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Naib Subedar Sombir Singh was killed while fighting militants in Turigam area of Kulgam in Jammu and Kashmir last year.Sunil Rahar
sunil. Kumar3@htlive.com
ROHTAK : Naib Subedar Sombir Singh from Bhiwani has been awarded the Shaurya Chakra posthumously for showing exemplary courage while fighting militants in Turigam area of Kulgam in Jammu and Kashmir in February last year.
Shaurya Chakra is the military award given for showing valour, courageous action and sacrifice.
Singh, 37, was killed on line of duty in Turigam area in Jammu and Kashmir on February 24 last year.
He had joined the army in 2001.
Singh belonged to Mithi village of Haryana’s Bhiwani district and is survived by wife, two daughters and a son.
He did his schooling from the government school in his village.
He was selected in the Indian Army after Class 10.
While expressing grief, Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar had announced ex gratia of ₹50 lakh to Singh’s family besides giving a government job to his wife Suman according to her educational qualification.
Singh’s elder daughter Priya, a student of Class 9, said, “It is a proud moment for our family that my martyr father has been awarded Shaurya Chakra posthumously for showing courage while fighting with militants.”
“Today, I can say proudly that I am a daughter of a shaheed fauji. It is very difficult to spend life without a father, but he went beyond his duty of a father by sacrificing his life for the nation. I want to say that the government should take care of martyrs’ families time to time,” she added.
‘over 200 village youths preparing to join defence forces
Rohtash, a cousin of Singh, said more than 200 youths of their village had been preparing daily to get inducted in defence forces.
“These youths have derived their motivation from my brother and they all have zeal to sacrifice their lives for the nation,” he added.
Daring act: Col Sarfaraz Singh in Singapore on Thursday. Tribune Photo
Deepkamal Kaur
Tribune News Service
Jalandhar, January 23
Accomplishing an ambitious mission on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, a 40-day, four-nation and 4,000-km cycling expedition of Jalandhar-based Col Sarfaraz Singh and his team of three experts concluded at Singapore on Thursday.
It was in Singapore that Bose laid the foundation stone of the Indian National Army memorial during on June 8, 1945. So, completion of the tour today is significant, said Col Sarafaraz’s father and former hockey Olympian Col Balbir Singh (retd).
Col Balbir said: “My son has gone on the expedition with three teammates, Saurav, Mithin and Amit. Sarafaraz and his team have become the first and the only Indians to cycle from Manipur to Singapore, via Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia. They rode along the coastlines of the Bay of Bengal, Gulf of Thailand, Strait of Malacca and Singapore Strait. The passage included difficult terrains and thick jungles. They also crossed the famous bridge on the Kwai river in Myanmar and Georgetown in Penang Island of Mayasia. In Thailand, Ambassador Suchitra Durai flagged off their expedition.”
An alumnus of Rashtriya Indian Military College, Dehradun, and the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Col Sarfaraz Singh is the fourth generation officer in the Indian Army. He has a vast experience of scaling prominent peaks, including Mt Everest and Mt Kilimanjaro. He is also among the few mountaineers from the country who reached the base of Mt Nyegyi Kansang from Seppa in Arunachal Pradesh.
Col Sarafaraz conducted the first-ever rafting expedition on the untamed and challenging Kameng river of Arunachal Pradesh. He also led and cycled the first high altitude expedition from Bomdila to Bumla pass, covering a total distance of 300 km.
Col Sarfaraz, who is from the elite Parachute Regiment of the Indian Army and has commanded its 6 Para unit, took over as the first director and principal of the National Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports in February 2017. He is not just a mountaineer but also a sky diver, combat free faller, river rafting specialist and a certified scuba rescue diver.
Tribune News Service
Panchkula, January 25
An Army jawan posted at Chandimandir has alleged that the office of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Panchkula, Kamal Deep Goyal, is not paying heed to his grievance related to an arms licence from the last two years. Interestingly, the jawan has tried everything from filing an RTI application, writing a letter to Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij, lodging complaints and subsequently sending reminders at the Chief Minister’s window, but even these attempts did not bring any positive result.
In a tweet earlier this month, tagged with the CMO Haryana, DCP and CP, Panchkula, Home Minister Anil Vij, PMO India, the office of the President of India and the Haryana police the jawan stated, “Arms licence banwane ke liye SP office, Panckula, ke two year se chakkar kat raha hu but no solution. Please help sir apke jawan ki” (I have been visiting officials concerned from last two years for an arms licence, but nobody has paid heed to my grievance).”
He also shared the copy of letter he wrote to Anij Vij and his contact details while urging officials to address his long-standing grievance.
In the letter, he has mentioned that he is a jawan posted at the AFT Legal Cell, HQ Western Command, Chandimandir Cantonment area. He stated that he had filed two complaints at the CM’s window but not action was taken in this regard. When contacted, the jawan said, “They should give me a valid reason why they have raised an objection to my arms licence application. I have filed two complaints at the CM’s window and an RTI, but nothing has been done on my grievance.” DCP Kamal Deep Goyal could not be contacted for his views on the issue.
Army Chief Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane (left) at the Northern Command Headquarters, Udhampur, on Thursday. Tribune Photo
Our Correspondent
Jammu, January 23
On his maiden visit to Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory, Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Thursday reviewed security and operational readiness along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Jammu region.
The Army Chief, along with Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, General Officer Commanding, Northern Command, also called on Lieutenant Governor Girish Chandra Murmu and discussed the prevailing security situation. Murmu was appreciative of the synergy between the Army, other security forces and the civil administration in maintaining law and order.
At the Northern Command Headquarters in Udhampur, the General was briefed by Lt Gen Ranbir Singh on the LoC situation and also in the hinterland. The Army Chief was appreciative of the efforts put in by the Northern Command to meet the challenges posed by inimical elements.
Gen Naravane also visited troopers on the LoC to review operational readiness of the units of White Knight Corps. He was briefed and updated by Lt General Harsha Gupta, General Officer Commanding, White Knight Corps, and commanders on ground. He interacted with soldiers and lauded them for their unwavering dedication to duty, selfless devotion and high standard of professionalism.
The need to remain prepared for all contingencies was also reinforced by Chief of Army Staff during his interaction with the troopers. “General Manoj Mukund Naravane commended the standard operating procedures institutionalised to ensure safe and secure environment and mission readiness of the troops. He conveyed his satisfaction on the people-friendly measures undertaken in quick timeframe,” an Army spokesperson said.
Lt Gen KJS Dhillon
Srinagar, January 25
On Republic Day, Lt General KJS Dhillon has been awarded the prestigious Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (YSM) in recognition of his tenure as Chinar Corps Commander.
“His tenure saw a number terrorist leaders getting killed, bringing peace to the Valley,” an Army statement said.
Working in complete harmony and synergy with other security forces, intelligence agencies and in coordination with civilian administration, he contributed in maintaining peace in the Valley, especially post August 5 , 2019.
Last year, Lt Gen Dhillon reached out to mothers via “Operation MAA”, engaging them for the return of the youths who had joined terrorist outfits. — TNS
New Delhi, January 25
Nineteen top Army officers, including Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, have been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, an official said on Saturday.
Six Shaurya Chakras have also been awarded for gallantry, he said.
A total of 151 Sena Medals, and eight Yudh Seva Medals also have been announced on the occasion of Republic Day, the official added. PTI
New Delhi, January 25
The President has approved award of 409 Gallantry and other Defence decorations to armed forces personnel and others on the eve of 71st Republic Day celebrations. These include nine Shaurya Chakras, the third highest peace-time gallantry award.
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Of the nine, six have been conferred on Army personnel, while three are from Central police organisations under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Shaurya Chakra for 6 Army personnel
The two Indian Air Force pilots, Squadron Leader Ninad Anil Mandavgane and Squadron Leader Siddharth Vashisht, who went down in an Mi-17 helicopter crash on February 27, have been awarded Vayu Medal (Gallantry). Their helicopter was hit by own missile while India and Pakistan were locked in an air duel. On August 14, Vir Chakra was announced for Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.
Vayu Sena Medals have been announced for Wing Commander Amit Ranjan, Squadron Leaders Rahul Basoya, Pankaj Bhujade, BKN Reddy and Shashank Singh, all part of the airstrike team on February 26. Four persons have been awarded Bar to Sena Medals (Gallantry).
A Bar denotes a second award of same type to an official. The President also approved 107 Sena Medals (Gallantry), five Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry) and four Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry).
Also awarded are 28 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, four Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, 53 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, 10 Yudh Seva Medals, 123 Vishisht Seva Medals, four Bar to Sena Medals (Devotion to Duty), 36 Sena Medals (Devotion to Duty), eight Nao Sena Medals (Devotion to Duty), one Bar to Vayu Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty) and 13 Vayu Sena Medals (Devotion to Duty). — TNS
A worker paints the road-divider line on the the Rajpath, which is all-set for the Republic Day Parade, in New Delhi on Saturday, January 25, 2020. PTI
New Delhi, January 26
India’s rising military might, rich cultural diversity and socio-economic progress will be on full display during the 71st Republic Day celebrations at the Rajpath—the city’s centrepiece boulevard—on Sunday.
Brazilian President Jair Messias Bolsonaro will be the chief guest at the 90-minute celebrations marking the anniversary of the day when India was declared a republic in 1950.
Anti-satellite weapon Shakthi, Army’s battle tank Bhishma, infantry combat vehicles and newly inducted Chinook and Apache helicopters of the Indian Air Force will be part of the grand military parade.
The national capital has been brought under a massive ground-to-air security cover, with thousands of police and paramilitary personnel keeping a hawk-eye vigil.
Twenty-two tableaux – 16 from States and Union Territories and six from various ministries and departments – depicting the nation’s rich cultural heritage and economic progress will also roll down the Rajpath.
School children will convey age-old message of yoga and spiritual values through dance and music during the parade, the defence ministry said.
The Republic Day Parade ceremony will commence with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial near the India Gate. He will lead the nation in paying tributes to the martyrs by laying a wreath.
This is for the first time that the prime minister will pay homage to martyrs at the National War memorial instead of Amar Jawan Jyoti.
Thereafter, the prime minister and other dignitaries will head to the saluting dais at Rajpath to witness the parade.
As per tradition, the national flag will be unfurled followed by the National Anthem with a booming 21-gun salute.
The parade will commence with President Ram Nath Kovind taking the salute. The parade will be commanded by Parade Commander Lt General Asit Mistry, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area. Major General Alok Kacker, Chief of Staff of Delhi Area, will be the second-in-command.
The first contingent in the uniform of the erstwhile Gwalior Lancers will be 61 Cavalry. The 61 Cavalry is the only active serving horse cavalry regiment in the world. It was raised on August 1, 1953 with the amalgamation of six state forces’ cavalry units.
The Indian Army will be represented by a mounted column of 61 Cavalry, eight mechanised columns, six marching contingents and fly-past by Rudra and Dhruv Advanced Light helicopters of the army aviation wing.
Indigenously-developed Main Battle Tank of the Indian Army, T-90 Bhishma tank, infantry combat vehicle Ballway Machine Pikate, K-9 Vajra and Dhanush guns, transportable satellite terminal and Akash weapon system will be the main attraction in the mechanised columns.
The other marching contingents of the Army will include the Parachute regiment, the Grenadiers regiment, the Sikh Light Infantry regiment, the Kumaon regiment and the Corps of Signals.
The Naval contingent will comprise of 144 young sailors led by Lieutenant Jitin Malkat. It will be followed by the Naval Tableau titled ‘Indian Navy – Silent, Strong, and Swift’.
The Air Force contingent, comprising of 144 air warriors, will be led by Flight Lt Shrikant Sharma. The Air Force tableau showcases scaled down models of the Rafale aircraft, the Tejas aircraft, the Light Combat helicopter, the Akash missiles system and the Astra missiles.
One of the main highlights will be the marching contingent of DRDO that will showcase Anti-Satellite Weapons (ASAT) – Mission Shakti.
Mission Shakti, India’s first Anti-Satellite mission, was a major breakthrough in demonstrating the nation’s capability to bring down hostile satellites.
Sixteen tableaux from various states and union territories will depict the geographical and rich cultural diversity of the country.
Various far-reaching reforms of the government, including ‘Start-up India’, and ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ will be showcased in six tableaux from different ministries and departments.
For the first time, a contingent of women bikers of CRPF will perform daredevil stunts. The contingent will be led by Inspector Seema Nag who will be seen saluting while standing atop a moving motorcycle.
The grand finale and the most keenly awaited segment of the parade, the Fly Past will comprise of the ‘Trishul’ formation by three advanced light helicopters.
It is for the first time that a ‘tri-service formation’ is taking part in the Republic Day Parade.
It will be followed by the ‘Vic’ formation of Chinook helicopters, used for airlifting diverse loads to remote locations.
Apache helicopters, Dornier aircraft, C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, an Airborne Early Warning and Control System aircraft and the ‘Globe’ formation comprising three C-17 Globemasters are also expected to enthral the people.
Five Jaguar Deep penetration strike aircraft and five MiG-29 upgrade air superiority fighters in ‘Arrowhead’ formation will also display their aerial manoeuvre.
The parade will culminate with a fleet of Sukhoi-30 MKI jets splitting the sky with a breathtaking ‘Vertical Charlie’ aerobatic manoeuvre. — PTI
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, January 25
Squadron Leader Siddharth Vashisht, one of the pilots of the ill-fated Mi-17 helicopter that crashed at Budgam near Srinagar in February last year during heightened Indo-Pak tensions following IAF strike on terror camps at Balakot in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, has been decorated with the Vayu Sena Medal for gallantry. He belonged to Chandigarh, where his parents are residing for the last about two years.
While the other pilot, Sqn Ldr Ninad Mandavgane, who belonged to Nashik, has also been awarded the Vayu Sena Medal, the other four aircrew, who were travelling in the helicopter at the time of the incident, have been mentioned-in-dispatches for gallantry, an IAF spokesperson said.
“Though nothing can bring back my son, I am happy that his services have been recognised,” said Siddharth’s father Jagdish Kasal, who had served in the Army before joining Punjab National Bank as an officer.
They were serving with 154 Helicopter Unit based at Srinagar and had been airborne for about 10 minutes when the incident took place.
The air combat in which Wg Cdr Abhinandan shot down a Pakistani F-16 had taken place around the same time. A large number of IAF fighter aircraft were airborne and air defence were on high alert and there was significant air activity across the LoC.
The crash was later attributed to “friendly fire”, having been shot down by the IAF’s own surface to air missile that was launched in what is called the “fog of war”. A court of inquiry instituted to investigate the incident has held two officers blameworthy for the lapse and subsequent proceedings are underway.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, was recently quoted in the media saying that the incident was a big mistake on part of the Air Force and appropriate remedial measures would be taken.
A fourth generation officer commissioned in 2010, Sqn Ldr Vashisht, who was 31-years old at the time of the incident, left behind his wife, Aarti, also a Squadron Leader, and a three-year old son Angad, besides his parents and three sisters. He was the youngest of four siblings. Aarti was also posted at Srinagar at that time.
On Republic Day last year, he had also received a commendation for his services.
Siddharth had studied at Shivalik Public School in Sector 41 and thereafter at DAV College, Sector 10, before opting to join the forces. He was adventurous and fond of outdoor life, and was keen to be a flier.
