In a statement, Trump says the US military had successfully retrieved a senior officer, a colonel, who had been stranded behind enemy lines in mountainous Iranian territory after his aircraft went down

US President Donald Trump on Sunday announced the rescue of a missing American pilot, describing it as “one of the most daring search and rescue operations in US history”, amid escalating tensions with Iran.

In a statement, Trump said the US military had successfully retrieved a senior officer, a colonel, who had been stranded behind enemy lines in mountainous Iranian territory after his aircraft went down. He said the officer, though injured, was now “safe and sound”.

According to the President, the operation involved multiple aircraft and was carried out under constant surveillance and planning by top US military leadership. He claimed the mission was executed without any American casualties.

The rescue comes against the backdrop of heightened hostilities after Iran reportedly shot down two US military aircraft on Friday — an F-15E Strike Eagle and an A-10 Thunderbolt II.

The missing officer was believed to be part of the crew of the downed F-15 fighter jet.

Trump also revealed that another American pilot had been rescued in a separate operation a day earlier, though the development was kept under wraps to avoid jeopardising the second mission. He termed the twin rescues unprecedented, claiming it was the first time two US pilots had been recovered from deep inside hostile territory in separate missions.

Emphasising US military strength, Trump said the operations demonstrated “overwhelming air dominance” over Iranian skies and reiterated that the United States would “never leave an American warfighter behind”.

There was no immediate response from Iranian authorities on the claims.

India said on Saturday that there are no payment issues with Iran for crude imports and that refiners continue to source oil from the country, as well as from a wide range of global suppliers.

In a post on X, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas dismissed reports that an oil tanker carrying Iranian crude had rerouted mid-voyage from its previously indicated destination of India, which would have marked the first such shipment in nearly seven years, to China, saying the claims overlooked standard industry practice where cargoes can change destination during transit based on trade optimisation and operational flexibility.

Terming as “factually incorrect” assertions that the cargo was diverted from its previously indicated destination of Vadinar in Gujarat to China due to payment hurdles, the ministry said, “there are no payment hurdles for Iranian crude imports”.

“India imports crude oil from 40+ countries, with companies having full flexibility to source oil from different sources and geographies based on commercial considerations,” it said.

“Amid Middle East supply disruptions, Indian refiners have secured their crude oil requirements, including from Iran, and there is no payment hurdle for Iranian crude imports, contrary to the rumours being circulated.”

Ship-tracking firm Kpler on Friday stated that Aframax tanker Ping Shun, built in 2002 and sanctioned by the US in 2025, is now signalling Dongying in China as its destination instead of Vadinar in Gujarat, which it had indicated earlier this week.

Oil on Ping Shun would have been the first Iranian crude that India would have purchased since 2019. Indian refiners have been looking at opportunities to purchase a few cargoes of Iranian oil on water following the recent sanctions waiver by Washington.

The ministry clarified that changes in vessel destinations during transit are common in global oil trade, as bills of lading often indicate tentative discharge ports and cargoes may be rerouted mid-voyage for operational and commercial reasons.

“Claims on vessel diversion ignore how the oil trade works. Bills of Lading often carry indicative discharge ports, destinations and on-sea cargoes can change destinations mid-voyage based on trade optimisation and operational flexibility,” the ministry said.

“It is reiterated that India’s crude oil requirements remain fully secured for the coming months.”  The ministry also said that an LPG vessel, Sea Bird, carrying about 44,000 tonnes of Iranian LPG, berthed at Mangalore on April 2 and is currently discharging cargo.

Historically, India was a major buyer of Iranian crude, importing significant volumes of Iranian light and heavy grades due to strong refinery compatibility and favourable commercial terms.

Following sanctions tightening in 2018, imports ceased in May 2019, with volumes replaced by Middle Eastern, US and other grades. At peak, Iranian crude accounted for 11.5 per cent of India’s total imports.

India used to buy 5,18,000 barrels per day of Iranian oil in 2018, which slowed to 2,68,000 bpd between January and May 2019 when the US granted waivers to a few buyers. There have been no imports since.

The key grades that Indian refiners used to purchase are Iran light and Iran heavy crudes.

The US last month waived sanctions on the purchase of Iranian oil at sea for 30 days in its latest attempt to ease oil prices that have been driven up by the US-Israeli war on Iran.

That window expires April 19. An estimated 95 million barrels of Iranian oil are on vessels at sea, of which around 51 million barrels could be sold to India, and the remaining are better suited for buyers in China and Southeast Asia.

Ping Shun is estimated to be carrying about 6,00,000 barrels of oil that was loaded from Kharg Island around March 4. Its declared ETA to Vadinar was April 4, according to Kpler.

Thousands of commuters stranded for hours

Traffic on the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway came to a standstill on Saturday morning after taxi and truck unions from Punjab staged a massive protest against the Himachal Pradesh government’s recent entry tax notification. The protest, which began at 9 am, led to a complete blockade of the highway, leaving thousands of commuters stranded for hours.

Members of various taxi and transport unions gathered on the highway and staged a dharna, announcing that the blockade would continue until 8 pm. They warned of further escalation if their demands were not met, raising slogans against the Himachal Pradesh government and accusing it of discriminatory policies affecting transporters from Punjab and other states.

According to union leaders, the notification exempts taxis and small commercial vehicles registered in Himachal Pradesh from the entry tax, while imposing the levy on similar vehicles from neighbouring states. They argued that the selective exemption had created an uneven playing field and was hurting their livelihoods.

Transporters operating in border areas said the new tax regime had significantly impacted their businesses. “Our earnings have taken a major hit due to this decision. Tourists prefer local Himachal vehicles to avoid extra charges, which is unfair to operators from Punjab,” said a protesting driver.

Protest leaders, including Paramjit Singh Pamma and Gaurav Rana, termed the move “illegal” and contrary to principles of fair trade. They alleged that the policy promotes monopoly by giving undue advantage to Himachal-based operators while penalising those from other states. The leaders demanded immediate withdrawal of the notification and a uniform tax policy for commercial vehicles, regardless of registration.

The protesters also urged the Punjab government to intervene and take up the matter with Himachal Pradesh authorities.

Meanwhile, police and local authorities attempted to manage the situation and divert traffic to alternative routes, though with limited success due to the scale of the blockade.

The protest underscores growing tensions between transporters in neighbouring states over taxation policies, with stakeholders calling for a balanced resolution to prevent further disruption and economic losses.

The International Atomic Energy Agency on Saturday said that it has been informed by Iran about a projectile striking close to the premises of the Bushehr nuclear power plant.

Earlier, two US warplanes were downed over Iran and the Gulf, Iranian and US officials said on Friday, with two pilots rescued and a third still missing and being hunted by Tehran’s forces.

The incidents show the risks still faced by U.S. and Israeli aircraft over Iran despite assertions from US President Donald Trump and his Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that their forces had total control of the skies.

The first plane, a two-seat US F-15E jet, was shot down by Iranian fire, officials in both countries said. The second plane, an A-10 Warthog fighter aircraft, was hit by Iranian fire and crashed over Kuwait, with the pilot ejecting, two US officials said.

Two Blackhawk helicopters involved in the search effort for the missing pilot were hit by Iranian fire but made it out of Iranian airspace, the two US officials told Reuters. The degree of injuries among the crew of the aircraft remained unclear. The status and whereabouts of the missing F-15E crew member was not publicly known. — with Agencies

IAEA says projectile hits near Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant, killing one

April 4, 2026 3:17 pm

The International Atomic Energy Agency on Saturday said that it has been informed by Iran about a projectile striking close to the premises of the Bushehr nuclear power plant. The IAEA said in an X post that one of the site’s physical protection staff members was killed by a projectile fragment and that a building on site was affected by shockwaves and fragments. “No increase in radiation levels was reported,” the IAEA said. Iran’s Tasnim news agency said earlier on Saturday the incident did not damage the main parts of the plant and that production was unaffected.

365 service members have been wounded in action in the Iran War

April 4, 2026 12:31 pm

As of Friday, 247 of the wounded were Army soldiers, 63 were Navy sailors, 19 were Marines and 36 were Air Force airmen, according to Pentagon data available online.

Iran executes two more members of an exile group

April 4, 2026 12:30 pm

The Iranian judiciary’s Mizan news agency said Saturday that the two men who were hanged belonged to the Iranian exile group Mujahedin-e-Khalq.

Tehran mocks Trump’s war aims

April 4, 2026 11:58 am

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps said it was combing a southwestern area near where the pilot’s plane came down, while the regional governor promised a commendation for anyone who captured or killed “forces of the hostile enemy.” Iranians pummeled by American air power since the U.S. and Israel began their attacks on February 28 celebrated the plane downings. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said on X the war had been “downgraded from regime change” to a hunt for pilots. Trump has been in the White House receiving updates on the rescue effort, a senior administration official told Reuters.

Fire reported at foreign oil companies’ storage facilities in Iraq after drone strike

April 4, 2026 11:09 am

A fire broke out early on Saturday at storage facilities belonging to foreign oil companies west of Iraq’s Basra after a drone strike, security sources told Reuters.

Pakistan slashes petrol price by PKR 80 per litre, day after sharp hike met severe backlash

April 4, 2026 11:09 am

A day after an unprecedented surge in fuel prices triggered severe backlash, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced slashing the petrol price by PKR 80. Sharif in a midnight address on Friday announced that the government has decided to reduce petrol levy by PKR 80 per litre, making the commodity available to the end consumer for PKR 378 per litre.

US military aircraft hit in Iran war are 1st shot down by enemy fire in over 20 years

April 4, 2026 10:50 am

Iran shooting down two American military aircraft marks an exceedingly rare assault for the US that has not happened in more than 20 years and shows the Islamic Republic’s continued ability to hit back despite President Donald Trump asserting it has been “completely decimated.”

Dubai says no injuries from debris falling on Oracle building

April 4, 2026 10:14 am

Dubai authorities said on Saturday no injuries were reported after debris fell on the facade of an Oracle building in the emirate’s Internet City following an aerial interception. Oracle featured on a list of 18 US companies Iran’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has vowed to target in retaliation for attacks on the country.

Dubai authorities say no fire or injuries from falling debris in marina area

April 4, 2026 8:37 am

Authorities in Dubai said on Saturday no fire or injuries were reported from debris falling on the facade of a building in the city’s Marina area following an aerial interception, according to a post on X by the emirate’s media office.

Vietnam Q1 growth slows as costlier Middle East energy tests 2026 target

April 4, 2026 8:35 am

Vietnam’s economy slowed in the first quarter from the three months prior, data showed on Saturday, as heavy exposure to Middle Eastern oil imports boosted inflation, presenting a challenge in reaching an annual growth target, authorities said.

Trump threat to strike bridges, power plants

April 4, 2026 8:33 am

On Friday, as Trump threatened to hit its bridges and power plants, Iran struck a power and water plant in Kuwait, underlining the vulnerability of Gulf states that rely heavily on desalination plants for drinking water.

No sign of end to war

April 4, 2026 8:32 am

The prospect of a U.S. service person being alive and on the run inside Iran raises the stakes for Washington in a conflict with low public support and no sign of an imminent end.

CBI busts multi-crore ECHS fraud at super-specialty hospitals in Chandigarh, Mohali; here’s the list

Stealth Frigate INS Taragiri Equipped With Deadly BrahMos Missiles Commissioned; Boosts India’s Maritime

Atal Tunnel North Portal in Himachal declared no-go zone amid avalanche threat

Beauty & borders: Officer’s book explores Meghalaya through the eyes of the BSF

Iran fires on targets across West Asia while Israel,US hit Tehran as war nears end of 5th week

Three-language formula from Class 6;two levels of maths, science for Class 9

IAF looks to build hydrogen airship to boost surveillance

Armed with BrahMos, 6,670-tonne stealth frigate Taragiri joins Navy fleet

India inducts third indigenous nuclear sub, joins elite group

Trump says big destruction yet to start as Iran shoots down US jet

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Nitin Jain

Directors, hospital staff booked for conspiracy, cheating; fake records, forged signatures, cash trail under probe; raids uncover organised medical billing fraud network

n a massive crackdown on organised healthcare corruption, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has unearthed a multi-crore fraud targeting the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS).

The agency has booked directors of a healthcare firm and doctors of several leading private super-specialty hospitals for allegedly siphoning off government funds through fabricated medical claims.

The CBI has conducted the searches across Chandigarh and Mohali, unearthing crucial evidence pointing to an organised network.

According to a senior CBI official privy to the ongoing investigation, who spoke exclusively to The Tribune on Friday evening, the case has been registered in Chandigarh on the basis of source information regarding large-scale irregularities in ECHS claims.

Named accused in FIR include Dr Vikas Sharma and Dr Rimple Gupta, both Directors of M/s Manthan Health Care, Sector 38, Chandigarh; M/s Manthan Health Care; Dharam Hospital Pvt. Ltd., Sector 15, Chandigarh; Kare Partner Heart Centre, Sector 19, Chandigarh; Manjeet Singh, bill clerk at Kare Partner Heart Centre; Parveen Kumar, bill clerk at Manthan Health Care; and unknown officials of ECHS polyclinics/regional centre.

The FIR, a copy of which is with The Tribune, also notes that the role of other leading hospitals — Amar Hospital, Shalby Hospital, 1H Plus Med Park Hospital in Mohali and Eden Critical Care Hospital in Chandigarh besides several public servants — will be examined during the course of investigation.

The FIR has been registered under Sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 420 (cheating) and 471 (using forged documents) of the IPC, with relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Sections 13(2) read with 13(1)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

The case stems from credible source information received by the CBI on February 23, 2026, indicating systematic manipulation of ECHS reimbursement processes between 2018 and 2026. Acting on this, the agency conducted a joint surprise check on February 24 at Manthan Health Care and Dharam Hospital in the presence of ECHS vigilance officials.

The complaint details reveal that the accused allegedly operated a well-organised fraud mechanism by misusing emergency admission provisions, manipulating referral systems, fabricating medical and diagnostic records, and inflating treatment and pharmacy bills to siphon off government funds.

Modus operandi unearthed

Investigations so far indicate that Manthan Health Care, despite not being empanelled under ECHS, was allegedly operating in collusion with empanelled hospitals. The ECHS desk of Dharam Hospital was effectively run from Manthan’s premises, where official stamps, blank letterheads and digital signature credentials of the hospital were found.

CBI sources said claims were processed and uploaded on the ECHS portal in the name of Dharam Hospital from Manthan’s facility, pointing to unauthorised diversion of a regulated system.

The FIR also flags fabrication of documents on a large scale, including emergency admission letters, prescriptions, pathology reports and discharge summaries. Signatures of doctors were allegedly forged, while some diagnostic reports were found fake, with laboratories denying issuance.

Patient routing & fake admissions

The probe has revealed a pattern of abnormal admissions where ECHS beneficiaries were allegedly identified and routed through intermediaries to select hospitals. Many cases were shown as emergencies without adequate clinical basis to secure higher reimbursements.

Specific instances cited in the FIR include repeated admissions of certain patients across hospitals such as Dharam Hospital, Kare Partner Heart Centre and Eden Critical Care Hospital within short intervals for similar ailments, indicating orchestrated hospitalisation for claim generation.

Financial links & commission trail

Investigators have also found evidence of structured financial arrangements, including referral-based commissions and revenue-sharing models. Documents indicate a 50:50 revenue-sharing understanding between Manthan Health Care and Dharam Hospital, along with per-patient payments to intermediaries.

WhatsApp chats recovered during the checks allegedly show prior coordination on patient admissions, discharge timing and preparation of medical records, suggesting post-facto fabrication to support inflated claims.

Raids & recoveries

The CBI conducted extensive searches on Thursday across multiple locations in Chandigarh and Mohali, including residences of the accused and hospital premises. Officials seized mobile phones, unaccounted cash, property documents, and a large volume of medical records, billing files, referral papers and agreements.

Data relating to ECHS beneficiaries, admission patterns and financial transactions between the entities is now under scrutiny to establish the full scale of the alleged conspiracy.

The probe is ongoing, with the CBI looking into the possible involvement of public servants and the extent of financial loss to the exchequer, the official added.

The Indian Navy has commissioned INS Taragiri, its fourth stealth frigate under Project 17A, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s maritime capabilities. Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, the 6,670-ton warship re-joined the fleet on Friday, embodying over 75 per cent indigenous content.

This achievement underscores the maturation of India’s defence industrial ecosystem and aligns seamlessly with the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

INS Taragiri (F41) represents a generational leap from earlier frigates, boasting a sleeker hull design and markedly reduced radar cross-section for enhanced stealth. Its ‘High-Speed – High Endurance’ profile enables versatile multi-dimensional maritime operations, powered by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system.

Delivered to the Navy on 25 November, the vessel was commissioned ahead of schedule, completing construction in approximately 15 per cent less time than preceding ships of its class.

Defence policy consulting

The warship’s formidable weapon suite includes the supersonic BrahMos surface-to-surface missile (SSM), providing potent strike capability against enemy vessels and land targets. Complementing this are the MFSTAR active electronically scanned array radar and the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) complex for air defence. A 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) offers medium-range firepower, while close-in weapon systems—30mm and 12.7mm guns—along with anti-submarine rockets and torpedoes, ensure comprehensive threat neutralization.

At the heart of Taragiri’s operational prowess lies an integrated Combat Management System (CMS), enabling the crew to detect, track, and engage multiple threats with split-second precision. This advanced sensor fusion elevates the frigate’s role in blue-water operations, from anti-surface warfare to air defence and underwater threat mitigation. Project 17A frigates like Taragiri surpass the capabilities of the earlier Project 17 (Shivalik-class) vessels through superior stealth, automation, and weapon-sensor integration.

INS Taragiri revives the name of a storied predecessor, the Leander-class frigate that served from 16 May 1980 until its decommissioning on 27 June 2013. The new incarnation is tailored for contemporary challenges, including complex diplomatic manoeuvres and humanitarian assistance missions. As the fourth in a series of seven Project 17A ships, Taragiri joins siblings Nilgiri, Udaygiri, and Vindhyagiri, with the remaining three—two at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and one at MDL—slated for delivery by August 2026.

Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi presided over the commissioning, emphasising the service’s evolution into a combat-ready, credible, cohesive, and future-proof force. Since last year, the Indian Navy has inducted 12 warships, one submarine, and an aircraft squadron, bolstering its operational reach, presence, and responsiveness.

Investment in India

Admiral Tripathi hailed Taragiri as a testament to India’s self-reliance, noting its accelerated construction timeline as evidence of growing indigenous expertise.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, addressing the ceremony, positioned INS Taragiri as a symbol of India’s ascending maritime power. He linked the commissioning to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, where marine strength is pivotal. With over 11,000 kilometres of coastline and encirclement by seas on three sides, India cannot divorce its development from oceanic domains, the minister asserted.

Singh highlighted the Navy’s critical role in safeguarding 95 per cent of India’s trade, conducted via maritime routes, alongside energy security. A robust Navy, he stressed, is not optional but essential. The service maintains a steadfast presence across the Indian Ocean Region, from the Persian Gulf to the Malacca Strait, embodying India’s values and commitments.

The timing of Taragiri’s induction is particularly poignant amid global volatilities, including the escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz—a vital chokepoint for global energy trade—have imperilled shipping. Indian-flagged vessels, escorted by Navy warships, have navigated the passage following negotiations with Iran, demonstrating operational acumen.

Project 17A’s emphasis on indigenisation has catalysed private sector involvement, with subsystems sourced from over 100 Indian vendors. This includes advanced materials for stealth features, indigenous sonar suites, and electronic warfare systems. The frigate’s modular design facilitates future upgrades, such as integration of next-generation missiles or unmanned systems, ensuring longevity in service.

Defence policy updates

From a strategic vantage, Taragiri bolsters India’s two-carrier battle group doctrine, enabling sustained forward presence in the Indo-Pacific. Its BrahMos armament—capable of Mach 3 speeds and 290-450km ranges—deters aggression across the spectrum of conflict. Coupled with MRSAM’s extended air defence envelope, the ship counters aerial threats from drones to fighter jets.

Looking ahead, the Navy eyes integration of directed-energy weapons and hypersonic missiles on future frigates. Taragiri’s baseline sets the stage, with mid-life refits planned to incorporate AI-driven autonomy and quantum sensors. This evolution positions India as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean.

Regional security assessments

Defence Minister Singh’s remarks resonate amid Houthi threats in the Red Sea and piracy resurgence off Somalia. Indian Navy deployments have ensured uninterrupted trade flows, underscoring Taragiri’s relevance. As global uncertainties mount, the frigate stands ready to safeguard sea lines of communication.

INS Taragiri encapsulates Atmanirbhar Bharat in action: a home-grown marvel blending cutting-edge technology with strategic foresight. Its commissioning not only swells the fleet but inspires a new era of naval innovation, securing India’s maritime destiny for generations.

In a decisive move to safeguard human life amid escalating natural risks, the district administration of Lahaul and Spiti has imposed immediate restrictions on tourist movement and commercial activity in vulnerable zones surrounding the North Portal of the Atal Tunnel (Rohtang) on Manali-Leh highway in Lahaul and Spiti district.

The order comes in response to alarming reports from engineering and police authorities highlighting the increasing frequency of avalanches, snow slides and falling debris in the region, hazards that have already claimed lives. The order was issued by Lahaul and Spiti Deputy Commissioner-cum-Disaster Management Authority Kiran Bhadana.

The affected stretch includes the hill slopes on the left side of the tunnel’s North Portal, the adjoining vicinity around the portal, and the Chandra Bridge river along with its surrounding areas. These locations, popular among tourists for their dramatic landscapes and snow-covered vistas, have now been declared a restricted zone due to their high susceptibility to sudden and potentially deadly natural events.

Officials noted a surge in tourist footfall and unauthorised commercial activities such as roadside vending, temporary stalls and informal photography points. While these have contributed to local livelihoods, they have also intensified the risks by encouraging crowding in unsafe zones and obstructing critical emergency response operations. Authorities emphasised that such activities could hinder swift evacuation and rescue efforts in case of an avalanche or similar disaster.

Under the new directive, entry of tourists and the general public into the restricted zone is strictly prohibited unless specifically authorised. All forms of commercial activity have been banned and vehicles are no longer permitted to stop, park or gather in these areas. Traffic movement will now be closely regulated by the police and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) personnel to ensure safety and prevent congestion in this strategically vital corridor.

The Superintendent of Police has been tasked with enforcing the order rigorously, with support from BRO and project authorities responsible for the tunnel. Violations will invite strict legal action under relevant provisions of law. However, the restrictions will not apply to emergency services, government officials on duty and disaster response teams.

The administration has clarified that the order takes immediate effect and will remain in force until conditions are deemed safe following a comprehensive hazard reassessment. While the move may temporarily disrupt tourism in the region, officials stress that the priority remains the protection of human life in the face of unpredictable mountain hazards

Vijay Mohan

The essence of Meghalaya and the BSF’s role in the state has been brought to life by Harbax Singh Dhillon, a top BSF officer, in a coffee table book titled ‘BSF and Meghalaya: Through the Lens of a Borderman’ that uniquely combines three genres of literary and visual arts – poems and photographs composed and clicked by him and pencil sketches made by BSF personnel.

The north-eastern state of Meghalaya is described as a breathtaking destination, with pristine, lush green landscapes, misty forests, mysterious caves and incredible waterfalls. The ‘abode of the clouds’ is also known for its friendly populace and vibrant culture.

The state, which attracts hordes of tourists, is also a critical frontier for the Border Security Force (BSF) as it shares a 440 km-long international border with Bangladesh that is vulnerable to infiltration and smuggling, requiring a strong presence of border guarding forces and a dynamic civic action programme to constructively engage locals.

The essence of Meghalaya and the BSF’s role in the state has been brought to life by Harbax Singh Dhillon, a top BSF officer, in a coffee table book titled ‘BSF and Meghalaya: Through the Lens of a Borderman’ that uniquely combines three genres of literary and visual arts – poems and photographs composed and clicked by him and pencil sketches made by BSF personnel.

Presently, Dhillon is posted as Inspector General (Operations), BSF Western Command. He will be moving to the BSF Headquarters in New Delhi this week to accept his promotion to the rank of Additional Director General.

With over 400 pictures, 26 poems and two dozen sketches, the 240-page book illustrates diverse subjects such as BSF deployment, the border fence, women in the BSF, operational challenges, Bangladesh as seen from India, civic engagement, local heritage, everyday life in Meghalaya, festivals, sports and cultural activities, tribes and historical aspects.

Spectacular terrain, mesmerising forests, hidden coves and the diverse flora and fauna present a vivid visual journey through the state where, in the author’s own words, clouds whisper secrets to the soul and the landscape awakens with an ethereal beauty.

“When I was posted in Meghalaya as Inspector General, I explored the state with the heart of a seeker and the perspective of a poet. As I interacted with residents and intellectuals, I came across numerous fascinating facets of the state that were neither common knowledge nor documented in a single volume,” said Dhillon, who has spent 37 years with the BSF and served across multiple frontiers.

“I have also been writing poetry on nature and on the troops and their courage, grit and resilience. It just dawned upon me to write a book which would not only highlight lesser-known facts of Meghalaya, but also be a visual and poetic tribute to the soldiers serving in tough conditions as well as to the charming and friendly people of the state,” he added.