Garud Commando: The Elite Warriors of the Indian Air Force

Garud Commando: The Elite Warriors of the Indian Air Force

Introduction:

    The Indian Armed Forces have a rich history of valour and bravery, and the Indian Air Force (IAF) is no exception. The IAF has been actively expanding its capabilities in various domains, including special operations. 

    In this regard, the IAF has raised a special force of elite commandos known as the Garud Commando Force. The Garud Commando Force is tasked with providing security to airbases, conducting special operations, and carrying out rescue missions in hostile territories. In this article, we will delve deeper into the Garud Commando Force, their training, operations, and their contribution to the security of the nation.

Origins of the Garud Commando Force:

    The Garud Commando Force was established in 2004 as a specialized force of the Indian Air Force. The force is named after Garuda, the mythical bird of the Hindu epic Ramayana, known for its strength, agility, and speed. The Garud Commando Force was created with the aim of providing security to airbases, conducting special operations, and carrying out rescue missions in hostile territories.

    The Garud Commando Force was formed after the Kargil War in 1999, which exposed the gaps in the Indian Armed Forces' special operations capabilities. The Kargil War highlighted the need for a specialized force that could operate in the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas and carry out special operations in a range of environments.

    The Garud Commando Force has come a long way since its inception, and today, it is one of the most elite special forces in the world.

Selection and Training:

    The selection process for the Garud Commando Force is one of the toughest in the world. The selection process includes a physical fitness test, medical examination, psychological evaluation, and a series of gruelling tests that test the candidate's endurance, strength, and mental toughness. The Garud Commando Force has a rigorous training program that includes physical, mental, and tactical aspects.

    The training of Garud Commandos is a continuous process, and they are trained in a range of skills, including close combat, marksmanship, demolitions, parachuting, and survival skills. They are also trained in various foreign languages and cultural sensitivities, as they may be deployed in different parts of the world.

    The Garud Commandos undergo specialized training in urban warfare, jungle warfare, mountain warfare, and desert warfare. They are trained in tactical driving, explosive ordnance disposal, and intelligence gathering. The Garud Commandos also undergo specialized training in special weapons and tactics (SWAT) and hostage rescue operations.

    The training of Garud Commandos is designed to create a soldier who can operate independently or as part of a team in any environment, with a high degree of physical and mental toughness and the ability to adapt to changing situations quickly.

    For more comprehensive information regarding career opportunities in the Indian Air Force, interested individuals can visit the official website dedicated to joining the Indian Air Force: https://afcat.cdac.in/AFCAT/. This website provides detailed insights into the various aspects of pursuing a career in the Indian Air Force.

Operations:

    The Garud Commando Force has been involved in various operations, both within India and abroad. They have played a crucial role in providing security to airbases and installations during times of heightened tensions. The Garud Commandos have also carried out several special operations, including cross-border raids, hostage rescue missions, and counter-terrorism operations.

    One of the most high-profile operations carried out by the Garud Commando Force was during the 2016 Pathankot attack, where they played a pivotal role in neutralizing the terrorists and securing the airbase. The Garud Commandos have also been deployed in the Maldives and Seychelles to provide security and carry out joint exercises with the local forces.

    The Garud Commando Force has also been involved in various operations in remote and hostile regions of India, including Jammu and Kashmir, Northeast India, and the Naxal-affected regions. The Garud Commandos have been deployed in Jammu and Kashmir to conduct counter-insurgency operations, and their expertise in mountain warfare has been invaluable in this region. In Northeast India, the Garud Commandos have been deployed to provide security and conduct counter-insurgency operations in states like Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland.

    The Garud Commandos have also played a vital role in providing humanitarian aid during natural disasters. They have been deployed to provide aid during floods, earthquakes, and other natural disasters in various parts of the country. The Garud Commandos have also conducted medical camps and provided relief materials to affected communities.

    The Garud Commandos have also been involved in various joint exercises with special forces of other countries, including the US, Russia, France, and Israel. These joint exercises have provided an opportunity for the Garud Commandos to learn from the experiences of other special forces and share their own experiences and best practices.

Equipment and Capabilities:

    The Garud Commando Force is equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry and equipment, including assault rifles, sniper rifles, machine guns, and grenade launchers. They also use advanced communication and surveillance equipment, including drones and night vision devices, to carry out their operations.

    The Garud Commandos are trained to operate in a range of environments, including urban, jungle, mountain, and desert terrains. They are trained in a range of tactics, including close combat, marksmanship, demolitions, and tactical driving. The Garud Commandos are also trained in intelligence gathering and analysis, which is critical for carrying out successful operations.

    The Garud Commandos have a high degree of physical and mental toughness and the ability to adapt to changing situations quickly. They are trained to operate independently or as part of a team and are capable of carrying out a range of operations, including special operations, counter-terrorism operations, and hostage rescue missions.

Contribution to National Security:

    The Garud Commando Force has made a significant contribution to the national security of India. They have provided security to airbases and installations during times of heightened tensions, and their expertise in counter-terrorism has been invaluable in neutralizing terrorist threats. The Garud Commandos have also played a critical role in providing aid during natural disasters and conducting community development activities.

    The Garud Commandos are a highly respected force, not only within the Indian Armed Forces but also among the global special forces community. They have won accolades for their professionalism and expertise, and their contribution to the security of India and its citizens cannot be overstated.

Conclusion:

    The Garud Commando Force is a testament to the Indian Air Force's commitment to maintaining a high level of operational readiness and preparedness. They are the elite warriors of the Indian Air Force, with unmatched skills and capabilities. The Garud Commando Force serves as an inspiration to the youth of the country to strive for excellence and contribute to the defence of the nation. We salute the Garud Commandos for their bravery, sacrifice, and commitment to the country.

Sudan Civil War

Sudan Civil War

History

    Sudan has experienced numerous civil wars since its independence from Britain in 1956. The most recent and deadliest conflict is the Sudan Civil War, which began in 2013 and is ongoing as of 2023. We call it as Sudan Civil War 2023. 

    The conflict has caused immense human suffering, with millions of people displaced, tens of thousands killed, and the economy and infrastructure of the country severely damaged.

Background

    The Sudan Civil War is a continuation of the long-standing conflict between the government of Sudan and various rebel groups that represent the marginalized ethnic and political minorities of the country. 

    The conflict has been fueled by a range of issues, including political representation, economic inequality, ethnic tensions, and access to resources such as land, water, and oil. The conflict is also influenced by the complex historical legacy of colonialism and post-colonial politics in Sudan.

Causes

    The immediate cause of the conflict was the power struggle between President Omar al-Bashir and his vice president, Riek Machar. Machar was accused of plotting a coup against Bashir, and he was subsequently dismissed from his position. 

    

    This led to a split within the ruling party, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), with Machar forming his own faction, the SPLM-In Opposition (SPLM-IO). This faction, along with other rebel groups, began to fight against the government, leading to the outbreak of the civil war.

Impact

    The Sudan Civil War has had a devastating impact on the people of Sudan. The conflict has resulted in the displacement of over two million people, with many fleeing to neighboring countries such as Uganda, Ethiopia, and Kenya. 

    

    The war has also led to widespread human rights abuses, including rape, torture, and extrajudicial killings. The economy of the country has been severely affected, with the destruction of infrastructure and the disruption of trade and agriculture. 

    This has led to food insecurity and malnutrition, with many people dependent on humanitarian aid.

Attempts at Resolution

    There have been several attempts to resolve the Sudan Civil War, but none have been successful so far. In 2015, a peace agreement was signed between the government and the rebel groups, but it broke down shortly afterwards. 

    In 2018, a new peace agreement was signed, which included a power-sharing arrangement between the government and the rebel groups. However, this agreement has also faced challenges, with some rebel groups refusing to sign on and continued violence in some regions.

Future

    The future of Sudan remains uncertain, with the ongoing civil war and political instability. The recent overthrow of former President Omar al-Bashir in 2019 and the subsequent formation of a transitional government has brought some hope for peace and stability in the country. 

    However, the country still faces significant challenges, including the ongoing conflict, economic crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Operation Kaveri 

    Operation Kaveri that is launched by the Indian Air Force. This operation involves the evacuation of Indian nationals and other foreign nationals from war-torn Sudan during Sudanese Civil War.

    The conflict in Sudan had led to a deteriorating security situation in the country, with Indian nationals and other foreign nationals living in the country facing significant risks to their safety. In order to evacuate these individuals, the Indian Air Force launched Operation Kaveri.

    Under this operation, the Indian Air Force deployed its aircraft to Sudan and carried out several flights to evacuate Indian nationals and other foreign nationals from the country. The operation involved a significant logistical effort, with the Indian Air Force coordinating with local authorities in Sudan as well as with Indian diplomatic missions in the region.

Conclusion

    The Sudan Civil War is a tragic reminder of the devastating impact of conflict on people's lives. The conflict has caused immense human suffering and has highlighted the need for greater efforts towards peace and stability in Sudan. The international community has an important role to play in supporting the people of Sudan and in helping to resolve the conflict through diplomatic means.

Operation Kaveri Salute to Indian Air Force

Operation Kaveri

Under 'Operation Kaveri', the Indian Air Force has undertaken an impossible mission to safely rescue 121 Indians from Sudan. 

This  is engulfed in civil war, i.e. we called here as sudan civil war 2023. Indian Air Force's C-130J Super Hercules aircraft has achieved this feat at Wadi Saidon Airport on Thursday midnight. 

In many ways, this operation has been carried out to be engraved in golden letters in the history of Indian Air Force.

Soldiers to get salute at toll plazas

Pune: Now, soldiers will be given a salute or standing ovation at the toll plazas while on the move. All personnel of the armed forces are exempted from paying toll tax while on official duty.

After getting complaints of rude behaviour meted out to soldiers by toll plazas staffs, last week, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) issued a policy circular stating, “The armed forces personnel deserve the highest regard and should be given due respect at the toll plaza including salute or standing ovations as deemed fit.”

The circular dated December 6 is issued by NHAI General Manager (IT & HO) Shailesh Yadav. “A lot of complaints are received from armed forces personnel that toll plazas agencies are not honouring the directions of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and are not allowing exemption from toll fee while discharging their official duty. In-spite of personnel/ officers showing their identity card and explaining that they are on official duty, toll plaza employees often use harsh languages and ask for further proof,” the circular noted.

Taking note of the complaints, the NHAI also ordered that only a competent authority or officer of the toll operating agency, and not the lower staff, can check the identity cards in case of any doubt.

“Considering the unparalleled service of armed forces towards the safety and security of the country, such type of rude behaviour is not acceptable. The toll plaza agencies are directed to train the toll operating staff accordingly to pay due respect to armed forces/ salute their selfless dedication to country. The verification of I-card of armed forces personnel should be done by some senior/competent authority and not left to the untrained lowest staff,” the diktat ordered.

The Indian Tolls (Army & Air Force) Act, 1901, provides for exemption from toll charges to all members of the armed forces. However, the controversy occurred after a letter issued by the MoRTH said only those ‘on duty’ would be entitled to the exemption. This resulted in toll operators insisting defence personnel pay toll charges and this often led to misbehaviour by toll attendants. As the tussle between defence forces and the transport ministry escalated, the matter was dragged to court and later the Supreme Court (SC) also ruled in favour of the armed forces, upholding the exemption.

Now, the NHAI, while extending relief to the armed forces, has asked the toll operators that in case of any doubt, the benefit must be given to the defence persons.

“It is needless to emphasise that considering the extreme sacrifice of armed forces to the nation, in case of doubt with respect to nature of their official duty, a benefit of the doubt
should be given appropriately to armed force personnel,” it said.

Mubarak Ansari  : Esakal 13 Dec 2017

http://www.sakaltimes.com/nation/soldiers-get-salute-toll-plazas-10176

Interview with Indian Major General Asthana About India, China, Pakistan and Counter jihad : Ralf Ostner, Global Review (Germany)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Global Review: General Asthana, India is celebrating its 70^th anniversary of independence. In the beginning it supported the Non-Alignment Movement, and then had close relations with the Soviet Union and after the end of the Cold War its relations with the USA are getting closer and closer. Some experts even claim that India is already part of an anti-Chinese US coalition together with Japan, Australia and South Korea. Is this reality or could this become reality?

 

Major General S B Asthana: In my opinion India has always been following an Independent Foreign Policy, and that position has not changed so far. Every sovereign country steers its foreign policy as per its own National Interest, and India is no exception. India has a strong strategic partnership with USA, because of commonality of interest in many fields, but is not forming any coalition with/for/against any country. Such perceptions as mentioned in your question come up whenever you find convergence of interest between two or more countries on specific issues. I must remind the readers that between 2000- 2016, India’s import of military hardware was approximately 64 percent from Russia in comparison to 14 percent from USA. Before meeting President Trump, Prime Minister Modi had gone to Russia. China is our next door neighbour and big trading partner. Both countries are together in BRICS, SCO, AIIB and many global and regional forums, wherever we have commonality of views/interests. In response to the last part of your question I can only say that in international relations it’s difficult to predict the future because of so many variables, but India will like to have friendly relations with all.

Global Review: Was the partition of India unavoidable? Gandhi tried to prevent it; many Hindu nationalists even say that it was a “Divide and Rule” strategy by Great Britain which then tried to incorporate Pakistan into CENTO. What was the aim of CENTO and why did it disintegrate? Pakistan became the main enemy of India in the following decades– supported by the USA, but mainly by China. Are there Chinese plans to use Pakistan as second frontier against India in the event of a conflict? Is this likely as all three countries have nuclear weapons?

Major General S B Asthana: I am not a historian hence it will not be appropriate for me to comment on Partition or CENTO. I can only say that certain historic events happen under certain circumstances, and when we evaluate them in hindsight it’s difficult to assess the actual circumstances under which concerned decision makers took such a decision, and we land up speculating. Many historic versions conform to what you mentioned in first part of the question.Central Treaty Organization (CENTO),as I understand from historic record was formed as a mutual security organization, formerly called Middle East Treaty Organization, or  Baghdad Pact Organization, dating from 1955 to 1979, composed of Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom, with Iraq added later. Formed at the urging of Britain and the United States, the Central Treaty Organization was intended to counter the threat of Soviet expansion into vital Middle East oil-producing regions. It disintegrated because of pulling out of Iraq and Iran, who were oil rich significant players.

I do not subscribe to the idea of USA supporting Pakistan to become enemy of India because it did not serve any purpose for them, even in cold war era. China may/ may not have any plans to use Pakistan as second frontier against India in the event of a conflict  , that only Chinese can answer, but in all previous conflicts with Pakistan, so far, they have not done much for Pakistan except some moral and material support and some military posturing, without entering into conflict. In future, however we have to be prepared for it. Sino-Pak nexus, Chinese support in case of Masood Azhar, rolling out of CPEC, and reported presence of PLA along it, are not good signs. Pakistan is already working as frontline state of China by keeping a significant part of Indian Security forces engaged in proxy war. I do not visualise any conflict with China as we have many convergences of interest, especially in light of the potentiality of our economic engagements.

Global Review: Mohammad Ali Jinnah wanted to create a secular democratic Muslim nation Pakistan. But Pakistan was mostly controlled by military dictators. If you compare India with Pakistan—which role has the military and the intelligence (ISI) in both societies? India never faced a military coup, but Pakistan many. Why is Pakistan such an unstable democracy?

Major General S B Asthana: Mohammad Ali Jinnah wanted to create a secular democratic nation. The country was named as Islamic republic of Pakistan during the President Zia ul Haque’s tenure, who seized power after a coup. Pakistan since independence had been an unstable state, and continues to be so with sham democracy and Pakistan Army holding the reins of power. Their undue fascination for Kashmir (which had legally acceded to Indian Union), ill treatment of East Pakistan (Now Bangladesh) and forced occupation of Baluchistan were some events to make Pakistan unstable. Due to internal instability, Pakistan Army could sell the narrative that they are a Force which can bind the country together and protect it against India (Indian threat theory), hence they must hold the reins of power. Repeated corruption disclosures of elected politicians further helped the Army to strengthen its hold on power, which continues till today. India on the other hand has been, and continues to be a stable secular democracy, with professional Defence Forces looking at security of the nation, and not diverting their attention towards Governance and Politics of the country.

Global Review: Under military dictator Zia ul Haque Pakistan was undergoing some sort of islamization which became breeding ground for Islamist terrorism and even the Taliban with its maddrassas and Saudi Arabian Wahhabist support. Pakistan Nobel prize winner Malala describes the Islamization of Pakistan in her book. Besides the international implications Pakistan was also becoming the breeding ground for Islamists in the Kashmir conflict and Afghanistan.India often claims that Pakistan is supporting and instrumentalizing the Islamist groups in Kashmir and Afghanistan for its own interests, but Pakistan denies an direct involvement and claims that it is fighting these insurgency groups and Islamism. What is the real story?

Major General S B Asthana: You have just narrated in the question, what is believed to be true, not only by me, but by the rest of the global community including USA and China. The new US South Asia Policy released last month totally supports this view. The real fact is that Osama Bin Laden was finally found in Pakistan near a military camp proves the nexus. Most of the terrorist groups operating in Afghanistan, India and rest of South Asia have safe sanctuaries and training camps in Pakistani territory duly supported by Pakistan Army and ISI. Almost every leader of consequence of these terrorist groups has been based in Pakistan. Even China is concerned of ETIM terrorist group operating in Xinjiang province being supported and trained there; hence they have a very tight security on their possible entry points. They are also concerned about the security of CPEC and other projects because all militants are monsters and can turn the guns towards its sponsors any time, hence Chinese policy of buying peace by appeasing militants may not work in long term. Pakistan’s claim that they are fighting militancy mainly refers to the militant groupslike TTP, which have gone against them and are killing their Army personnel and families as Pakistan tried to do ethnic cleansing by killing innocent people, not following their dictate. In Kashmir Pakistan has launched proxy war by inducting militants and supporting killings of innocent people and security forces.

Global Review: China´s OBOR initiative will change the geopolitical landscape of the world, also in Asia, South Asia and Central Asia. As India doesn´t want to participate in these New Silk roads does it perceive the maritime and continental new silk roads as a danger comparable with the German Baghdad Bahn which tried to build a German sphere of influence in the Greater Middle East and Asia against the British Empire which eventually lead to WW 1?

Major General S B Asthana: China would like everyone to believe that its One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative is purely developmental, for global, inclusive growth, as a win-win situation for the participating countries. Since infrastructure development is a dual use facility (civil and military) it will affect the geopolitical landscape. It will have serious strategic and security implications for the affected region. China wants to have ‘China Centric global communication network, which will increase China’s strategic footprints in the region affected by OBOR. It will also help China in offloading overcapacities and trade surpluses, besides exploiting mineral resources of affected countries. The construction of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as an extension of OBOR, violates sovereignty of India, hence India has no reason to participate in it.OBOR is of no worthwhile use to India, as India already has better sea connectivity, and the land connectivity is being worked out with our eastern neighbours bilaterally. CPEC is a concern for India with Chinese in our backyard. Joining OBOR from maritime perspective is also not in Indian interest as India has better sea connectivity with lesser choke points. Moreover joining OBOR would give a licence to Chinese entry in dangerously closer distance in Indian Ocean.

Global Review: China´s OBOR initiative also plans an economic corridor between Pakistan and China with a port in Gwadar. Pakistan claims that India tries to boycott this by all means and tries to destabilize Pakistan. As indicator it is claiming that India would support the Baluchistan separatists in Pakistan in order to prevent the Gwadar port and the economic corridor. How does India perceive the economic corridor and the Gwadar port? Will Gwadar also become a navy port for the Chinese navy? What about Sri Lanka and Bangladesh?

Major General S B Asthana: The construction of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as an extension of OBOR, violates sovereignty of India; hence India has boycotted it. India has no intention to destabilise Pakistan because a destabilised Pakistan under Jihadi influence is not in Indian Security interest. India is against killings of innocent people, and in my perception people of Baluchistan are suffering atrocities under Pakistani Army, hence they need global sympathy and support. CPEC is an effort by China to get warm water connectivity for its Western Region into Arabian Sea and Gulf region. It does cause certain security concerns for India, Gwadar port as military base may well be vulnerability for China in the long run as it can be blockaded. In case of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, China is looking for a foothold in the form of ports, which can be used as military bases in the long run. How far it will succeed will depend on permissibility of these sovereign countries.

Global Review: You wrote an excellent analysis about China´s new strategy in the South China Sea and the Doklam Plateau and claimed that both cases were indicators of an “incremental encroachment“. What do you mean by this phrase? Could you explain the reader China´s new strategy and what you propose to dissolve the problem?

Major General S B Asthana: China claims to have a strategy of “Active Defence”which implies protection of its sovereign territory (As China perceives it) even by pro-active defensive actions. In my opinion China has extended this strategy further by first increasing its claim line of its sovereign territory based on their unilateral historical logic and moving incrementally towards expansion of its territory by encroaching areas which have other claimants as well, create some infrastructure, and take a position to be defending its sovereign territory. This is what I mean by using the phrase      “Incremental Encroachment”. In doing so China is takes proactive actions, and when the opposition is strong, it stops just short of War, continues with its claims and waits for an opportune time to pursue it further. Taking the example of South China Sea, where China extended its maritime claims into features claimed by other countries as well, (because their EEZ’s are overlapping), by one sided interpretation of its history and started converting them into islands, ignoring verdict of ICA, causing a serious concern to other users of South China Sea. Doklam was a bilateral issue, which stands resolved. In South China Sea, I feel all other users have to get together to stop further “Incremental Encroachment” by China to preserve Freedom of Navigation, international flights and any restrictions that China may think of putting on other users.

Global Review: If you compare China´s and India´s economic and military potential, which country will become the main regional power in Asia? Is a confrontation between China and India very likely or a Sino-American conflict which draws India into the conflict? E.G. if a Sino-American conflict occurs and the USA uses TX Hammes ´Offshore Control strategy’ would India be part of this Offshore Control scenario which is a naval blockade against China?

Major General S B Asthana: I see India China relations as of “Co-operation and Competition” together, as both need each other’s consumer markets to grow further. China is a much larger economy, and India is the fastest growing economy. China’s Defence Forces are larger in numbers, but it has much larger boundaries, concerns/commitments, and its capabilities are yet to be tested after 1979, whereas Indian Forces, although smaller in numbers, have been on a winning streak since 1971. Both countries can co-exist in Asia, hence a debate that which country will become the main regional power in Asia may not be of significance. This is also certain that both countries are strong enough to the extent that none can dictate the strategic choices to another. Both countries have stable relations with each other since 1962, and I do not see the prospects of any confrontation in the near future. In this era of alliances, cold war, trade wars, I also do not see the prospects of any Sino-US conflict in near future, although some divergences like South China Sea, may lead to some strategic/military posturing in near future. In reference to the last part of your question, any military analyst will tell you by pure military calculations that US Maritime capability is much more than China and blockade of some selected points like Gwadar ( if it becomes a Chinese military base) is well within their capability. Indian Navy is capable of securing own maritime interests and is capable of operating with US Navy. Notwithstanding the capabilities, the scenarios painted in your question are unlikely in near future as all these countries are fairly mature in inter-se dealings and have major economic interests in each other.

Global Review: India has interest in the Himalaya region, especially Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal. As China is pushing its new silk roads will these countries be integrated in a Chinese sphere of influence? The Tibetan exile government and the Dalai Lama are guests in India and India has close relations to Nepal and Bhutan. At the moment India is not supporting Tibetan independence. Could this change? The Tibetan Rangzen Alliance hopes that India will in future support an independent Tibet and that an Indian-Chinese war could lead to such a scenario. Especially as China wants to relocate the water resources in the Himalaya which are the dwells for many Indian and South-asian rivers to China (Heaven Channel), the Rangzen Alliance sees the water resource conflict as a possible scenario which could change the mind of India about Tibetan independence. Is such a scenario realistic? In your article about Chinese „incremental encroachment“ you wrote: The history can be interpreted by both sides to suit their claims, threat to revise policies can be from both sides (if China can talk about rethinking Sikkim/Kashmir policy/ or intervening in Nepal triangle,India can also talk about rethinking Tibet/One China policy or establishing diplomatic relations with Taiwan).

Major General S B Asthana: India has excellent relations with all its neighbours including Nepal, Myanmar and Bhutan. China has increased connectivity with some of them, as per their bilateral arrangements, which is not of concern to India, as they are sovereign countries entitled to take decisions as per their own national interest. Bhutan has a security arrangement with India which has not been disturbed so far despite all efforts by China. The dependency of Nepal on India is also heavy and will remain so, despite its connectivity with China. The stance taken by Bhutan and Nepal during Doklam stand-off adequately justices this argument.

India does not support any anti-China Tibetan movement or separatist activity. I do not think that this position of India will change, when India itself is a victim of Pakistan sponsored proxy war/ terrorist activities. A responsible nation like India cannot be seen to have double standards.

The line which you have quoted above from my article is in response to a provocative statement from Global Times during Doklam standoff, when China was trying to put psychological pressure on India by threatening to revise policy on a well settled border with Sikkim. It should be read as an appropriate reply to a provocation/rhetoric generated by China. Now both countries have resolved the standoff with matured diplomacy, I do not visualise India going back from any mutually agreed policy unless China does so, the possibility of which is remote.

Global Review: What do you think about Hindu nationalism? Is it good for India? Gandhi and Nehru as Congress Party supported a nonviolent, pacifistic, socialist, all-Indian, universal and anti-caste policy. Gandhi even wanted to put Mohammad Ali Jinah or a Muslim as new prime minister of all India in order to prevent the partition of India. However, the Muslim League, GB and the Hindu nationalists prevented this. The Congress Party held to the Non-Alignment, anti-caste, universal, pacifist and socialist policy for the next 30 years, only with the exception that after the Chinese aggression in 1962 they had closer ties with the Soviet Union. However Modi, born in the RSS and associated with other Hindu nationalistic groups replaced the Congress. Modi started his Hindu nationalism by burning down Christian churches and destroying Muslim temples. He was banned by the USA for entering the land of the free. But when he became prime minister, made a neoliheral economic policy, was moving towards the USA against China, everything was forgotten and he is seen as a welcomed guest of the USA. However his new identity policy is promoting a Hindu-Buddhist society, excluding Christians and Muslims, on the other side promoting World Yoga days and World Laughing Days to create the soft power of an ever peaceful India. While Modi is still promoting a neoliberal. military strong India, he is stirring up the divides within the Indian society. As Hinduism- Buddism are no religions which want to conquer the world as Christianity was and many sections of Islam still do, Hinduism-Buddhism is perceived by the West as not that dangerous. But the exclusion of Christians and Muslims in India can split and destabilise the country. Is the model of the Congress Party better than the Hindu nationalist BJP? Is the Indian army a Hindu-Buddhist army or an all- Indian army?

Major General S B Asthana:  Your Question has political overtones and off the mark from actual reality. In my opinion India stands for Indian nationalism, and is a secular, stable democracy with equal opportunities and safety to all religion, looking for “Peaceful Inclusive Growth”. If the President of India/ supreme commander of Armed Forces can be from minorities, the question has no basis. The Indian Army is a secular Army having officers and troops from all religion. The fact that we presently have a Muslim Army Commander, and had Christian, Sikh and Parsi Chief of the Army Staff earlier makes the entire narrative of the question irrelevant.

(The views expressed are of Major General S B Asthana  SM,VSM (veteran) and do not represent views of any organization.)

The General  is reachable on Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter and Google+ as Shashi Asthana, and on website http://www.asthanawrites.org and USI website http://www.usiofindia.org )

https://www.global-review.info/2017/10/18/interview-with-indian-major-general-ashanta/

सैनिक कुटुंबीयांसाठी गावात प्रतिनिधी असावा : लेफ्टनंट जनरल सतीश नवाथे (निवृत्त)

पुणे : ''देशाच्या रक्षणार्थ लढणाऱ्या सैनिकांच्या कुटुंबाकडे समाज फारसे लक्ष देत नाही, ही वस्तुस्थिती आहे. देशातील खेड्यांमध्येही सैनिकांची कुटुंबे वास्तव्यास आहेत. त्यासाठी प्रत्येक गावात सैनिक कुटुंबीयांसाठी एक प्रतिनिधी असायला हवा, तरच सैनिकांच्या कुटुंबीयांची खरी परिस्थिती समाज व सरकारसमोर येऊ शकेल,'' असे मत लेफ्टनंट जनरल (निवृत्त) सतीश नवाथे यांनी व्यक्त केले.

रोटरी क्‍लब ऑफ पूना मिडटाउन आणि सैनिक मित्रपरिवार आयोजित भाऊबिजेनिमित्त शहीद व बेपत्ता जवानांच्या वीरपत्नींचा सन्मान करण्यात आला.

हभप मकरंदबुवा औरंगाबादकर, अशोक मेहेंदळे, आनंद सराफ, अभिजित म्हसकर, सुरेश पवार, विष्णू ठाकूर, राजू पाटसकर, शिल्पा पुंडे, स्वाती ओतारी, कल्याणी सराफ, जयश्री देशपांडे उपस्थित होते. विश्‍वलीला ट्रस्ट, सेवा मित्रमंडळ, पूना गेस्टहाउस यांसह विविध संस्थांनी उपक्रमाला सहकार्य केले. अशोक मेहेंदळे यांनी स्वागत केले. गिरीश पोटफोडे यांनी सूत्रसंचालन केले.

Marshal of the Indian Air Force and 1965 war hero

Marshal of the Indian Air Force and 1965 war hero Arjan Singh dies at 98

Arjan Singh, who led the IAF during the India-Pakistan war in 1965, is considered an icon and a war hero. “India mourns the unfortunate demise of Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh," said PM Modi.

File photo of Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh, famous for his role in the the 1965 India- Pakistan war. He passed away at the age of 98 (PTI Photo)

Arjan Singh, Marshal of the Indian Air Force and the only officer of the force to be promoted to five-star rank, died Saturday at the Army Research and Referral hospital in New Delhi. He was admitted to the hospital in a critical condition after he suffered a cardiac arrest this morning, the Defence Ministry said. He was being treated at the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Sciences Centre of the hospital.

Singh, who led the IAF during the India-Pakistan war in 1965, is considered an icon and a war hero. He was visited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi ,  Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and chiefs of three forces in the hospital. The Punjab government has declared three days of mourning as mark of respect to the Marshal of IAF.

“India mourns the unfortunate demise of Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh. We remember his outstanding service to the nation. Marshal of the IAF Arjan Singh’s determined focus on capacity building in the IAF added great strength to our defence capabilities. India will never forget the excellent leadership of Marshal of the IAF Arjan Singh in 1965, when the IAF saw substantial action,” said PM Modi in a series of tweets.

“Sometime back I met him, who despite his ill health tried to get up to salute even though I said no. Such was his soldier discipline. My thoughts are with his family & those mourning the demise of a distinguished air warrior & fine human, Marshal of the IAF Arjan Singh. RIP,” he added.

Singh was born on April 15, 1919 in undivided Punjab and went on to be selected for the Empire Pilot training course at RAF Cranwell in 1938 when he was just 19. He flew Westland Wapiti biplanes in the North Western Frontier Province as a member of the No.1 IAF Squadron as part of his first posting. He was promoted to the rank of Squadron Leader in 1944 and received the Distinguished Flying Cross the same year for successfully leading the squadron during combat. On 15 August 1947, he was given the honour of leading the fly-past of more than a hundred IAF aircraft over the Red Fort in the national capital. In August 1964, Singh took over as the Chief of Air Staff (CoAS) in the rank of Air Marshal.

“A testing time came in September 1965 when Pakistan launched Operation Grand Slam, in which an armoured thrust targeted the vital town of Akhnur, he was summoned into the Defence Minister’s office with a request for air support. When asked how quickly the IAF will be ready for operations,he replied with his characteristic nonchalance,”…in an hour”. And true to his word, the Air Force struck the Pakistani offensive in an hour. He led the IAF through the war showing unparalleled leadership,” a government release said.

Known to be an officer who has flown over 60 aircraft throughout his service, he remained a flyer until the end of his illustrious career.

Following his retirement, Singh served as an ambassador to Switzerland in 1971, concurrently serving as the ambassador to Vatican as well. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan for his leadership during the 1965 war.

“Arjan Singh was and remains a source of inspiration to generations of Indians,” the government release said.

source : Indian Express

7th pay commission problems - Dilip Hiray

Honorable,

Narendra Damodar Das Modi

The Prime minister

Govt of India

Mr prime minister,

Once again The poor jawans i.e personnel below officer rank ( PBORS )of Armed forces have been betrayed with in 7th pay commission. The leg has been hit on the stomach of the poor soldiers, and a knife has been stabbed into the back of the poor jawans. And. Commissioned officer's pay has been hiked from 2.57 times to 2.67 times at the cost of X-Gp pay of the poor jawans. Poor jawans have been cheated again. The X-Gp PAY has been separated from the commutation into their pension.

Officers settled themselves for pay in multiples of 2.67 and 2.57 for men who are already getting a lesser pay. Shameful act of betrayal. Fixation of Military Service Pay (MSP) turned out to be another joke. Officers who enjoys all facilities and luxuries wherever they go, will get 15000+ per month as MSP. The soldiers who are the first line of defence facing bullets gets a meager 5200 per month as a monetary compensation for the hardships they suffer. This is when the non-combatant MNS have bagged an MSP of 10480/- !!!

If the basis of this remuneration is supposedly the complexity, uncertainty and dangers involved in military jobs, how is an officer's job more complex than that of a soldier? How is an MNS (nurse) working comfortably in a hospital, more stressed than a soldier who is ordered to do duty in extreme climates, regardless of hours, comforts and safety? Officers have systematically kept all facilities with themselves.

There are never ending stories of struggle for the PBOR. But the very people who are supposed to take the matter to the highest level showed middle finger to the subordinates. It will hit the morale of Defence as a whole am sure. This betrayal can not be forgiven. The discrimination and high headedness of Officers in armed forces has to put to an end.

And why it is so happening again and again in the pay commission , why the poor soldiers I.e PBORs are being cheated in every pay commission ? It is because there is no one or representatives of PBORS to talk to the Govt on the issue of anomalies in their pay & service conditions. The commissioned officers the so called representatives of PBORS I.e jawans , so called supposed guardians of PBOR's put their interests first before the govt, The PAY COMMISSION , OR ANY COMMITTEE constituted for the purpose and the interests of PBORS are thrown far away by these , greedy, selfish commissioned officer. Same has been repeated again and poor jawans , poor PBORs has been cheated by all the three top Brasses of the Armed forces and their subordinates commissioned officers. Because the mindsets of these commissioned rank continues to be of colonial rule , considering the jawans as their slaves.

Is so the mindsets of the people sitting in the govt also , Mr Prime minister ?

If not so why the PBORS are being cheated time and again in the Pay commission?

Ultimately who is responsible for this debacle with respect to 7th CPC implementation so late ? Who made it to be so late ? Who are behind this? What were their objectives ? And what they got ?

And WHAT DID THE PBORS GOT FROM THIS EXERCISE OF DELAY OF 7TH CPC.

Answer is nothing , instead this will affect their pay,pension , gratuity and leave encashment etc and bring their morale down while performing their duty.

On whose instance 7th pay commission has been delayed ?

And by now what has been achieved by delaying it?

Answer is , the demands of increasing the pay from 2.57 to 2.67 of commissioned officers has been fulfilled at the cost of X-Gp pay of poor JAWANS , therby preventing the jawans or PBORS from pensionery benefits and reducing their pension, gratuity, leave encashment etc.

Instead the govt should not have attempted to bring the parity in the pay and salary of the officers , and also the parity in the pension of all the pensioners at the cost of X-Pay of the poor soldiers. But the govt has befooled the the poor jawans and very quietly betrayed them again. 

This is not justified MR PRIME MINISTER. This is irrational , arbitrary to the govt policy of soldiers welfare.

Big question is Why the govt is hell bent upon to cause this sort of discrimination time and again in the Pay commission?

The govt has stabbed in the back of PBORS, And they have hit the on the stomach of poor jawans.

This is what the govt is doing ? Mr Prime minister. 

Does the Govt only acts upon the advice and suggestions presented by all the three Brasses of Armed forces and the kind of pressure they exert upon the govt?

If so is not the case then why the govt has hit the leg on the stomach of poor jawans ?

And why the govt accepted the demands of the commissioned officers to hike their pay from 2.57 to 2.67 times that too at the cost of X-Gp Pay cut of poor jawans ????

Now all the three Chiefs are silent . WHY ? WHY?? WHY ???

THIS SILENCE SPEAKS A LOT , MR Prime minister.

Is it not the conspiracy of all the three Chiefs , to get their pay hiked from 2.57 to 2.67 times at cost of X- Gp Pay cut of poor jawans ?

At least your govt should have realised the issues of their pay , allowances , their demands of equal MILITARY SERVICE PAY, to all irrespective of their rank. But the govt has not given any heed to the issues of PBORS , instead the govt has increased the pay and salaries of the commissioned officers ? 

Why this discrimination of poor soldiers Mr Prime minister ? And till when ?

The attitude of the govt has badly affected the morale of the PBORS, placed on duty of securing the borders of the country.

I, therefore request you Mr Prime minister to equalise the Military service pay (MSP) to all irrespective of any rank and also to include the X-Gp pay for the purpose of commutation into their pension and pensionery benefits so as to boost their morale of the PBORs at hand.

Thank you and Jaihind, 

Vandemataram

Dilip Hiray
General Secretary
Malegaon Taluka Maji Sainik Sangh

https://m.facebook.com/story.php…

लष्कराच्या पाठीशी ठामपणे उभे राहा (अतिथी संपादकीय)

एअर चीफ मार्शल अनिल टिपणीस (निवृत्त)

सशस्त्र दल विशेषाधिकार कायदा (आफ्सा) रद्द करा, म्हणून हाकाटी पिटली जाते; परंतु अंतर्गत सुरक्षिततेसाठी लष्कराला पाचारण करण्याची वेळ का आणि कोणत्या परिस्थितीत येते, हे राजकारण्यांसह सर्वांनी समजावून घ्यायला हवे

भारतीय संरक्षणदलांपुढे अंतर्गत आघाडीवर जी आव्हाने आहेत, त्यांचा विचार सध्याच्या घडीला करणे अप्रस्तुत ठरणार नाही. स्वतंत्र भारताची सुरवातच मुळी फाळणीमुळे असुरक्षित वातावरणात झाली. सशस्त्र टोळीवाल्यांना घुसवून काश्‍मीर बळकाविण्याचा प्रयत्न पाकिस्तानने केला; परंतु घुसखोरांना पिटाळून लावण्यात सैन्याला यश आले. भारतीय हवाईदलाने यात महत्त्वाची भूमिका बजावली. हवाईदलाला दिलेले उद्दिष्ट पूर्ण करू देण्याआधीच भारत सरकारने एकतर्फी शस्त्रसंधी जाहीर केली आणि संयुक्त राष्ट्रसंघाकडे हा प्रश्‍न नेला. हा आदर्शवाद अस्थानी होता. जो प्रश्‍न त्याचवेळी निकालात निघाला असता, तो सात दशके भळभळत राहिला, उत्तरोत्तर आणखी गंभीर होत गेला.

पण या अनुभवातून राजकीय नेतृत्वाने काही धडा घेतला नाही. लष्कर ही संकल्पना दुसऱ्या महायुद्धानंतरच्या काळात कालबाह्य झाल्याचा घातक समज त्यांच्यात त्या वेळी बळावला होता. त्यातूनच 1962 मध्ये नामुष्की ओढविली. चीनकडून धोका उद्‌भवू शकतो, असा इशारा जनरल करिअप्पा यांनी दिला होता; पण त्याकडे साफ दुर्लक्ष करण्यात आले. या अवमूल्यनाचे एक दृश्‍यरूप म्हणजे भारतीय सैन्याच्या प्रमुखांचे (लष्करप्रमुख) "कमांडर- इन- चीफ' हे पद जाऊन त्याची जागा "चीफ ऑफ स्टाफ ऑफ द आर्मी' या पदाने घेतली. हा केवळ नावापुरता बदल नव्हता. लष्कराच्या नेमक्‍या गरजा जाणण्याची क्षमता नसलेल्या अधिकाऱ्यांच्या हाती त्यासंबंधीच्या निर्णयांची जबाबदारी सोपविली गेली; अगदी कपडेलत्ते, बुटांपासून अद्ययावत शस्त्रास्त्रांच्या खरेदीपर्यंत. "जगातील सर्वोत्कृष्ट लढाऊ दल' आपल्याकडे असूनही 62 चा धक्का बसला तो या पार्श्‍वभूमीवर. 1965 मध्ये अमेरिकी मदतीने शस्त्रसज्ज झालेल्या पाकिस्तानने काश्‍मीर भारतापासून तोडण्यासाठी आक्रमण केले. तो प्रयत्न सैन्याने हाणून पाडलाच; पण व्यूहरचनेच्या दृष्टीने अत्यंत महत्त्वाच्या जागा ताब्यात घेतल्या. पाकव्याप्त काश्‍मिरातील "हाजीपीर खिंड' हे त्याचे एक उदाहरण. लष्कराचा सल्ला धुडकावून त्यावरील ताबा सोडण्यात आला, ज्याचे परिणाम आजही भारतीय सैन्याला भोगावे लागत आहेत. बांगला युद्धात तर आपल्या सैन्याने देदीप्यमान कामगिरी बजावली; पण युद्धोत्तर वाटाघाटीत लष्कराला काहीच प्रतिनिधित्व देण्यात आले नाही. ते दिले गेले असते, तर भारत- पाकिस्तान संबंधातील आज भेडसावणारे बरेच प्रश्‍न निकालात निघाले असते.

गेल्या साधारण सात दशकांतील इतिहासावर ओझरता दृष्टिक्षेप टाकला तरी लष्कराची ही उपेक्षा जाणवते. आजही परिस्थिती सुधारलेली नाही. "राष्ट्रीय सुरक्षा सल्लागार' म्हणून आजवर एकाही लष्करी अधिकाऱ्याला नेमले गेले नाही. लष्करातील एकूण वेतन- भत्ते आणि लष्कराचे एकूण स्थान यांचा आलेख घसरता आहे. ही उपेक्षा एवढ्यावरच थांबत नाही. स्वतःच्या पायावर कुऱ्हाड मारून घेण्याच्या घातक प्रवृत्तीचा प्रादुर्भाव आपल्याकडे दिसतो. खुद्द सर्वोच्च न्यायालयाने स्वतःहून दिलेल्या एका आदेशात म्हटले आहे, की एखाद्या सैनिकाने त्याच्याशी संघर्ष करणाऱ्या व्यक्तीस गोळी घातली, तर त्या सैनिकाविरुद्ध "एफआयआर' दाखल करण्यात येईल. वास्तविक युद्धजन्य स्थितीत जी अनिश्‍चित परिस्थिती निर्माण होऊ शकते, त्या वेळी सैनिकाला मोकळेपणाने कर्तव्य बजावता यायला हवे. अमेरिकेसह विविध प्रगत देशांत सैनिकांना अत्याधुनिक शस्त्रसामग्री तर पुरविली जातेच; परंतु न्यायालयीन खटल्यांपासून संरक्षणही दिले जाते. सैनिकाने रणक्षेत्रावर लढाई करायची, की कोणत्या खटल्याला सामोरे जावे लागेल, याची काळजी करायची? सध्याची एकूण स्थिती लक्षात घेता रक्षण करणाऱ्या सैनिकाच्या पाठीशी आपण उभे राहायचे, की राज्याच्या शत्रूच्या पाठीशी, याविषयीच आपण संभ्रमात आहोत की काय, असा प्रश्‍न उभा राहतो.

सशस्त्र दल विशेषाधिकार कायदा (आफ्सा) रद्द करा, म्हणून हाकाटी पिटली जाते; परंतु अंतर्गत सुरक्षिततेसाठी लष्कराला पाचारण करण्याची वेळ का आणि कोणत्या परिस्थितीत येते, हे राजकारण्यांसह सर्वांनी समजावून घ्यायला हवे. लष्कर हे निमलष्करी दलाप्रमाणे काम करीत नाही. कायदे करणारे लोकप्रतिनिधी, कायद्यांचा अर्थ लावणारे न्यायमंडळ, प्रसिद्धिमाध्यमे, सर्वसामान्य नागरिक या सर्वांनीच लष्कर, केंद्रीय राखीव पोलिस दल, प्रांतिक सशस्त्र दले आणि विविध राज्यांचे पोलिस दल यांचे कार्य, जबाबदाऱ्या व अधिकार यांचे स्वरूप आणि त्यातील फरक समजावून घेण्याची नितांत गरज आहे. हा फरक मोठा आहे. जेव्हा दोघांची कार्यक्षेत्रे एकमेकांत मिसळू लागतात, तेव्हा गोंधळ वाढतो. सध्या नेमके तेच झाले आहे. सार्वजनिक पातळीवर अभ्यासाविनाच या विषयावर चर्चा झडताहेत. त्यातून संभ्रमात भर पडते. संरक्षण दले आणि अंतर्गत सुरक्षेसाठी काम करणारी दले यांच्यातील फरक स्पष्टपणे लक्षात यावा, यादृष्टीने गणवेश आणि त्यावरील बॅजेस यांची वेगवेगळी रचना करायला हवी. युद्ध करणाऱ्या सैनिकाकडे वाकड्या नजरेनेही कोणाला पाहता येणार नाही, असेच त्याचे दिसणे हवे. कोणीही नागरिक वा सरकारी संस्था यांनी लष्कराच्या अधिकारांचे अवमूल्यन होणार नाही, याची काळजी घेतली पाहिजे. लष्कराच्या मागे लागू नका, त्याच्या पाठीशी ठामपणे उभे राहा.

 

शनिवार, 13 मे 2017 Sakal

http://www.esakal.com/sampadakiya/support-indian-military-44811

Know your Dues, Rights and Claim Veteran Dilip Hiray

Government of India has given to JCOs & ORs  higher pension w.e.f. Jul 2009 to 23 Sep 2012 vide Circular 430 and again pension was enhanced from 24 Sep 2012 to Jun 2014 vide Circular 501. Since pension fixed in Circular 568 was highest, all pre – 2006 JCOs and OR who did not put in 33 years with rank weightage got arrears few in Dec 2016 however few banks are yet to pay due to their negligence.
Post – 2006 JCOs and OR are NOT eligible for this arrear as they do not have the restriction of 33 years with rank weightage.

OROP. The Pension of all pre – 2012 pensioners got enhanced by OROP vide Circular 555 w.e.f. Jul 2014. The arrears are paid in four equal six monthly instalments. Family pensioners and gallantry award winners were paid in one go. The first OROP instalment was paid in Mar 2016, second one in Sep 2016 and third one in Mar 2017. Last instalment will be paid in Sep 2017.

7thCPC Pension Arrears. All pre – 2016 pensioners were paid arrears once the new pensions in 7th CPC were approved w.e.f Jan 2016. The pension paid was OROP pension with DR while the 7th CPC pension was hiked to 2.57 x OROP with NO DR from Jan to Jun 2016 and with 2% DR from Jul to Nov 2016.
 
Your banks paid these four arrears in two financial years i.e. 2015 – 16 and 2016-17. Your bank deducted Income Tax (IT) known as TDS. This is because banks assume arrears is your additional income in the fin years 2015 – 16 and 2016-17 where as the arrears belong to period from Jan 2006 to Nov 2016. You have to split the arrears financial year wise and get  benefit of lower or NIL income tax during financial  year 2015-16 and 2016-17.

Know your Dues, Right and Claim !!

Please do not hesitate to approach your PDAs immediately if not paid above.

Warm Regards and Jai Hind
Veteran Dilip Hiray
Gen Sec Malegaon Taluka Maiji Sainik Sangh

'I told them to kill me': Indian soldier who was held captive in Pak after straying across LoC

An Indian soldier, who was returned by Pakistan after holding him captive for four months said he often prayed for death while being tortured in their custody.

"I was assaulted. I told them: Kill me. I realised that this was the end of the road for me," Chandu Babulal Chavan, who was handed over to India on January 21 , said on Friday in conversation with a Marathi channel.

The 22-year-old had crossed into Pakistan on September 29, the day India hit terror launch pads across the line of control (LoC), 10 days after an attack by suspected Pakistani militants on a camp in Uri that killed 19 soldiers.

Chavan was posted on the LoC in the Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

Describing the scenario after he was caught by Pakistani soldiers after straying across the border, Chavan said, "they checked me, took out my clothes, put on black robes (on me) and took me away in a vehicle."

"I was put in a room which was always dark. I did not understand a thing. The bathroom and toilets were also in the same room," the soldier, who returned to his native Borvihir village in Dhule district, earlier this month, told the channel.

"When I used to bang my head and ask them to kill me, they gave me injection doses. They used to beat me. There came a time that I didn't have any more tears in my eyes," he said.

"I did not understand whether it was day or night. I remembered my family in those harrowing times. I used to pray God to end my life," he said.

Describing the Pakistani torture, he said, "They used to give me sedatives through injection. They put drops in my ear when it was bleeding."

"There was a time when I told my captors that I had crossed into Pakistan to avenge the Uri terror attacks," he said.

Dailyhunt

Social-Media Video Released by Sepoy SJ Lakhubahi

1.         With reference to the recent video uploaded by an individual of the Army Medical Corps (AMC), played on few TV channels, the matter has been investigated. The individual concerned is Sepoy Sindhav Jogidas Lakhubahi employed in AMC in the trade of ‘Housekeeper’. He has rendered nearly three years of service in the Army.

2.         Investigations have revealed the following facts:-

(a)        While on his initial posting at Military Hospital (MH) Ranikhet, Sepoy Sindhav was late in rejoining duties after availing the leave for 2015.  He was awarded Pay Fine for unauthorized absence from duty.

(b)        The Sepoy applied for premature release from the Army for which his application was duly processed. The AMC Records, considering his limited service, advised counseling of the individual before taking the final decision. After the counseling, the individual changed his mind and decided to continue in service. He however, sought posting to a ‘field’ location.

(c)        Subsequently, while still at MH Ranikhet, he, while on duty at the ICU, refused to obey instructions of Duty Nursing Officer to clean ‘bed pan’ of a bed-ridden patient at the hospital. It is to be noted that the task which he refused to perform, was a mandated task of his trade of Housekeeper. For this act of indiscipline, the Sepoy was awarded Seven Days Imprisonment within the Unit.

(d)       Subsequent to his release from confinement, while on leave in January 2016, the individual submitted written complaints to the PM, RM and Director General of Medical Services, Army (DGMS-Army) against CO MH Ranikhet and OIC Section Hospital Haldwani. The complaints were independently investigated through a ‘One-Man Inquiry (OMI)’ and were found to be baseless. A Staff Court of Inquiry by the Formation HQ also found him blameworthy for having violated the established Chain of Command and laid down Chain of Correspondence. He was tried summarily for this act of indiscipline and awarded 14 Days Pay Fine.

(e)        As per his request, the individual was posted to a MH in ‘field’ (Leh) and dispatched on posting on 27 February 2017. The individual is currently in transit to his place of posting.

3.         It must be noted that the individual has never been employed as ‘Buddy’ of any officer or JCO nor has he ever been asked to perform such a duty. His allegations related to this and ill-treatment of jawans by superiors, are false and baseless.

4.         It may also be noted that even in an earlier instance of a jawan putting allegations through a video uploaded on Social Media, of ill-treatment of ‘Buddies’, the said jawan also had never ever been employed as ‘Buddy’ of any officer or JCO in his 15 years service. The media must, therefore, verify the factual information from Army before going public on such issues that cast defamatory allegations on the institution of Indian Army.

5.         The operational and professional effectiveness Indian Army which rests on bedrocks of discipline, trust and spirit de corps cannot be diluted based upon false and non-existent perceived grievances and misdemeanors of a few.

Col Aman Anand

PRO (Army)

(Release ID :158929)

एयर चीफ मार्शल बी एस धनोआ ने 25वें वायुसेना प्रमुख का कार्यभार संभाला

एयर चीफ मार्शल बीरेंद्र सिंह धनोआ , पीवीएसएम एवीएसएम वीएम वाईएसएम एडीसी, ने वायुसेना मुख्यालय (वायु भवन) ने आज में आयोजित एक समारोह में वायुसेना प्रमुख का पदभार संभाल लिया।

भारतीय वायुसेना को दिये गये अपने संबोधन में, एयर चीफ मार्शल धनोआ ने कहा कि दुनिया की बेहतरीन वायु सेनाओं में से एक का नेतृत्व संभालने की जिम्मेदारी मिलने पर वह सम्‍मान और गौरवान्‍वित होने का अनुभव कर रहे हैं। वायुसेना प्रमुख ने कहा कि निश्चित रूप से उन्‍हें अपने पूर्ववर्तियों की असाधारण उपलब्धियों और शानदार नेतृत्व से प्रेरणा मिलेगी।

उन्‍होंने कहा कि भारतीय वायुसेना अपनी पूर्ण बहुआयामी क्षमता के साथ आधुनिकीकरण और एक सामरिक एयरोस्पेस शक्ति के रूप में परिवर्तन के पथ पर अग्रसर है। नए अत्‍याधुनिक उपकरणों को शामिल करने और हथियारों के उन्‍नयन से वायुसेना की क्षमता में वृद्धि होगी। राफेल विमान, त्‍वरित हमले में सक्षम हथियारों, एसएजीडब्‍ल्‍यू और वायु रक्षा रडार जैसी उन्‍नत क्षमताएं भविष्‍य में और उत्‍कृष्‍ट होने का भरोसा दिलाती हैं। उन्‍होंने कहा कि भारतीय वायु सेना स्क्वाड्रन में पहली बार' तेजस का शामिल होना महान राष्ट्रीय गौरव की बात है।

वायुसेना प्रमुख के रूप में पदभार ग्रहण करने से पूर्व वह 1 जनवरी, 2015 से वह उप-वायुसेना प्रमुख भी रहे हैं।

उनकी पत्‍नी श्रीमती कमलप्रीत है और उनके एक पुत्र जसमन विधि स्नातक हैं।

***

वीके/एसएस -5590

सामाजिक उपक्रम राबविण्यासाठी सरसावले माजी सैनिक - शिवाजी पालवे

जय हिंद सैनिक सेवा फौंडेशनचे खा.गांधी यांच्या हस्ते शुभारंभ. पेन्शनमधील पैश्यातून राबविण्यात येणार सामाजिक उपक्रम

अहमदनगर (प्रतिनिधी)- सामाजिक उपक्रम राबविण्यासाठी सरसावलेल्या माजी सैनिकांनी स्थापन केलेल्या जय हिंद सैनिक सेवा फौंडेशनचा शुभारंभ खा.दिलीप गांधी यांच्या हस्ते झाला. खा.गांधी यांच्या हस्ते संघटनेच्या फलकाचे अनावरण करण्यात आले. यावेळी  उपमहापौर श्रीपाद छिंदम, नगरसेवक सुवेंद्र गांधी, फौंडेशनचे अध्यक्ष शिवाजी पालवे, उपाध्यक्ष जालिंदर फुंदे, सचिव जगन्नाथ जावळे, निवृत्ती भाबड, भाऊसाहेब कर्पे, दिगंबर शेळके, शेरखान पठाण आदिंसह माजी सैनिक उपस्थित होते.

खा.दिलीप गांधी म्हणाले की, देश सेवेबरोबर सामाजिक सेवेसाठी पुढाकार घेणार्‍या माजी सैनिकांचा उपक्रम कौतुकास्पद आहे. आपल्या पेन्शनमधील ठराविक रक्कम समाजकार्यासाठी खर्च करण्याचा त्यांचा संकल्प प्रेरणादायी आहे. त्यांची शिस्त व कामाच्या नियोजनाने विविध सामाजिक उपक्रम यशस्वी होणार असल्याची आशा त्यांनी व्यक्त केली. 

जय हिंद सैनिक सेवा फौंडेशनच्या माध्यमातून एकत्र आलेले सर्व माजी सैनिक आपल्या पेन्शनमधील ठराविक रक्कम दरमहा जमा करुन विविध सामाजिक उपक्रम राबविणार आहे. यामध्ये वृक्षरोपण, गरजू विद्यार्थ्यांना शैक्षणिक साहित्य वाटप, स्वच्छ भारत अभियान, मुलगी वाचवा, पाणी वाचवा जनजागृती यांचा समावेश असणार असल्याची माहिती अध्यक्ष शिवाजी पालवे यांनी दिली.

Manohar Parrikar To Meet PM Modi, Sort Out Pay Panel Anomalies

Manohar Parrikar is expected to meet PM Narendra Modi to address points raised by service chiefs.

Story Highlights
The armed forces had flagged anomalies in pay panel recommendations
These include common pay matrix at entry level, disability allowance Services satisfied with minister's response, said Air Chief Arup Raha New Delhi: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today assured the armed forces that the anomalies in the 7th Pay Commission will be taken up at the highest level.
Mr Parrikar is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the points raised by service chiefs, sources said. After meeting the Defence Minister this morning, Air Chief Arup Raha said the Defence Minister is aware of all issues and "has assured to resolve them at the earliest". The services, he said, are "satisfied" with the response. Sponsored Content by Taboola 2017´s New Year

Resolution : Fight Your Hearing Loss! Soundrise On September 9, the Army, Navy and the Air Force had issued a signal to all formations, saying implementation of the 7th pay commission was being kept in abeyance till the anomalies are addressed. Mr Parrikar had asked the three services to implement the hiked salaries as the government examined and addressed the concerns flagged by the forces. Top Defence Ministry sources told NDTV that the minister would impress on the government to address the key anomalies at the earliest.
These include a common pay matrix at the entry level for both civilian and military services, removing anomalies in disability allowance between civil and military. According to the 7th pay commission, the civilian bureaucracy and the para-military gets more disability allowance.

 

Indian Military Veterans

Army won't shy away from flexing its muscles, says General Bipin Rawat

© LiveMint Bipin Rawat took over as the 27th Army chief on Saturday. Photo: PTI

New Delhi: New Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Sunday said the role of the force is to maintain peace and tranquillity at the border but it will not “shy away from flexing its muscles, if the need be”.

Eastern Army commander Lt Gen Praveen Bakshi and Southern commander Lt Gen P. M. Hariz will continue to serve the Army and maintain the unity, he said. “The force is to maintain peace and tranquillity at the border but it will not shy away from flexing its muscles, if the need be,” Gen Rawat said.

All units and services of the Army are together and he would always look at each one of them as one unit, he said. Rawat, who took over as the 27th Army chief on Saturday, was speaking to reporters here after inspecting the guard of honour at the South Block here.

Gen Rawat had superseded two senior most Lt Generals—Praveen Bakshi and P.M. Hariz. Lt Gen Bakshi on Saturday announced “full support” to the new chief and told theatre officers through video conferencing he will continue to lead with full professional sincerity as hither-to-fore.

Government officials had earlier said Rawat was found best suited among the Lt Generals to deal with emerging challenges, including a reorganised and restructured military force in the north, continuing terrorism and proxy war from the west, and the situation in the North-East.

IAF PENSIONERS :FOR CORR PPO - APPLY TO DIRECTORATE OF AIR VETERANS

At a meeting on 20-12-16, the CGDA representative stated that as per the records received from CPPCs of various Banks, there is a total of 109000 living IAF pensioners out of which 48245 are of pre-2006 vintage. These figures were contested by the AFA because as per our knowledge the IAF pensioners are close to 2.2 Lakhs with 1.6 lakhs belonging to the pre-2006 vintage.

The Secretary Pensions, who was chairing this meeting, then advised CGDA to reconcile the correct figures of the IAF pensioners by comparing the records as held with the DAV and the CPPCs. Corrigendum PPOs:-

The CDA should have issued 2368 Corrigendum PPOs by the 31st December 2016 and additionally, should also have resolved the discrepancies in the records of 15000 other IAF pensioners. The last date of resolving the discrepancies was set as 28 Feb 17. The CGDA was also advised to share the details of 45877 IAF pensioners in respect of whom it has issued the corrigendum PPOs.

The Corrigendum PPOs are necessitated because of changes in Pension entitlement following the pay commissions upto 2006 and now in 2016. Other changes were brought in on 01/07/2009 and 24/09/2014.

Further, changes in the Pensions were also brought about by granting the OROP on 01/07/2014. Thus almost everyone needs to know their correct entitlement factoring in all these changes. The DAV was, thereafter, advised to liaise with the CDAs to ensure that each IAF pensioner receives his corrigendum PPO wherein these changes are duly reflected. People who had sent their requests to the AFA for getting corrigendum PPOs are hereby intimated that their cases have been forwarded to the JCDA(AF) and the DAV.

Kindly check your own PPOs and if all these changes are not reflected in your PPO then please send an email directly to the DAV giving complete particulars with latest address and mobile number, the Bank account details and the personal details about the spouse and his/her date of birth and request the DAV to get your corrigendum PPO issued by the JCDA(AF) and forward it to your address once received by them. 

Ex Servicemen blog  

(SOURCE : AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION)

Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa takes over as 25th Chief of Air Staff

New Delhi: Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa PVSM AVSM YSM VM ADC on Saturday took over as the 25th Chief of the Air Staff at a ceremony held at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan).

Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa today took over as the 25th Chief of the Air Staff.

In his address to the IAF, Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa said, "I feel honoured and privileged to have been entrusted with the responsibility to lead one of the finest Air Forces in the world. I will certainly be inspired by the exceptional achievements and the leadership of so many of my illustrious predecessors."

Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa further said that IAF is on a trajectory of modernisation and is transforming into a strategic aerospace power with full-spectrum capability.

"Accretion through new acquisitions, replacement of obsolete equipment with state-of-the-art inductions and upgrade of the vintage weapon platforms would bolster our capabilities. Forthcoming inductions of the Rafale aircraft, Attack Heptrs, Heavy Lift Heptrs, Force Enhancers, SAGW and Air Defence Radars hold great promise for the future. Also, it has been a matter of great national pride, to usher in the first 'Tejas' squadron of the IAF," he said.

The Air Chief Marshal further said that the Airfield Infrastructure modernisation programme and upgradations in Communications Network have strengthened the support structure for effective operations.

"While undertaking its modernisation, the IAF has taken an active and sustained role in the "Make in India" plan, to take forward indigenous production of combat aircraft, helicopters, weapon sensors and systems, besides other aviation equipment. A vibrant and flourishing domestic capability would be an essential ingredient for the Nation to continue its glorious evolution," he added.

In his address, he also expressed his pride at the way India's image worldwide has been showcased through the IAF's strategic reach. He commended IAF's role as first responders in HADR situations and aid to civil authority in rendering stability to volatile situations on many occasions, besides bringing succour to people in distress.

He stressed the requirement of training and equipping IAF to deter the subconvetional threats. He reiterated need for focused approach to enhance aerospace safety and IAF's commitment for better standard of living for its air warriors. He thanked the outgoing CAS for steering IAF on a growth trajectory and urged all airwarriors to follow the fine traditions of IAF.

Commissioned into the Flying Branch of IAF as a fighter pilot in Jun 1978, Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa is a Qualified Cat 'A' Flying Instructor and has more than 3000 hours of fighter flying under his belt with an immaculate flight safety record all along his distinguished career as a field commander.

He is an alumnus of Rashtriya Indian Military College, the National Defence Academy and the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.

The Air Chief has many laurels to his credit. As Commanding Officer of a frontline ground attack fighter squadron, equipped with MiG-21 aircraft, he led the IAF punch during the 'limited war' against Pakistan in 1999 to evict the enemy from their 'dug in' defences in the icy heights of Kargil region. For his outstanding bravery and leadership during the conflict, he was awarded Yudh Seva Medal (YSM).

The Air Chief Marshal has held a number of significant staff appointments at operational Commands, Joint Training Establishments and Air Headquarters. He has been Director Targeting Cell and Director Fighter Operations, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Intelligence) at Air HQ and Senior Air Staff Officer of Eastern and Western Air Commands. The Air Chief has commanded the South Western Air Command. For his experience and professional excellence, he was handpicked to establish an 'IAF Training Team' abroad.

The Air Chief Marshal is also instrumental in developing the aerial targeting philosophy against the potential adversaries and transformed the concept of Air operations of the Indian Air Force to contemporary war fighting practices of Air Power. He is an avid reader and writer of issues pertaining to air power and joint operations.

Before taking over as the Chief of the Air Staff, he has been the Vice Chief of the Air Staff since 01 Jun 15.

In recognition of his meritorious services, he was awarded Yudh Seva Medal (YSM) and Vayusena Medal (VM) in 1999 and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2015 by the President of India. He was also appointed as Honorary ADC on 01 Aug 15 and awarded Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) in 2016 by the President of India.

ANI

Lt. Gen. Praveen Bakshi not resigning, urges to stop social media trolling

New Delhi: Lieutenant General Praveen Bakshi on Saturday greeted all ranks of the Indian Army's Eastern Command on the eve of the New Year and requested to put an end to all social media trolling over his resignation, stating that he would continue to lead Eastern Command.

LG Praveen Bakshi today greeted all ranks of the Indian Army's Eastern Command on the eve of the New Year and requested to put an end to all social media trolling over his resignation.

Bakshi also clarified that he would continue his work with full professional sincerity as hither-to-fore.

 

He also congratulated the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Bipin Rawat.

"I convey my best wishes and full support of Eastern Command to Gen. Bipin Rawat on having taken over as the Chief of Army Staff," he said.

While extending his greetings, Lt. Gen.Bakshi also urged everyone to focus on contributing their best to the betterment of the army and nation.

Controversy erupted when Lieutenant General Bakshi, heading the Eastern Command was superseded by Lieutenant General Bipin Rawat for the top post.

Speculations of his resigning started doing the rounds which were finally put to rest today.

ANI

Rawat, Dhanoa assume charge as army, IAF chiefs

General Bipin Rawat today assumed charge as India's new Army Chief.

New Delhi: General Bipin Rawat assumed charge as India's new army chief, while and Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa took over as the new chief of the Indian Air Force on Saturday.

They succeed General Dalbir Singh and Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha respectively.

Separate ceremonies were held on the South Block lawns and at the Air Headquarters.

The new appointments were announced on December 16 by the government.

Chief of Naval staff Admiral Sunil Lanba will head the Chiefs of Staff Committee.

ANI