ARTICLE 370 SPELLS AND SOLIDIFIES OUR RELATION WITH JAMMU & KASHMIR, ITS ABROGATION PATENTLY UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND UNDEMOCRATIC, ECHO KASHMIR EXPERTS

Terming the present situation in Kashmir as one of a tinderbox waiting to burst, eminent Kashmir experts on Sunday castigated the Centre move to undemocratically revoke Article 370 as it spelled and solidified India’s relation with the state of Jammu and Kashmir. During a highly-charged panel discussion with RSS ideologue-cum-BJP National General Secretary Ram Madhav and Congress MP Manish Tewary as panelists on Article 370 and the Death Knell of Terrorism, the distinguished duo comprising former R&AW Chief AS Dulat and Manoj Joshi echoed that former PM Atal Bihari Vajpeyee’s approach of Insaniyat, Jamhooriyat and Kashmiriyat was the only way to ensure lasting solution to the vexed issue. The Kashmir is badly numb and residents of the state are feeling a sense of disappointment with Delhi, said Dulat in his opening remarks adding that the situation was grim and what we are witnessing is Quiet Disobedience which nobody knows would take what course in future. Taking part in the discussion, Ram Madhav said the revocation of Article 370 was done in most democratic fashion disclosing that political prisoners like the former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah would be released soon. Shying away to put any timeframe, Madhav however added that process to keep the political activity going in Kashmir were on. We would restore the status of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir,  Madhav said clarifying there it was felt that there was need to put the bifurcated state under Central rule for sometime hence the creation of Union Territories. Taking strong exception to former RAW  Chief Dulat’s expression of Calm Disobedience, a visibly ruffled Madhav emphasised Kashmiris have never been known to be quiet and they are always up at the smallest provocation. Kashmiris have lived with article 370 for seventy years and now they are experiencing life without it. It is a bold step taken by the Government and I am sure the new situation will ensure development and complete integration of region with India.

Putting his point across, Senior Congress Leader Manish Tewari blamed the Centre for setting a dangerous precedent by dividing a state into a UT there by trampling the very spirit of our constitution. We are a Union of States and what has been done by bifurcating Jammu and Kashmir is the most obnoxious move entailing serious repercussions for our Constituion and polity. Echoing the views of both experts on the panel, Tewari further said that revocation had nothing to do with terrorism and had subverted all norms of due processes enshrined in Constitution. Terrorism, which the Central Government claims to put an end to with this one stroke, has had its genesis in dismemberment of Pakistan and creation of Bangladesh, said senior Congressman adding that our enemy neighbour had always followed the policy of bleeding India through thousand cuts. Underlining that there was something fundamentally wrong in this decision, he further said that Centre had with its mindless decision alienated mainstream Kashmiri leaders too adding that God forbid if the situation so warrants we now literally have nobody to talk to. Earlier replying to a question, Madhav clarified BJP alliance with PDP was purely on lines of development and security agenda mutually agreed upon. After working with Madam Mehbooba Mufti for an year and half, we felt some difficulties in furthering our security agenda in Kashmir and we as a party decided to quit and let president rule come into force. Taking part in the discussion, eminent journalist and state expert Manoj Joshi stated the goal of centre to homogenise everything was bound to fail as we are a nation of distinct state identifies. It’s possible in India to be proud of your cultural heritage and still feel equally proud of your nation. Even Hindus in Jammu and Kashmir have a different sense of Hinduism from Hindus living in other parts of the country, he emphasised. Elucidating the historical perspective, he said decision to assimilate Jammu and Kashmir immediately after Independence was effected under conditions prevailing at that time. We were a new nation and were not very capable of guarding our borders then, he said adding that certain concessions had to be made to merge Kashmir with India. He advocated a mix of both hard and soft power to achieve desired objective.

There is urgent need to further strengthen the existing intelligence mechanism to prevent another Kargil like situation, defence experts averred here on Sunday.Taking part in session titled Lessons learnt from the Kargil war and their  implementation, retired Defence Secretary Shekhar Dutt stated that we need to strengthen the intelligence and surveillance at Central as well as State level because no military operation would go successful without quick inputs. All penelist including Lt. General JS Cheema and Air Marshal Nirdosh Tyagi called for developing and generating more intelligence organizations to avoid surprise incidents like Kargil.Taking part in the discussion, Dutt said that Kargil demonstrated the surprise to Indian army that how could the specific intruders come and place their. He said that to avoid such incidents we have to develop the common channels of intelligence and surveillance so that actionable information could be provided to our arm forces to assured maximam level of preparedness.He said that national defence is a high priority of country and much more important than infrastructure so there is need to sanction more budget to establish strong mechanism of intelligence and to procure equipments for the purpose which would deliver the every suspicious activity to operation commander of arm forces.

Air Marshal Nirdosh Tiyagi displayed the two exclusive videos of the air force strikes of the Kargil war during the panel discussion. He also revealed that IAF was not properly equipped or trained for operations at such altitude and our Jets were also not designed for situation like Kargil. Tiyagi said that Kargill review committee elobrated that long time taken by army at apex level to realise how grave the situation was and severely affected the operation and deep interdiction could not be carried out due restriction on the crossing of LOC. He said Kargil war would have  ended 15 to 20 days earlier if the restriction of crossing the LOC was not there.Tyagi said that Kargil conflict demonstrated air power could be effectively utilised at such altitude and it has been also learnt that effective application of air power through proper army-air co-ordination resulted in reduce casualties and compressed time frame for successful ground operation’sPanelist Lt. Gen J S Cheema said that after 1999 Kargill war, indian army became more stronger and jointness is improved as there are batter opportunities to work amongst tri-services.

The experts today opined that the Red Corridor, precisely described as Naxal affected area of Andhra Pradesh to Nepal, was shrinking due to delusion of ideology but still exists in the country.During a discussion on the topic that ‘Does Red Corridor Exist’ during the Military Literature Festival here at the Lake Club, the experts Including Director Counter Insurgency Brigadier BK Punwar, former Director RAW Mr KC Verma and Professor of Sociology in Delhi School of Economics Ms Nandini Sunder said that from 231 districts of the country severely affected by the problem from Pashupati to Tirupati this corridor has been now confined upto 90 districts only. They said that with multi pronged strategy involving the specialised training to highly modernised and combat ready Police to development oriented policies of the government have been instrumental in resolving the problem to a great extent. They further said that even the passing away of senior leadership and moving of some leaders abroad along with dilution of ideology amongst younger cadres too have been instrumental in resolving the problem.They said that contrary to the notion spread in 2004-2005 by Naxals that power flows from barrel of gun most of them were now surrendering as they have been effectively cornered by the security forces.

Batting for Political, military, social and economical resolution of the issue, they said that Naxals came to prominence due to  tremendous failure of administration. They said that until and unless these issues were not resolved effectively the permanent resolution of this issue was not possible.The experts also said that extreme  poverty, exploitation of land and resources for vested interests, non implementation of fifth scheduled of constitution to safeguard the rights of ST and other reasons had aggravated the problem. They said that that due to naxalism these areas had Liberated from constitution and from Rule of law which was dangerous for the unity and integrity of country. They said that the essence of the success of naxalites was highly trained and motivated cadre which was diminishing now.Prof. Nandini Sunder also said that the budget of security forces in naxal affected areas was double than that of the development of these areas, which needs to be reversed for permanent solution of this problem. She also said that killings of innocent villagers on pretext of naxalites also needs to be checked with a firm hand . She also advocated provision of basic civic amenities to the people of these areas as a part of the Confidence Building Measures.On the occasion noted author Mr Ajay Sahni acted as the Moderator of the session.

 Tags: Miltary , Manish Tewari

The man, who saved number of lives by donating organs of his 22-years-old braindead son, joined an Organ and Tissue Donation awareness camp organised by Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (ROTTO) of Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER) on the final day of ongoing Military Literature Festival (MLF)-2019 at Lake Club here.Parth Gandhi was declared braindead a week after he met with a road accident in March 2013 and his father Sanjay Gandhi taking a bold decision given a consent to donate organs of his son which saved a number of lives. The donation included Heart, Liver, both Kidneys and Pancreas.Sanjay Gandhi, while encouraging visitors for saving lives by pledging to donate their organs after death said that it was not the easy decision for them to give consent for donating organs of his son when he was declared braindead but they wanted to see him survive in others.

Saryu D Madra, IEC Media Consultant said that they have got an overwhelming response during the three-days organ and tissue donation camp at MLF 2019.She said that during the camp more 70 people signed on forms, pledging to donate their organs after death. Consultant Data Management Milan Kumar Bagla and Transplant Coordinator Karanjot Thind were also present at the awareness camp.Nodal Officer ROTTO-PGIMER Professor Vipin Koushal said that there was a wide gap between those who require organs and availability of organs because of lack of awareness knowledge and prevalent myths and misconceptions. “In view of this we at ROTTO try to tap every opportunity to disseminate information about the cause and we are happy to the organisers of MLF 2019 for being so thoughtful and it’s a huge motivation to see people not only registering as organ donor at our stall but also expressing willingness to volunteer to promote the cause,” he said.

As a part of the Military Literature Festival (MLF)-2019, Group Captain Kamal Singh enthralled the audience by performing a para jumping feat from an altitude of 5000 feet at Lake Club here on Saturday.Group Captain Kamal Singh flew from the Rajendra Park on a Paramotor being driven by Pilot Vijay Sethi, landed at a Lake Club at around 2 pm. Governor of Punjab and Union Territory Administrator VP Singh Badnore and Maharaja of Jodhpur Gaj Singh were among the bystanders to watch the star performance of the day. The audience welcomed the Group Captain Kamal Singh amid a round of applause.On the other hand, the exhibition of vintage cars and motorcycles remained a centre of attraction on the second day of the ongoing three-days Military Literature Festival (MLF)-2019. The exhibition was jointly organised by the Vintage and Classic Car Club (VCCC), Chandigarh led by JS Phoolka and Heritage Motoring Club of India (HMCI), Delhi led by KTS Tulsi. As per the information, VCCC has brought at least 20 vintage cars while HMCI has exhibited 18 cars and around seven motorcycles.A huge number of visitors were seen taking pictures with the cars showcased near the food court during the MLF-2019, which is a joint venture of the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh and Governor of Punjab and Union Territory Administrator VP Singh Badnore in collaboration with Western Command of Indian Army.BS Manco, Secretary VCCC said that vintage cars as old as 80-90 years such as the Ford A Convertible car, Sunbeam Talbot, Austin and Ford Tourer besides other royal cars including Dodge Kingsway, Plymouth, Buick 90L, Mercedes SL280, Ford Mustang, Fiat 500 Topolino etc were showcased.The Vintage Cars exhibition will continue till Sunday.

The three-day Military Literature Festival concluded here on Sunday with Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh honouring the units and kin of the Victoria Cross (VC) recipients from the Burma Campaign, to commemorate their gallantry in the battles fought under the British Empire till 1944.Presiding over the closing ceremony of the MLF, which commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Burma campaign, the Chief Minister also honoured Sukhjinder Kaur, the daughter of Lt Col Anant Singh, who commanded the 4Sikh battalion valiantly in the 1965 operation, which led to the capture of Burki.A former military man himself, the Chief Minister said he was privileged to bestow the honour on the units and kin of the fearless soldiers who valiantly fought during the Burma campaign, and whose memories continue to inspire Indian soldiers even today. He appreciated MLF for appreciating the sacrifice of those brave men, and said the Fest, which had just completed its third edition, would go a long way in imbuing youth with the spirit of patriotism and nationalism and motivating them to join the defence forces.  It was a matter of great pride and satisfaction that several of youth from Punjab had cleared the NDA exam and were ready to don the uniform to serve the nation, he added.Major Jacob and Subedar Major Harsha Bahadur Rana from 2/5 Gorkha Rifle received the honour for Naik Agan Singh Rai (1944), Subedar Netra Bahadur Thapa (1944) and Havaldar Gaje Ghale (1943). Major Bhatendu Thakur from 2 Sikh received award for Victoria Cross winner Sepoy Ishar Singh (1921) of 28 Punjabis, which later got empaneled with 2 Sikh.

Col Navdeep Harnal from 4 Mech received the award for the VC winner Naik Nand Singh (1944) of 1/11 Sikh, now 4 Mech, while Major Mukesh from Artillery Regiment received the award for Hawaldar Umrao Singh (1944) of 30th Mountain Regiment Royal Indian Artillery, now 22 Field Regiment.Others who were honoured by the Chief Minister were Rifleman Tul Bahadur Pun, Rifleman Bhanbhagta Gurung of 3/2 GR (1945), Rifleman Ganju Lama 1/7 GR (1944), Rifleman Lachhiman Ghale 4/8 GR (1945), Lance Naik Sher Shah of 7/16 Punjab (1945), Subedar Ram Sarup Singh of 2/1 Punjab (1944), Naik Fazal Din 7/10th Baluch (1945), Prakash Singh Chib of 14/13 FF Rifles (1945), Hawaldar Prakash Singh 5/8 (1943), Naik Gyan Singh 4/15 Punjab (1944), Sepoy Bhandari Ram 16/10 Baluch (1944), Abdul Hafiz 3Jat (1944), and Lt Karamjeet Singh Judge. Punjab (1945).Earlier, during the felicitation ceremony, the Chief Minister honoured various contingents and volunteer groups from various units, institutions and schools with commendation certificates, for their outstanding contribution towards making MLF a grand success. On the occasion, the Chief Minister’s Senior Advisor and MLF Chairman Lt. Gen. T. S. Shergill said that the next edition of MLF would also focus on the 75th year of the World War-II, Burma campaign and 80th year of the WW-II with reference to German operation in Dunkirk in France. He expressed gratitude to GOC Western Command Lt Gen RP Singh, as well various wings of Chandigarh Administration, for their support and cooperation to make MLF a memorable event.The Chief Minister was accompanied by Finance Minister Manpreet Badal, as well as his Media Advisor Raveen Thukral.

An interactive session on the topic ‘Imphal: The last battle of the Japanese Empire’, was held Saturday on the second day of Military Literature Festival, brought out several significant aspects of World War-II fought at the Indian land. The session was moderated by Maj Gen AP Singh and the participants included Col (Retd) Dr. Robert Lyman, and Brig (Retd) Allan Mallinson, Arambam Agamba Singh and Pushpindar Singh.Maj Gen AP Singh revealed the strategic reasons behind the Japanese attack on India. He said that Japan wanted to ‘kill two birds with one stone’ with this invasion. Actually, Japanese aimed to defeat British forces in Burma and isolated China. They also wanted to foster revolt in India to fall of the British. Japanese forces had objective to capture Imphal and breakthrough to Brahmaputra valley cut of Northern Burma. He said this battle had change the course of Burma campaign.Col (Retd) Dr. Robert Lyman said that the Battle of Imphal fought in the region around the city of Imphal from March until July 1944. In March 1943, the Japanese command in Burma had been reorganized and a new headquarters, Burma Area Army, was created under Lieutenant-General Masakazu Kawabe. Lieutenant-General Renya Mutaguchi was appointed to command the 15th Army, which was responsible for the central part of the front facing Imphal and Assam. From the moment he took command in July 1943, Mutaguchi forcefully advocated an invasion of India. Japanese armies invade India, but were driven back into Burma with heavy losses, many Japanese soldiers’ deaths resulting from starvation, disease and exhaustion suffered during their retreat.

Brig (Retd) Allan Mallinson highlighted the unique share of military heritage between British and India. He said that in 1944, the Indian Army stopped the Japanese advance into India in its tracks, and wrote a chapter of military history in letters of gold. He said that this battle was unique because on the both side Indian soldiers were fighting. The aim of Indian National Army was to free India from British rule and it formed an alliance with the Empire of Japan in the latter’s campaign in the Southeast Asian theatre of WWII.Pointing out the decisive contribution of the Air Forces in the battle of Imphal, Pushpinder Singh said that without support from the air, the Battle of Imphal would have been very hard to win. Undoubtedly, without the contribution of the Royal Air Force and the Indian Air Force the outcome of the battle could well have been very different. He further said that in 1944, the Air Force Marshal Arjan Singh, an icon of India’s military history, had led a squadron against the Japanese during the Arakan Campaign, flying close air support missions during the crucial Imphal Campaign and later assisted the advance of the Allied Forces to Yangoon. In recognition of his feat, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) on the spot by the Supreme Allied Commander of South East Asia.During the discussion Arambam Agamba Singh shared the information about the typical imperial Japanese solider fighting techniques and organized structure. He also threw light on the U Go offensive or Operation C, of Japanese army against forces of the British Empire.

Vee Walker-Writer of the book, Major Tom’s War today explained about her book-an interesting true story about the impact of WWI on a doomed generation and one Indian Army cavalry officer in particular during the Military Literature Festival.The writer narrated all the important episodes written in her book by showing photographs on a projector.The writer narrated the life story of different stories of differnt generations, what hapens in real battle field, sing songs and brought the heart and soul of her book by recounting the incidents with little performances.A native of Britain, Vee Walker said that she came to India after getting information, pictures and notes of her grandfather. She touched different aspects of real battle fieldand sung the songs that soldiers sing during the war. “Iam a story-teller not a historian,” she said while informing the audience about her book.She also enacted many scenes during a presentation about the story of her book and showed numerous pictures of Sikh Indian soldiers and of her family including her British grandfather during his stint in India.The writer informed the audience that why does Evie Winnington-Ingram, who has good cause to hate writer’s grandfather, a Bengal-born solicitor Tom Westmacott, agree to his proposal of marriage? Their dark, shared past drives them apart. War forces them to face up to a harrowing present before they emerge, together, into an unexpected future.