On Friday, the world will watch <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-moon-to-meet-north-koreas-kim-at-border-for-summit-132925">when North Korean leader Kim Jong Un</a> meets South Korean President Moon Jae-In in the Panmunjom village in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that divides both their countries.&nbsp;

Also keeping a watchful eye on this Inter Korean Summit will be India - a country whose role in bringing the Korean War to an end in 1953 was recognized internationally at that time with even United Nations observers having paid tributes to India's voice that had called for moderation to end the crisis.

And that's why it's important to recall another chapter in India's involvement in the Korean war which is relatively less known, almost forgotten - that of an Indian Army's medical unit which treated 2.2 lakh patients during the war and that of a Brigade Group which was instrumental in assisting in the repatriation or migration of 25,000 Prisoners of War.&nbsp;

Korea invaded South Korea in 1950 and the Korean War continued till 1953. And while it declined to get involved militarily in that conflict, India offered medical aid and deployed an Army Medical Unit in South Korea.

Indian Army 60th Parachute Field Ambulance Unit that served in South Korea had 627 personnel in all. It treated over 2.2 lakh patients including civilians during the Korean war.&nbsp;

No wonder, it earned laurels from the Korean people for its efforts. During its stint there, the 60th Parachute Field Ambulance Unit suffered three fatal and 23 non-fatal casualties.

Commanded by Lieutenant Colonel A.G. Rangaraj, the 60th Parachute Field Ambulance Unit disembarked at Pusan in November 1950 and was initially deployed at Pyongyang.&nbsp;

The Unit was then divided into two sub units. The first was the 'Forward Element' which was grouped with 27 British Brigade and the "Administrative Element" located at Daegu to assist the Korean Army Hospital and also treat civilians.

It was this "Forward Element" which was in the thick of action including a major airlift called "Op Tomahawk" with the 8th US Army in March 1953 in the area of Munsan.

When the Korean War finally ended with an Armistice agreement in July 1953, the members of the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission (NNRC) selected India to head this body to supervise the exchange of Prisoners of War (POWs).

India dispatched a Brigade Group having 5,230 personnel to Korea. This Brigade group was named Custodian Forces-India (CFI). It was then that 60th Indian Field Ambulance Unit was merged with the CFI as the latter took charge of over 25,000 Prisoners of War to assist in their repatriation.

The POWs who refused to be repatriated were then assisted in migration to neutral nations of their choice by the CFI. It's professional conduct won the CFI widespread respect among the Korean people.

During its stint there, the 60th Parachute Field Ambulance Unit suffered three fatal and 23 non-fatal casualties.

On Friday, the world will watch when North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meets South Korean President Moon Jae-In in the Panmunjom village in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that divides both their countries. Also keeping a watchful eye on this Inter Korean Summit will be India - a country whose role in bringing the Korean War to an end in 1953 was recognized internationally at that time with even United Nations observers having paid tributes to India's voice that had called for moderation to end the crisis. And that's why it's important to recall another chapter in India's involvement in the Korean war which is relatively less known, almost forgotten - that of an Indian Army's medical unit which treated 2.2 lakh patients during the war and that of a Brigade Group which was instrumental in assisting in the repatriation or migration of 25,000 Prisoners of War. Korea invaded South Korea in 1950 and the Korean War continued till 1953. And while it declined to get involved militarily in that conflict, India offered medical aid and deployed an Army Medical Unit in South Korea. Indian Army 60th Parachute Field Ambulance Unit that served in South Korea had 627 personnel in all. It treated over 2.2 lakh patients including civilians during the Korean war. No wonder, it earned laurels from the Korean people for its efforts. During its stint there, the 60th Parachute Field Ambulance Unit suffered three fatal and 23 non-fatal casualties. Commanded by Lieutenant Colonel A.G. Rangaraj, the 60th Parachute Field Ambulance Unit disembarked at Pusan in November 1950 and was initially deployed at Pyongyang. The Unit was then divided into two sub units. The first was the 'Forward Element' which was grouped with 27 British Brigade and the "Administrative Element" located at Daegu to assist the Korean Army Hospital and also treat civilians. It was this "Forward Element" which was in the thick of action including a major airlift called "Op Tomahawk" with the 8th US Army in March 1953 in the area of Munsan. When the Korean War finally ended with an Armistice agreement in July 1953, the members of the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission (NNRC) selected India to head this body to supervise the exchange of Prisoners of War (POWs). India dispatched a Brigade Group having 5,230 personnel to Korea. This Brigade group was named Custodian Forces-India (CFI). It was then that 60th Indian Field Ambulance Unit was merged with the CFI as the latter took charge of over 25,000 Prisoners of War to assist in their repatriation. The POWs who refused to be repatriated were then assisted in migration to neutral nations of their choice by the CFI. It's professional conduct won the CFI widespread respect among the Korean people.

On eve of inter-Korean summit, Indian Army's 'forgotten' role in Korean war

It's a World War-II era aircraft. It's a plane which was a game-changer while transporting Indian troops into Srinagar during the Kashmir conflict between India and Pakistan in 1947 just after India's independence. It's a plane which has risen from the ashes like a phoenix. And it's a plane which is finally home-bound.

Having started its flight from the United Kingdom on April 17, the Dakota DC-3 - named Parashuram -&nbsp; will land on Indian soil on April 25.

It will bear the tail number VP 905, the same one which the first such Dakota which transported troops of the 1st Sikh Regiment to Srinagar on October 27, 1947, during the Kashmir conflict.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DakotaHomebound?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DakotaHomebound</a> :&nbsp;A Dakota DC-3 aircraft of 1940’s vintage would be inducted shortly into the Vintage Aircraft Flight of the IAF. The aircraft was obtained from scrap in 2011 & restored to flying condition in UK by Hon’ble Mr. Rajeev Chandrasekhar for gifting it to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IAF?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IAF</a>. <a href="https://t.co/xq8LHza53V">pic.twitter.com/xq8LHza53V</a>
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/988465747583094784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Procured from scrap and restored to its flying glory with the intervention of Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar, this aircraft - regarded as one of the most versatile transport aircraft of its time - will land in Jamnagar in Gujarat on April 25 and is all set to be inducted in the Vintage Aircraft Flight of the Indian Air Force on May 4 at the Hindan Air Force Station.

The Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal B.S Dhanoa had ceremonially accepted the aircraft into the IAF from Rajeev Chandrasekhar in February this year.

The IAF had signed a contract with M/s Reflight Airworks Ltd London for upgrading its navigational systems. Once the restoration was completed, it was subject to test flights and once it successfully completed those, it began its journey to India.

The Dakota is being flown to India by a joint crew of the Indian Air Force and M/s Reflight Airworks Ltd. Ever since it started its journey on April 17, the aircraft has made scheduled halts at in France, Italy, Greece, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman. It'll now undertake the last leg of its journey from Muscat to Jamnagar.

On April 22, the&nbsp;Dakota flew the longest leg of its homebound journey. It flew 1,598.47 kilometres from Aqaba Royal Jordanian Air Force Base to Bahrain International Airport & carried out its first night landing as well.

A large fleet of Dakota DC-3 served in the IAF till 1988. Built in 1944, the aircraft served in the military with the Royal Air Force and was also operated by various civil airlines.

Regarded as the main workhorses of the then Royal Indian Air Force, the Dakotas are credited as being the game-changers in the 1947 India-Pakistan war by saving the Kashmir valley for India. They are also credited with hastening Dhaka's fall and the liberation of Bangladesh.

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Update on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DakotaHomebound?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DakotaHomebound</a> : On 22Apr18, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VP905?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VP905</a> flew the longest leg (1598.47 Kms) of the ferry from Aqaba Royal Jordanian Air Force Base to Bahrain International Airport & carried out its first Night Landing. The homebound lap from Muscat to Jamnagar, India is planned on 25Apr18 <a href="https://t.co/RpwhaFdPbk">pic.twitter.com/RpwhaFdPbk</a>
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/988622633456435201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The Dakota is being flown to India by a joint crew of the Indian Air Force and M/s Reflight Airworks Ltd.

It's a World War-II era aircraft. It's a plane which was a game-changer while transporting Indian troops into Srinagar during the Kashmir conflict between India and Pakistan in 1947 just after India's independence. It's a plane which has risen from the ashes like a phoenix. And it's a plane which is finally home-bound. Having started its flight from the United Kingdom on April 17, the Dakota DC-3 - named Parashuram - will land on Indian soil on April 25. It will bear the tail number VP 905, the same one which the first such Dakota which transported troops of the 1st Sikh Regiment to Srinagar on October 27, 1947, during the Kashmir conflict. #DakotaHomebound : A Dakota DC-3 aircraft of 1940’s vintage would be inducted shortly into the Vintage Aircraft Flight of the IAF. The aircraft was obtained from scrap in 2011 & restored to flying condition in UK by Hon’ble Mr. Rajeev Chandrasekhar for gifting it to the #IAF. pic.twitter.com/xq8LHza53V — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) April 23, 2018 × Procured from scrap and restored to its flying glory with the intervention of Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar, this aircraft - regarded as one of the most versatile transport aircraft of its time - will land in Jamnagar in Gujarat on April 25 and is all set to be inducted in the Vintage Aircraft Flight of the Indian Air Force on May 4 at the Hindan Air Force Station. The Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal B.S Dhanoa had ceremonially accepted the aircraft into the IAF from Rajeev Chandrasekhar in February this year. The IAF had signed a contract with M/s Reflight Airworks Ltd London for upgrading its navigational systems. Once the restoration was completed, it was subject to test flights and once it successfully completed those, it began its journey to India. The Dakota is being flown to India by a joint crew of the Indian Air Force and M/s Reflight Airworks Ltd. Ever since it started its journey on April 17, the aircraft has made scheduled halts at in France, Italy, Greece, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman. It'll now undertake the last leg of its journey from Muscat to Jamnagar. On April 22, the Dakota flew the longest leg of its homebound journey. It flew 1,598.47 kilometres from Aqaba Royal Jordanian Air Force Base to Bahrain International Airport & carried out its first night landing as well. A large fleet of Dakota DC-3 served in the IAF till 1988. Built in 1944, the aircraft served in the military with the Royal Air Force and was also operated by various civil airlines. Regarded as the main workhorses of the then Royal Indian Air Force, the Dakotas are credited as being the game-changers in the 1947 India-Pakistan war by saving the Kashmir valley for India. They are also credited with hastening Dhaka's fall and the liberation of Bangladesh. Update on #DakotaHomebound : On 22Apr18, #VP905 flew the longest leg (1598.47 Kms) of the ferry from Aqaba Royal Jordanian Air Force Base to Bahrain International Airport & carried out its first Night Landing. The homebound lap from Muscat to Jamnagar, India is planned on 25Apr18 pic.twitter.com/RpwhaFdPbk — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) April 24, 2018 ×

Watch: World War II-era Dakota finally home-bound to India

For decades, Tibetans living in exile across the globe fought what they thought was a “freedom struggle”. Sixty years down the line, it is a “karmic design” which they seem to be banking upon to get back to their homeland.

With China asserting itself like never before, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama talking about Tibetans “not seeking separation” from China but only “<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tibetans-only-seeking-certain-rights-mentioned-in-chinese-constitution-dalai-lama-to-wion-127543">certain rights</a>” to enable Tibetans to preserve their culture, language and rich Buddhist tradition, Tibetans who have grown up on ideas of a "free Tibet" now find themselves in a quandary.

The Tibetans' belief that since two of the three dreams seen by His Holiness the Dalai Lama came true, the third one will true too, is what appears to be lending more hope to the exiled community than the idea of a “freedom struggle”.

In the first dream, the Dalai Lama saw bloodshed. The Tibetans believe that this dream became a reality after 81,000 Tibetans were killed between March and September 1959 and a million Tibetans died during the Chinese invasion and occupation.

In the second dream, His Holiness saw that he was meeting with people wearing white clothing. After arriving in India, the Dalai Lama met with the likes of India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and first President Rajendra Prasad — both of whom used to wear white kurtas. So the Tibetans believe that the second dream came true as well.

But it is the third dream which gives the Tibetans the most hope. In that, the Dalai Lama saw himself in a room “filled with light” in the Potala Palace in Lhasa and being reunited with Tibetans inside Tibet.

“Because the first two dreams came true, by karmic design, the third dream will also come true,” Dr Lobsang Sangay, President of the Central Tibetan Administration, told a massive gathering of Tibetans in the picturesque hill township of McLeodganj last week.

“Let us reunite Dalai Lama with Tibetans inside Tibet,” Sangay, the Dalai Lama's political successor, said, asking the Tibetans to rededicate themselves and their efforts to making the dream of the Dalai Lama's return to the Potala Palace a reality.

The fact that the Tibetan cause has got watered down from a freedom struggle to autonomy over the years has not gone unnoticed.

Tibetans living in exile across the globe are observing 2018 as “Thank You India” year. This, they say, is an expression of their gratitude towards a country which not only gave them shelter but also helped keep their “freedom struggle”, their “movement” alive for six decades.

McLeodganj — the seat of the Tibetan Government-In-Exile — in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh is not called “Little Lhasa” for nothing. This town has been not only a home away from home for the Tibetans-in-exile. It has also been a launchpad to hopefully return the exiled Tibetans to their homeland some day.

So when His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama says that at a “practical level”, the Tibetans are “not seeking separation” from China and that their “elected political leadership” is committed to this stance, don't the Tibetans have reason to feel let down? Even if they do, the Tibetans do well to hide it. Given the stature His Holiness enjoys, it is difficult to find a Tibetan voice dissenting with the Dalai Lama.

The Dalai Lama says that while remaining within the People's Republic of China, Tibetans should have certain rights enshrined in the Chinese Constitution so that Tibetans can preserve their language, culture, and traditions. It's anybody's guess how generations of Tibetans who were brought up on dreams of a Free Tibet would feel about this.

In “practical” terms, the spiritual leader probably realises that this is the best bargain he can secure from an increasingly-assertive China.

But the tone and tenor adopted by the political leadership of the Tibetan movement could make one believe that the idea of complete freedom has not been given up. Yet.

At the main event to commence the year-long “Thank You India” celebrations, Dr Lobsang Sangay minced no words in detailing “60 years of China's illegal invasion and occupation of Tibet”, “60 years of destruction of Tibetan civilisation, culture and identity”, “60 years of killing, arbitrary arrests and tortures”, “60 years of China's mass exploitation of our precious natural resources... our forests, our water and our glaciers”, and “60 years of tragedy, 60 years of suffering, 60 years of sadness and 60 years of pain”.

Sangay also lent a completely new dimension to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's “Make In India” programme by saying that the “original Make In India is the Tibetan movement”.

“Tibetans were born and brought up in India. They were educated in India. Our democracy replicates Indian democracy. Our philosophy of ahimsa comes from Indian philosophy. And the Tibetan cause is being rebuilt in India for the last 60 years,” Sangay said. “The original Made in India will also succeed. Your success will be our success, our success will be your success,” the Tibetan leader said addressing India's Culture Minister Mahesh Sharrma and senior BJP leader Ram Madhav.

No separation from China? &nbsp;And the Dalai Lama's return to the Potala Palace, even as it continues to be under Chinese occupation? Will the 1.28 lakh Tibetans-in-exile ever amenably settle for that? That is the question that needs immediate answering.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The Dalai Lama says Tibet no longer seeks freedom from China, only autonomy. His people disagree with him

For decades, Tibetans living in exile across the globe fought what they thought was a “freedom struggle”. Sixty years down the line, it is a “karmic design” which they seem to be banking upon to get back to their homeland. With China asserting itself like never before, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama talking about Tibetans “not seeking separation” from China but only “certain rights” to enable Tibetans to preserve their culture, language and rich Buddhist tradition, Tibetans who have grown up on ideas of a "free Tibet" now find themselves in a quandary. The Tibetans' belief that since two of the three dreams seen by His Holiness the Dalai Lama came true, the third one will true too, is what appears to be lending more hope to the exiled community than the idea of a “freedom struggle”. In the first dream, the Dalai Lama saw bloodshed. The Tibetans believe that this dream became a reality after 81,000 Tibetans were killed between March and September 1959 and a million Tibetans died during the Chinese invasion and occupation. In the second dream, His Holiness saw that he was meeting with people wearing white clothing. After arriving in India, the Dalai Lama met with the likes of India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and first President Rajendra Prasad — both of whom used to wear white kurtas. So the Tibetans believe that the second dream came true as well. But it is the third dream which gives the Tibetans the most hope. In that, the Dalai Lama saw himself in a room “filled with light” in the Potala Palace in Lhasa and being reunited with Tibetans inside Tibet. “Because the first two dreams came true, by karmic design, the third dream will also come true,” Dr Lobsang Sangay, President of the Central Tibetan Administration, told a massive gathering of Tibetans in the picturesque hill township of McLeodganj last week. “Let us reunite Dalai Lama with Tibetans inside Tibet,” Sangay, the Dalai Lama's political successor, said, asking the Tibetans to rededicate themselves and their efforts to making the dream of the Dalai Lama's return to the Potala Palace a reality. The fact that the Tibetan cause has got watered down from a freedom struggle to autonomy over the years has not gone unnoticed. Tibetans living in exile across the globe are observing 2018 as “Thank You India” year. This, they say, is an expression of their gratitude towards a country which not only gave them shelter but also helped keep their “freedom struggle”, their “movement” alive for six decades. McLeodganj — the seat of the Tibetan Government-In-Exile — in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh is not called “Little Lhasa” for nothing. This town has been not only a home away from home for the Tibetans-in-exile. It has also been a launchpad to hopefully return the exiled Tibetans to their homeland some day. So when His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama says that at a “practical level”, the Tibetans are “not seeking separation” from China and that their “elected political leadership” is committed to this stance, don't the Tibetans have reason to feel let down? Even if they do, the Tibetans do well to hide it. Given the stature His Holiness enjoys, it is difficult to find a Tibetan voice dissenting with the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama says that while remaining within the People's Republic of China, Tibetans should have certain rights enshrined in the Chinese Constitution so that Tibetans can preserve their language, culture, and traditions. It's anybody's guess how generations of Tibetans who were brought up on dreams of a Free Tibet would feel about this. In “practical” terms, the spiritual leader probably realises that this is the best bargain he can secure from an increasingly-assertive China. But the tone and tenor adopted by the political leadership of the Tibetan movement could make one believe that the idea of complete freedom has not been given up. Yet. At the main event to commence the year-long “Thank You India” celebrations, Dr Lobsang Sangay minced no words in detailing “60 years of China's illegal invasion and occupation of Tibet”, “60 years of destruction of Tibetan civilisation, culture and identity”, “60 years of killing, arbitrary arrests and tortures”, “60 years of China's mass exploitation of our precious natural resources... our forests, our water and our glaciers”, and “60 years of tragedy, 60 years of suffering, 60 years of sadness and 60 years of pain”. Sangay also lent a completely new dimension to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's “Make In India” programme by saying that the “original Make In India is the Tibetan movement”. “Tibetans were born and brought up in India. They were educated in India. Our democracy replicates Indian democracy. Our philosophy of ahimsa comes from Indian philosophy. And the Tibetan cause is being rebuilt in India for the last 60 years,” Sangay said. “The original Made in India will also succeed. Your success will be our success, our success will be your success,” the Tibetan leader said addressing India's Culture Minister Mahesh Sharrma and senior BJP leader Ram Madhav. No separation from China? And the Dalai Lama's return to the Potala Palace, even as it continues to be under Chinese occupation? Will the 1.28 lakh Tibetans-in-exile ever amenably settle for that? That is the question that needs immediate answering. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Is the Dalai Lama letting down the Tibetan people? 

If there was one thing that had remained constant — so far — in the 46-month-old Modi government, it was the steadfastness with which the government stuck to many of its controversial decisions, refusing to buckle under criticism or adverse public opinion.&nbsp;

April 3, 2018 changed that.

The government's decision to roll back a proposed crackdown on “fake news” in less than 24 hours could arguably be the first and most significant retreat of the Modi government as it nears completing four years in office and plans to get into election mode with just over a year remaining for the next Lok Sabha polls.

The crackdown — which mandated penalties ranging from the suspension to the cancellation of the accreditation of journalists found guilty of reporting “fake news” — was proposed by the Information & Broadcasting Ministry piloted by Smriti Irani. It was disposed of by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself.

Could it be the case that the government had not factored in the furore that erupted following the I&B ministry's diktat? Unlikely. Was it an attempt at testing the waters then? One thing is clear: the speed at which the course-correction took place was unprecedented.

On the face of it, many would think that the I&B ministry erred and was set right by the Prime Minister's Office. But those who cover the government know only too well the overarching control the PMO exercises on all the ministries. Simply put, to think that Irani's ministry could have come up with the diktat without keeping the PMO in the loop is being naive at best. And the Prime Minister directing that the press release regarding fake news be withdrawn and that the matter should only be addressed by the Press Council of India is nothing more than damage control.

Now coming to the diktat itself. Was it really about fake news? That's the big question. Those who would have been impacted by the amended guidelines were journalists accredited with the Government of India — mostly working for the national media and covering the Central government. Does the government have enough reason to believe that these “accredited journalists” are peddling “fake news”? Or was it just an attempt to create a mechanism to muzzle some inconvenient voices — accredited ones, of course.

What made the I&B directive more curious was that it proposed nothing to deal with social media — the most fertile breeding ground for fake news in today's India. Instead, it proposed something bordering on the draconian — immediate suspension of a journalist's accreditation the moment a complaint is registered and sent for inquiry to the Press Council of India or the News Broadcasters Association.

As a barrage of criticism broke loose, the I&B ministry made a feeble attempt at arguing that the “fake news” cases will be determined by PCI and NBA which are not “regulated” or “operated” by the Central government. That is akin to saying the I&B ministry maintains an arm's length distance from Prasar Bharati.

Off the record, in private conversations, central bureaucrats and political insiders have often underlined how the incumbent government was not a “rollback sarkar”. Let's a take a few examples from the I&B ministry itself. Pune's FTII was on the boil for months following Gajendra Chauhan's appointment to its helm, but the government did not budge. As CBFC chief, Pahlaj Nihalani not only kept raising the hackles of the Hindi film industry but was also an embarrassment to the government. But he was persisted with. Because this was not a rollback government, the government machinery argued.&nbsp;

April 3, 2018 changed that.

And to think that Smriti Irani's I&B ministry could have come up with the diktat, proposing the cancellation of the accreditation of journalists found guilty of publishing 'fake news', without keeping the PMO in the loop is being naive at best

If there was one thing that had remained constant — so far — in the 46-month-old Modi government, it was the steadfastness with which the government stuck to many of its controversial decisions, refusing to buckle under criticism or adverse public opinion. April 3, 2018 changed that. The government's decision to roll back a proposed crackdown on “fake news” in less than 24 hours could arguably be the first and most significant retreat of the Modi government as it nears completing four years in office and plans to get into election mode with just over a year remaining for the next Lok Sabha polls. The crackdown — which mandated penalties ranging from the suspension to the cancellation of the accreditation of journalists found guilty of reporting “fake news” — was proposed by the Information & Broadcasting Ministry piloted by Smriti Irani. It was disposed of by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself. Could it be the case that the government had not factored in the furore that erupted following the I&B ministry's diktat? Unlikely. Was it an attempt at testing the waters then? One thing is clear: the speed at which the course-correction took place was unprecedented. On the face of it, many would think that the I&B ministry erred and was set right by the Prime Minister's Office. But those who cover the government know only too well the overarching control the PMO exercises on all the ministries. Simply put, to think that Irani's ministry could have come up with the diktat without keeping the PMO in the loop is being naive at best. And the Prime Minister directing that the press release regarding fake news be withdrawn and that the matter should only be addressed by the Press Council of India is nothing more than damage control. Now coming to the diktat itself. Was it really about fake news? That's the big question. Those who would have been impacted by the amended guidelines were journalists accredited with the Government of India — mostly working for the national media and covering the Central government. Does the government have enough reason to believe that these “accredited journalists” are peddling “fake news”? Or was it just an attempt to create a mechanism to muzzle some inconvenient voices — accredited ones, of course. What made the I&B directive more curious was that it proposed nothing to deal with social media — the most fertile breeding ground for fake news in today's India. Instead, it proposed something bordering on the draconian — immediate suspension of a journalist's accreditation the moment a complaint is registered and sent for inquiry to the Press Council of India or the News Broadcasters Association. As a barrage of criticism broke loose, the I&B ministry made a feeble attempt at arguing that the “fake news” cases will be determined by PCI and NBA which are not “regulated” or “operated” by the Central government. That is akin to saying the I&B ministry maintains an arm's length distance from Prasar Bharati. Off the record, in private conversations, central bureaucrats and political insiders have often underlined how the incumbent government was not a “rollback sarkar”. Let's a take a few examples from the I&B ministry itself. Pune's FTII was on the boil for months following Gajendra Chauhan's appointment to its helm, but the government did not budge. As CBFC chief, Pahlaj Nihalani not only kept raising the hackles of the Hindi film industry but was also an embarrassment to the government. But he was persisted with. Because this was not a rollback government, the government machinery argued. April 3, 2018 changed that.

Opinion: Rollback of fake news crackdown is Modi government's first, most significant retreat

Taking a first step to deal with the rising menace of fake news, the Indian government has amended the guidelines for accreditation of journalists proposing penalties ranging from suspension to cancellation of accreditation of journalists found guilty of reporting “fake news”.

While these guidelines, for the time being, will only apply to journalists accredited with the Government of India, there are indications that the government was going to deal with non-accredited journalists engaging in fake news through other departments of the Information & Broadcasting ministry.

While the Indian government is trying to put a deterrent mechanism in place through this latest move, it is expected to ignite a major controversy with apprehensions that the new&nbsp;guidelines could be misused to muzzle the freedom of press.

The government said that once complaints of instances of fake news are received, those related to print media will be referred to the Press Council of India (PCI) while those pertaining to the electronic media will be referred to the News Broadcasters Association (NBA). These two bodies will then have to determine within a period of 15 days whether the news-item referred to in the complaint was fake or not.

As soon as the complaint is registered and sent for inquiry to PCI or NBA, the accreditation of the journalist in question will get suspended and will remain suspended during the period of inquiry.

In case the PCI or the NBA confirm the publication or telecast of fake news, the accreditation of the journalist in question will be “suspended for a period of 6 months in the first violation and for one year in the case of 2nd violation and in the event of 3rd violation it would be cancelled permanently”.

The government also said that the Accreditation Committee of the Press Information Bureau, which consists of representative of both PCI and NBA, shall invariably be reached out to for validating any accreditation request of any news media agency.

“While examining the requests seeking accreditation, the regulatory agencies will examine whether the `Norms of Journalistic Conduct’ and `Code of Ethics and Broadcasting Standards’ prescribed by the PCI and NBA respectively are adhered to by the journalists as part of their functioning. It would be obligatory for journalists to abide by these guidelines,” the Information & Broadcasting ministry said.

Significantly, the Indian government’s move came on a day when Malaysia pushed a law through its Parliament making fake news punishable with a maximum six-year jail term.

Instances of fake news have become commonplace in India, particularly on the social media and in vernacular press. Even the national media has often fallen prey to this menace. Sources in the Indian government said that the problem appears to be assuming alarming proportions and that was why some action needed to be taken and that is what has led to these latest amendment in guidelines.

The penalties range from the suspension to cancellation of accreditation of journalists found guilty of reporting 'fake news'

Taking a first step to deal with the rising menace of fake news, the Indian government has amended the guidelines for accreditation of journalists proposing penalties ranging from suspension to cancellation of accreditation of journalists found guilty of reporting “fake news”. While these guidelines, for the time being, will only apply to journalists accredited with the Government of India, there are indications that the government was going to deal with non-accredited journalists engaging in fake news through other departments of the Information & Broadcasting ministry. While the Indian government is trying to put a deterrent mechanism in place through this latest move, it is expected to ignite a major controversy with apprehensions that the new guidelines could be misused to muzzle the freedom of press. The government said that once complaints of instances of fake news are received, those related to print media will be referred to the Press Council of India (PCI) while those pertaining to the electronic media will be referred to the News Broadcasters Association (NBA). These two bodies will then have to determine within a period of 15 days whether the news-item referred to in the complaint was fake or not. As soon as the complaint is registered and sent for inquiry to PCI or NBA, the accreditation of the journalist in question will get suspended and will remain suspended during the period of inquiry. In case the PCI or the NBA confirm the publication or telecast of fake news, the accreditation of the journalist in question will be “suspended for a period of 6 months in the first violation and for one year in the case of 2nd violation and in the event of 3rd violation it would be cancelled permanently”. The government also said that the Accreditation Committee of the Press Information Bureau, which consists of representative of both PCI and NBA, shall invariably be reached out to for validating any accreditation request of any news media agency. “While examining the requests seeking accreditation, the regulatory agencies will examine whether the `Norms of Journalistic Conduct’ and `Code of Ethics and Broadcasting Standards’ prescribed by the PCI and NBA respectively are adhered to by the journalists as part of their functioning. It would be obligatory for journalists to abide by these guidelines,” the Information & Broadcasting ministry said. Significantly, the Indian government’s move came on a day when Malaysia pushed a law through its Parliament making fake news punishable with a maximum six-year jail term. Instances of fake news have become commonplace in India, particularly on the social media and in vernacular press. Even the national media has often fallen prey to this menace. Sources in the Indian government said that the problem appears to be assuming alarming proportions and that was why some action needed to be taken and that is what has led to these latest amendment in guidelines.

Government proposes penalties for journalists reporting 'fake news'

On a day that marked the beginning of the 60th year of his first setting foot on Indian soil, spiritual leader Dalai Lama said that the Tibetans were not seeking separation from the People’s Republic of China but were only seeking “certain rights” mentioned in the Chinese constitution, including Tibetan autonomy “to preserve their own culture”.

Dalai Lama spoke to World Is One News (WION) on the sidelines of the “Thank You India” programme organized in the Tsuglagkhang temple in McLeodganj in Dharamshala.

“I don’t know,” is what the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet said when asked as to by when he thought that the exiled Tibetans would be able to return to their homeland. “I think the Tibetan issue is of justice. Also, now at a practical level we are not seeking separation (from China). Our elected political leadership is also committed to that we are not seeking separation,” the Dalai Lama added.

The spiritual leader, an ambassador or peace the world over and revered by millions, said that Tibetans should have the rights they require to preserve their identity and culture. “While remaining within the People's Republic of China, we should have certain rights mentioned in the Chinese Constitution, including Tibetan autonomy. Chinese constitution itself recognizes these rights. So these entire Tibetan areas should have same rights to preserve their own culture including language and rich Buddhist tradition,” he told WION.

When asked as to what he thought about India’s equation with China and where did the Tibetans figure in that equation, the Dalai Lama said, “Logically, India and China are most populated nations. Any sensible person would want Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai at practical level to live together. Both India and China cannot destroy each other. So you have to live side by side, the two nations need to think reasonably.” He added that there “are some sort of problems…border problems” and those can only be solved “through talks and not by weapons”.&nbsp;

“Through weapons ,you can kill a few hundred people…that won’t solve the problem,” the Tibetan leader said.

Central Tibetan Administration’s President Dr Lobsang Sangay told WION that the Tibetan struggle was one of the best example of “Make In India” and that the success of the Tibetan struggle will be India’s success story. 
Tibetans are celebrating the year 2018 as “Thank You India” year to express their gratitude towards India for not just having sheltered exiled Tibetans on its soil but for also having stood by the Tibetan “cause”.

These celebrations got mired in controversy after the Indian government issued an advisory to its senior bureaucrats asking them to maintain a distance from these programmes. The “Thank You India” event that was finally held in Dharamshala today was originally slated to take place in New Delhi and had to be moved out at the insistence of the Indian government. 
The Indian government, meanwhile, tried to salvage the situation by dispatching Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma and senior BJP leader Ram Madhav to attend today’s event.

Dalai Lama spoke to World Is One News (WION) on the sidelines of the “Thank You India” programme organized in the Tsuglagkhang temple in McLeodganj in Dharamshala.

On a day that marked the beginning of the 60th year of his first setting foot on Indian soil, spiritual leader Dalai Lama said that the Tibetans were not seeking separation from the People’s Republic of China but were only seeking “certain rights” mentioned in the Chinese constitution, including Tibetan autonomy “to preserve their own culture”. Dalai Lama spoke to World Is One News (WION) on the sidelines of the “Thank You India” programme organized in the Tsuglagkhang temple in McLeodganj in Dharamshala. “I don’t know,” is what the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet said when asked as to by when he thought that the exiled Tibetans would be able to return to their homeland. “I think the Tibetan issue is of justice. Also, now at a practical level we are not seeking separation (from China). Our elected political leadership is also committed to that we are not seeking separation,” the Dalai Lama added. The spiritual leader, an ambassador or peace the world over and revered by millions, said that Tibetans should have the rights they require to preserve their identity and culture. “While remaining within the People's Republic of China, we should have certain rights mentioned in the Chinese Constitution, including Tibetan autonomy. Chinese constitution itself recognizes these rights. So these entire Tibetan areas should have same rights to preserve their own culture including language and rich Buddhist tradition,” he told WION. When asked as to what he thought about India’s equation with China and where did the Tibetans figure in that equation, the Dalai Lama said, “Logically, India and China are most populated nations. Any sensible person would want Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai at practical level to live together. Both India and China cannot destroy each other. So you have to live side by side, the two nations need to think reasonably.” He added that there “are some sort of problems…border problems” and those can only be solved “through talks and not by weapons”. “Through weapons ,you can kill a few hundred people…that won’t solve the problem,” the Tibetan leader said. Central Tibetan Administration’s President Dr Lobsang Sangay told WION that the Tibetan struggle was one of the best example of “Make In India” and that the success of the Tibetan struggle will be India’s success story. Tibetans are celebrating the year 2018 as “Thank You India” year to express their gratitude towards India for not just having sheltered exiled Tibetans on its soil but for also having stood by the Tibetan “cause”. These celebrations got mired in controversy after the Indian government issued an advisory to its senior bureaucrats asking them to maintain a distance from these programmes. The “Thank You India” event that was finally held in Dharamshala today was originally slated to take place in New Delhi and had to be moved out at the insistence of the Indian government. The Indian government, meanwhile, tried to salvage the situation by dispatching Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma and senior BJP leader Ram Madhav to attend today’s event.

Tibetans only seeking 'certain rights' mentioned in Chinese constitution: Dalai Lama to WION

Indian Army&#39;s action <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-says-three-of-its-soldiers-killed-in-ceasefire-violation-along-line-of-control-27699">across the Line of Control</a> (LoC) on the evening of December 25 which resulted in the killing of three Pakistani soldiers was today described as &quot;selective targeting across the LoC&quot;, a &quot;short-distance raid&quot; and a &quot;localised tactical operation&quot; by highly-placed sources in India&#39;s defence establishment.

It was also acknowledged as a &quot;tit-for-tat&quot; reply for the attack carried out of Pakistan troops on December 23 in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-3-soldiers-killed-in-pakistan-ceasefire-violation-in-keri-27540">Keri sector</a> of Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Rajouri district in which one Major and three Army jawans were killed. In fact, sources said that Monday&#39;s raid was almost an &quot;exact replica&quot; of the raid conducted by the Pakistani soldiers on December 23.

The Pakistani troops who came under fire were from 59 Balooch Unit of the Rakhchakri Battalion of the Rawalkot Brigade. The engagement with Pakistani troops happened at around 6pm on Monday when a temporary post and a patrol party came under fire from the Indian Army. Firing from both sides continued for a long time even after the raid had ended and the situation continued to be tense in that area.

On Monday evening, first an explosion was conducted 200-300 metres across the LoC and following that the 8-10 member strong Pakistani patrol party came under fire from Indian Army&#39;s Ghatak team. Around four Indian Army troops conducted this raid, sources added.

Sources added that the Pakistani patrol party was probably in this area to lay a counter-ambush. &quot;We were able to locate and target them,&quot; a source said. &quot;The Indian Army will continue to exploit such fleeting opportunities,&quot; the source added.

While initial details suggests that three Pakistani troops got killed and one injured, sources said that intelligence reports indicate that the toll could climb.

Sources also added that this was a localised tactical operation conducted by Indian Army Commanders on the ground and that the decision to conduct this raid was taken at the Brigade/Battalion level.

Sources say this was a localised tactical operation conducted by Indian Army Commanders on the ground.

Indian Army's action across the Line of Control (LoC) on the evening of December 25 which resulted in the killing of three Pakistani soldiers was today described as "selective targeting across the LoC", a "short-distance raid" and a "localised tactical operation" by highly-placed sources in India's defence establishment. It was also acknowledged as a "tit-for-tat" reply for the attack carried out of Pakistan troops on December 23 in the Keri sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district in which one Major and three Army jawans were killed. In fact, sources said that Monday's raid was almost an "exact replica" of the raid conducted by the Pakistani soldiers on December 23. The Pakistani troops who came under fire were from 59 Balooch Unit of the Rakhchakri Battalion of the Rawalkot Brigade. The engagement with Pakistani troops happened at around 6pm on Monday when a temporary post and a patrol party came under fire from the Indian Army. Firing from both sides continued for a long time even after the raid had ended and the situation continued to be tense in that area. On Monday evening, first an explosion was conducted 200-300 metres across the LoC and following that the 8-10 member strong Pakistani patrol party came under fire from Indian Army's Ghatak team. Around four Indian Army troops conducted this raid, sources added. Sources added that the Pakistani patrol party was probably in this area to lay a counter-ambush. "We were able to locate and target them," a source said. "The Indian Army will continue to exploit such fleeting opportunities," the source added. While initial details suggests that three Pakistani troops got killed and one injured, sources said that intelligence reports indicate that the toll could climb. Sources also added that this was a localised tactical operation conducted by Indian Army Commanders on the ground and that the decision to conduct this raid was taken at the Brigade/Battalion level.

Inside details of India's cross-border raid across Line of Control in Pakistan

Flying Officers Pratibha and Shivangi Singh got commissioned in the Fighter Stream of Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force today. With this, the number of women fighter pilots in Indian Air Force has gone up to five.

These two officers were among the 15 women officers who joined the elite cadre of Air Force Officers at the Combined Graduation Parade of pilots and ground duty officers held at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal near Hyderabad on Saturday.&nbsp;Pratibha is from Rajgarh (Rajasthan) and Shivangi from Varanasi.

The event marked the momentous occasion of the passing out of 105 flight cadets as flying officers of the Indian Air Force. The occasion also marked the passing out of 200th Pilot&rsquo;s course of Indian Air Force officers, a long way forward since the humble beginning of the training of Indian trainees at Royal Air Force College, Cranwell in Oct 1931.

Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa had recently said that India&#39;s first three women fighter pilots &mdash;&nbsp;Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh &mdash;&nbsp;will fly the MIG-21 Bison fighter planes to begin with.

The trio were commissioned as flying officers in July 2016 after the Fighter Stream was opened for women on an experimental basis and are likely to fly fighter jets soon after completing a strenuous training programme. These three women fighter pilots are likely to be posted together once they start flying fighter jets so that they can learn from each other&#39;s experiences and also have company.

The Combined Graduation Parade marks the culmination of a rigorous training schedule of one year and heralds the entry of another generation of officers in the Indian Air Force. The flight cadets undergo professional and advanced training at various institutions besides Air Force Academy, viz., Air Force Stations Hakimpet, Begumpet, Yelahanka, and Air Force Administrative College (Coimbatore) as per their specialisation and finally pass-out together from the portals of the majestic &quot;Sekhon&quot;&nbsp;Block of the Air Force Academy.

The parade, in its full grandeur, marked with impeccably turned-out cadets and their perfectly synchronised drill movements demonstrating conviction and commitment, was witnessed by a large gathering of military and civil dignitaries along with proud family members and friends of the graduating flight cadets.&nbsp;

Congratulating the passing-out cadets, the Chief of the Naval Staff said, &quot;It is a matter of great honour to review the Combined Graduation Parade of flight cadets and witness these fine men and women joining the Indian Air Force as future military leaders and aviators&quot;.

He emphasised in his address, the importance of core values of a military leader ie&nbsp;integrity, courage, honesty, and selfless service to the nation. He reminded that there can be nothing more satisfying than participating in the defence of one&rsquo;s nation. He exhorted the young officers to carry forward the espoused legacy and the core values of the Indian Air Force namely, &lsquo;Mission, Integrity and Excellence&rsquo;, in every walk of life. The newly commissioned officers were administered oath by the Commandant of the Academy.&nbsp;

The grand Graduation Parade culminated with a well-synchronised display by the PC-7 MK II (the aircraft currently used in AFA to train greenhorn pilots), Kiran, Hawk aircraft and the Sarang Helicopter team and breathtaking aerobatics by the full-member Suryakiran Formation Aerobatic team, enthralling the audience.&nbsp;

The number of women fighter pilots in Indian Air Force has now gone up to five

Flying Officers Pratibha and Shivangi Singh got commissioned in the Fighter Stream of Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force today. With this, the number of women fighter pilots in Indian Air Force has gone up to five. These two officers were among the 15 women officers who joined the elite cadre of Air Force Officers at the Combined Graduation Parade of pilots and ground duty officers held at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal near Hyderabad on Saturday. Pratibha is from Rajgarh (Rajasthan) and Shivangi from Varanasi. The event marked the momentous occasion of the passing out of 105 flight cadets as flying officers of the Indian Air Force. The occasion also marked the passing out of 200th Pilot’s course of Indian Air Force officers, a long way forward since the humble beginning of the training of Indian trainees at Royal Air Force College, Cranwell in Oct 1931. Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa had recently said that India's first three women fighter pilots — Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh — will fly the MIG-21 Bison fighter planes to begin with. The trio were commissioned as flying officers in July 2016 after the Fighter Stream was opened for women on an experimental basis and are likely to fly fighter jets soon after completing a strenuous training programme. These three women fighter pilots are likely to be posted together once they start flying fighter jets so that they can learn from each other's experiences and also have company. The Combined Graduation Parade marks the culmination of a rigorous training schedule of one year and heralds the entry of another generation of officers in the Indian Air Force. The flight cadets undergo professional and advanced training at various institutions besides Air Force Academy, viz., Air Force Stations Hakimpet, Begumpet, Yelahanka, and Air Force Administrative College (Coimbatore) as per their specialisation and finally pass-out together from the portals of the majestic "Sekhon" Block of the Air Force Academy. The parade, in its full grandeur, marked with impeccably turned-out cadets and their perfectly synchronised drill movements demonstrating conviction and commitment, was witnessed by a large gathering of military and civil dignitaries along with proud family members and friends of the graduating flight cadets. Congratulating the passing-out cadets, the Chief of the Naval Staff said, "It is a matter of great honour to review the Combined Graduation Parade of flight cadets and witness these fine men and women joining the Indian Air Force as future military leaders and aviators". He emphasised in his address, the importance of core values of a military leader ie integrity, courage, honesty, and selfless service to the nation. He reminded that there can be nothing more satisfying than participating in the defence of one’s nation. He exhorted the young officers to carry forward the espoused legacy and the core values of the Indian Air Force namely, ‘Mission, Integrity and Excellence’, in every walk of life. The newly commissioned officers were administered oath by the Commandant of the Academy. The grand Graduation Parade culminated with a well-synchronised display by the PC-7 MK II (the aircraft currently used in AFA to train greenhorn pilots), Kiran, Hawk aircraft and the Sarang Helicopter team and breathtaking aerobatics by the full-member Suryakiran Formation Aerobatic team, enthralling the audience.

Indian Air Force gets two more women fighter pilots

WION travelled to Ayodhya on December 6, 2017 - the 25th anniversary of the Babri mosque demolition - and visited the makeshift Ram Temple that now exists on the disputed site. With cameras barred, WION brings to you this first person account from Ground Zero.

There he was, wrapped in bright and shiny clothes, adorned with jewellery, sitting pretty inside the fireproof tarpaulin tent which has been his home for the past 25 years now. There he was, the prince of Ayodhya, the darling of devotess, the man known as the &ldquo;maryada purushottama&rdquo;. There he was, a God who now, almost helplessly, lies imprisoned in a makeshift temple in his own birthplace.

Imprisoned. That&#39;s the word that stayed with me from the moment I passed through the first frisking point, walked through a narrow, serpentine passageway protected by walls and a roof made of wire mesh (made so narrow on purpose so that it can only accommodate a single queue of visitors), encountering two more frisking points on the way, to the point when I finally could get a glimpse of Ram Lalla, or Baby Ram.

The sight of gun-wielding personnel from India&#39;s Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) just outside the tent housing Baby Ram&#39;s idol inside that tent was surreal, to put it mildly. As if the God himself was under threat and required protection.

Reaching him is not easy. The first security barricade is almost a kilometer away from the 2.7 acre site where Ram Lalla or Baby Ram now resides. Policemen from Uttar Pradesh&#39;s Provincial Armed Constabulary manning this barricade are not too finicky. All they are interested is in ensuring that no four-wheeler passes through this barricade. The second barricade comes after 500 meters and is located just next to the palace of Dashrath - Lord Ram&#39;s father. Located at what is called Bada Sthan (Big Place) this barricade is just 500 hundred meters away from the first frisking point.

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The palace of Lord Ram&#39;s father, King Dashrath in Ayodhya (WION)
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Devotees and visitors to the makeshift temple are not allowed to wear belts, carry any electronic gadgets or even a pen beyond the first frisking point. A wallet, some cash and &ldquo;prasad&rdquo; is all that is allowed in, that too, after three stages of frisking. The moment the policemen find out that you are from the media, the checking becomes even more stringent with security personnel even insisting on shoes being removed for checking. The ban on photography and videography is painted on walls at regular intervals.

&ldquo;Please beware of the monkeys inside. They may snatch your prasad,&rdquo; warn many policemen standing guard inside the disputed compound. The sight of policemen carrying colorful slingshots appears amusing to begin with but it takes only a few moments to realize that those slingshots are probably their only protection against the constant assaults from an army of monkeys which roams in and around Ground Zero.

After clearing the second frisking, the walk through the narrow wire mesh passageway, with monkeys dangling on the outside of the enclosed passageway, feels like one long walk inside a never-ending cage. Probably nowhere in the world would one have to negotiate such a fortress-like security and heavy presence of armed forces to go visit a deity.

On any given day, the security personnel don&#39;t allow people in the cramped queue inside that narrow wire-meshed passageway to halt for more than 7-8 seconds at the spot from where the Ram idol is seen. The fact that I visited the makeshift Ram Temple in Ayodhya on December 6, 2017 - which marked the 25th anniversary of the events of 1992 - probably was a stroke of luck. With just a couple of hours to go for the temple to close for the day, I not just escaped those long queues which are a daily feature here but also managed to stand before the Ram Lalla idol for a good five minutes before finally making my way out.

The priest sitting on the other side of the wire-mesh was a good-humoured man. He told me that if I could just take a step to my left and look diagonally inside the tent, I&#39;ll be able to see an idol of Lord Hanuman as well. He was right and seemed pleased when I told him that I could actually see the Hanuman idol. I asked him if he was the only priest on duty there to which he replied that there are four priests who serve the temple in shifts.

Watching me stand before the temple for almost five minutes, a CRPF personnel finally asked me move, his discomfort at my long halt there almost palpable. A sizeable number of the CRPF personnel guarding the innermost security ring around the makeshift temple comprises of women. Having witnessed an attempt by six heavily armed terrorists to storm the makeshift temple in 2005, the security forces clearly are taking no chances and want adequate women personnel to keep a watch on female visitors to the shrine.

As I made my way out, trying to soak in what I had just experienced, a plethora of thoughts and questions started flooding my mind.

Would a God need protection? Would a God approve of what happened in 1992? Would any God want people to fight people believing in a different God? Would a God want his devotees to be frisked at multiple locations before they can reach his temple? Would a God want to be a party to a land dispute? Would a God even care about a temple or a mosque for that matter?

Watch WION&#39;s special segment

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This segment brings to you news on 25th anniversary of Babri Mosque demolition. Watch this clip to know more. (WION)
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WION travelled to Ayodhya on December 6, 2017 - the 25th anniversary of the Babri mosque demolition - and visited the makeshift Ram Temple that now exists on the disputed site. With cameras barred, WION brings to you this first person account from Ground Zero.

WION travelled to Ayodhya on December 6, 2017 - the 25th anniversary of the Babri mosque demolition - and visited the makeshift Ram Temple that now exists on the disputed site. With cameras barred, WION brings to you this first person account from Ground Zero. There he was, wrapped in bright and shiny clothes, adorned with jewellery, sitting pretty inside the fireproof tarpaulin tent which has been his home for the past 25 years now. There he was, the prince of Ayodhya, the darling of devotess, the man known as the “maryada purushottama”. There he was, a God who now, almost helplessly, lies imprisoned in a makeshift temple in his own birthplace. Imprisoned. That's the word that stayed with me from the moment I passed through the first frisking point, walked through a narrow, serpentine passageway protected by walls and a roof made of wire mesh (made so narrow on purpose so that it can only accommodate a single queue of visitors), encountering two more frisking points on the way, to the point when I finally could get a glimpse of Ram Lalla, or Baby Ram. The sight of gun-wielding personnel from India's Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) just outside the tent housing Baby Ram's idol inside that tent was surreal, to put it mildly. As if the God himself was under threat and required protection. Reaching him is not easy. The first security barricade is almost a kilometer away from the 2.7 acre site where Ram Lalla or Baby Ram now resides. Policemen from Uttar Pradesh's Provincial Armed Constabulary manning this barricade are not too finicky. All they are interested is in ensuring that no four-wheeler passes through this barricade. The second barricade comes after 500 meters and is located just next to the palace of Dashrath - Lord Ram's father. Located at what is called Bada Sthan (Big Place) this barricade is just 500 hundred meters away from the first frisking point. The palace of Lord Ram's father, King Dashrath in Ayodhya (WION) × Devotees and visitors to the makeshift temple are not allowed to wear belts, carry any electronic gadgets or even a pen beyond the first frisking point. A wallet, some cash and “prasad” is all that is allowed in, that too, after three stages of frisking. The moment the policemen find out that you are from the media, the checking becomes even more stringent with security personnel even insisting on shoes being removed for checking. The ban on photography and videography is painted on walls at regular intervals. “Please beware of the monkeys inside. They may snatch your prasad,” warn many policemen standing guard inside the disputed compound. The sight of policemen carrying colorful slingshots appears amusing to begin with but it takes only a few moments to realize that those slingshots are probably their only protection against the constant assaults from an army of monkeys which roams in and around Ground Zero. After clearing the second frisking, the walk through the narrow wire mesh passageway, with monkeys dangling on the outside of the enclosed passageway, feels like one long walk inside a never-ending cage. Probably nowhere in the world would one have to negotiate such a fortress-like security and heavy presence of armed forces to go visit a deity. On any given day, the security personnel don't allow people in the cramped queue inside that narrow wire-meshed passageway to halt for more than 7-8 seconds at the spot from where the Ram idol is seen. The fact that I visited the makeshift Ram Temple in Ayodhya on December 6, 2017 - which marked the 25th anniversary of the events of 1992 - probably was a stroke of luck. With just a couple of hours to go for the temple to close for the day, I not just escaped those long queues which are a daily feature here but also managed to stand before the Ram Lalla idol for a good five minutes before finally making my way out. The priest sitting on the other side of the wire-mesh was a good-humoured man. He told me that if I could just take a step to my left and look diagonally inside the tent, I'll be able to see an idol of Lord Hanuman as well. He was right and seemed pleased when I told him that I could actually see the Hanuman idol. I asked him if he was the only priest on duty there to which he replied that there are four priests who serve the temple in shifts. Watching me stand before the temple for almost five minutes, a CRPF personnel finally asked me move, his discomfort at my long halt there almost palpable. A sizeable number of the CRPF personnel guarding the innermost security ring around the makeshift temple comprises of women. Having witnessed an attempt by six heavily armed terrorists to storm the makeshift temple in 2005, the security forces clearly are taking no chances and want adequate women personnel to keep a watch on female visitors to the shrine. As I made my way out, trying to soak in what I had just experienced, a plethora of thoughts and questions started flooding my mind. Would a God need protection? Would a God approve of what happened in 1992? Would any God want people to fight people believing in a different God? Would a God want his devotees to be frisked at multiple locations before they can reach his temple? Would a God want to be a party to a land dispute? Would a God even care about a temple or a mosque for that matter? Watch WION's special segment This segment brings to you news on 25th anniversary of Babri Mosque demolition. Watch this clip to know more. (WION) ×

The imprisoned Lord: First-person account from Ayodhya

Polling got underway in Himachal Pradesh on Thursday morning with&nbsp;reports of malfunctioning of electronic voting machines(EVMs) and voter-verified paper audit trails(VVAPTs) in&nbsp;several places.

At least 58 EVMs and 102 VVPATs were replaced during polling and 167 EVMs and 219 VVPATs had to be replaced during mock polls in the state. In fact,&nbsp;polling could not be held in Gondla polling booth in tribal Lahaul and Spiti district.

During actual polling, 31 ballot&nbsp;units and 27 control units of EVMs malfunctioned and had to be replaced while in mock polls, 101 ballot&nbsp;units and 66 control units of EVMs malfunctioned and had to be replaced.

Most EVM &amp; VVPAT failures were reported in Una, followed by Mandi, Kangra, Solan &amp; Shimla.&nbsp;

64.8 per cent&nbsp;polling was recorded until 4 pm in Himachal Pradesh, reports said.&nbsp;

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and former chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal cast their votes at Rampur and Samirpur.

Shyam Sharan Negi (101), the first voter of India, cast his vote for the 15th time in assembly polls at Kalpa in Kinnaur district.

Shimla district recorded 36 per cent&nbsp;voting which was the&nbsp;highest till 1 pm, while the largest district Kangra recorded 22 per cent voting.&nbsp;Kinnaur recorded 35 per cent polling.

Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Mandi, Una, Solan and Sirmaur districts recorded 26 per cent, 29 per cent, 32 per cent, 35 per cent and 30 per cent polling till noon while Theog in Shimla recorded the highest polling at 42 per cent.

Polling has picked since noon.

The ruling Congress led by the chief minister and the BJP led with former chief minister Dhumal are contesting all 68 seats while the BSP is contesting 42 seats, followed by the CPI(M) 14, Swabhiman Party and Lok Gathbandhan Party six each and the CPI-3.

&nbsp;

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and former chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal cast their votes at Rampur and Samirpur respectively.

Polling got underway in Himachal Pradesh on Thursday morning with reports of malfunctioning of electronic voting machines(EVMs) and voter-verified paper audit trails(VVAPTs) in several places. At least 58 EVMs and 102 VVPATs were replaced during polling and 167 EVMs and 219 VVPATs had to be replaced during mock polls in the state. In fact, polling could not be held in Gondla polling booth in tribal Lahaul and Spiti district. During actual polling, 31 ballot units and 27 control units of EVMs malfunctioned and had to be replaced while in mock polls, 101 ballot units and 66 control units of EVMs malfunctioned and had to be replaced. Most EVM & VVPAT failures were reported in Una, followed by Mandi, Kangra, Solan & Shimla. 64.8 per cent polling was recorded until 4 pm in Himachal Pradesh, reports said. Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and former chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal cast their votes at Rampur and Samirpur. Shyam Sharan Negi (101), the first voter of India, cast his vote for the 15th time in assembly polls at Kalpa in Kinnaur district. Shimla district recorded 36 per cent voting which was the highest till 1 pm, while the largest district Kangra recorded 22 per cent voting. Kinnaur recorded 35 per cent polling. Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Mandi, Una, Solan and Sirmaur districts recorded 26 per cent, 29 per cent, 32 per cent, 35 per cent and 30 per cent polling till noon while Theog in Shimla recorded the highest polling at 42 per cent. Polling has picked since noon. The ruling Congress led by the chief minister and the BJP led with former chief minister Dhumal are contesting all 68 seats while the BSP is contesting 42 seats, followed by the CPI(M) 14, Swabhiman Party and Lok Gathbandhan Party six each and the CPI-3.

Multiple EVM, VVPAT failures reported in Himachal Pradesh polls

For years, local youth from the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/stone-pelting-at-funeral-procession-of-indian-army-lt-ummer-fayaz-who-was-abducted-killed-by-militants-in-kashmir-15434">troubled state of Jammu and Kashmir would go across the border </a>to get trained as terrorists in terror camps being run in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

That trend appears to have <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kashmir-troops-looking-for-militants-attacked-by-stone-pelters-15672">seen a decline with security agencies now realising that</a> most of the home-grown terrorists in Kashmir are no longer risking going across the border and are instead getting all the wherewithal to become terrorists in the Valley itself.

Sources have told WION that despite a major offensive by the Indian Army against terrorists this year, the number of locally recruited homegrown terrorists has increased. Estimates suggest that close to 90 local Kashmiris took to arms and became terrorists this year itself.

Though no terror training camps have yet been unearthed in Kashmir, security agencies are of the view that foreign terrorists infiltrating into India from across the border are setting up hideouts which could be used a training grounds for these local Kashmiri men. Security agencies admit it&#39;s a worrying trend, one that will need better handling.

There has been a surge in the number of terrorists who have been killed this in the Kashmir valley this year as compared to the last. While the year 2016 saw 130 terrorists being gunned down, the numbers have already crossed 170 this year.

Sources in the defence establishment say that roughly 250-odd terrorists are present and active in North Kashmir while around 40 are believed to be active in south Kashmir. Of these, 60 per cent are locals terrorists while 40 per cent are the ones who have infiltrated from Pakistan.

As Indian defence forces continue to fight the proxy war initiated by Pakistan, it is the presence and growth of this home-grown terror network in Kashmir that is being seen as the next big challenge.

&nbsp;

While the year 2016 saw 130 terrorists being gunned down, the numbers have already crossed 170 this year.

For years, local youth from the troubled state of Jammu and Kashmir would go across the border to get trained as terrorists in terror camps being run in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). That trend appears to have seen a decline with security agencies now realising that most of the home-grown terrorists in Kashmir are no longer risking going across the border and are instead getting all the wherewithal to become terrorists in the Valley itself. Sources have told WION that despite a major offensive by the Indian Army against terrorists this year, the number of locally recruited homegrown terrorists has increased. Estimates suggest that close to 90 local Kashmiris took to arms and became terrorists this year itself. Though no terror training camps have yet been unearthed in Kashmir, security agencies are of the view that foreign terrorists infiltrating into India from across the border are setting up hideouts which could be used a training grounds for these local Kashmiri men. Security agencies admit it's a worrying trend, one that will need better handling. There has been a surge in the number of terrorists who have been killed this in the Kashmir valley this year as compared to the last. While the year 2016 saw 130 terrorists being gunned down, the numbers have already crossed 170 this year. Sources in the defence establishment say that roughly 250-odd terrorists are present and active in North Kashmir while around 40 are believed to be active in south Kashmir. Of these, 60 per cent are locals terrorists while 40 per cent are the ones who have infiltrated from Pakistan. As Indian defence forces continue to fight the proxy war initiated by Pakistan, it is the presence and growth of this home-grown terror network in Kashmir that is being seen as the next big challenge.

'Homegrown terrorists' on the rise in Kashmir Valley: Defence sources to WION

The Indian government has decided to expedite the building of bunkers along the Jammu and Kashmir border with Pakistan.

The bunkers are meant for civilian populations.&nbsp;

There has been heavy loss of life and property in recent months because of the increased cross-border shelling.&nbsp;

As compared to a total of 228 ceasefire violations along the Line of Control in 2016, there were a staggering 503 such ceasefire violations till October 3 this year.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ceasefire-violations-in-jk-already-more-than-double-last-year-infiltration-on-upswing-too-21007" target="_blank">Also read: Ceasefire violations in J&amp;K already more than double last year, infiltration on upswing too</a>

The government has also decided to give special emphasis to the development of border areas falling within a 10-kilometre radius of the International Border and the Line of Control while selecting projects under the Border Area Development Program.

This was decided after Jammu &amp; Kashmir&#39;s Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti met Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday.&nbsp;

Over the past few weeks, several Indian civilians have been killed or seriously wounded by shelling from across the border. &nbsp;

On October 3, the Indian government had summoned Pakistan&rsquo;s deputy high commissioner Syed Haider Shah and lodged a strong protest with him over the deaths of three Indian children in what the government said was an unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistani forces a day earlier in the Poonch sector.

India had conveyed to Pakistan at the time that such &ldquo;deliberate targeting of civilians was not acceptable and was against humanitarian norms and practices&rdquo;.&nbsp;

Following Mufti&#39;s meeting with Rajnath, the government has also decided to fast-track projects under the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Development Package (PMDP) by making encumbrance-free land available for infrastructure projects related to roads, power and health.

&ldquo;Under the Prime Ministers&rsquo; Development Package for Jammu and Kashmir (Rs 80,068 Crores) for 63 major Development projects pertaining to 15 Central Government Ministries, an amount of Rs 62,599 Crores (approx. 78%) has been sanctioned and an amount of Rs 22,042 Crores (approx. 28%) has been released,&rdquo; the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said in a statement Thursday.

And in a bid to further reach out to the Kashmiri masses, the government has also decided to accelerate development projects related to additional jobs for Kashmiri migrants, transit accommodation, transfer of cash relief/honorarium through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode and providing employment to youth of J&amp;K. &nbsp;

By October this year, the number of ceasefire violations was already more than double that of last year

The Indian government has decided to expedite the building of bunkers along the Jammu and Kashmir border with Pakistan. The bunkers are meant for civilian populations. There has been heavy loss of life and property in recent months because of the increased cross-border shelling. As compared to a total of 228 ceasefire violations along the Line of Control in 2016, there were a staggering 503 such ceasefire violations till October 3 this year. Also read: Ceasefire violations in J&K already more than double last year, infiltration on upswing too The government has also decided to give special emphasis to the development of border areas falling within a 10-kilometre radius of the International Border and the Line of Control while selecting projects under the Border Area Development Program. This was decided after Jammu & Kashmir's Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti met Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday. Over the past few weeks, several Indian civilians have been killed or seriously wounded by shelling from across the border. On October 3, the Indian government had summoned Pakistan’s deputy high commissioner Syed Haider Shah and lodged a strong protest with him over the deaths of three Indian children in what the government said was an unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistani forces a day earlier in the Poonch sector. India had conveyed to Pakistan at the time that such “deliberate targeting of civilians was not acceptable and was against humanitarian norms and practices”. Following Mufti's meeting with Rajnath, the government has also decided to fast-track projects under the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP) by making encumbrance-free land available for infrastructure projects related to roads, power and health. “Under the Prime Ministers’ Development Package for Jammu and Kashmir (Rs 80,068 Crores) for 63 major Development projects pertaining to 15 Central Government Ministries, an amount of Rs 62,599 Crores (approx. 78%) has been sanctioned and an amount of Rs 22,042 Crores (approx. 28%) has been released,” the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said in a statement Thursday. And in a bid to further reach out to the Kashmiri masses, the government has also decided to accelerate development projects related to additional jobs for Kashmiri migrants, transit accommodation, transfer of cash relief/honorarium through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode and providing employment to youth of J&K.

J&K: As cross-border shelling increases, govt accelerates building of civilian bunkers

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Raghvendra Rao

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