Hafiz Saeed

New Delhi, November 25

Stepping up the heat on Pakistan, the US today sought immediate re-arrest and prosecution of LeT founder Hafiz Saeed and threatened of an adverse impact on ties if Islamabad failed to act against the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai massacre.After Saeed’s release from house arrest yesterday, the US State Department had asked Pakistan to re-arrest and try him for heinous crimes. The White House, in its latest statement, said there was a “clear international consensus regarding Saeed’s culpability” in the 2008 Mumbai attacks that left 166 persons, including six American nationals, dead.(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)“Saeed’s release sends a troubling message about Pakistan’s commitment to combating terrorism… If Pakistan does not detain Saeed and charge him, its inaction will have repercussions for bilateral ties and for Pakistan’s global reputation,” it said. Pakistan, meanwhile, has justified the release. — TNS

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman waves from the cockpit of IAF’s Sukhoi-30 MKI plane before taking off for a sortie, in Jodhpur on Wednesday. PTI

IAF’s Sukhoi-30 MKI plane, carrying Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, takes off for a sortie, in Jodhpur on Wednesday. PTI

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman boards IAF’s Sukhoi-30 MKI plane for a sortie, in Jodhpur on Wednesday. PTI

Our Correspondent

Jaipur, January 17

After her recent visit to INS Vikramaditya, the aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy, Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday flew in the formidable Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft of 31 Squadron on her visit to Air Force Station Jodhpur. In her 45 minutes of sortie, she was demonstrated some of the unique characteristics and strengths of this mighty twin engine Air Superiority Fighter (ASF). She is the first woman defence minister of India to fly a sortie in an IAF Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft, according a Defence Ministry PRO Lieutenant Colonel Manish Ojha here.       To gauge the operational capability and preparedness of the defence forces, the minister has been visiting various establishments of the armed forces.These visits go a long way in enhancing the motivation of the defence personnel as they get an opportunity to personally interact with the defence minister herself, Ojha said.       After her sortie on the multi-role ASF, she addressed and interacted with the air warriors of the Air Force Station, Jodhpur, and congratulated them on their professionalism, high state of morale and motivation.During the visit, she was also briefed on employment of air power in the defence of our country.Owing to its versatile capabilities, Sukhoi-30 MKI forms an integral and the most potent component of our nation’s air power. 

President Ram Nath Kovind inspecting the Guard of Honour on his arrival at Raj Bhavan helipad in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday. PTI

Beijing, November 20

China on Monday strongly objected to President Ram Nath Kovind’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh, saying India should refrain from “complicating” the border dispute when bilateral relations are at a “crucial moment”.President Kovind visited Arunachal Pradesh yesterday.“The Chinese government never acknowledged the so-called Arunachal Pradesh and our position on the border issue is consistent and clear,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told the media when asked about Kovind’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims as Southern Tibet.China routinely objects to any senior Indian officials’ visit to the area.India has dismissed Beijing’s objections, maintaining that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the country and Indian leaders are as much free to visit the state as they are to any other part of the country.Both countries are “in the process of settling this issue through negotiation and consultation and seek to reach to a fair and reasonable solution acceptable to all”, Lu said.Pending final settlement all parties should work for peace and tranquillity, he said.“China firmly opposes the Indian leader’s relevant activities in the relevant region when China-India relations are at a crucial moment,” he said.“We hope India could work in the same direction and maintain general picture of bilateral ties and refrain from complicating border issue and work to create favourable conditions for border negotiations and for the sound and stable development of bilateral ties,” he said.The Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China stretches to 3,488 kms.On November 6, China had raised objection to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s visit to the border areas of Arunachal Pradesh.Both sides held 19 rounds of talks by the special representatives to resolve the boundary dispute.The 20th round is expected to be held next month in New Delhi, though dates have not yet been announced.National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi are the designated special representatives for the boundary talks. — PTI

Lt Gen TS Shergill (retd), chief adviser to the CM, hands over a cheque to the wife of martyr Jagsir Singh during his ‘bhog’ at Lohgarh Thakkran Wala village in Zira subdivision on Tuesday. Tribune photo

Our Correspondent

Ferozepur, January 9

The state government today promised assistance to the tune of Rs 90 lakh to the family of Sepoy Jagsir Singh (32) of 19 Punjab Regiment, besides a government job to his wife and free education for his three children. Jagsir was killed in firing by Pakistani troops in Naushera sector (J&K) on December 31.The announcement was made by Lt Gen TS Shergill (retd), chief adviser to the CM, during “antim ardas” of the martyr at Jagsir’s village, Lohgarh Thakkran Wala, in Zira subdivision. The bhog was attended by local MP Sher Singh Ghubaya, MLA Bibi Satkar Kaur, Deputy Commissioner Ramvir, SSP Bhupinder Singh and officials of the Army and the BSF.The chief adviser, along with the DC, presented a cheque for Rs 5 lakh as ex gratia grant to the family.Jagsir is survived by parents Amarjit Singh and Gurmit Kaur, wife Mohinder Pal Kaur, daughters Nigamjit Kaur (5) and Gurneet Kaur (3) and son Jagdish Singh (2).

Kalvari is being built by a Defence Ministry-owned firm in collaboration with France’s Naval Group. PTI file

Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 20

Eighteen years after an action plan was announced for having 24 modern submarines by 2030, the first indigenous conventionally powered submarine is set to be commissioned in mid-December.The submarine, named ‘Kalvari’ (meaning deep sea tiger shark), will be the first diesel-electric version to be commissioned under the action plan announced in 1999 following a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security.India has since taken on lease a nuclear submarine from Russia and named it INS Chakra and commissioned one nuclear powered submarine of its own and named it INS Arihant.The Kalvari is the first of the six scorpene-class diesel-electric submarines being built by Mazagon Docks Limited, a Ministry of Defence-owned company, in collaboration with France’s Naval Group (earlier known as DCNS). In security circles, a diesel–electric sub is referred to as “conventionally powered”. The last time a diesel-electric submarine was commissioned into the Navy was in July 2000.The submarine would be equipped with anti-ship missiles and long-range guided torpedoes along with a modern sensor suite.For Naval planners, the worrisome part, however, is that China’s submarine fleet—nuclear and conventionally powered—is four times that of India’s.The Indian battle-ready under-sea fleet of diesel electric vessels is at present down to 14: nine Kilo-class (EKMs), four German-designed HDWs (SSKs) and one Akula class nuclear-powered submarine (SSN) on a 10-year lease from Russia (since 2012).The Navy plans to have 22 submarines by 2021-22 and is looking at building more of these under the newly announced strategic partnership, which allows foreign companies to partner with Indian firms under the “Make in India” initiative. Making submarines here is one of the four targeted sectors, the other three being fighter jets, helicopters and tanks.In comparison, China is rapidly expanding its submarine fleet. The US Department of Defence, in its annual report to the US Congress, has spelt out the rise of China’s submarine fleet.The report, “Military and security developments involving the People’s Republic of China 2017”, says: “The People’s Liberation Army Navy places a high priority on the modernisation of its submarine force and presently possesses 63 vessels. By 2020, this force will likely grow to between 69 and 78 submarines.”

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 7

With the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) receiving an Intelligence input regarding a “possible aerial terror attack” on and around the Republic Day, the Centre has alerted the security agencies of northern states and directed them to follow “strict security drill”.Sources in the MHA said a letter has been sent to the Director of General Police (DGPs) and the Police Commissioners of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.Asking them to keep a vigil on all airborne craft, a senior MHA official, in the letter, said the states had been asked to “keep surveillance and positioning of special security guards at recognised field to check that no light/micro light aircraft, hand glider and helicopters is allowed to fly or even starts on and around the Republic Day.”“Operations of light, micro-light aircraft, UAVs and similar long-range vehicles should be prohibited around 300 km from Delhi between 6 am and 9 pm on January 26,” the letter stated. However, all state-owned aircraft, having prior security clearance, will be allowed to fly.It has also been advised to prohibit airborne cameras and drones along sensitive locations such as Vijay Chowk, Rashtrapati Bhawan and Rajpath during the restriction period between January 26 and 29, sources said. The police have been asked to intensify highway patrolling as the aerial vehicles and light aircraft may not necessarily be operated from the airports, but from any other unprepared ground as well.The state security agencies have also been instructed to keep a tight vigil on unused airstrips and open grounds which may allow operations of these aircraft.

General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 15 Corps Lt Gen JS Sandhu with DGP SP Vaid during a press conference in Srinagar on Sunday.

BANDIPORA GUNFIGHT Six Pak militants including Owaid,

nephew of 26/11 mastermind, were eliminated on Saturday

From page 01 SRINAGAR: The Army said on Sunday that the top leadership of the Pakistan-backed Lashkar-eTaiba (LeT) in the Kashmir valley has been wiped out with the killing of six militants in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
WASEEM ANDRABI / HT
General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 15 Corps Lt Gen JS Sandhu with DGP SP Vaid during a press conference in Srinagar on Sunday.
Lieutenant General JS Sandhu, who heads the Srinagar-headquartered 15 Corps, said, “With the elimination of six of its terrorist commanders on Saturday, the top leadership of LeT in the Valley has been wiped out.”
Giving details about Saturday’s operation, he said, “Hajin was an area of concern for us. Terrorists had killed some people in the area. We inducted Special Forces into the area and good intelligence inputs started pouring in. We were keeping Chandegeer village on our radar. These terrorists had been staying there in a house for two to three days.”
The Lt Gen identified one of the terrorists killed as Osama Jungvi or Owaid, a nephew of Zaki-urRehman Lakhvi and probably the son of Zakiur Rehman Makki.
Six Pakistani militants including Owaid and two other top commanders of LeT, Zargar and Mehmood, were killed on Saturday. An IAF commando was also killed in the gunfight.
“We look forward to continue the operations and restore peace in the Valley very soon,” the Lt Gen added.
‘TWO-PRONGED STRATEGY’
“We are working on two lines,” the Lt Gen added. “One is counter terrorism and the second is that we want the local terrorists to return.
“We pulled out and saved an injured militant in Kulgam and saved his life. The local terrorists must realise whether they are ‘Mujahids’ (Islamic fighters) or proxies of Pakistan.”
Jammu and Kashmir director general of police (DGP) SP Vaid
refuted the claims of the Islamic State that claimed that the Zakura attack on Friday in which a police officer and a militant were killed was the first IS attack in Kashmir.
Asked to comment, he said, “No, it is yet to be verified. I don’t think ISIS has any imprint here.” “Kashmir will be free of violence
very soon. Yesterday’s operation has cleaned up the area. I am sure people can now live their lives without any fear of terror,” he added.
Vaid complimented the Army, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Police and intelligence agencies for Saturday’s killings of militants.

Gyan Dev Ahuja, BJP MLA

Jaipur, December 25

Rajasthan’s ruling BJP MLA Gyan Dev Ahuja has said if anyone indulged in cow smuggling or slaughter, he would be killed. Ahuja’s threat came in response to an alleged cow smuggling incident in Alwar district on Saturday.Not stranger to controversial statements, Ahuja had previously claimed that the premier Jawaharlal Nehru University was a hub of sex and drugs rackets, where 3,000 used condoms and 2,000 liquor bottles were found daily. On Saturday, an alleged cow smuggler was caught, while two of his associates managed to escape in the Ramgarh area of the district, which often witnesses violence by cow vigilante groups.The man caught was allegedly beaten by local residents. However, Ahuja claimed the accused was injured after the vehicle in which he was allegedly smuggling cows overturned.“Three men were smuggling cows. When police chased them, they tried to escape through narrow lanes of a village and the vehicle overturned leaving one of the smugglers injured. Two others managed to escape,” the Ramgarh legislator claimed.He said people resented cow smuggling and slaughter. “There is anger among people against cow smugglers because they smuggle cows, because they open fire at police when they try to stop them. They also take roads through villages in Alwar to escape to Haryana and pelt villagers with stones,” he said.Ahuja said there had been a sudden spurt in incidents of cow smuggling of late. — PTI

Urns containing the soil of the grave of two Indian soldiers of 39 Garhwal Rifles who lost their lives during WWI in France, which were presented to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Tuesday. PTI

New Delhi, November 14

A delegation of the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre on Tuesday returned with soil from France where two soldiers of the 39 Garhwal Rifles had laid down their lives fighting in World War I.Two urns containing the soil were handed over to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman by the delegation comprising Commandant Brigadier Indrajit Chatterjee and Subedar Major Trilok Singh.The urns, brought from Laventie in France, would now be carried to the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre at Landsdowne.On September 20 last year, during an excavation on the southern side of Richebourg village near Laventie Military Cemetery, approximately 230 km from Paris, two human remains were found.They were identified to be of soldiers of the 39th Royal Garhwal Rifles.The office of Commonwealth War Graves Commission decided to hold a ceremony to rest them along with their comrades with full military honours during the annual memorial service that is held to commemorate the Indian soldiers who were martyred in action in France and Belgium.The decision was taken in consultation with the French government and Indian Embassy.On November 12, the remains of the two soldiers were sent on their final journey with full military honours at the military cemetery.During the First World War, the Garhwal Brigade comprising 1st/39th and 2nd/39th Royal Garhwal displayed unparalleled bravery in treacherous trenches of France and Flanders.Fighting shoulder to shoulder with British soldiers, the Garhwal Brigade earned six battle honours and was twice awarded Victoria Cross in France and Flanders Theatre. — PTI

New Delhi, December 21

The issue of Ministry of Defence having capped educational expenses of children of martyrs or those disabled in action was raised in the Lok Sabha today by MP from Chandigarh Kirron Kher.Speaking during Zero Hour, the MP sought immediate reversal of the decision saying “the cap will be a dis-service to the people who died for the motherland”. “Please restore the fee and remove the cap,” Kher demanded saying it’s about the future of the children.Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh and General VK Singh (retd), now a minister in the Narendra Modi-led government, have already made similar demands to lift the cap.The educational expenses and hostel fee had been capped by the MoD at Rs 10,000 per month, impacting some 3,200 students in schools, colleges and professional institutions. This will result in a meagre saving of less than Rs 5 crore per annum.The Tribune was the first to report the issue in its edition dated December 1. The orders came into force on July 1 this year. Since then, the ministry has received several requests for continuing with the old system, which had no such ceiling. — TNS

Remove cap on education reimbursement to martyred soldiers’ kids: Kirron to Centre