes to the martyrs at “Ashwamedh Shaurya Sthal”. He later interacted with the troops of the Nagrota Garrison. — TNS

Army Education Corps Day

Jammu: The Northern Command on Wednesday celebrated Army Education Corps (AEC) Day. A total of 432 soldiers of the command are set to appear for interviews to get into elite Army Cadet College at Dehradun. GOC-in-C, Northern Command, Lt Gen DS Hooda has complimented all ranks of the AEC fraternity for raising the human resource quotient in the northern theatre. He exhorted the Corps to maintain its momentum to ensure further enhancement in the educational standards  to be true with technological revolution and emerging challenges. — TNS

Parrikar: Combat role for women in Army, Navy soon; NDA, Sainik schools too may open doors

Defence Minister Manohar Parikar

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 4

Days after first women pilots were inducted for a combat role in the Indian Air Force (IAF), Defence Minister Manohar Parikar today said the government was looking for a greater role for women in combat, thereby, once again opening up the debate on the “pros and cons” of allowing women at the frontline.Parrikar mooted the idea of raising an all-women battalion and stationing women on warships. He said the “psychological barrier” had been broken with the induction of female fighter pilots. Three women were inducted into the fighter pilot stream of the IAF on June 18.The Defence Minister was speaking at a function organised by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Ladies Organisation on changing roles and opportunities of women in the defence sector. “Why can’t we have an all-women battalion if there is resistance among male soldiers over being led by female commanders,” he said.The only restriction today is infrastructure, Parrikar said, adding that induction of women through the National Defence Academy (NDA) and allowing girl students in Sainik schools can also be considered.Within the Army, the only question is a situation when a woman soldier is captured by the enemy. It could lead to furore on the political front.If the Army and the Navy are opened up for combat roles for women, India will join the US, Israel and Norway to have such a system.Parrikar said sometime in future he would sit with the chiefs of the three forces. “I don’t understand why we can’t place women on warships. At this stage, I will not support a submarine operation because submarines are designed for unigender or one area for staff. There are no separate areas for women. But warships can be modified and new ships can be designed to have facilities for women,” he said, adding that there was also a question of taking women officers through NDA.He said there were demands from across the country for Sainik schools to have girl students. “This cannot be done in disjoined manner otherwise girls will get into Sainik schools but will not get entry, all these aspects are being looked into,” he said.Speaking about the opportunities for women in the defence sector, Parrikar said low-end clothing line such as uniform for NCC cadets could be one area where women entrepreneurs can look for possible business prospects. He urged FICCI ladies organisation to come forward with a list of business propositions where they can partner with the defence sector and promote women entrepreneurs.In her welcome address, Vinita Bimbhet, president of FICCI Ladies Organisation, emphasised the crucial aspects of entrepreneurial role of women in the defence sector, which needed to be boosted to achieve the goal of inclusive growth.

WOMEN IN COMBAT ROLES SOON?

Defence minister Parrikar reignites debate on allowing women on the front line, says they could serve onboard warships in the future but not submarines NEW DELHI: Defence minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday floated the idea of allowing women in ground combat roles, reigniting the debate on whether they should be allowed to serve in the front line.

Speaking at a function organised by FICCI Ladies Organisation on the changing role of women in the defence sector, Parrikar asked why the army couldn’t have an “all-women battalion” if there was resistance among male soldiers to being led by female commanders. He said the decision to open up the fighter stream in the Indian Air Force to women about eight months ago had knocked down the “first psychological barrier” in the military to induct them in combat positions.

But the move met with resistance in the defence ministry. Parrikar said the file took four months to reach him as there were “many males” in the ministry, and he had to send several reminders to get the file moving. Three women are currently training to become India’s first combat pilots.

He said women could even serve aboard warships in the future, but not in submarines because they do not have separate areas to accommodate mixed gender crews. “There’s a thinking (in the military) that soldiers won’t listen to female commanders. I don’t agree with that. The sole restriction today is that of infrastructure,” said Parrikar

Parrikar said steps were being taken to induct women in Sainik Schools and — subsequently — the National Defence Academy.

Only a few countries — including Australia, Norway and the United States — allow women in all-combat capacities such as flying fighter jets, serving in infantry units and performing duties aboard warships and submarines.

The Indian army has had reservations about inducting women in close combat duties — most centering around physical contact with the enemy, lack of women-friendly infrastructure in forward areas, and physiological and cultural barriers.

Parrikar said while the government was considering opening up the fighter stream to women, some expressed fears over female combat pilots being shot down in enemy territory and taken prisoner. But such a possibility would be eliminated if they were assigned air defence missions in Indian airspace, he added. Parrikar knows that allowing women in front-line combat would require building a consensus and overcoming internal resistance. But he assured that gender parity in defence would be achieved smoothly.

Pakistan President Mamnoon. — Reuters file photo

Islamabad, Jun 1

Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain today accused India of “running away” from talks despite Pakistan’s offer of joint-probe in the Pathankot terror attack, even as he raked up the Kashmir issue, calling it an “unfinished agenda of partition” and the main cause of regional tension.Addressing the joint session of the parliament, Hussain said, “Despite Pakistan’s efforts for resumption of talks (with India) and its offer of joint probe in the Pathankot attack, the foreign secretary level talks are still suspended.Pakistan is concerned about it.””We believe the main cause of tension in the region is the Kashmir issue. It is part of unfinished agenda of partition of the sub-continent. Unless Kashmir issue is settled according to the wishes of people of Kashmir and UN resolutions, the problems of this region cannot be resolved,” he said.He said Pakistan is a peaceful country and wants its foreign policy to be based on friendship and brotherhood with all nations.”We do not wish to be aggressive towards any nation and intend to participate with honesty in national and global affairs,” he said.The President said that Pakistan wanted peaceful ties with all neighbours by addressing disputes through talks and accused India of “running away from talks with Pakistan”.He said that democracy has been strengthened in the country and it can now resist and absorb different kinds of crises.”Our political system has become strong enough to successfully face different kinds of crises. It means that our nation has come to the conclusion that sustainable progress and stability cannot be achieved without democracy,” he said, as he congratulated the lawmakers on completion of three years of parliament.He said Pakistan was making progress in the economic field and the country achieved 4.7 per cent growth in the outgoing fiscal years which will end on June 30.He said Pak-China partnership was important for national economic growth and the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor will be completed at every cost. — PTI