PTI

Jammu, September 19Kokernag, Anantnag viruses got eliminated by our brave soldiers…ammunition recovered from the slained rats

Security forces are conducting search operations in some areas along the Line of Control in Rajouri and Poonch districts, officials said on Tuesday. The operations were launched on Monday evening following information on the movement of suspected persons.

Congress seeks more check posts

• The J&K unit of the Congress has demanded establishment of security check posts in Rajouri and Poonch districts.
• It has sought strengthening of the Village Defence Guards. 26 terrorists and 11 security men have been killed this year.

The officials said the operations were being conducted in Nowshera, Gagrote and Kangota of Rajouri district and Gulpore, Ajote and Deriyan of Poonch district. Security personnel are also checking vehicles coming from the border areas, the officials added.

At the same time, the J&K unit of the Congress has expressed concern over the “rising” militancy in Rajouri and Poonch, demanding setting up of security check posts and strengthening of the Village Defence Guards (VDGs) in the twin border districts.

At least 26 terrorists and 11 security personnel have been killed this year in a series of encounters in the two districts where seven civilians were also killed in targeted attacks by terrorists. “The administration should step up vigil, deploy security forces and strengthen the village defence mechanisms in all remote and vulnerable areas,” Congress working president Raman Bhalla said.

Bhalla told reporters here that residents of Narla and Sajali area of Kalakote in Rajouri were frightened after the recent encounter. Two terrorists and a soldier were killed and four security personnel injured in a gunbattle in Narla village on September 12. The encounter also claimed the life of Kent, a six-year-old Army dog. “Timely information by a local resident, Prem Lal, about the presence of two terrorists averted a Dhangri-style attack in Narla,” he said, referring to the killing of seven civilians by terrorists in Rajouri village on January 1.

Worsening ties could affect economic interests of thousands of families, since they have relatives in Canada, who remit millions of dollars back home in Punjab

Reuters

New Delhi, September 19

Trade talks between India and Canada have taken a hit as tension rises after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said authorities were investigating “credible allegations” linking New Delhi’s agents to the murder of a Sikh separatist leader.

Related News

• In a tit-for-tat, India expels Canadian diplomat; rejects Justin Trudeau’s charges as ‘absurd and motivated’
• Hardeep Singh Nijjar, what is known about the murder of Sikh activist in Canada
• Canada says Indian govt agents could be linked to Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s murder
• Tense diplomatic relations may not impact trade, investment ties between India, Canada: Experts
• Canada expels Indian diplomat as it investigates India’s possible link to Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing

On Tuesday, New Delhi dismissed the allegations as “absurd”, and asked Canada to crack down on anti-India elements operating on its territory.

Here is what is at stake for both countries:

How are trade talks affected?

Canada said this month it had paused talks on the proposed treaty with India, just three months after both said they aimed to seal an initial pact this year.

Industry estimates show the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Canada and India could boost two-way trade by as much as $6.5 billion, yielding a GDP gain of $3.8 billion to $5.9 billion for Canada by 2035.

What are the key items of trade

Steady growth has seen goods trade rise to $8 billion in 2022, with Indian exports to Canada touching $4 billion and imports from Canada also worth $4 billion.

India’s growing demand for imported lentils has benefited Canadian farmers, while Indian pharmaceutical and software companies have expanded their presence in the Canadian market.

Major imports from Canada include energy products such as coal, coke and briquettes, besides fertilisers, while India exports consumer goods, garments, engineering products such as auto parts, aircraft equipment and electronic items.

What is the investment position

Canada is India’s 17th largest foreign investor, pouring in more than $3.6 billion since 2000, while Canadian portfolio investors have invested billions of dollars in Indian stock and debt markets.

The Canadian pension fund, CPP, has increased its investment in Indian markets to about $15 billion, in areas such as real estate, renewables, and the financial sector by the end of last fiscal year in March 2023.

How have corporates benefited

More than 600 Canadian companies, including Bombardier and SNC Lavalin, have a strong presence in India, while more than 30 Indian companies, such as infotech majors TCS, Infosys, Wipro have invested billion of dollars in Canada, creating thousands of jobs.

What is the role of Indian students in Canada

Since 2018, India has been the largest source country for international students in Canada.

In 2022, their number rose 47% to nearly 320,000, accounting for about 40% of total overseas students, the Canadian Bureau of International Education says, which also helps universities and colleges provide a subsidised education to domestic students.

What are the implications for Sikhs

Many analysts say the worsening ties could affect the economic interests of thousands of Sikh families in India’s Sikh-majority state of Punjab in the north, since they have relatives in Canada, who remit millions of dollars back home.

The share of Canada’s Sikh population has more than doubled in 20 years, to 2.1%, according to the country’s 2021 census, as large number of Sikhs have migrated from India in search of higher education and jobs.

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 19

Indian Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande on Tuesday said a study was underway to examine which all streams of the Army could be opened up for more women. General Pande was speaking at the inaugural General SF Rodrigues Memorial Lecture here. Lt Gen Raj Shukla (retd) delivered the keynote address on “Ukraine: Changing character of war and firepower”.

The Army Chief recollected that the recruitment of women was started by General Rodrigues when he was the Army Chief. “Today, there are over 1,700 women officers and 114 of them are in command positions,” he said.

General Pande recollected the role of General Rodrigues in equipping the Regiment of Artillery and its future.

The Army Chief said Surveillance and Target Acquisition (SATA) units were being reorganised for efficient surveillance, data management, coordination and targeting. “The Regiment of Artillery is planning on the induction of these niche technologies,” he said.

Speaking on the Russia-Ukraine war, he said the conflict had shown the relevance of firepower. Lt Gen Shukla (retd) said the Ukraine conflict offered valuable lessons for the international system, statecraft and war-fighting.

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SUBMISSION OF LIFE CERTIFICATE BY NRI VETERANS

LT COL NOEL ELLIS

14/IX/2023

Sons of India got martyred yesterday and many are battling for their lives in various hospitals. A tragic day for 19 RR, their parent units, J&K Police, and our country.

My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the brave hearts. May their souls rest in peace.

‘Lashkar’ is the group involved, they say. Where does this group have its origins? And we are playing cricket with those Bs. Telecasting rights earn revenue. My foot! Life of a soldier doesn’t come cheap. Another soldier will replace him, but cricket cannot wait. What nonsense!

To take on terrorists in such mountainous and forested terrain is not a joke. Hats off to the CO who led from the front. Both he and his Company Commander were already decorated with gallantry awards. Another decoration will find no chest to proudly wear them. Widows and orphans will keep feeling the pain, every time they see those medals, with no one to wipe their tears.

While taking an oath to uphold the Indian constitution we pledged our lives to the nation. By land, sea, or air, we shall go where ever ordered, even at the peril of our lives. We who have passed out of the portals of various Military Academies keep our promise to the nation in letter and spirit. It is nation first always and every time.

News channels kindly don’t seko your TRP on this tragic news. A common citizen has so much to bother about, which you fail to cover. Media makes it disgusting by shoving mikes into the mouths of family members of the deceased. Keep away. Don’t make it a tamasha. Let ‘us’ mourn our fallen in the dignity they deserve.

Media guys, you have politics and politicians to thrive on. Let us see you taking their pants down for this. Veterans, please stay away from National Television. Media knows how to manipulate you. Tomorrow, they will pitch you against political party spokespersons, who will blame the loss on you.

I heard some veterans say, the informer double crossed the unit. If we did not know it and expect it then we had become complacent. Loss is not acceptable whatsoever. I hope that informer and his accomplices have been taken to task. Having functioned with them, these guys can lead you to death.

Their bravery, tactical acumen, and knowledge of operational hazards, in an area which was lying dominant for quite some years is outstanding. Militants find such places lucrative to hurt us.

In such operations risks had to be taken and the price has been paid. Now is the time to escalate costs for all those who train, abet, support, provide safe havens and give terrorists information about us.

A lull doesn’t mean all is well. A lull is the time to consolidate. These vermin have to be pulled out of every hideout and hole. Don’t capture them alive. Make it easy for them to get their promised 72. Law is too complicated and so are the human rights sissy’s. They will never open their gobs for the human rights of the KIA soldiers. Let the courts understand or let judges be part of such operations.

Winning hearts and minds of a ‘brainwashed population’ is difficult. Aim is to give the people confidence in what India believes in. It is their betterment and progress. Their livelihoods and prosperity. The false narratives of Pakistan need to be exposed.

I was speaking to a honeymoon couple recently who ‘’dared to go to the valley. They were scared when they left. On their return it was not a surprise what they revealed. From hotels, to taxi drivers, to pony drivers, all are double crossers and double-faced people.

‘They’ spoke of India as a ‘dushman’ and terrorised this young couple, so that they discourage others from coming to Kashmir. These guys are in touch with militant groups & their handlers. Every businessman and shopkeeper pays a ransom or faces a death penalty. Lt Governor Saab are you listening. Grass roots need to be re-indoctrinated and the time is ripe.

If Pakistan says it will raise costs for Afghanistan and Taliban for their own security. Then we too need to now announce a jihad against this rogue state, otherwise they shall continue supporting terrorism unabated. Enough is enough.

I am sure 19 RR and other units will avenge each death in an appropriate manner. Let us all join our hands in prayers for the departed souls and their families. A minute’s silence would do.

My heart is heavy as I key these words. My conscience churns and my blood boils deep inside as I feel helpless.

HM Saab, are such losses acceptable to you? I wonder!!!!!!!

JAI HIND

Taipei, September 18

China’s military sent 103 warplanes toward Taiwan in a 24-hour period in what the island’s defence ministry called a recent new high.

The planes were detected between 6 am on Sunday and 6 am on Monday, the ministry said. As is customary, they turned back before reaching Taiwan.

Says no median line

• Taiwan’s Defence Ministry said 40 of the planes crossed the symbolic median line between mainland China and the island
• But Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said there is no such thing as a ‘median line’ because Taiwan is part of Chinese territory

Chinese warplanes fly toward the self-governing island on a near-daily basis but typically in smaller numbers. The Taiwan ministry didn’t explain what time period it meant by a “recent” high.

China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, has conducted increasingly large military drills in the air and waters around Taiwan as tensions have grown between the two and with the United States.

Taiwan’s Defence Ministry ministry called the Chinese military action “harassment” that it warned could escalate in the current tense atmosphere. — AP

Sandeep Dikshit

New Delhi, September 18

After over a year, another Chinese ocean research vessel has been cleared by the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence to dock at Colombo. The ship will operate for nearly three months in the east Indian Ocean region.

Chinese “research ships”’ usually have dual purposes — while the primary aim is scientific exploration, what raises the hackles of other countries is the geopolitical purposes for which they are also deployed. In case of Shi Yan 6, a Chinese statement said the ship would help “strengthen scientific research cooperation and exchanges with countries along the Maritime Silk Road and further realise the integration of science and education for Belt and Road Initiative”.

The ship, “Shi Yan 6” will arrive at Sri Lanka a year after another research ship Yuan Wang 5 had docked at Hambantota port in August last year.

Following the security concerns raised by India and the US, Sri Lanka did allow its docking but stipulated that it must keep the Automatic Identification System (AIS) switched on within its exclusive economic xone (EEZ) and did not conduct any scientific research. The docking had also led to a war of words between Indian and Chinese diplomats.

Tribune News Service

Dushyant Singh Pundir

Chandigarh, September 18

In a recent development, the expansion of the Indian Air Force (IAF) Heritage Centre under Phase II, officially named as “Indian Air Force Aerospace and Technical Centre”, has hit a maintenance hurdle. Two months after the IAF authorities submitted their proposal for the expansion of the centre at the Government Press Building, Sector 18, its maintenance responsibilities have come into question.

At present, Phase 1 of the centre is being handled by the UT Tourism Department. However, in July year, the IAF had submitted an expansion plan to the UT Administration.

But, the UT Administration has now sent a letter to the IAF authorities, expressing their lack of expertise in artefact maintenance and suggesting that the IAF should take this responsibility.

Chandigarh cites lack of expertise

• Phase 1 of IAF Heritage Centre is being handled by the UT Tourism Department
• In July, the IAF submitted an expansion plan to the UT Administration
• Administration now cites lack of expertise in artefact maintenance and suggests the IAF should take this responsibility

A senior UT officer stated that they had communicated to the IAF authorities that they did not possess the necessary expertise for artefact maintenance, and it should, therefore, be carried out by the IAF. “As of now, we have not received a response from them,” he added.

When the proposal was submitted, IAF officers had stated that once a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was finalised, work would begin within a month and completed within six months.

Under Phase II, the centre will have advanced technology-driven features aimed at inspiring youngsters to join the Air Force. The new wing will be constructed in an adjoining hall covering an area of nearly 13,000 sq ft. It will have a display of technology-based and electronic systems, simulators and aero engines. The project has been cleared by the IAF authorities.

On May 8, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Phase I of the Heritage Centre, which received an encouraging response.

The first phase, set up across a 15,000 sq ft hall, focuses on the history and legends of the IAF. As part of Phase 1, GNAT aircraft were displayed at the light point outside the centre.

The centre at present has eight attractions, including aircraft models, weapon display and a flight simulator. Informative exhibits such as aero engines, aircraft, kiosks, air force artefacts, machines/fixtures and screens filming achievements and personalities have been set up. Additionally, there is a souvenir shop and a theme-based café for visitors to enjoy. The centre houses five vintage aircraft, complete with cockpit exposure.

Lt Gen Raj Sujlana (retd)

A recent report about a festival in Bangus valley of Kupwara (Jammu and Kashmir) transported me back to July 1971, when I joined my unit in this frontier district. The word ‘Bangus’ comes from Sanskrit words van (forest) and gus (grass). The valley is a huge grassy patch surrounded by a dense forest.

I was lucky to have seen this area in a virgin state during a long-range patrol (LRP), an important aspect of our training which honed our skills as independent commanders and enhanced our spirit of adventure. All LRP teams have specific tasks. The one I led was tasked to reconnoitre the terrain to identify likely routes of enemy ingress and interact with the locals. Being a restricted area, no casual visitors were allowed; only the nomadic Bakarwals were permitted to venture here in the summer to access the grazing grounds and go back before the winter set in.

The nine-day LRP was held over extremely difficult mountainous terrain. One of the toughest ascents was to the crest of the massive salient of the Shamshabari Range. The patrol helped greenhorns like me acclimatise to the high altitudes and tone up muscles for mountain warfare. The descent was comparatively easy-going. Once the rocky outcrop on the higher reaches was crossed, there were grassy slopes laden with wild flowers to welcome us. Tracks crisscrossed the slopes, created by the sheep, cattle and horses of the Bakarwals, who arrived here by early June. The Bakarwals’ dwellings, known as Bhaikhs, pockmarked the slopes in small numbers. The hutments were built of wood; each group of Bhaikhs had a name. These hutments were strong enough to weather the winter and give shelter to winter patrol teams. Open enclosures existed for their herds, faithfully guarded by ferocious dogs, who also warned of approaching strangers. It was interesting to meet the elders and learn about their activities. The grazing grounds fattened their cattle and sheep; milk was aplenty. They sold or bartered large quantities of ghee.

The decision to start the Bangus festival and develop 300-odd tourist destinations in J&K does not seem pragmatic from the security and environmental perspectives. Seeing the mess in Himachal Pradesh and other states, I wonder if the ‘paradise on earth’ will soon join this list. Commercialisation and tourism seem to be the overriding priorities, but throwing open Bangus and other areas close to the Line of Control, well known as suitable infiltration points for hostile elements, defies logic. It will ruin the habitat and livelihood of the Bakarwals once these areas are invaded by tourists. An adverse impact on the environment will follow, but most important are the security concerns. Imagine the opportunity for dubious characters to mingle with the tourists! Hope the decision-makers will look into these issues before it is too late.