C-17 Globemaster at Tuting airfield in Arunachal Pradesh. — ANI

New Delhi, March 13

The Indian Air Force’s largest transport aircraft — C-17 Globemaster — on Tuesday landed at Arunachal Pradesh’s Tuting airfield which is close to the Chinese border.The landing of the US-manufactured aircraft is seen as part of the IAF’s move to strengthen its overall operations in the strategically-key border state.”The C17 Globemaster carried out a historic landing at Tuting Advanced Landing Ground. The mission was executed flawlessly owing to its superlative performance and excellent flying skills of pilots,” said an IAF spokesperson.Troops of India and China were locked in a 73-day-long standoff in Doklam from June 16 last year after the Indian side stopped the building of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army. The face-off ended on August 28.Sources said China has been keeping its troops in north Doklam and significantly ramping up its infrastructure in the disputed area. – PTI

Tribune News Service

Mohali, March 13

The Chandigarh international airport will remain closed for operations from May 12 to May 31 for the second phase of runway repair, airport officials announced today.Chandigarh International Airport Limited (CHIAL) public relations officer (PRO) Deepesh Joshi said, “As per the NOTAM (notice to airmen), no civil and military flights will operate from Chandigarh from May 12 to May 31.”The Indian Air Force (IAF) is carrying out runway resurfacing work at the airport and as per directions of the High Court, the runway had to remain shut for 15 days on two occasions. The first phase was completed between February 12 and February 26.Airport sources said the contractor working on the runway requested for four additional days of closure since during the first phase, the repair work was hampered by inclement weather.The sources said the IAF might increase the operation hours from dawn to dusk after the end of the second period of closure. The watch hours at the airport, currently from 5 am to 4 pm, are likely to change to 7.20 am to 5.30 pm when the summer schedule comes into effect from March 25.Airport officials said the available runway length, which had been reduced to 7,200 ft for the resurfacing work, would increase to 9,000 ft and in due course of time to 10,400 ft.Suneel Dutt, CEO, CHIAL, said, “The upgrade of the runway will attract several airlines to operate long-haul flights from Chandigarh to popular destinations such as the US, Canada, Europe and the UK. After the completion of civil works on the runway, lighting work for the night landing facility will start and it will be completed on time.”The Federation of Indian Airlines, a private airlines’ body, had earlier written to the authorities, raising apprehensions regarding the proposed closure in May, considering that it was the peak time for airlines and airports.Second phase of runway repairThe Indian Air Force is carrying out runway resurfacing work at the airport and as per directions of the High Court, the runway had to remain shut for 15 days on two occasions. The first phase was completed between February 12 and February 26. The work on the second phase will be undertaken now. 

PTI file phto

New Delhi, March 5

Indian and Chinese troops have “redeployed” themselves away from the face-off site in Doklam, and China has undertaken construction of helipads, sentry posts and trenches for its army personnel there, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said today.“Troops of both sides have redeployed themselves away from their respective positions at the Doklam face-off site. The strength of both sides has been reduced,” she said replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha.(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)“To maintain these troops during winters, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has undertaken construction of some infrastructure, including sentry posts, trenches and helipads,” she said.Last week, junior Defence Minister Subhash Bhamre had said that the situation along the China border is “sensitive” and it has the potential to escalate.Sitharaman’s reply today came in response to a question on whether satellite images have revealed that China has constructed seven helipads in Doklam, besides deploying tanks and missiles in the area.On whether India has taken up the matter with China, she said issues relating to the border are regularly taken up with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels and at border personnel meetings, flag meetings and meetings of Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs. Troops of India and China were locked in a 73-day-long standoff in Doklam from June 16 last year after the Indian side stopped the building of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army. The face-off ended on August 28.Sources said China has been keeping its troops in north Doklam and significantly ramping up its infrastructure in the disputed area. In January, Army Chief Gen. Bipin Rawat had said the time had come for India to shift its focus from borders with Pakistan to the frontier with China, indicating the seriousness of the situation. — PTI

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. File photo

Muzaffarpur, February 11  Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday said the organisation has the ability to prepare an “army” to fight for the country within three days, if such a situation arises.The RSS chief said this while addressing the workers at Zila school ground on the last day of his six-day visit of Muzaffarpur.“Sangh will prepare military personnel within three days which the Army would do in 6-7 months. This is our capability. Swayamsewak will be ready to take on the front if the country faces such a situation and Constitution permits to do so),” Bhagwat said.Sangh is neither a military nor a para military organisation, rather it is like a “parivarik sangathan” (family organisation) where discipline is practised like the Army, he said adding that workers are always happily ready to make supreme sacrifice for their country.Bhagwat exhorted the RSS workers to set an example of good conduct in their personal, family and social life. — PTI

Western Army Commander Lt Gen Surinder Singh visits the forward areas and interacts with commanders and troops on Friday. Tribune photo

Tribune News Service

Dharamsala, February 9

Lt Gen Surinder Singh AVSM, VSM, Western Army Commander, visited the forward areas of Samba and Pathankot sectors on February 8 and 9. Army authorities said today that the General was briefed by Lt Gen YVK Mohan, GOC Rising Star Corps, on prevailing situation in Jammu and Pathankot region and security arrangements.The Army Commander reviewed the preparedness of the Army in the region and stressed on foolproof security measures. He appreciated the coordinated measures being taken by Army in the border areas.The Army Commander stressed on need of high alertness and operational preparedness in view of the prevailing situation on the Indo-Pak border. He also interacted with commanders and troops during his visit.

1. CAPT KUNDU WAS TO BE BACK HOME ON B’DAY, FEB 10
2. FAMILIES BID FAREWELL TO BRAVEHEARTS KILLED IN PAK SHELLING
3. LOC FLARES UP TO ALARMING HIGH USE OF MISSILES BY PAK TROOPS POINTS TO SERIOUS ESCALATION AS GOVT, ARMY VOW REVENGE
4. LAST SALUTE TO RIFLEMAN SHUBAM LEAVES KATHUA HAMLET SHATTERED
5. INDO-PAK BORDER HEATS UP THE HUMAN COST OF “MATCHING RESPONSE
6. ARMY SHALL GIVE PROPER REPLY TO PAK: RAJNATH ON CEASEFIRE VIOLATION
7. WILL CONTINUE GIVING BEFITTING REPLY: ARMY VICE CHIEF ON CEASEFIRE VIOLATION BY PAK
8. AMARINDER MOOTS SELF-PAYMENT OF INCOME TAX BY ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES
9. WOMEN IN JAG: DELHI HC QUESTIONS ARMY STANCE
10. MOD’S RS 39,000-CR PLAN FOR MODERNISATION NIXED
11. THE VERY CRUDE OIL WAR BY SUSHMA RAMACHANDRAN
12. WHERE ARE THE POOR IN THE BUDGET? BY ASHWINI DESHPANDE
13. JAITLEY TAX ON BOURSES INVESTORS MUST CONTRIBUTE TO NATION BUILDING
14. EX-ARMY CHIEF, FORMER CJI TO GET GNDU HONORARY DEGREES

A senior Army officer interacts with families of war heroes

Tribune News Service

Officials listen to widows of veterans during a special function organised by the Army near the Jagraon bridge in Ludhiana on Sunday. Tribune photos: Himanshu Mahajan

Ludhiana, January 28

Vajra Air Defence Brigade under the aegis of Vajra Corps of the Army organised a ‘Veer Naari Meet’ in Ludhiana to felicitate Veer Naaris of the Ludhiana district.Lt-Gen Dushyant Singh, AVSM, Corps Commander, was the chief guest on the occasion. He was accompanied by Usha Singh, zonal president, Vajra Army Wives Welfare Association. The aim of the event was to remain in contact with the kith and kin of heroes of Indian Army, who laid down their lives in highest traditions of the force.While addressing the gathering, Brig Manish Arora, Station Commander, Ludhiana Military Station, highlighted various facilities that were provided at the meet.RN Dhoke, Commissioner of Police, and Pradeep Kumar Agarwal, District Collector, Ludhiana district, who were also present during the meet, assisted in addressing the issues of Veer Naaris.The event witnessed representatives from various agencies of the Army and the civil administrative machinery redress problems of Veer Naaris at a common place.A medical camp, pension-related issues, placement cell and info on various other schemes run by the Army and the government was provided to the attendees. Veer Naaris and widows were felicitated by the Corps Commander.Medical aid, including wheelchairs, hearing aids, lumbar belts and other equipment, were also distributed among participants on the occasion.The event witnessed a gathering of around 700 persons, which included 101 Veer Naaris, 200 widows and their dependents. Many dignitaries from the corporate sector, who came out in full support of the event, were also present on the occasion.Students from Government College for Girls, Ludhiana, and KVM School performed in honour of Veer Naaris and kept everyone entertained.Photographs of war heroes, whose spouses (Veer Naaris) were present, were also displayed during the meet.

The Border Security Force (BSF) ‘Daredevils’ women motorcycle riders perform during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. Tribune photo: Manas Ranjan Bhui

New Delhi, January 26

In one of the many firsts this year, a women contingent of the Border Security Force on Friday performed motorcycle stunts during the Republic Day parade, drawing one of the loudest cheers from the audience as well as dignitaries such as President Ram Nath Kovind and ASEAN leaders.As per tradition, the BSF and the Army’s bike-borne ‘daredevils’ end the parade on alternate years. But this time, members of the BSF’s women motorcycle team ‘Seema Bhawani’ replaced their male counterparts.Led by sub-inspector Stanzin Noryang, the team showcased its driving skills with daredevil stunts like Salute to President, Fish Riding, Side Riding, Faulaad, Prachand Baalay Shaktiman, Mobile PT, Bull Fighting, etc.Over a 100 women riding as many as 26 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycles enthralled the spectators many of whom—men, women and children—were on their feet and clapped throughout the display.President Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and ASEAN leaders present on the dais and other dignitaries in the audience too applauded the women bikers.In 2015, women contingents of the Army, Navy and Air Force had made debut in this national parade.The team was raised at Central School of Motor Transport (CSMT), BSF Academy Tekanpur on October 20, 2016.The members of this special women bikers squad have been specially chosen by BSF trainers and are aged between 25-30 years. They are drawn from various combat ranks of the force.The BSF ‘daredevil’ team had made news a few years back when the then US President Barack Obama, while officiating as the chief guest of the 2015 parade, signalled a thumbs up to the bikers from his dais on Rajpath and had later called their stunts “impressive”.The BSF also had its iconic camel contingent along with its marching and band teams.Many among the guests and the audience were seen taking pictures of the decorated camels as they marched on the Rajpath in their colourful finery. — PTI

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 24

The Uttarakhand Congress has expressed concern over the slow pace of reconstruction of suspension bridges that were damaged in the Kedar valley in the infamous 2013 rain disaster.Addressing a press conference at the state Congress headquarters here today, Uttarakhand Congress president Pritam Singh said that reconstruction of a large number of suspension bridges that were damaged in the 2013 rain disaster in Kedarnath was going on at a tardy pace and the delays were causing great inconvenience to the local people.He stated that a large number of suspension bridges on Mandakani and Kali Ganga rivers in Kedarnath valley were swept away in the disaster and these bridges are still to be restored despite passage of four years to the disaster. “A hundred and eight meter long suspension bridge at Vijaynagar, 48 m long suspension bridge in Chandrapuri and 80-m long suspension bridge at Ukhimath are among the bridges that were destroyed in the 2013 disaster and are still be constructed”, Pritam Singh pointed out.He said due to the absence of these suspension bridges, villagers were facing a lot of inconvenience travelling to hospital, market and other places. The students were facing hardships going to their schools. They are forced to travel long distances. He explained that the previous Congress government had allotted funds for reconstruction of these damaged bridges and accused the state BJP government of doing little to pursue the matter. He reminded that incumbent Chief Minister Trivendra Rawat during his visit to Kedarnath valley some time back had assured that the reconstruction of these damaged suspension bridges would be take up on priority but nothing has been done on ground so far.Responding to queries, the state Congress president also disclosed that a delegation of Congress leaders comprising Kedarnath Congress MLA Manoj Rawat today submitted a memorandum to Chief Secretary Utpal Kumar Singh seeking prompt action on part of state authorities for reconstruction of damaged suspension bridges in the Kedar  valley.Bridges washed away in 2013 disaster

• Congress chief Pritam Singh said a large number of suspension bridges on Mandakani and Kali Ganga rivers in the Kedarnath valley were swept away in the disaster and these bridges were still to be restored despite passage of four years to the disaster
• “A 108-metre suspension bridge at Vijaynagar, 48-metre suspension bridge in Chandrapuri and 80-metre suspension bridge at Ukhimath are among the bridges that were destroyed in the 2013 disaster and are still be constructed,” Pritam Singh said