Mendhar/Jammu, April 27

A three-day special training camp for Village Defence Guards (VDGs) was organised by the Army here, ahead of Lok Sabha elections, officials said on Saturday.

Poonch along with the adjoining Rajouri district is part of the Anantnag Parliamentary constituency which is going to polls in the third phase of

The training camp began on Thursday at Mendhar, Harni and Jaran to hone the weapon handling and firing skills of the VDGs, as part of efforts to maintain peace and stability in the forward areas, the officials said.

The training assumes significance given the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and efforts of security forces to maintain peace and provide assurance to the people in minority pockets as well as in far-flung areas, they said.

The training has helped the VDGs in reorienting their training prowess and skills in weapon handling and firing, they said.

Comprising of local volunteers, the VDGs are equipped with .303 and bolt action rifles and were enthusiastic in sharpening their skills, they said, adding the weapons were inspected, cleaned and firing practice was carried out during the camp under the supervision of army trainers.

They said a lecture-cum-demonstration on weapon handling, musketry and firing positions was also conducted as part of the training.

The Army assisted the members of VDGs in further improving their self-defence capabilities and emphasised their greater role in maintaining peace and harmony in the area of responsibility, particularly in the minority pockets, the officials said.

Moscow may seize private US assets if Washington takes frozen reserves: Security officer

Kyiv, April 27

A Russian missile attack pounded power facilities in the centre and west of Ukraine on Saturday, mounting pressure on the ailing energy system as the country faces a shortage of air defences despite a breakthrough in U.S. military aid.

The strike using ballistic missiles and cruise missiles fired by Russian strategic bombers based in the Arctic Circle was the fourth large-scale aerial assault targeting the power system since March 22. “The enemy again massively shelled Ukrainian energy facilities,” said DTEK, the largest private electricity company, adding that four of its six thermal power plants had suffered new damage overnight.

In President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih, the supply of running water was disrupted after strikes on energy facilities in the central Dnipropetrovsk region, officials said. Ukrainian air defences were able to bring down 21 of the 34 incoming missiles, the commander of the air force said in a statement. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has called for more air defence supplies, faster deliveries and decisive actions from Kyiv’s allies. The US approved a major aid package for Ukraine this week, overcoming a congressional deadlock that dragged on for six months as Kyiv’s weapon stocks became depleted.

Meanwhile, Dmitry Medvedev, a senior security official, said Russia may respond to any US confiscation of its currency reserves frozen in the West by seizing the assets, including property and cash, of US citizens and investors in Russia.

The US House of Representatives has passed a Bill allowing the Biden administration to confiscate Russian assets held in American banks and transfer them to Ukraine, something the Kremlin has said would be illegal and trigger retaliation.

In response to Russia’s war in Ukraine, the US and its allies prohibited transactions with Russia’s central bank and finance ministry and blocked about $300 billion of sovereign Russian assets in the West, most of which are in European not American financial institutions. — Reuters

Ties with Beijing to continue: Kremlin

• The Kremlin has shrugged off a trip to China by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during which he raised concerns about Chinese support for Russia’s military, saying Moscow and Beijing will continue to develop their own ties.
• China has said that it has not provided weaponry to any party. However, it says that normal trade between China and Russia should not be interrupted or restricted.

Capacity affected

Ukraine has lost 80% of its thermal power generation and 35% of its hydroelectric capacity due to Russian attacks. Though the core of the energy system comes from nuclear power, that lost capacity serves a balancing function in the grid.

More supplies sought

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has called for more air defence supplies, faster deliveries and decisive actions from Kyiv’s allies. The US has already approved a major package for Ukraine this week, overcoming a congressional deadlock.

Vessel, engaged in ‘Russia-linked trade’, suffers minor damage

Jerusalem, April 27

Ballistic missiles fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels caused a “minor damage” to a Panama-flagged oil tanker travelling to India through the Red Sea on Friday, authorities said. The attack follows an uptick in assaults launched by the Houthis in recent days after a relative lull in their months-long campaign over Israel’s war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The rebels fired three missiles in the attack, one of which damaged the Panama-flagged, Seychelles-registered Andromeda Star, the US military’s Central Command said. Private security firm Ambrey described the tanker as being “engaged in Russia-linked trade”. The vessel was travelling from Primorsk, Russia, to Vadinar, India, Ambrey said.

Houthi military spokesman Brig Gen Yahya Saree later claimed the attack early Saturday in a pre-recorded statement aired by the rebels. He described the tanker as being “directly hit”.

Another vessel, the Antiqua-Barbados-flagged, Liberia-operated Maisha, was also nearby at the time of the assault, the US said. The attack occurred off Mocha, Yemen, near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. The Houthis have launched more than 50 attacks on shipping, seized one vessel and sank another since November, according to the US Maritime Administration.

Houthi attacks have dropped in recent weeks as the rebels have been targeted by a US-led airstrike campaign in Yemen. Shipping through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden has declined because of the threat. American officials have speculated that the rebels may be running out of weapons as a result of the US-led campaign against them and after firing drones and missiles steadily in the last months.

However, since Wednesday, there have been at least two other attacks claimed by the Houthis. The first targeted the MV Yorktown, a US-flagged, owned and operated vessel with 18 US and four Greek crew members. Another targeted the MSC Darwin.

The Houthis have said they will continue their attacks until Israel ends its war in Gaza, which has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians there. The war began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people and taking some 250 others hostage. — AP

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 24

The Army is now training its soldiers to make technology-driven decisions. For this, necessary changes are being made to training modules by incorporating technologies to be used in future.

Army Chief General Manoj Pande today said, “In order to enhance the technical threshold of soldiers and to align with technological requirements, training establishments have modified syllabi.”

Aim to empower troops

Empowering the soldier remains at the core of all pursuits of technology infusion. — General Manoj Pande, Army chief

2 soldiers injured in Bandipora gunfight

Srinagar: Two soldiers were injured in an encounter with militants in Bandipora on Wednesday. Helicopters had been pressed into service to aid security operations in the area, said officials.

He was speaking at a day-long seminar organised by the Army and the Army-funded think-tank — the Centre for Land Warfare Studies — to study the needs of the soldiers. The theme of the seminar is ‘The Year of Technology Absorption — Empowering the Soldier’.

The Army Chief said simulation and virtual reality training modules had been already incorporated into the force. Equipment manufacturers for the niche technology now have to comply with a clause to train the soldiers.

In order to bring in domain-specific competencies, cyber specialists and linguists were being commissioned in the Territorial Army, he said. “Empowering the soldier remains at the core of all pursuits of technology infusion. Apart from training, soldiers are being encouraged to take ownership of the technology they use,” said General Pande. The Army Chief explained that consequent to technology adoption, it was imperative to tailor doctrines and strategies to the prevalent operational needs. This will include employment of tactics that accrue from new technologies.

The success of 13 JAK RIF was a testament to the unwavering dedication of its officers and jawans.

LT Gen YK joshi (Retd)

Former Northern Army Commander

THE Kargil War, fought in the summer of 1999, remains a defining moment for the Indian Army. This conflict was unlike any other, set amidst treacherous high-altitude terrain ranging from 14,000 to 18,000 ft. The challenges weren’t just military; they included battling the unforgiving weather, climate and geography. Yet, for the fearless troops, these obstacles were mere preludes to achieving their mission: evicting Pakistani infiltrators who had crossed the Line of Control and seized strategic positions.

I count myself singularly fortunate to have commanded 13 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles (13 JAK RIF) during this pivotal period. As the officiating Commanding Officer, I witnessed the battalion play a crucial role in shaping

It feels like yesterday when, on June 9, 1999, I embarked on an IL-76 IAF transport aircraft from Chandigarh, leading the advance party of my battalion back to Srinagar and onward to Ladakh. It was a moment filled with uncertainty, in stark contrast to the peace we had enjoyed at Shahjahanpur (UP) just four months earlier following a demanding tenure in Sopore conducting counter-terrorist operations.

Upon reuniting with the battalion on June 10 at Gumri, near Zoji La, events unfolded rapidly. On June 11, we were placed under the command of 56 Mountain Brigade as reserve to

2 Rajputana Rifles for the capture of Tololing. By June 12, we had concentrated at Drass, where the grim reality of our surroundings hit me hard. A board erected by the Border Roads Organisation on the roadside greeted us with a chilling reminder: “Drass, the second coldest inhabited place in the world, at minus 60°C.”

Surveying the landscape, I saw towering mountains devoid of vegetation, a stark reminder of the formidable challenge ahead. The air was pierced by intermittent artillery shelling, with explosions rattling the nearby national highway. Amidst the chaos, vehicles raced to safety, while an ambulance hurriedly transported injured soldiers to the field hospital. In the distance, the sound of machine-gun fire echoed.

In the wee hours of June 13, amidst all this uncertainty, 13 JAK RIF received orders to advance towards Tololing. The terrain was hostile, with narrow spur lines serving as the only path forward. The sheer cliffs made every step perilous, with the ever-present threat of enemy fire. Yet, guided by our training and resolve, we pressed on. After a gruelling climb of 16-17 hours, dodging artillery shells and navigating through enemy-laid minefields, we linked up with Col Khushal Thakur, Commanding Officer of 18 Grenadiers.

Assuming responsibility from 18 Grenadiers, we moved forward, capturing Rocky Knob and Point 5140. The success at Rocky Knob, led by Major SV Bhaskar, bolstered our morale, paving the way for the subsequent assault on Point 5140. Led by Capt Sanjeev Jamwal and Capt Vikram Batra, Bravo and Delta companies overcame immense odds, culminating in the iconic moment when Capt Batra signalled our triumph with the words, “Yeh dil maange more”, as the Tricolour fluttered proudly atop Point 5140 on the morning of June 20.

Buoyed by our success, our next objective was the capture of Point 4875, a strategic vantage point overlooking a significant stretch of the national highway. Despite stiff enemy resistance, the battalion launched its assault on July 4, with the Charlie Company under Major Gurpreet Singh and the Alpha Company under Major Bhaskar leading the charge. After three days of relentless fighting, we secured Point 4875, albeit at a heavy cost. Capt Batra’s valour paved the way for our victory, earning him the Param Vir Chakra posthumously. Point 4875 was renamed ‘Batra Top’ in his honour.

The ferocity of the battle for Point 4875 earned it the moniker, ‘The bloodiest battle of the war’, with Param Vir Chakras awarded to Capt Batra and Rifleman Sanjay Kumar. The unwavering courage and sacrifice of 13 JAK RIF during this conflict, epitomised by 37 gallantry awards — including two Param Vir Chakras, eight Vir Chakras and 14 Sena Medals — will forever be etched in the annals of Army history.

Two brave officers and 14 jawans laid down their lives for the honour of the nation. Their courage and selflessness will never be forgotten. My homage and utmost respect to these gutsy soldiers, who will always be remembered.

The success of 13 JAK RIF was a testament to the unwavering dedication of its officers and jawans, who embodied the regimental motto, ‘Prashastha Ranveerta’ (Victory in battle is appreciated). From young company commanders to seasoned veterans, each played a vital role in the battalion’s triumph. The coordinated efforts of individuals like Major Bhaskar, Vikas Vohra, Gurpreet Singh, Rajeev Kapoor, Ajay Jasrotia, Anirban Chatterjee, Naveen Anaberu, Sandeep Tiwari and Capt Rajesh Adhau were instrumental in ensuring success amidst the chaos of war. Many, however, went unrecognised in the melee and fog of war. Every soldier of the battalion played a very important role in his own way in the execution of one of the most complicated operations ever.

As I reflect on the war, our achievements are a source of great pride, which is tempered by the sorrow of losing comrades. These moments of triumph and tragedy will forever be etched in my memory, a testimony to the resilience of the Army.

In conclusion, the saga of 13 JAK RIF in the Kargil War serves as a poignant reminder of the valour and indomitable spirit of the Indian armed forces, whose sacrifices safeguard the integrity and sovereignty of our nation.

The author was the officiating Commanding Officer of 13 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles during the Kargil War

Moscow, April 24

A top Russian military official arrested on suspicion of accepting a bribe was sent to pre-trial detention on Wednesday after appearing before a court in central Moscow, court officials said in a statement.

Timur Ivanov, 48, one of Russia’s 12 deputy defence ministers, was arrested Tuesday evening, Russia’s Investigative Committee said in a statement. It gave no further information, apart from specifying that Ivanov is suspected of taking an especially large bribe — a criminal offense punishable by up to

According to a statement from the court, investigators told Moscow’s Basmany court on Wednesday that Ivanov had conspired with third parties to receive a bribe in the form of unspecified property services “during contracting and subcontracting work for the needs of the Ministry of Defence”. — AP

The corridor cannot be permitted to become the soft underbelly of India’s strategic northern frontiers.

Jaideep Saikia

Security & Terrorism Analyst

IN his 1996 book Insurgent Crossfire, Subir Bhaumik wrote: “Two decades after the break-up of Pakistan into two countries and the relative stability achieved by the Indian politico-military effort in the North East, Pakistani talk of entrusting the security of East Pakistan to the ‘China factor’ might, in retrospect, seem to have been without substance. But, to an Indian decision-maker in New Delhi in the late 1960s, the threat raised India’s worst fears of a Chinese sweep through the region, and an eventual link-up with Pakistani forces in East Pakistan… This could have led to the secession of the entire North East.”

Though the pincer threat is no longer present, there are some issues that plague the region, which shares borders with Bhutan and other nations. Geography has compelled Bhutan to lean on India not only for its security, but also for most of its commercial needs. Nevertheless, recent times have seen Beijing reaching out to the Himalayan kingdom. The ‘Three-Step Roadmap’ signed by Bhutan and China is an irritant for India. It is as if Bhutan has betrayed its friend India.

However, PM Modi’s visit to Thimphu last month and the conferment of Bhutan’s highest civilian award, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, on him indicate that the Himalayan kingdom’s heart is in the right place. Therefore, it is apparent that Thimphu would have consulted New Delhi before it entered into negotiations with China on the ‘Three-Step Roadmap’. Rather, India would have encouraged Bhutan to speed up boundary negotiations with China. It is vital for India’s national security interests. An iron-clad boundary between Bhutan and China would have ensured that there is a veritable strategic buffer between China and India by way of Bhutan, and China’s border with India would, as a result, not be a contiguous one.

PM Modi recently stated that “for New Delhi, ties with Beijing are important and the prolonged situation at the borders should be addressed urgently”. Is he trying to recast the India-China-Bhutan relationship in a new mould?

The Doklam incident of 2017 had caused concern. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) occupied the plateau and developed military infrastructure right up to the base of the Jampheri Ridge, which overlooks the Siliguri Corridor. The Chinese even constructed a Xiaokang (well-off) village, Pangda, in the area. And, there was apprehension that the Chinese would cross the Torsa Nullah and intrude into Indian territory. But in such an event, the Indian Army, too, would cross it, leading to a full-scale war.

In this age of information warfare, one does not quite need to physically dominate the heights in order to conduct surveillance. Satellites can be launched from PLA bases in the Tibet Autonomous Region and even from Chengdu, the headquarters of the PLA’s Western Theatre Command.

Chinese satellites have a revisit time of four hours and these are far advanced than the Indian ones. These can monitor Indian Army movement in the Siliguri Corridor and thereabouts with greater clarity. Therefore, China’s reasons for attempting to occupy the Jampheri Ridge are two-fold. One is to occupy high ground (elevated positions) throughout the 3,488-km-long India-China boundary, after which it would fortify the border with the land border laws that it enacted on January 1, 2022, and the second is to maintain a posture that would keep the Indian Army perpetually deployed and on its toes.

Indian strategists must also comprehend the need to build new axes to and from the North East via Bangladesh to the rest of India. This would not be too demanding an affair, given the present affable India-Bangladesh relationship. Moreover, it would call the Chinese bluff with regard to the corridor, the severance of which would have isolated the North East.

Another important aspect that needs to be flagged with reference to the corridor is the threat of radicalisation. A study conducted a few years ago found that there was a huge radicalised population among the minorities of Nepal’s Terai region, including areas in Jhapa and Ilam, which are close to the corridor.

It is being said that it’s a matter of time before these radicalised groups invade this region. The loyalties of these elements are being controlled by anti-India forces. A radical group, the Islamic Sangh Nepal (ISN), has emerged as the premier Nepali Muslim outfit; it is said to be under the control of both the ISIS and Pakistan’s ISI. Anti-India subterfuge is being planned by utilising the ISN. The ISN is the primary vehicle for the spread of Salafi Islam in the region.

There are five key mazhabs or schools in Islam: Hanafi, Shafei, Maliki, Hanbali and Zafariya (which is chiefly Shia). The Muslims of India are predominantly from Islam’s Hanafi sect, which is a moderate lot.

But the transformative moment that Islam is passing through has witnessed the entry of the Hanbali or the Salafists into the region, and there is a possibility of north Bengal turning out to be the epicentre of this radical strain. The Tablighi Jamaat is also reportedly active in this region.

It has been reported that the Chinese are attempting to manoeuvre their way inside Nepal, especially among the Muslim population. For those who had written off the Islamic State, the March 22 attack in Moscow should act as an eye-opener.

Lastly, there is the growth of new social formations in the region. Some Nepalis are entering into wedlock with radical Islamists.

The Siliguri Corridor cannot be permitted to become the soft underbelly of India’s strategic northern frontiers.

45-year-old constable Farhad was on security duty of herbal medical practitioner Baba Surjeet Singh in Dheri Baghbanan

PTI

Peshawar, April 23

A policeman deployed to guard a Sikh medical practitioner was shot dead on Tuesday by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan’s northwestern city of Peshawar, police said.

The victim, identified as 45-year-old constable Farhad, was on security duty of herbal medical practitioner Baba Surjeet Singh in Dheri Baghbanan – a suburban locality of Peshawar district.

Farhad was sitting on a chair outside the shop when unidentified gunmen opened fire at him, killing him on the spot, police said.

The police have cordoned off the area and started the investigation.