Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to appoint a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) is yet another bold step by him. The CDS will be a game-changer, a veritable force multiplier.&nbsp;

Since the announcement, there have been a spate of articles on the subject with varying views, ranging from less informed ones like ‘Can the CDS be a civilian officer?’ or ‘Can this lead to a coup?’ to overzealous ones like ‘CDS should replace Defence Secretary/NSA’. This stems from having had a CDS in the discussion stage for far too long.&nbsp;

Here is a simplified analysis of the role that the CDS can play in the national security architecture, as well as his military functions as Chief of Defence Forces.&nbsp;

A disclaimer before proceeding ahead — the Prime Minister did not pull a rabbit out of the hat. The CDS has been in the recommendation stage of several committees since as early as the 1965 war.

The most notable among them were the LK Advani-led GOM after the Kargil war and the Naresh Chandra Task Force (NCTF) of 2012. Much has been written about them in detail, and hence, I will desist from repeating those facts.

All major militaries in the world have integrated their armed forces, and even the smaller ones have higher defence organisations to include CDS or an equivalent.&nbsp;

India is the only major military power which has neither. We still ‘make do’ with a collegiate system of Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC), with the senior-most as a rotational head, however, short his stint may be. This is ill-suited for the security needs of our country, with two active borders and two nuclear-capable countries.&nbsp;

The CDS will render a single-point military advice (like a single-window system) for the leadership, instead of the service chiefs either carrying their differences to the high table or rendering weak advice, based on the least common denominator, much like a common minimum programme of political alliances.

Immediately, on coming into being, it can take more effective control of all tri-services structures and processes that the HQ Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) is handling, most notably the force modernisation of the three services. In time, the CDS will synergise all aspects between the Army, Navy and Air Force. &nbsp;

This assumes importance when the fiscal budget restricts defence procurements and priorities have to be drawn between the competing interests of the three services.&nbsp;

For a developing country like India, it’s important to ensure that while there are no gaps, it is even more important not to have overlaps. For instance, all three services fly helicopters of all sizes, including attack helicopters; the Army and Air Force both have air defence capabilities that merit harmonising. Resource optimisation will be a welcome spin-off of effective synergy and firm military decisions under the CDS.&nbsp;

As military chief, the CDS will not control operations, at least to begin with. We have two active borders and we cannot afford to be off-balance at any time.&nbsp;

The CDS will be assigned the task of drawing up a road map for integration of the three services over time, by which time he can assume an operational role.

The office will add unprecedented value of providing a capability audit of the services, joint policy planning, joint doctrines and joint intelligence. Joint operational planning and integration will follow later.

CDS and NSA

CDS will head military structures, gradually increasing his span of control. NSA coordinates various elements of power to include diplomatic, economic, intelligence agencies, cyber, space and more. These elements form part of different ministries and the NSA is the adviser to the PM on security issues, just like CDS will be the single-point adviser on military matters.&nbsp;

Military is unarguably the most significant part of a country’s security paradigm, yet security includes other facets like energy and water security, among others. In fact, the Defence Planning Committee set up in May 2018, seeks to fulfill this role at a functional level of secretaries.

CDS and MoD

CDS will be the professional head of the armed forces and, as a strategic military commander, translate national objectives into military objectives and create military capabilities accordingly.&nbsp;

He will also be the seniormost military adviser to the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister. The Defence Secretary will continue to be the government’s principal civilian adviser on defence, responsible for policy, planning, finance and administration as well as coordination between defence production, R&amp;D and finance.

Like any new structure, the CDS will have a challenging task at hand. It helps that a HQIDS is already in place for the last 18 years.&nbsp;

So, besides taking over the existing functions of controlling all tri-services structures, he will be given a mandate by the leadership to draw and implement a road map for gradual integration of armed forces in a stipulated time frame.&nbsp;

It is to the credit of the Prime Minister that he is creating a CDS and not an interim office of the Chairman, COSC, as suggested by NCTF. This is in keeping with his propensity for bold steps, rather than half measures.&nbsp;

The CDS must be strengthened with a strong mandate, to enable him to set the stage for synergetic integration of the armed forces, leading eventually to setting up of integrated theatre commands. These steps will propel India to realise its rightful place in the world order.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-single-window-military-advice-2783484">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to appoint a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) is yet another bold step by him. The CDS will be a game-changer, a veritable force multiplier.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to appoint a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) is yet another bold step by him. The CDS will be a game-changer, a veritable force multiplier. Since the announcement, there have been a spate of articles on the subject with varying views, ranging from less informed ones like ‘Can the CDS be a civilian officer?’ or ‘Can this lead to a coup?’ to overzealous ones like ‘CDS should replace Defence Secretary/NSA’. This stems from having had a CDS in the discussion stage for far too long. Here is a simplified analysis of the role that the CDS can play in the national security architecture, as well as his military functions as Chief of Defence Forces. A disclaimer before proceeding ahead — the Prime Minister did not pull a rabbit out of the hat. The CDS has been in the recommendation stage of several committees since as early as the 1965 war. The most notable among them were the LK Advani-led GOM after the Kargil war and the Naresh Chandra Task Force (NCTF) of 2012. Much has been written about them in detail, and hence, I will desist from repeating those facts. All major militaries in the world have integrated their armed forces, and even the smaller ones have higher defence organisations to include CDS or an equivalent. India is the only major military power which has neither. We still ‘make do’ with a collegiate system of Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC), with the senior-most as a rotational head, however, short his stint may be. This is ill-suited for the security needs of our country, with two active borders and two nuclear-capable countries. The CDS will render a single-point military advice (like a single-window system) for the leadership, instead of the service chiefs either carrying their differences to the high table or rendering weak advice, based on the least common denominator, much like a common minimum programme of political alliances. Immediately, on coming into being, it can take more effective control of all tri-services structures and processes that the HQ Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) is handling, most notably the force modernisation of the three services. In time, the CDS will synergise all aspects between the Army, Navy and Air Force. This assumes importance when the fiscal budget restricts defence procurements and priorities have to be drawn between the competing interests of the three services. For a developing country like India, it’s important to ensure that while there are no gaps, it is even more important not to have overlaps. For instance, all three services fly helicopters of all sizes, including attack helicopters; the Army and Air Force both have air defence capabilities that merit harmonising. Resource optimisation will be a welcome spin-off of effective synergy and firm military decisions under the CDS. As military chief, the CDS will not control operations, at least to begin with. We have two active borders and we cannot afford to be off-balance at any time. The CDS will be assigned the task of drawing up a road map for integration of the three services over time, by which time he can assume an operational role. The office will add unprecedented value of providing a capability audit of the services, joint policy planning, joint doctrines and joint intelligence. Joint operational planning and integration will follow later. CDS and NSA CDS will head military structures, gradually increasing his span of control. NSA coordinates various elements of power to include diplomatic, economic, intelligence agencies, cyber, space and more. These elements form part of different ministries and the NSA is the adviser to the PM on security issues, just like CDS will be the single-point adviser on military matters. Military is unarguably the most significant part of a country’s security paradigm, yet security includes other facets like energy and water security, among others. In fact, the Defence Planning Committee set up in May 2018, seeks to fulfill this role at a functional level of secretaries. CDS and MoD CDS will be the professional head of the armed forces and, as a strategic military commander, translate national objectives into military objectives and create military capabilities accordingly. He will also be the seniormost military adviser to the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister. The Defence Secretary will continue to be the government’s principal civilian adviser on defence, responsible for policy, planning, finance and administration as well as coordination between defence production, R&D and finance. Like any new structure, the CDS will have a challenging task at hand. It helps that a HQIDS is already in place for the last 18 years. So, besides taking over the existing functions of controlling all tri-services structures, he will be given a mandate by the leadership to draw and implement a road map for gradual integration of armed forces in a stipulated time frame. It is to the credit of the Prime Minister that he is creating a CDS and not an interim office of the Chairman, COSC, as suggested by NCTF. This is in keeping with his propensity for bold steps, rather than half measures. The CDS must be strengthened with a strong mandate, to enable him to set the stage for synergetic integration of the armed forces, leading eventually to setting up of integrated theatre commands. These steps will propel India to realise its rightful place in the world order. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Chief of Defence Staff will be a veritable force multiplier

Pakistan Army chief Gen Bajwa term extended for another three years. Watch this video to know more.

Pak Army chief Gen Bajwa term extended for another 3 years

A Pakistani post opposite the Rajouri sector in Jammu Kashmir was hit inaction by the Indian Army on Saturday.

Army sources said the exchange of fire between the two sides is still on after Pakistan violated the ceasefire.

One Indian Army soldier lost his life this morning in Pakistani firing in Rajouri.

The deceased soldier was identified as Lance Naik Sandeep Thapa.

Indian Army during the intervening night of Thursday-Friday had foiled multiple infiltration attempts by terrorists backed by the Pakistani Army.

Army sources had told ANI on Friday that to push terrorists from multiple points inside Indian territory, Pakistan has activated a major communication hub in the Kali Ghati area near Neelam Valley in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) to facilitate terrorists trying to infiltrate.

The communication hub with a range of 50-60 kilometres, allows terrorists to communicate with their guides even across the LoC.

Indian Army positions on the Line of Control have been alerted to prevent any misadventure by Pakistan Army.

On Thursday, Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh had said that Pakistan was trying to push in infiltrators in the last few days.

The developments come in the wake of the Central government's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-responsible-for-corruption-poverty-underdevelopment-in-jammu-and-kashmir-amit-shah-240865">decision to scrap Article 370</a> which gave special status to Jammu Kashmir.

A Pakistani post opposite the Rajouri sector in Jammu Kashmir was hit inaction by the Indian Army on Saturday. Army sources said the exchange of fire between the two sides is still on after Pakistan violated the ceasefire.

A Pakistani post opposite the Rajouri sector in Jammu Kashmir was hit inaction by the Indian Army on Saturday. Army sources said the exchange of fire between the two sides is still on after Pakistan violated the ceasefire. One Indian Army soldier lost his life this morning in Pakistani firing in Rajouri. The deceased soldier was identified as Lance Naik Sandeep Thapa. Indian Army during the intervening night of Thursday-Friday had foiled multiple infiltration attempts by terrorists backed by the Pakistani Army. Army sources had told ANI on Friday that to push terrorists from multiple points inside Indian territory, Pakistan has activated a major communication hub in the Kali Ghati area near Neelam Valley in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) to facilitate terrorists trying to infiltrate. The communication hub with a range of 50-60 kilometres, allows terrorists to communicate with their guides even across the LoC. Indian Army positions on the Line of Control have been alerted to prevent any misadventure by Pakistan Army. On Thursday, Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh had said that Pakistan was trying to push in infiltrators in the last few days. The developments come in the wake of the Central government's decision to scrap Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu Kashmir.

Jammu and Kashmir: Indian Army hits Pakistan post opposite Rajouri sector

Two Israelis were injured Friday in what the Israeli army called a "terrorist" car-ramming attack near the Jewish settlement of Elazar south of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank.

"A terrorist ran over two civilians," an English-language army statement said.

"The civilians were injured and evacuated to the hospital for medical treatment. The terrorist was neutralised," it said.

A police statement said an off-duty policeman passing by the scene near Elazar settlement saw the alleged attacker trying to exit his vehicle, and fired at him.

Police video showed the suspect vehicle travelling at speed and veering off the road toward a bus stop.

An army spokeswoman contacted by AFP could not immediately say if the suspect was alive or dead.

Dr. Bala Miklosh, head of the trauma department at Jerusalem's Hadassah hospital, said one of the Israelis was a man aged "about 19" with serious head injuries, correcting earlier reports of his age.

"He is undergoing surgery but is not yet out of danger," he said in a video clip on Whatsapp.

A young woman less seriously injured was taken to the city's Shaare Zedek hospital.

Last week, an off-duty Israeli soldier was stabbed to death in the same area.

Two Palestinian suspects were later arrested.

Two Israelis were injured Friday in what the Israeli army called a "terrorist" car-ramming attack near the Jewish settlement of Elazar south of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank.

Two Israelis were injured Friday in what the Israeli army called a "terrorist" car-ramming attack near the Jewish settlement of Elazar south of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. "A terrorist ran over two civilians," an English-language army statement said. "The civilians were injured and evacuated to the hospital for medical treatment. The terrorist was neutralised," it said. A police statement said an off-duty policeman passing by the scene near Elazar settlement saw the alleged attacker trying to exit his vehicle, and fired at him. Police video showed the suspect vehicle travelling at speed and veering off the road toward a bus stop. An army spokeswoman contacted by AFP could not immediately say if the suspect was alive or dead. Dr. Bala Miklosh, head of the trauma department at Jerusalem's Hadassah hospital, said one of the Israelis was a man aged "about 19" with serious head injuries, correcting earlier reports of his age. "He is undergoing surgery but is not yet out of danger," he said in a video clip on Whatsapp. A young woman less seriously injured was taken to the city's Shaare Zedek hospital. Last week, an off-duty Israeli soldier was stabbed to death in the same area. Two Palestinian suspects were later arrested.

2 Israelis, Palestinian assailant hurt in West Bank car ramming: Army

&nbsp;Syria's&nbsp;army&nbsp;has captured a strategically important town in Idlib in the rebels' last major enclave, a war monitor and a military media unit run by its ally Hezbollah reported on Sunday.

The capture of al-Hobeit represents the most significant advance the&nbsp;army&nbsp;has made in Idlib province since the start of its offensive three months ago, the Britain-based Syrian observatory for Human Rights said.

The Hezbollah media unit described the town as the gateway to the southern countryside of Idlib, to the main Damascus-Aleppo highway and to the city of Khan Sheikhoun.

Rebels have not yet commented on the fighting around al-Hobeit but this week acknowledged losing ground nearby as the&nbsp;army&nbsp;ramped up its offensive after a brief ceasefire.

Fighting on Saturday killed more than 100 fighters from both sides as the&nbsp;army&nbsp;and its allies unleashed about 2,000 air and artillery strikes against rebels dug into Syria's northwest, the Observatory said.

The three-month offensive has made slower progress than any by&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;President Bashar al-Assad since Russia entered the war on his side in 2015, prompting a run of military victories that have brought most of Syria back under his rule.

Turkey, a supporter of some rebel groups, has posted military observation posts around the enclave's front lines, complicating&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;army&nbsp;advances.

Rebels fighting to oust him are now concentrated in the northwestern enclave, covering most of Idlib province and parts of Aleppo, Hama and Latakia provinces, though they also have a small presence in the southeast near the border with Jordan.

Assad, who offered prayers for Islam's Eid al-Adha holiday in Damascus on Sunday morning, has sworn to take back every inch of Syria. However, other large areas are still beyond his control, including the Kurdish-controlled northeast and a Turkish-held strip along the frontier.

The northwest offensive has prompted warnings by the United Nations and aid agencies of a new humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands of people having fled the violence to seek shelter at the border with Turkey.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/regime-and-russian-airstrikes-killed-15-civilians-in-northwest-syria-monitor-239097">Syrian&nbsp;military airstrikes</a> have targeted hospitals, schools, water points, markets, bakeries and other civilian infrastructure, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Syria, Panos Mumtzis, has said.

Syria's army has captured a strategically important town in Idlib in the rebels' last major enclave, a war monitor and a military media unit run by its ally Hezbollah reported on Sunday.

Syria's army has captured a strategically important town in Idlib in the rebels' last major enclave, a war monitor and a military media unit run by its ally Hezbollah reported on Sunday. The capture of al-Hobeit represents the most significant advance the army has made in Idlib province since the start of its offensive three months ago, the Britain-based Syrian observatory for Human Rights said. The Hezbollah media unit described the town as the gateway to the southern countryside of Idlib, to the main Damascus-Aleppo highway and to the city of Khan Sheikhoun. Rebels have not yet commented on the fighting around al-Hobeit but this week acknowledged losing ground nearby as the army ramped up its offensive after a brief ceasefire. Fighting on Saturday killed more than 100 fighters from both sides as the army and its allies unleashed about 2,000 air and artillery strikes against rebels dug into Syria's northwest, the Observatory said. The three-month offensive has made slower progress than any by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad since Russia entered the war on his side in 2015, prompting a run of military victories that have brought most of Syria back under his rule. Turkey, a supporter of some rebel groups, has posted military observation posts around the enclave's front lines, complicating Syrian army advances. Rebels fighting to oust him are now concentrated in the northwestern enclave, covering most of Idlib province and parts of Aleppo, Hama and Latakia provinces, though they also have a small presence in the southeast near the border with Jordan. Assad, who offered prayers for Islam's Eid al-Adha holiday in Damascus on Sunday morning, has sworn to take back every inch of Syria. However, other large areas are still beyond his control, including the Kurdish-controlled northeast and a Turkish-held strip along the frontier. The northwest offensive has prompted warnings by the United Nations and aid agencies of a new humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands of people having fled the violence to seek shelter at the border with Turkey. Syrian military airstrikes have targeted hospitals, schools, water points, markets, bakeries and other civilian infrastructure, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Syria, Panos Mumtzis, has said.

Syrian army takes strategic town from rebels in new advance

Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Thursday briefed defence minister Rajnath Singh on the present situation in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/several-positive-points-in-centres-move-on-jammu-and-kashmir-says-veteran-congress-leader-karan-singh-241503">Jammu and Kashmir</a>.

The Army chief told the defence minister that the overall situation is under control and the Armed forces are on high alert and closely monitoring the situation, reported news agency ANI.

On Wednesday, National Security Advisor (NSA) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-national-security-advisor-ajit-doval-takes-stock-of-internal-security-situation-meets-security-personnel-241373">Ajit Doval</a> and Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik reviewed the security situation in the valley.

They asked the authorities to ensure the safety of the general public and take stock of their requirements and address them swiftly,

Parliament on Tuesday approved a resolution abrogating special status to Jammu and Kashmir under <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-point-by-point-rebuttal-amit-shah-takes-on-congress-in-fiery-speech-after-abrogation-of-article-370-241181">Article 370 </a>of the Constitution and a bill for splitting the state into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladhak.

The repeal of Article 370 has also led to abrogation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-article-35a-heres-all-you-need-to-know-240752">Article 35A</a> related to "permanent residents".

Jammu&nbsp;and Kashmir has been on lockdown since Sunday and security forces are on maximum alert to "pre-empt" and "prevent" any breach of security. 
 
(With inputs from ANI)

 
&nbsp;

Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Thursday briefed defence minister Rajnath Singh on the present situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The Army chief told the defence minister that the overall situation is under control and the Armed forces are on high alert and closely monitoring the situation, reported news agency ANI.

Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Thursday briefed defence minister Rajnath Singh on the present situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The Army chief told the defence minister that the overall situation is under control and the Armed forces are on high alert and closely monitoring the situation, reported news agency ANI. On Wednesday, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik reviewed the security situation in the valley. They asked the authorities to ensure the safety of the general public and take stock of their requirements and address them swiftly, Parliament on Tuesday approved a resolution abrogating special status to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution and a bill for splitting the state into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladhak. The repeal of Article 370 has also led to abrogation of Article 35A related to "permanent residents". Jammu and Kashmir has been on lockdown since Sunday and security forces are on maximum alert to "pre-empt" and "prevent" any breach of security. (With inputs from ANI)

Overall situation in Jammu and Kashmir under control, says Army chief Bipin Rawat

With <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-chief-minister-yediyurappa-conducts-aerial-survey-of-flood-affected-areas-240826">the flood situation worsening in Maharashtra and its neighbouring states</a>, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday dialled his Karnataka counterpart B S Yediyurappa and requested him to discharge water from the Almatti dam.

'CM Devendra Fadnavis also spoke to Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa and requested on Almatti discharge. He assured of positive actions,' the statement from CMO Maharashtra read.

The Maharashtra Chief Minister also reviewed the flood situation in the Yavatnal area along with the Chief Secretary, Disaster Management Department and various Districts administration of the region.

'CM Devendra Fadnavis in is in continuous touch with CS [Chief Secretaries], all these agencies and situation is under control,' the notice from CMO Maharashtra read.

As many as six villages of Shirol Taluka, one from Hatkanangle, Chikhali, Ambewadi area, and Kolhapur city have been submerged in water due to the overflow of Panchganga river.

Two NDRF teams are carrying out rescue operations and more teams of the Army, Navy, and coastguard have been directed to reach the affected areas of Yavatnal at the earliest.

Not only that, but the rescue officials have also been given two helicopters for carrying out relief and rescue operations.&nbsp;

So far, 1500 families have been evacuated from Yavatbnal and the administration is continuously monitoring the situation.

With the flood situation worsening in Maharashtra and its neighbouring states, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday dialled his Karnataka counterpart B S Yediyurappa and requested him to discharge water from the Almatti dam.

With the flood situation worsening in Maharashtra and its neighbouring states, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday dialled his Karnataka counterpart B S Yediyurappa and requested him to discharge water from the Almatti dam. 'CM Devendra Fadnavis also spoke to Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa and requested on Almatti discharge. He assured of positive actions,' the statement from CMO Maharashtra read. The Maharashtra Chief Minister also reviewed the flood situation in the Yavatnal area along with the Chief Secretary, Disaster Management Department and various Districts administration of the region. 'CM Devendra Fadnavis in is in continuous touch with CS [Chief Secretaries], all these agencies and situation is under control,' the notice from CMO Maharashtra read. As many as six villages of Shirol Taluka, one from Hatkanangle, Chikhali, Ambewadi area, and Kolhapur city have been submerged in water due to the overflow of Panchganga river. Two NDRF teams are carrying out rescue operations and more teams of the Army, Navy, and coastguard have been directed to reach the affected areas of Yavatnal at the earliest. Not only that, but the rescue officials have also been given two helicopters for carrying out relief and rescue operations. So far, 1500 families have been evacuated from Yavatbnal and the administration is continuously monitoring the situation.

Maharashtra chief minister dials his Karnataka counterpart on the flood situation

The U.S. could reduce troops by 8-9 thousand. To know more watch WION dispatch.

WION Dispatch: U.S-Taliban talks to restart tomorrow

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday called in the military to fight forest fires that have been raging across vast expanses of Siberia for days, enveloping entire cities in black smoke.

Environmentalists have warned that the scale of the blazes could accelerate global warming, aside from any immediate effects on the health of inhabitants.

"After reviewing a report from the emergency situations minister, Putin instructed the ministry of defence to join the effort to extinguish the fires," the Kremlin's press service told Russian media.

Around 3 million hectares (7.4 million acres) of land in the centre and east of the country were in the grip of fires on Wednesday, authorities said.

The acrid smoke has affected not only small settlements but also major cities in Western Siberia and the Altai region as well as the Urals such as Chelyabinsk and Yekaterinburg, and disrupted air travel.

Some 2,700 firefighters were already working to tackle the blazes, Interfax news agency reported.

The defence ministry told news agencies that 10 planes and 10 helicopters had been dispatched to the Krasnoyarsk region, one of the worst affected.

The Kremlin press service said the armed forces in the Irkutsk region, also badly hit, had been put on high alert, without providing further details of military involvement.&nbsp;

The fires, triggered by dry thunderstorms in temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), were spread by strong winds, Russia's federal forestry agency said earlier.&nbsp;

The majority of the fires rage in remote or inaccessible areas and authorities make the decision to extinguish them only if the estimated damage exceeds the cost of the operation.

Summer fires are common in Russia but this year they have spread further than usual.

According to the Russian branch of Greenpeace, almost 12 million hectares of forest have been burnt this year -- causing significant CO2 emissions and reducing the future capacity of forest to absorb the carbon dioxide.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday called in the military to fight forest fires that have been raging across vast expanses of Siberia for days, enveloping entire cities in black smoke.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday called in the military to fight forest fires that have been raging across vast expanses of Siberia for days, enveloping entire cities in black smoke. Environmentalists have warned that the scale of the blazes could accelerate global warming, aside from any immediate effects on the health of inhabitants. "After reviewing a report from the emergency situations minister, Putin instructed the ministry of defence to join the effort to extinguish the fires," the Kremlin's press service told Russian media. Around 3 million hectares (7.4 million acres) of land in the centre and east of the country were in the grip of fires on Wednesday, authorities said. The acrid smoke has affected not only small settlements but also major cities in Western Siberia and the Altai region as well as the Urals such as Chelyabinsk and Yekaterinburg, and disrupted air travel. Some 2,700 firefighters were already working to tackle the blazes, Interfax news agency reported. The defence ministry told news agencies that 10 planes and 10 helicopters had been dispatched to the Krasnoyarsk region, one of the worst affected. The Kremlin press service said the armed forces in the Irkutsk region, also badly hit, had been put on high alert, without providing further details of military involvement. The fires, triggered by dry thunderstorms in temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), were spread by strong winds, Russia's federal forestry agency said earlier. The majority of the fires rage in remote or inaccessible areas and authorities make the decision to extinguish them only if the estimated damage exceeds the cost of the operation. Summer fires are common in Russia but this year they have spread further than usual. According to the Russian branch of Greenpeace, almost 12 million hectares of forest have been burnt this year -- causing significant CO2 emissions and reducing the future capacity of forest to absorb the carbon dioxide.

Putin calls in army to fight Siberia forest fires

One Army Jawan was killed on Tuesday after Pakistani troops violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Sunderbani sector in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir. 
 
The deceased jawan was identified as 34-year-old Naik Krishan Lal, a resident of Ghagriya village in Akhnoor.&nbsp;

Pakistan also violated ceasefire in Tangdhar and Keran sector. Two Pakistani soldiers were killed in retaliatory action by the Indian Army, said officials.&nbsp;

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Army Sources: Two Pakistani soldiers killed in retaliatory action by Indian Army in Tangdhar-Keran sector. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/52bz89jMGW">https://t.co/52bz89jMGW</a>
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On Sunday, three civilians including a 10-day-old baby sustained injuries in the ceasefire violation by Pakistan. The baby later succumbed to the injuries. 
 
Meanwhile, two other civilians who were injured in the firing are now stable. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

One Army Jawan was killed on Tuesday after Pakistani troops violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Sunderbani sector in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir.

One Army Jawan was killed on Tuesday after Pakistani troops violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Sunderbani sector in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir. The deceased jawan was identified as 34-year-old Naik Krishan Lal, a resident of Ghagriya village in Akhnoor. Pakistan also violated ceasefire in Tangdhar and Keran sector. Two Pakistani soldiers were killed in retaliatory action by the Indian Army, said officials. Army Sources: Two Pakistani soldiers killed in retaliatory action by Indian Army in Tangdhar-Keran sector. #JammuAndKashmir https://t.co/52bz89jMGW — ANI (@ANI) July 30, 2019 × On Sunday, three civilians including a 10-day-old baby sustained injuries in the ceasefire violation by Pakistan. The baby later succumbed to the injuries. Meanwhile, two other civilians who were injured in the firing are now stable. (With inputs from agencies)

Army jawan killed as Pakistan violates ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir's Sunderbani sector

In the run-up to the 20th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26, 2019, the first of this two-part series focused on the initiation of the Kargil conflict.

In this concluding part, I intend to bring to the public some aspects of conflict progression, the constraints on the Indian Army to clear the intrusion and, briefly, where we stand today with reference to a potential repeat of Kargil.

The relatively slow response in May 1999 towards the expulsion of the intrusion was due to the lack of intelligence on the actual spread and magnitude of the intrusion. &nbsp;

In the mountains at higher altitudes, small infantry forces merge well with scraggy peaks and unless probing actions actually get into contact with intruding elements, it is difficult to ascertain the extent of ingress. &nbsp;&nbsp;

There were gaps in the defences and with vacated winter posts yet unoccupied by the Indian Army, the exercise to ascertain the frontage and exact locations was a challenge. &nbsp;

The IAF activated and flew a number of missions, but found determination of pinpoint targets difficult due to heights it had to fly at to avoid Pakistani shoulder-fired missiles. &nbsp;

Shortly thereafter came the restriction preventing both the army and the IAF from crossing the LoC. The implication was that the IAF had to fly parallel to the LoC while the Army’s operations could not plan to adopt rear, and sometimes even flanking approaches, to reach the occupied heights, which stood at 16,000 to 18,000 feet. &nbsp;

Troops had to be redeployed from the Kashmir Valley; in fact the entire 8 Mountain Division had to disengage from the counter-terror grid, acclimatise the troops and be prepared for high-altitude assault. &nbsp;

This is one of the most hazardous operations infantrymen ever undertake, having to climb 6,000 to 7,000 feet from the Dras-Mashkoh valley floor to reach their objectives. &nbsp;

Each assault by a company of 80-100 men took the better part of a week or more to attain even a modicum of success with the threat of a counterattack always present. &nbsp;

En route they suffered severe privations, very limited logistical support and heavy casualties. Higher attrition occurred due to the decision not to cross the LoC and it remains a point of debate whether anything was achieved by this. &nbsp;

At higher diplomatic levels, it helped in securing international recognition of India’s sense of responsibility and perhaps put Pakistan on the mat. &nbsp;

That helped in the US decision to force Pakistan to vacate the territory not yet cleared by the Indian Army. Some may argue that it saved many more casualties that Indian Army may have suffered, if it had to recapture every single occupied post.

What needs to be remembered is that this was not a war fought by individual arms or services of the army. Logistics played a major role and the decisions to deploy 100 artillery guns for each battalion assault, along with direct firing by Bofors guns, were all game changers. It was the collective contribution of the Army and IAF, which ensured victory for the Indian forces. &nbsp;

At another level, the failure of the Pakistan Army to collect their dead, feigning that they were freedom fighters, left the Indian Army on a higher moral plane. Honourable burial of the enemy’s dead followed with full honours due to them.

The state of preparedness of the Indian Army to fight such a war was actually abysmal. Kargil was a relatively low priority sector with assessment of potential employment of just a brigade by Pakistan in the eventuality of a full-scale war. &nbsp;

That would have had different implications. A standalone operation is something else. Military wherewithal had to be collected from different locations and flown to Kargil, reserve formations had to move and acclimatise the troops. &nbsp;

All the while, the footprint of Pakistan-sponsored terror in Kashmir Valley and Jammu was increasing, taking full advantage of the attention focused on Kargil.

One of the earliest decisions after the conflict was to curtail the Srinagar-based 15 Corps’ responsibility to the area between Zojila and Jawahar Tunnel and hand over operational responsibility of Ladakh, including Kargil, to the newly raised Headquarters 14 Corps. &nbsp;

The Kargil Review Committee was set up as a consequence of the admission that all was not well with national security. The Committee did yeoman service with its recommendations and a Group of Ministers (GoM) was set up to examine the recommendations. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It’s unfortunate that even with as big a trigger as Kargil 1999, the implementation of identified recommendations of the GoM were never implemented in letter and spirit. Half-baked measures such as creation of HQ Integrated Defence Staff as against an integrated Ministry of Defence were made. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Eighteen years down the line it has not happened. The fast-track acquisitions processed by the government in 1999-2001 have never been replicated and Indian troops yet fight with the same rifles they fought with in 1999. &nbsp;

India is definitely better equipped to handle crises of the Kargil type but no adversary repeats his strategy. It will be another plan and another place. National security capability demands a holistic ability to assess what, where and how an adversary may target India’s security. It also demands rapid response and appropriate capability to give our forces a more than equal chance to prevent the adversary achieving his aim. &nbsp;

All this can at no time be at levels of hundred per cent readiness, but optimisation is always possible and that is what we should be focused upon, without turfs and without personalities. &nbsp;

It has to be an institutional approach, the start point of which is surely a National Security Strategy paper from the government followed by a serious debate in Parliament.

 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-kargil-99-conflict-termination-2775761">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

In the run-up to the 20th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26, 2019, the first of this two-part series focused on the initiation of the Kargil conflict.

In the run-up to the 20th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26, 2019, the first of this two-part series focused on the initiation of the Kargil conflict. In this concluding part, I intend to bring to the public some aspects of conflict progression, the constraints on the Indian Army to clear the intrusion and, briefly, where we stand today with reference to a potential repeat of Kargil. The relatively slow response in May 1999 towards the expulsion of the intrusion was due to the lack of intelligence on the actual spread and magnitude of the intrusion. In the mountains at higher altitudes, small infantry forces merge well with scraggy peaks and unless probing actions actually get into contact with intruding elements, it is difficult to ascertain the extent of ingress. There were gaps in the defences and with vacated winter posts yet unoccupied by the Indian Army, the exercise to ascertain the frontage and exact locations was a challenge. The IAF activated and flew a number of missions, but found determination of pinpoint targets difficult due to heights it had to fly at to avoid Pakistani shoulder-fired missiles. Shortly thereafter came the restriction preventing both the army and the IAF from crossing the LoC. The implication was that the IAF had to fly parallel to the LoC while the Army’s operations could not plan to adopt rear, and sometimes even flanking approaches, to reach the occupied heights, which stood at 16,000 to 18,000 feet. Troops had to be redeployed from the Kashmir Valley; in fact the entire 8 Mountain Division had to disengage from the counter-terror grid, acclimatise the troops and be prepared for high-altitude assault. This is one of the most hazardous operations infantrymen ever undertake, having to climb 6,000 to 7,000 feet from the Dras-Mashkoh valley floor to reach their objectives. Each assault by a company of 80-100 men took the better part of a week or more to attain even a modicum of success with the threat of a counterattack always present. En route they suffered severe privations, very limited logistical support and heavy casualties. Higher attrition occurred due to the decision not to cross the LoC and it remains a point of debate whether anything was achieved by this. At higher diplomatic levels, it helped in securing international recognition of India’s sense of responsibility and perhaps put Pakistan on the mat. That helped in the US decision to force Pakistan to vacate the territory not yet cleared by the Indian Army. Some may argue that it saved many more casualties that Indian Army may have suffered, if it had to recapture every single occupied post. What needs to be remembered is that this was not a war fought by individual arms or services of the army. Logistics played a major role and the decisions to deploy 100 artillery guns for each battalion assault, along with direct firing by Bofors guns, were all game changers. It was the collective contribution of the Army and IAF, which ensured victory for the Indian forces. At another level, the failure of the Pakistan Army to collect their dead, feigning that they were freedom fighters, left the Indian Army on a higher moral plane. Honourable burial of the enemy’s dead followed with full honours due to them. The state of preparedness of the Indian Army to fight such a war was actually abysmal. Kargil was a relatively low priority sector with assessment of potential employment of just a brigade by Pakistan in the eventuality of a full-scale war. That would have had different implications. A standalone operation is something else. Military wherewithal had to be collected from different locations and flown to Kargil, reserve formations had to move and acclimatise the troops. All the while, the footprint of Pakistan-sponsored terror in Kashmir Valley and Jammu was increasing, taking full advantage of the attention focused on Kargil. One of the earliest decisions after the conflict was to curtail the Srinagar-based 15 Corps’ responsibility to the area between Zojila and Jawahar Tunnel and hand over operational responsibility of Ladakh, including Kargil, to the newly raised Headquarters 14 Corps. The Kargil Review Committee was set up as a consequence of the admission that all was not well with national security. The Committee did yeoman service with its recommendations and a Group of Ministers (GoM) was set up to examine the recommendations. It’s unfortunate that even with as big a trigger as Kargil 1999, the implementation of identified recommendations of the GoM were never implemented in letter and spirit. Half-baked measures such as creation of HQ Integrated Defence Staff as against an integrated Ministry of Defence were made. Eighteen years down the line it has not happened. The fast-track acquisitions processed by the government in 1999-2001 have never been replicated and Indian troops yet fight with the same rifles they fought with in 1999. India is definitely better equipped to handle crises of the Kargil type but no adversary repeats his strategy. It will be another plan and another place. National security capability demands a holistic ability to assess what, where and how an adversary may target India’s security. It also demands rapid response and appropriate capability to give our forces a more than equal chance to prevent the adversary achieving his aim. All this can at no time be at levels of hundred per cent readiness, but optimisation is always possible and that is what we should be focused upon, without turfs and without personalities. It has to be an institutional approach, the start point of which is surely a National Security Strategy paper from the government followed by a serious debate in Parliament. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Kargil Vijay Diwas: Institutional approach is needed in defence preparedness

Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday warned Pakistan of a "bloodier nose" if it chooses to go into another war with India while advising the neighbouring country of not repeating "misadventures". 
 
"Don't do it. Misadventures are normally not repeated. You'll get a bloodier nose next time," he said in a press conference when asked about his message to Pakistan on the 20th anniversary of India's victory in the Kargil war. 
 
Talking about modernising the Army's inventory, Rawat said that the focus is on the Artillery weapon system. 
 
"We are looking at modernising our inventory. Our focus is on Artillery weapon system, by 2020 we will get the Howitzers, K-9 Vajra is being manufactured in the country now and two Bofors like guns are being manufactured locally," he said. 
 
The Army chief said that "peace" and "tranquillity" prevails along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the situation is under control. 
 
Rawat further said that the soldiers will continue to man and guard the borders while assuring the countrymen about their security."I want to convey to our countrymen that you can be rest assured that any task given to defence services will always be accomplished no matter how difficult it is. Our soldiers will continue to man and guard our borders," Rawat said. 
 
Indian Army is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Kargil War today to rekindle the pride and valour of the soldiers who took part in Operation Vijay. July 26 is celebrated as Kargil Vijay Diwas every year to mark India's triumph over Pakistan on this day in 1999. 
 
&nbsp;

Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday warned Pakistan of a "bloodier nose" if it chooses to go into another war with India while advising the neighbouring country of not repeating "misadventures".

Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday warned Pakistan of a "bloodier nose" if it chooses to go into another war with India while advising the neighbouring country of not repeating "misadventures". "Don't do it. Misadventures are normally not repeated. You'll get a bloodier nose next time," he said in a press conference when asked about his message to Pakistan on the 20th anniversary of India's victory in the Kargil war. Talking about modernising the Army's inventory, Rawat said that the focus is on the Artillery weapon system. "We are looking at modernising our inventory. Our focus is on Artillery weapon system, by 2020 we will get the Howitzers, K-9 Vajra is being manufactured in the country now and two Bofors like guns are being manufactured locally," he said. The Army chief said that "peace" and "tranquillity" prevails along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the situation is under control. Rawat further said that the soldiers will continue to man and guard the borders while assuring the countrymen about their security."I want to convey to our countrymen that you can be rest assured that any task given to defence services will always be accomplished no matter how difficult it is. Our soldiers will continue to man and guard our borders," Rawat said. Indian Army is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Kargil War today to rekindle the pride and valour of the soldiers who took part in Operation Vijay. July 26 is celebrated as Kargil Vijay Diwas every year to mark India's triumph over Pakistan on this day in 1999.

On Kargil Vijay Diwas, Army chief General Bipin Rawat warns Pakistan of 'bloodier nose' next time

AK Das, a Central Reserve Police Force head constable posted in Kashmir, committed suicide by shooting himself with his service rifle. In a similar outrage, an army personnel pumped five bullets into Major Shikhar Thappa. The officer had pulled up the soldier for using a mobile phone while on duty.&nbsp;

Media reports are heart-wrenching, but point to the unease among the ranks of fighting soldiers, sadly swept under the carpet by authorities.&nbsp;

Love of a life in the armed forces and in uniform is the overwhelming reason for a young man to join the army or the defence forces. When confronting the enemy, he obeys the orders of his company commander, ever-ready to lay down his life for the country and for regimental pride.&nbsp;

But he is in a state of perpetual distress by the war that rages in his backyard, his home. Although away from his family, he gets daily updates on mobile phone, on social media. Every bad news from home sends him into an invisible depression. His frequent visits to his home and family to settle disputes are unsuccessful. And each time he returns to his post without resolving unending issues, personal or professional, his distress mounts. &nbsp;&nbsp;

When on leave, he overstays against regimental rules. Warnings from his company commander to report on time aggravate his distress. Without going into a soldier’s stress, the company commander, many of them kind and reasonable, reject the frequent demand for leave.&nbsp;

Torn between the two wars, the soldier has little choice. This story repeats itself for the thousands who serve in the army and paramilitary forces. Recruited from villages, they carry with them the burden of their homes to their frontier posts.

The many personal disputes that dominate their lives take them to police stations, tehsildar courts, revenue and criminal courts. The arms-bearing soldier of the Indian Army, the brave fighter, stands with folded hands at every court and police station. His pride is crushed, his resolve to fight for the nation weakened and faith in the society shaken. &nbsp;

These issues may be laughable for a city dweller or one from the newly educated generation, but they dominate the villages from where the bulk of our armed forces are recruited.&nbsp;

Disputes arise every day and remain unresolved as a soldier cannot handle them. Neither he nor his family is trained for handling such stress.&nbsp;

Most soldiers stay away from home for 10 to 11 months a year, which ultimately leads to marital discords, allegations and counter allegations. When issues aggravate, they result in the extreme step of taking a life.

Suicide and fratricide are not uncommon in the paramilitary and army forces deployed in Kashmir. The number of defence personnel committing suicide is the highest in the Indian Army.

According to ministry of defence and statements made in Parliament, in 2018, as many as 80 army personnel are believed to have committed suicide. This number is 16 for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and eight for the Navy.&nbsp;

In 2017 the number of army personnel who are suspected to have committed suicide was 75, while in 2016 this figure stood at 104.

In the IAF, the number of suspected suicides was 21 in 2017 and 19 in 2016. For the Navy, these numbers stood at five and six for 2017 and 2016, respectively.

There is another aside. The impact on the morale of soldiers is enormous, which is reflected in a large number of them seeking retirement. Official figures say that the rate of voluntary retirement is the highest in the army, with 412 officers opting for VRS in 2018, their numbers rising from 353 in 2016. This certainly does not bode well for the army, which is already suffering from a shortfall of officers.

Not surprisingly, most of them chose VRS for ‘domestic and personal reasons’. It is time to revisit the personnel policy of the forces when these ‘domestic and personal reasons’ become more important for a soldier than his duty on the border.&nbsp;

Who could solve their problems? The company commander, commandant of the battalion, the village sarpanch or their fellow soldiers? But they cannot do it individually. What is needed is a re-education programme for soldiers. Sensitisation of district and village authorities could prove to be ideal solutions.&nbsp;

Village panchayats and Sainik Kalyan Boards need to be proactive and should be sensitised.

The Union home minister said in Parliament that various steps have been taken by the armed forces to create a healthy environment for their officers and other ranks.

Besides other measures, mental health awareness is provided during pre-induction training. Distress management has been institutionalised to reduce stress among troops. A helpline has also been established by the army and the air force to provide professional counselling. The army and armed forces are upbeat with training and stress management projects, but the numbers of suicides and of those seeking voluntary retirement are on the rise. Much more needs to be done.&nbsp; 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-soldiering-through-stress-2775092">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

AK Das, a Central Reserve Police Force head constable posted in Kashmir, committed suicide by shooting himself with his service rifle. In a similar outrage, an army personnel pumped five bullets into Major Shikhar Thappa.

AK Das, a Central Reserve Police Force head constable posted in Kashmir, committed suicide by shooting himself with his service rifle. In a similar outrage, an army personnel pumped five bullets into Major Shikhar Thappa. The officer had pulled up the soldier for using a mobile phone while on duty. Media reports are heart-wrenching, but point to the unease among the ranks of fighting soldiers, sadly swept under the carpet by authorities. Love of a life in the armed forces and in uniform is the overwhelming reason for a young man to join the army or the defence forces. When confronting the enemy, he obeys the orders of his company commander, ever-ready to lay down his life for the country and for regimental pride. But he is in a state of perpetual distress by the war that rages in his backyard, his home. Although away from his family, he gets daily updates on mobile phone, on social media. Every bad news from home sends him into an invisible depression. His frequent visits to his home and family to settle disputes are unsuccessful. And each time he returns to his post without resolving unending issues, personal or professional, his distress mounts. When on leave, he overstays against regimental rules. Warnings from his company commander to report on time aggravate his distress. Without going into a soldier’s stress, the company commander, many of them kind and reasonable, reject the frequent demand for leave. Torn between the two wars, the soldier has little choice. This story repeats itself for the thousands who serve in the army and paramilitary forces. Recruited from villages, they carry with them the burden of their homes to their frontier posts. The many personal disputes that dominate their lives take them to police stations, tehsildar courts, revenue and criminal courts. The arms-bearing soldier of the Indian Army, the brave fighter, stands with folded hands at every court and police station. His pride is crushed, his resolve to fight for the nation weakened and faith in the society shaken. These issues may be laughable for a city dweller or one from the newly educated generation, but they dominate the villages from where the bulk of our armed forces are recruited. Disputes arise every day and remain unresolved as a soldier cannot handle them. Neither he nor his family is trained for handling such stress. Most soldiers stay away from home for 10 to 11 months a year, which ultimately leads to marital discords, allegations and counter allegations. When issues aggravate, they result in the extreme step of taking a life. Suicide and fratricide are not uncommon in the paramilitary and army forces deployed in Kashmir. The number of defence personnel committing suicide is the highest in the Indian Army. According to ministry of defence and statements made in Parliament, in 2018, as many as 80 army personnel are believed to have committed suicide. This number is 16 for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and eight for the Navy. In 2017 the number of army personnel who are suspected to have committed suicide was 75, while in 2016 this figure stood at 104. In the IAF, the number of suspected suicides was 21 in 2017 and 19 in 2016. For the Navy, these numbers stood at five and six for 2017 and 2016, respectively. There is another aside. The impact on the morale of soldiers is enormous, which is reflected in a large number of them seeking retirement. Official figures say that the rate of voluntary retirement is the highest in the army, with 412 officers opting for VRS in 2018, their numbers rising from 353 in 2016. This certainly does not bode well for the army, which is already suffering from a shortfall of officers. Not surprisingly, most of them chose VRS for ‘domestic and personal reasons’. It is time to revisit the personnel policy of the forces when these ‘domestic and personal reasons’ become more important for a soldier than his duty on the border. Who could solve their problems? The company commander, commandant of the battalion, the village sarpanch or their fellow soldiers? But they cannot do it individually. What is needed is a re-education programme for soldiers. Sensitisation of district and village authorities could prove to be ideal solutions. Village panchayats and Sainik Kalyan Boards need to be proactive and should be sensitised. The Union home minister said in Parliament that various steps have been taken by the armed forces to create a healthy environment for their officers and other ranks. Besides other measures, mental health awareness is provided during pre-induction training. Distress management has been institutionalised to reduce stress among troops. A helpline has also been established by the army and the air force to provide professional counselling. The army and armed forces are upbeat with training and stress management projects, but the numbers of suicides and of those seeking voluntary retirement are on the rise. Much more needs to be done. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Rise in cases of suicide and voluntary retirement in Armed Forces is a disturbing trend

The Indian Army is all set to see a major change in its top brass as the government is expected to announce the appointment to the post of Vice Chief of Army Staff and top Army Commanders anytime soon.

"Eastern Army Commander Lieutenant General &nbsp;MM Narawane is set to take over as the Vice Chief of Army Staff to replace incumbent Lt Gen Devraj Anbu who is due to retire on August 31," senior Army sources said here.&nbsp;

Narawane and Northern Army Commander Lt General Ranbir Singh would be the two top officers in the contention for the Chief of Army Staff in December end when the incumbent General Bipin Rawat is due to superannuate after his three years tenure.

To replace Narawane in the Eastern Command, the government is likely to announce the appointment of Director General Military Operations Lt General Anil Chauhan.&nbsp;

Chauhan has held the command of the 3 Corps in the Eastern theatre with China and has proven his credentials in operations along the Pakistan border during the recent hostilities after Balakot airstrikes and even before that.

In the all-important Western Command in-charge for Pakistan from Jammu to Bhatinda in Punjab, Lt General RP Singh is set to take over as the Western Army Commander as a replacement for Lt Gen Surinder Singh who is due to relinquish his office on July 31.

Lt General Singh is presently the Commander of the 21 Strike Corps in Bhopal.

The South Western Army Command in Jaipur and Central Command in Lucknow will also get new chiefs as their heads are also retiring in the near future.

The Indian Army is all set to see a major change in its top brass as the government is expected to announce the appointment to the post of Vice Chief of Army Staff and top Army Commanders anytime soon.

The Indian Army is all set to see a major change in its top brass as the government is expected to announce the appointment to the post of Vice Chief of Army Staff and top Army Commanders anytime soon. "Eastern Army Commander Lieutenant General MM Narawane is set to take over as the Vice Chief of Army Staff to replace incumbent Lt Gen Devraj Anbu who is due to retire on August 31," senior Army sources said here. Narawane and Northern Army Commander Lt General Ranbir Singh would be the two top officers in the contention for the Chief of Army Staff in December end when the incumbent General Bipin Rawat is due to superannuate after his three years tenure. To replace Narawane in the Eastern Command, the government is likely to announce the appointment of Director General Military Operations Lt General Anil Chauhan. Chauhan has held the command of the 3 Corps in the Eastern theatre with China and has proven his credentials in operations along the Pakistan border during the recent hostilities after Balakot airstrikes and even before that. In the all-important Western Command in-charge for Pakistan from Jammu to Bhatinda in Punjab, Lt General RP Singh is set to take over as the Western Army Commander as a replacement for Lt Gen Surinder Singh who is due to relinquish his office on July 31. Lt General Singh is presently the Commander of the 21 Strike Corps in Bhopal. The South Western Army Command in Jaipur and Central Command in Lucknow will also get new chiefs as their heads are also retiring in the near future.

Army to witness change at top; Lieutenant General MM Narawane to be Vice Chief

In the last four years, there have been 131 terrorist attacks on the Indian Army bases and personnel in Jammu and Kashmir and Northeastern states of the country, Defence Ministry informed Parliament on Wednesday.

As per the Defence Ministry`s reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, the government said in 2016, 15 attacks took place while in 2017, the number of attacks rose to 33. In 2018, the number of attacks came to 65 while in the first seven months of this year, 18 attacks have taken place.

Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik clarified that no naval ship or establishment had come under attack during the last three years.

The Defence Ministry said while it holds an inquiry into all incidents of attacks, it had constituted a committee under Lt Gen (Retd) Philip Campose to enquire the incident at Air Force Station Pathankot and to recommend remedial measures to strengthen the security of various military establishments across the country.

"Based on the Committee`s recommendations, various measures including strengthening of physical security through the layered defense and perimeter security, deployment of Quick Reaction Teams, use of airborne platforms, etc., for the security of defense installations have been instituted. Periodical review of the security arrangements based on threat assesses," the government said.

In the last four years, there have been 131 terrorist attacks on the Indian Army bases and personnel in Jammu and Kashmir and Northeastern states of the country, Defence Ministry informed Parliament on Wednesday.

In the last four years, there have been 131 terrorist attacks on the Indian Army bases and personnel in Jammu and Kashmir and Northeastern states of the country, Defence Ministry informed Parliament on Wednesday. As per the Defence Ministry`s reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, the government said in 2016, 15 attacks took place while in 2017, the number of attacks rose to 33. In 2018, the number of attacks came to 65 while in the first seven months of this year, 18 attacks have taken place. Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik clarified that no naval ship or establishment had come under attack during the last three years. The Defence Ministry said while it holds an inquiry into all incidents of attacks, it had constituted a committee under Lt Gen (Retd) Philip Campose to enquire the incident at Air Force Station Pathankot and to recommend remedial measures to strengthen the security of various military establishments across the country. "Based on the Committee`s recommendations, various measures including strengthening of physical security through the layered defense and perimeter security, deployment of Quick Reaction Teams, use of airborne platforms, etc., for the security of defense installations have been instituted. Periodical review of the security arrangements based on threat assesses," the government said.

131 terrorist attacks on Army in last four years: Defence Ministry

Indian Army personnel rescued at least 160 people affected due to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/monsoon-rains-wreaking-flood-havoc-across-south-asia-236353&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjagImHwbnjAhWo6nMBHcpUDTIQFjACegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1iK2gXo0rkZjMjtxXixh8r">floods</a> triggered by incessant rains in the Nalabari district during a night operation.

Torrential downpour amounted to a breach of embankments of the Pagladiya River in Nalbari, flooding 133 villages and affecting 1, 50,000 people across the district.

Army personnel carried the flood-affected people on their shoulders and in the army boats and moved them to a safer place on Monday night.

The flood situation remains grim in several states across the country, more than a hundred National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) troops have been deployed in various flood-affected areas of the country including Bihar and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/heavy-rain-and-floods-in-assam-kill-at-least-11-and-displace-more-than-1-million-236009&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjagImHwbnjAhWo6nMBHcpUDTIQFjAEegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0kDE_8L2jAP4M2EPCaJqox">Assam</a>.

In addition, the 24X7 NDRF control room in Delhi is closely monitoring the situation to coordinate with various agencies for further deployment, said an official statement on Monday.

The torrential downpour in the state of Assam continued to wreak havoc on Monday, causing the flooding on National Highway 37 and affecting 200 villages in Morigaon district alone due to the rising water levels of river Brahmaputra.

Large areas of Kaziranga National Park were submerged, and the animals from the sanctuary were taken to highlands.&nbsp;

Ferry services to Umananda Devaloi Temple, located at the Peacock Island in the middle of the river Brahmaputra, were halted on Monday, leaving the priests and other people on the island stranded.

In Assam, 14 NDRF teams have been deployed in Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Biswanath, Chariali, Cachar, Dhemaji, Golaghat, Guwahati, Jorhat, Lakhimpur, Morigaon, Sivasagar and Tinsukia to tackle the worsening flood situation in the districts due to torrential rain and overflowing rivers and water bodies.

On Monday, in the low lying areas of district Bishwanath, Chariali, Golaghat, Morigaon and Tinsukia, NDRF evacuated 460 people and shifted them to safer places and so far over 3000 people have been evacuated in Assam by the force.

The Assam flood situation was brought up in the Parliament on Monday with Congress parliamentarian and Assam Congress Committee President Ripun Bora giving a Zero Hour Notice over flood situation in his home state.&nbsp;

Indian Army personnel rescued at least 160 people affected due to floods triggered by incessant rains in the Nalabari district during a night operation. Torrential downpour amounted to a breach of embankments of the Pagladiya River in Nalbari, flooding 133 villages and affecting 1, 50,000 people across the district.

Indian Army personnel rescued at least 160 people affected due to floods triggered by incessant rains in the Nalabari district during a night operation. Torrential downpour amounted to a breach of embankments of the Pagladiya River in Nalbari, flooding 133 villages and affecting 1, 50,000 people across the district. Army personnel carried the flood-affected people on their shoulders and in the army boats and moved them to a safer place on Monday night. The flood situation remains grim in several states across the country, more than a hundred National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) troops have been deployed in various flood-affected areas of the country including Bihar and Assam. In addition, the 24X7 NDRF control room in Delhi is closely monitoring the situation to coordinate with various agencies for further deployment, said an official statement on Monday. The torrential downpour in the state of Assam continued to wreak havoc on Monday, causing the flooding on National Highway 37 and affecting 200 villages in Morigaon district alone due to the rising water levels of river Brahmaputra. Large areas of Kaziranga National Park were submerged, and the animals from the sanctuary were taken to highlands. Ferry services to Umananda Devaloi Temple, located at the Peacock Island in the middle of the river Brahmaputra, were halted on Monday, leaving the priests and other people on the island stranded. In Assam, 14 NDRF teams have been deployed in Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Biswanath, Chariali, Cachar, Dhemaji, Golaghat, Guwahati, Jorhat, Lakhimpur, Morigaon, Sivasagar and Tinsukia to tackle the worsening flood situation in the districts due to torrential rain and overflowing rivers and water bodies. On Monday, in the low lying areas of district Bishwanath, Chariali, Golaghat, Morigaon and Tinsukia, NDRF evacuated 460 people and shifted them to safer places and so far over 3000 people have been evacuated in Assam by the force. The Assam flood situation was brought up in the Parliament on Monday with Congress parliamentarian and Assam Congress Committee President Ripun Bora giving a Zero Hour Notice over flood situation in his home state.

Assam floods: Over 160 people rescued by Army in night operation

Air Chief Marshal <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-chief-birender-singh-dhanoa-embarks-on-four-day-visit-to-russia-233971&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj_y-Hit7njAhWZiHAKHfqBDX0QFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1k1QSkpQxxFBE6I8JtR0Hy">B S Dhanoa</a> on Tuesday said that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is well prepared to fight a Kargil-like war again.

"Like all good generals, we are prepared to fight the last war. If Kargil comes again, we are very well prepared," he said at an event to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 1999 Kargil conflict.

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Indian Air Force Chief BS Dhanoa on the 20th anniversary of Kargil War: Like all good Generals, we are prepared to fight the last war. If Kargil comes again, we are very well prepared. <a href="https://t.co/EBVNmFB3YO">pic.twitter.com/EBVNmFB3YO</a>
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Listing out the precision attack capabilities acquired by the force after the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/20th-year-of-kargil-war-indian-air-force-turns-gwalior-air-base-into-war-theatre-229911&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj_y-Hit7njAhWZiHAKHfqBDX0QFjAEegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1B99-sGZFfnG95SxiDeGOz">Kargil War</a>, Dhanoa said, "In case required, we can do all-weather bombing even through the clouds very accurately.&nbsp;

We have seen an attack carried out on February 26 (Balakot airstrike) that we are capable of carrying out a precision strike from standoff distances and very accurately.

"The `Kargil Vijay Diwas`, named after the success of `Operation Vijay`, marks the victory of India over Pakistan during the Kargil War in 1999.

It is celebrated on July 26 every year.

India had successfully managed to recapture the high outposts in the Kargil-Drass sector, which was occupied by the Pakistani intruders.

To assist the Indian Army, the IAF had launched airstrikes under the `Operation Safed Sagar` to evict the Pakistani intruders from the high outposts.

The Army has planned celebratory events across the country from July 25-27 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the conflict. 
&nbsp;

Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa on Tuesday said that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is well prepared to fight a Kargil-like war again. "Like all good generals, we are prepared to fight the last war.

Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa on Tuesday said that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is well prepared to fight a Kargil-like war again. "Like all good generals, we are prepared to fight the last war. If Kargil comes again, we are very well prepared," he said at an event to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 1999 Kargil conflict. Indian Air Force Chief BS Dhanoa on the 20th anniversary of Kargil War: Like all good Generals, we are prepared to fight the last war. If Kargil comes again, we are very well prepared. pic.twitter.com/EBVNmFB3YO — ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2019 × Listing out the precision attack capabilities acquired by the force after the Kargil War, Dhanoa said, "In case required, we can do all-weather bombing even through the clouds very accurately. We have seen an attack carried out on February 26 (Balakot airstrike) that we are capable of carrying out a precision strike from standoff distances and very accurately. "The `Kargil Vijay Diwas`, named after the success of `Operation Vijay`, marks the victory of India over Pakistan during the Kargil War in 1999. It is celebrated on July 26 every year. India had successfully managed to recapture the high outposts in the Kargil-Drass sector, which was occupied by the Pakistani intruders. To assist the Indian Army, the IAF had launched airstrikes under the `Operation Safed Sagar` to evict the Pakistani intruders from the high outposts. The Army has planned celebratory events across the country from July 25-27 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the conflict.

Well prepared for a Kargil-like conflict again: IAF Chief BS Dhanoa

Congress MPs on Monday submitted an adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha over 'pension of disabled Army personnel'. 
 
An adjournment motion is an extraordinary procedure which, if admitted, leads to setting aside the normal business of the House for discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance.

The disability pension till now was not taxed by the government but recently, the government decided to tax it leading to opposition from the veterans community. 
 
On July 2, the Army headquarters clarified that though it is concerned for all personnel who are invalidated out of service in combat conditions or otherwise, and need additional support but "discourages those who seek financial gains through their disabilities."

Over the years broad-banding and compensation awarded for disability with income tax exemption has led to a rise in personnel seeking disability, even for lifestyle diseases. The trend is worrisome that too when the security challenges to the nation are on the rise," the Army headquarters stated. 
 
The sources said the Army has immense respect for the officers and jawans who suffer disability in line of action and they deserve much more than they are getting in terms of financial gains. 
 
The Army has also stated that higher compensation awarded for disability with tax exemption has over the years led to a rise in personnel seeking disability even for lifestyle diseases. At a time when the Army is trying to fight the trend of an increasing number of its personnel seeking disability pensions, it had emerged that more than 2,000 officers including more than 85 Brigadiers and Major Generals have sought disability pension for diseases including diabetes and high blood pressure in the last two years. 
 
In 2018, 52 officers above the rank of Brigadier and 977 officers of the rank of Colonel and below have sought disability pensions, sources said.&nbsp;

Congress MPs on Monday submitted an adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha over 'pension of disabled Army personnel'. An adjournment motion is an extraordinary procedure which, if admitted, leads to setting aside the normal business of the House for discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance.

Congress MPs on Monday submitted an adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha over 'pension of disabled Army personnel'. An adjournment motion is an extraordinary procedure which, if admitted, leads to setting aside the normal business of the House for discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance. The disability pension till now was not taxed by the government but recently, the government decided to tax it leading to opposition from the veterans community. On July 2, the Army headquarters clarified that though it is concerned for all personnel who are invalidated out of service in combat conditions or otherwise, and need additional support but "discourages those who seek financial gains through their disabilities." Over the years broad-banding and compensation awarded for disability with income tax exemption has led to a rise in personnel seeking disability, even for lifestyle diseases. The trend is worrisome that too when the security challenges to the nation are on the rise," the Army headquarters stated. The sources said the Army has immense respect for the officers and jawans who suffer disability in line of action and they deserve much more than they are getting in terms of financial gains. The Army has also stated that higher compensation awarded for disability with tax exemption has over the years led to a rise in personnel seeking disability even for lifestyle diseases. At a time when the Army is trying to fight the trend of an increasing number of its personnel seeking disability pensions, it had emerged that more than 2,000 officers including more than 85 Brigadiers and Major Generals have sought disability pension for diseases including diabetes and high blood pressure in the last two years. In 2018, 52 officers above the rank of Brigadier and 977 officers of the rank of Colonel and below have sought disability pensions, sources said.

Congress submits adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha over 'pension of disabled Army personnel'

India`s response after the 2016 <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/both-saarc-and-bimstec-important-for-regional-cooperation-maithripala-sirisena-223271&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj8osXVxbHjAhUC63MBHSpnC8oQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw07jwnP_ttfVCFUwjJxVVGO">Uri terror attack</a> and the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-over-5000-candidates-register-for-army-recruitment-drive-in-baramulla-234637&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi6qu_mxbHjAhVGfSsKHfl8DNQQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2CTXq3rKc7zO8o46v2N5YN">Balakot Air strike</a> have demonstrated the country`s political and military will to respond to terror, Army chief General Bipin Rawat said here on Saturday.

Speaking at an event to mark the completion of 20 years of the Kargil war, he said, "We are working in a coordinated manner for a cogent and synchronized national response against sub-conventional and asymmetric threats by any adversary.&nbsp;

Surgical strikes post-Uri and Balakot have amply demonstrated our political and military resolve against terror.&nbsp;

Any act of terror will not go unpunished," he said speaking at an event to mark the completion of 20 years of the Kargil war.

Rawat also accused Pakistan of "resorting to misadventure" repeatedly and using proxies and terrorism and asserted that India will hit back with a "very punitive response" to every such attempt."

Historically burdened by its own inadequacies, internal security and governance issues, Pakistan army time and again resorts to misadventure, either through flawed proxy wars and state-sponsored terror or intrusions in our country," he said.

"Indian armed forces stand resolute and ready to defend our territorial integrity.&nbsp;

Let there be no doubt that any misadventure will be repelled with a very punitive response," he added.

Talking about the changing nature of wars, the Army chief said that non-state actors have gained prominence in some countries.&nbsp;

"The rise of non-state actors and readiness to use terror and other irregular methods of fighting has become the new norms," he said.

He also underlined the threat posed by who he called "ideological driven radicalized proxies", Rawat emphasized on the need to "reorient and optimize capacities to effectively counter both military and non-military facets of asymmetric and unconventional wars emerging from within and outside the country."

"Ideological driven radicalized proxies having footprints across nations are likely to enhance the operating space," he said.

He informed the gathering that India has been remembering the fallen soldiers in the Kargil war from July 5 to July 27.

India`s response after the 2016 Uri terror attack and the Balakot Air strike have demonstrated the country`s political and military will to respond to terror, Army chief General Bipin Rawat said here on Saturday.

India`s response after the 2016 Uri terror attack and the Balakot Air strike have demonstrated the country`s political and military will to respond to terror, Army chief General Bipin Rawat said here on Saturday. Speaking at an event to mark the completion of 20 years of the Kargil war, he said, "We are working in a coordinated manner for a cogent and synchronized national response against sub-conventional and asymmetric threats by any adversary. Surgical strikes post-Uri and Balakot have amply demonstrated our political and military resolve against terror. Any act of terror will not go unpunished," he said speaking at an event to mark the completion of 20 years of the Kargil war. Rawat also accused Pakistan of "resorting to misadventure" repeatedly and using proxies and terrorism and asserted that India will hit back with a "very punitive response" to every such attempt." Historically burdened by its own inadequacies, internal security and governance issues, Pakistan army time and again resorts to misadventure, either through flawed proxy wars and state-sponsored terror or intrusions in our country," he said. "Indian armed forces stand resolute and ready to defend our territorial integrity. Let there be no doubt that any misadventure will be repelled with a very punitive response," he added. Talking about the changing nature of wars, the Army chief said that non-state actors have gained prominence in some countries. "The rise of non-state actors and readiness to use terror and other irregular methods of fighting has become the new norms," he said. He also underlined the threat posed by who he called "ideological driven radicalized proxies", Rawat emphasized on the need to "reorient and optimize capacities to effectively counter both military and non-military facets of asymmetric and unconventional wars emerging from within and outside the country." "Ideological driven radicalized proxies having footprints across nations are likely to enhance the operating space," he said. He informed the gathering that India has been remembering the fallen soldiers in the Kargil war from July 5 to July 27.

India's response post-Uri and Balakot demonstrates political and military will: Army chief

As many as 5,366 candidates on Wednesday registered for Indian Army's recruitment rally which commenced today in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The recruitment, which depends on the talent and physical strength, gives an opportunity to the youth to join the Army and serve the nation. The recruitment process is divided into several rounds which include physical fitness test, medical test, and written test.

"The posts are open for four categories this year, which are - Soldier General Duty (All arms), Soldier Technical AAE, Soldier Nursing Assistant, and Soldier Clerk SKT," said Jagdeep Dahiya, Deputy Director General, Recruiting HQ Zone, Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, Government on Tuesday informed the Lok Sabha that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/infiltration-in-jammu-and-kashmir-reduced-by-43-after-balakot-airstrike-says-government-234382">security situation in Jammu and Kashmir</a> has improved and cross-border infiltration in has reduced by 43 per cent after the Balakot airstrike.

The minister said the government in tandem with the state government has adopted a policy of zero tolerance towards cross-border infiltration, which included multi-tiered deployment along the International Border/Line of Control, border fencing, improved intelligence and operational coordination, equipping Security Forces with improved.

Last month, Home Minister Amit Shah had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/internal-security-on-top-of-home-minister-amit-shahs-kashmir-visit-agenda-230359">chaired a security meeting</a> to take stock of internal security in the country and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, attended by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and the Intelligence Bureau chief.

Shah has asserted that the policy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government of zero tolerance towards terrorism will continue in Jammu and Kashmir. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

As many as 5,366 candidates on Wednesday registered for Indian Army's recruitment rally which commenced today in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. The recruitment, which depends on the talent and physical strength, gives an opportunity to the youth to join the Army and serve the nation.

As many as 5,366 candidates on Wednesday registered for Indian Army's recruitment rally which commenced today in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. The recruitment, which depends on the talent and physical strength, gives an opportunity to the youth to join the Army and serve the nation. The recruitment process is divided into several rounds which include physical fitness test, medical test, and written test. "The posts are open for four categories this year, which are - Soldier General Duty (All arms), Soldier Technical AAE, Soldier Nursing Assistant, and Soldier Clerk SKT," said Jagdeep Dahiya, Deputy Director General, Recruiting HQ Zone, Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, Government on Tuesday informed the Lok Sabha that the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir has improved and cross-border infiltration in has reduced by 43 per cent after the Balakot airstrike. The minister said the government in tandem with the state government has adopted a policy of zero tolerance towards cross-border infiltration, which included multi-tiered deployment along the International Border/Line of Control, border fencing, improved intelligence and operational coordination, equipping Security Forces with improved. Last month, Home Minister Amit Shah had chaired a security meeting to take stock of internal security in the country and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, attended by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and the Intelligence Bureau chief. Shah has asserted that the policy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government of zero tolerance towards terrorism will continue in Jammu and Kashmir. (With inputs from agencies)

Jammu and Kashmir: Over 5,000 candidates register for Army recruitment drive in Baramulla

US National Security Advisor John Bolton warned Tehran on Sunday of misinterpreting as "weakness" President Donald Trump's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/last-minute-iran-strike-reversal-showcases-trumps-confusion-on-war-229524">last-minute cancellation</a> of a retaliatory <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-lawmakers-chant-death-to-america-as-us-called-terrorist-229678">strike on Iran</a>.

"Neither Iran nor any other hostile actor should mistake US prudence and discretion for weakness," said Bolton ahead of a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.

"No one has granted them a hunting license in the Middle East," he added.

"Our military is rebuilt new and ready to go," said Bolton, after Trump <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-aborted-retaliatory-strike-to-spare-iranian-lives-229374">called off a planned attack on Iran</a> in response to Tehran downing a US drone on Thursday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-lawmakers-chant-death-to-america-as-us-called-terrorist-229678">Iran lawmakers chant 'Death to America' as US called 'terrorist'</a>

Bolton, who was in Israel for a pre-scheduled trilateral meeting with his Israeli and Russian counterparts, Meir Ben-Shabbat and Nikolai Patrushev, noted that the "current circumstances in the region make our conversations even more timely."

In a Saturday tweet, Trump had pledged to hit Iran with "major" new sanctions on Monday. 
 
Washington has imposed a series of measures against Tehran since Trump pulled out of a landmark nuclear accord between Iran and world powers last year.

"Iran can never have nuclear weapons, not against the USA and not against the world," said Bolton.

Iran says it is not seeking a nuclear weapon and its programme is for civilian purposes only.

"We expect that the new sanctions president Trump referred to, in preparation for some weeks, will be announced publicly on Monday. Stay tuned," said the top US advisor.

Last month, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Tehran would stop observing restrictions set by the nuclear accord on its stocks of enriched uranium and heavy water.

Speaking alongside Bolton, Netanyahu did not comment on the cancelled US strike on Israel's archfoe Iran but he welcomed the expected new sanctions.

Tehran has long been in a "campaign of aggression" against its Arab neighbours, the US and Israel, Netanyahu said, and recent tensions were not a result of increasing US pressures.

"Those who describe the recent actions as somehow opening a hornets' nest are living on another planet," he said.

"What's new is that now, thanks to crippling American sanctions, Iran is facing unprecedented economic pressure as a result of its aggression."

Israel is believed to be the Middle East's sole nuclear power but it has long refused to confirm or deny that it has such weapons.

US National Security Advisor John Bolton warned Tehran on Sunday of misinterpreting as "weakness" President Donald Trump's last-minute cancellation of a retaliatory strike on Iran.

US National Security Advisor John Bolton warned Tehran on Sunday of misinterpreting as "weakness" President Donald Trump's last-minute cancellation of a retaliatory strike on Iran. "Neither Iran nor any other hostile actor should mistake US prudence and discretion for weakness," said Bolton ahead of a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. "No one has granted them a hunting license in the Middle East," he added. "Our military is rebuilt new and ready to go," said Bolton, after Trump called off a planned attack on Iran in response to Tehran downing a US drone on Thursday. Also read: Iran lawmakers chant 'Death to America' as US called 'terrorist' Bolton, who was in Israel for a pre-scheduled trilateral meeting with his Israeli and Russian counterparts, Meir Ben-Shabbat and Nikolai Patrushev, noted that the "current circumstances in the region make our conversations even more timely." In a Saturday tweet, Trump had pledged to hit Iran with "major" new sanctions on Monday. Washington has imposed a series of measures against Tehran since Trump pulled out of a landmark nuclear accord between Iran and world powers last year. "Iran can never have nuclear weapons, not against the USA and not against the world," said Bolton. Iran says it is not seeking a nuclear weapon and its programme is for civilian purposes only. "We expect that the new sanctions president Trump referred to, in preparation for some weeks, will be announced publicly on Monday. Stay tuned," said the top US advisor. Last month, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Tehran would stop observing restrictions set by the nuclear accord on its stocks of enriched uranium and heavy water. Speaking alongside Bolton, Netanyahu did not comment on the cancelled US strike on Israel's archfoe Iran but he welcomed the expected new sanctions. Tehran has long been in a "campaign of aggression" against its Arab neighbours, the US and Israel, Netanyahu said, and recent tensions were not a result of increasing US pressures. "Those who describe the recent actions as somehow opening a hornets' nest are living on another planet," he said. "What's new is that now, thanks to crippling American sanctions, Iran is facing unprecedented economic pressure as a result of its aggression." Israel is believed to be the Middle East's sole nuclear power but it has long refused to confirm or deny that it has such weapons.

US army is ready to go, don't mistake our discretion for weakness: US National Security Advisor John Bolton tells Iran

Sudan's protest leaders launched a two-day general strike on Tuesday to press the ruling military to hand over power to a civilian-led authority following last month's overthrow of autocratic President Omar al-Bashir amid nationwide demonstrations against his rule.

Strikers in Sudan demand army hand over power

As many as 20 lakh security personnel were deployed in the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls, rendering the exercise bigger than India's well known 'Operation Brasstacks' in the 1980s, which was larger than any NATO exercise since World War-II, officials said Monday.

The 'Operation Brasstacks' was a major military exercise of the Indian Army in Rajasthan. It took place in 1986 until its execution in 1987.

The scale of the 2019 general election itself is massive and growing over time as between 1989 and 2019, the number of parties in the fray have increased over 20 times, the size of the electorate has increased by over 80 per cent, the number of polling stations has nearly doubled and the number of contesting candidates has increased by nearly 35 per cent.

"Effectively, nearly 20 lakh personnel of the police and central paramilitary personnel were involved during the elections. The mobilisation of such a large scale is rare anywhere in the world. In fact, India's best known Army exercise 'Operation Brasstacks' (1986-87), where nearly 6-8 lakh personnel were said to have been involved, itself was bigger than any NATO exercise since World War-II," a Home Ministry official said.

The extent of mobilisation of the security forces has also been massive with nearly 25 per cent of the overall strength of central paramilitary forces being deployed for elections this year, indicating the involvement of over three lakh paramilitary personnel.

However, since these officials are redeployed at various locations in different phases, the effective deployment is almost 2.35 times the number of troops actually involved.

Thus, if the elections in 2019 were to be conducted on a single day, the effective requirement would be for over 10 lakh personnel. Similarly, in the 2014 general election, the actual and effective deployments were of the order of 2.5 lakh and 6 lakh, respectively.

In addition to the paramilitary forces and state armed battalions, extensive participation of police personnel belonging to civil police and district armed reserve, along with home guards and special police officers in various capacities, have also been seen.

Even if the participation is taken at 50 per cent of actual strength, this would mean the involvement of nearly 8-10 lakh additional personnel, the official said.

Apart from the mammoth size of election-related mobilisation, the duration is also considerable. This year's general elections were conducted over a period of nearly 40 days (April 11 to May 19) with the counting of votes scheduled to take place on May 23.

Timely mobilisation of nearly 20 lakh personnel within 40 to 45 days is a humongous task. A well thought planning with the Indian Railways, state and various forces play a crucial role in completing the requirement of the Election Commission, another official said.

More than 150 special trains were utilised for mobilisation of troops. These troops criss-cross the length and breadth of the country to meet the requirement of the respective state, the official said.

The core duties of the paramilitary personnel deployed for election duty include instilling a sense of confidence and security among people to exercise their franchise freely without any fear.

The additional responsibilities include maintaining law and order, preventing poll violence and guarding the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

The Election Commission, in coordination with the Home Ministry, which has the administrative control over the central paramilitary forces, has made an assessment of all aspects having bearing on the election process, including the state-wise and phase-wise requirement of security forces, the official said.

The ministry prepared a deployment plan of various forces like the CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB and the Assam Rifles keeping in view their role in border guarding, counter-insurgency operations and other commitments.

As many as 20 lakh security personnel were deployed in the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls, rendering the exercise bigger than India's well known 'Operation Brasstacks' in the 1980s, which was larger than any NATO exercise since World War-II, officials said Monday.

As many as 20 lakh security personnel were deployed in the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls, rendering the exercise bigger than India's well known 'Operation Brasstacks' in the 1980s, which was larger than any NATO exercise since World War-II, officials said Monday. The 'Operation Brasstacks' was a major military exercise of the Indian Army in Rajasthan. It took place in 1986 until its execution in 1987. The scale of the 2019 general election itself is massive and growing over time as between 1989 and 2019, the number of parties in the fray have increased over 20 times, the size of the electorate has increased by over 80 per cent, the number of polling stations has nearly doubled and the number of contesting candidates has increased by nearly 35 per cent. "Effectively, nearly 20 lakh personnel of the police and central paramilitary personnel were involved during the elections. The mobilisation of such a large scale is rare anywhere in the world. In fact, India's best known Army exercise 'Operation Brasstacks' (1986-87), where nearly 6-8 lakh personnel were said to have been involved, itself was bigger than any NATO exercise since World War-II," a Home Ministry official said. The extent of mobilisation of the security forces has also been massive with nearly 25 per cent of the overall strength of central paramilitary forces being deployed for elections this year, indicating the involvement of over three lakh paramilitary personnel. However, since these officials are redeployed at various locations in different phases, the effective deployment is almost 2.35 times the number of troops actually involved. Thus, if the elections in 2019 were to be conducted on a single day, the effective requirement would be for over 10 lakh personnel. Similarly, in the 2014 general election, the actual and effective deployments were of the order of 2.5 lakh and 6 lakh, respectively. In addition to the paramilitary forces and state armed battalions, extensive participation of police personnel belonging to civil police and district armed reserve, along with home guards and special police officers in various capacities, have also been seen. Even if the participation is taken at 50 per cent of actual strength, this would mean the involvement of nearly 8-10 lakh additional personnel, the official said. Apart from the mammoth size of election-related mobilisation, the duration is also considerable. This year's general elections were conducted over a period of nearly 40 days (April 11 to May 19) with the counting of votes scheduled to take place on May 23. Timely mobilisation of nearly 20 lakh personnel within 40 to 45 days is a humongous task. A well thought planning with the Indian Railways, state and various forces play a crucial role in completing the requirement of the Election Commission, another official said. More than 150 special trains were utilised for mobilisation of troops. These troops criss-cross the length and breadth of the country to meet the requirement of the respective state, the official said. The core duties of the paramilitary personnel deployed for election duty include instilling a sense of confidence and security among people to exercise their franchise freely without any fear. The additional responsibilities include maintaining law and order, preventing poll violence and guarding the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The Election Commission, in coordination with the Home Ministry, which has the administrative control over the central paramilitary forces, has made an assessment of all aspects having bearing on the election process, including the state-wise and phase-wise requirement of security forces, the official said. The ministry prepared a deployment plan of various forces like the CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB and the Assam Rifles keeping in view their role in border guarding, counter-insurgency operations and other commitments.

20 lakh security men deployed in Lok Sabha polls, mobilisation was bigger than Army's 'Operation Brasstacks'

“Sir I want to be with the boys,” said a 24-year- old officer, declining to go home on sick leave at the Base Hospital at Srinagar. I was Corps Commander in Kashmir and had gone to meet some of our soldiers and officers wounded in operations there. 
 
This young officer, Capt Pawan Kumar, had his jaw smashed by a stone pelting crowd, as he was returning with his team after a successful encounter with terrorists. Bemused, I looked at this 24-year-old, who wanted to return to his ‘boys’, each of whom were trained Special Forces soldiers, all older than him and more experienced. This is the indomitable spirit of the young officers of the Indian Army, who always lead from the front.&nbsp;

Within a week, I saluted his mortal remains in a casket. It was overwhelming! In the biggest hostage situation during my tenure as Corps Commander in Kashmir, terrorists had occupied the Skill Development Centre, a six-storeyed building in Pampore, on the outskirts of Srinagar.&nbsp;

These brave hearts rescued over 60 hostages safely, all Kashmiri men and women. But they paid a heavy price for it, with their own lives. Captain Pawan Kumar, Capt Tushar Mahajan &amp; L/Nk Om Prakash, all commandos, were martyred.&nbsp;

During the operation, it did not matter that some of the locals they were rescuing were those who hate the Army, with many pelting stones at them. They just did their duty, saved the lives of Kashmiri hostages at the expense of their own. The only thing that mattered was the honour of the country and the duty at hand.&nbsp;

Capt Pawan Kumar is not the only one. I’ve met several other victims of this intifada style of ‘unarmed’ protest, stone pelting. Some of these fighters have narrowly missed losing an eye, some have had their jaws smashed, and suffered many injuries. So unarmed that these stone-pelters are, they are certainly not non-violent. In fact, they are viciously violent.&nbsp;

Off late, there is another trend. We have had soldiers belonging to Kashmir who have been kidnapped and killed by terrorists. Lt Ummer Fayaz, who went home in Shopian to attend a wedding in the family, a JAK-LI jawan Mukhtiyar, who went to attend his son’s funeral, or Md Yasin Itoo, who simply went home on leave, were all killed by terrorists.&nbsp;

Besides, hundreds of soldiers have lost their lives while fighting terrorists in these areas over the last three decades. Ever so often, soldiers and officers have been wounded, maimed or crippled.&nbsp;

While there is a raging debate on whether AFSPA is being too harsh and draconian, there is scarcely any concern about the human rights of soldiers.

While NGOs and several organisations like the NHRC vie to fight for the human right of terrorists, there’s no such institutional support for the army man, who goes to fight in the line of duty. &nbsp;

Just because he voluntarily signs up for an unlimited liability contract, doesn’t the soldier enjoy some legal rights as well?&nbsp;

Last month, two young women, barely out of their teens, Preeti Kedar Gokhale and Kajal Mishra, petitioned the Supreme Court to safeguard basic human rights of their soldier fathers.&nbsp;

The petitioners said they are “greatly disturbed by the incidents of unruly and disruptive mobs” pelting stones at soldiers and army convoys in Jammu and Kashmir and sought formulation of a policy to curb human rights violations of security force personnel who come under attack by mobs while performing their duty. &nbsp;

In August last year, over 300 army personnel approached the Supreme Court challenging registration of FIRs against them for operations in disturbed areas such as Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir, where the Armed Forces Special Powers Act is in force.&nbsp;

The apex court admitted their plea on the grounds that army personnel are being “persecuted” and proceeded against for performing duties in disturbed areas.&nbsp; 
 
This problem needs to be nipped in the bud. The army personnel, in their petition, claimed that they “are now facing confusion and countering questions from the soldiers under their command, as to whether they are supposed to continue to engage the proxy war and insurgency with their military training, principles, standard operating procedures, operational realities, valour and courage or act and operate as per the yardsticks of peacetime operations, law and order issues and CrPC.”

It is a very pertinent question to ask. Should officers and soldiers have to knock the gates of justice individually to do what are their bonafide duties? Since the army, obviously, cannot take recourse to legal action, should the courts take suo moto notice of the issue or can the legal fraternity help?

The soldier risks his life for the nation and for the people. It is grossly unfair if some of them have to defend themselves in courts even after retirement, for some action that he may have allegedly committed while performing his duties, which needless to say, involved grave risk to his life and limb. In return, the least a soldier deserves is the support of the country that required of him to make sacrifices, and the countrymen he risked his life for. That is not asking for too much, is it?

 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-soldiers-and-civil-liberties-2745050">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

“Sir I want to be with the boys,” said a 24-year- old officer, declining to go home on sick leave at the Base Hospital at Srinagar. I was Corps Commander in Kashmir and had gone to meet some of our soldiers and officers wounded in operations there.

“Sir I want to be with the boys,” said a 24-year- old officer, declining to go home on sick leave at the Base Hospital at Srinagar. I was Corps Commander in Kashmir and had gone to meet some of our soldiers and officers wounded in operations there. This young officer, Capt Pawan Kumar, had his jaw smashed by a stone pelting crowd, as he was returning with his team after a successful encounter with terrorists. Bemused, I looked at this 24-year-old, who wanted to return to his ‘boys’, each of whom were trained Special Forces soldiers, all older than him and more experienced. This is the indomitable spirit of the young officers of the Indian Army, who always lead from the front. Within a week, I saluted his mortal remains in a casket. It was overwhelming! In the biggest hostage situation during my tenure as Corps Commander in Kashmir, terrorists had occupied the Skill Development Centre, a six-storeyed building in Pampore, on the outskirts of Srinagar. These brave hearts rescued over 60 hostages safely, all Kashmiri men and women. But they paid a heavy price for it, with their own lives. Captain Pawan Kumar, Capt Tushar Mahajan & L/Nk Om Prakash, all commandos, were martyred. During the operation, it did not matter that some of the locals they were rescuing were those who hate the Army, with many pelting stones at them. They just did their duty, saved the lives of Kashmiri hostages at the expense of their own. The only thing that mattered was the honour of the country and the duty at hand. Capt Pawan Kumar is not the only one. I’ve met several other victims of this intifada style of ‘unarmed’ protest, stone pelting. Some of these fighters have narrowly missed losing an eye, some have had their jaws smashed, and suffered many injuries. So unarmed that these stone-pelters are, they are certainly not non-violent. In fact, they are viciously violent. Off late, there is another trend. We have had soldiers belonging to Kashmir who have been kidnapped and killed by terrorists. Lt Ummer Fayaz, who went home in Shopian to attend a wedding in the family, a JAK-LI jawan Mukhtiyar, who went to attend his son’s funeral, or Md Yasin Itoo, who simply went home on leave, were all killed by terrorists. Besides, hundreds of soldiers have lost their lives while fighting terrorists in these areas over the last three decades. Ever so often, soldiers and officers have been wounded, maimed or crippled. While there is a raging debate on whether AFSPA is being too harsh and draconian, there is scarcely any concern about the human rights of soldiers. While NGOs and several organisations like the NHRC vie to fight for the human right of terrorists, there’s no such institutional support for the army man, who goes to fight in the line of duty. Just because he voluntarily signs up for an unlimited liability contract, doesn’t the soldier enjoy some legal rights as well? Last month, two young women, barely out of their teens, Preeti Kedar Gokhale and Kajal Mishra, petitioned the Supreme Court to safeguard basic human rights of their soldier fathers. The petitioners said they are “greatly disturbed by the incidents of unruly and disruptive mobs” pelting stones at soldiers and army convoys in Jammu and Kashmir and sought formulation of a policy to curb human rights violations of security force personnel who come under attack by mobs while performing their duty. In August last year, over 300 army personnel approached the Supreme Court challenging registration of FIRs against them for operations in disturbed areas such as Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir, where the Armed Forces Special Powers Act is in force. The apex court admitted their plea on the grounds that army personnel are being “persecuted” and proceeded against for performing duties in disturbed areas. This problem needs to be nipped in the bud. The army personnel, in their petition, claimed that they “are now facing confusion and countering questions from the soldiers under their command, as to whether they are supposed to continue to engage the proxy war and insurgency with their military training, principles, standard operating procedures, operational realities, valour and courage or act and operate as per the yardsticks of peacetime operations, law and order issues and CrPC.” It is a very pertinent question to ask. Should officers and soldiers have to knock the gates of justice individually to do what are their bonafide duties? Since the army, obviously, cannot take recourse to legal action, should the courts take suo moto notice of the issue or can the legal fraternity help? The soldier risks his life for the nation and for the people. It is grossly unfair if some of them have to defend themselves in courts even after retirement, for some action that he may have allegedly committed while performing his duties, which needless to say, involved grave risk to his life and limb. In return, the least a soldier deserves is the support of the country that required of him to make sacrifices, and the countrymen he risked his life for. That is not asking for too much, is it? (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Soldiers and civil liberties: Terrorists have more human rights defenders in this country

Opening up a new avenue for females, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/indian-army-gets-first-batch-of-dhanush-artillery-guns-208834">Indian Army</a> on Thursday kicked off the process of inducting women as soldiers by starting their online registration for recruitment in the corps of military police.

This is being seen as a major breakthrough for women in armed forces as so far, they were being inducted only as officers and this is the first time they would be taken in as soldiers.

"Online registration will start today for the recruitment of women as jawans and the last date for it is June 8. The project was first mooted by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/strengthening-indias-cyber-security-indian-army-chief-says-need-to-address-cyber-threats-147480">Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat </a>soon after he took charge of the force," Army officials said.

The decks for the induction were cleared in January this year after Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the government has taken a "historic" decision to induct women in the military police with an aim to enhance their representation in the three services.

Women will be inducted in a graded manner to eventually comprise 20 per cent of total Corps of Military Police and their role would range from probing crime cases to assisting the Army in field operations wherever required.

Last year, Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat had said the process to allow women in a combat role, currently, an exclusive domain of men was moving fast and initially, women will be recruited for positions in Military Police.

Accordingly, the Army chalked out induction of approximately 800 women in military police with a yearly intake of 52 personnel per year.

Currently, women are allowed in select areas such as medical, legal, educational, signals and engineering wings of the Army.

The role of the military police includes policing cantonments and Army establishments, preventing the breach of rules and regulations by soldiers, maintaining movement of soldiers as well as logistics during peace and war, handling prisoners of war and extending aid to civil police.

As per government data, the Army has 3.80 per cent of its workforce as women, the Air Force has 13.09 per cent and the Navy six per cent.&nbsp;

Opening up a new avenue for females, the Indian Army on Thursday kicked off the process of inducting women as soldiers by starting their online registration for recruitment in the corps of military police.

Opening up a new avenue for females, the Indian Army on Thursday kicked off the process of inducting women as soldiers by starting their online registration for recruitment in the corps of military police. This is being seen as a major breakthrough for women in armed forces as so far, they were being inducted only as officers and this is the first time they would be taken in as soldiers. "Online registration will start today for the recruitment of women as jawans and the last date for it is June 8. The project was first mooted by Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat soon after he took charge of the force," Army officials said. The decks for the induction were cleared in January this year after Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the government has taken a "historic" decision to induct women in the military police with an aim to enhance their representation in the three services. Women will be inducted in a graded manner to eventually comprise 20 per cent of total Corps of Military Police and their role would range from probing crime cases to assisting the Army in field operations wherever required. Last year, Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat had said the process to allow women in a combat role, currently, an exclusive domain of men was moving fast and initially, women will be recruited for positions in Military Police. Accordingly, the Army chalked out induction of approximately 800 women in military police with a yearly intake of 52 personnel per year. Currently, women are allowed in select areas such as medical, legal, educational, signals and engineering wings of the Army. The role of the military police includes policing cantonments and Army establishments, preventing the breach of rules and regulations by soldiers, maintaining movement of soldiers as well as logistics during peace and war, handling prisoners of war and extending aid to civil police. As per government data, the Army has 3.80 per cent of its workforce as women, the Air Force has 13.09 per cent and the Navy six per cent.

Army starts process to induct women as soldiers in military police

As many as 513 ceasefire violations by Pakistan have taken place along the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/month-after-balakot-strikes-pakistan-continues-to-block-airspace-205852">line of control </a>(LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir in the past one-and-a-half month and the Pakistan Army has suffered five to six times more casualties than the Indian Army in the retaliatory action, a senior officer said on Saturday.

The Pakistan Army also used heavy weaponry like mortars and artillery guns in over 100 times during these violations and targeted civilian areas but was given a befitting response by the Indian Army, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of White Knight Corps Lt. Gen. Paramjit Singh told reporters in Rajouri.

“Almost 513 ceasefire violations happened in the past one-and-a-half month and over 100 times during these violations, the Pakistan Army used heavy weapons like mortars and artillery guns and targeted civilian areas. Only yesterday [Friday], four civilians, including two girls, were injured in Poonch,” the GOC said.

However, he said the Pakistan Army is being given a befitting response by the Indian Army.

Responding to a question about the casualties suffered by Pakistan in the retaliatory action, he said unlike the Indian Army, Pakistan does not announce the number of its casualties.

“However, as per our sources, the Pakistan Army suffered five to six times more casualties than the casualties on our side,” Lt. Gen. Singh said.

Ten people, including four security personnel, have been killed and nearly 45 others, mostly civilians, injured in the twin districts since India’s preemptive air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror camp in Pakistan’s Balakot on February 26 in response to the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

On the sniping incidents from across the border, Lt. Gen. Singh said such incidents had come to nought over the past several months, especially after the Balakot strike.

“Some incidents of sniping took place earlier and accordingly we have taken some measures to strengthen our defence. As per the data this year, only three incidents of sniping by the Pakistan Army were reported from January to February 26 in which one of the fatalities include a civilian porter,” he said.

“There was no sniping incident from February 27 till date, which means the steps taken by us have been successful,” the officer said.

He said the morale of the troops is very high and as long as they are deployed on the borders, the people of the country need not worry.

“They have every kind of weaponry and explosives with them and their resolve is rock solid and always prepared for any challenge. As long as they are on the border, you are safe,” he said.

Responding to a question, the officer said, “Our message to Pakistan is given every day whenever some nefarious activity happens on the border.”

When asked for a comment on politics being played in the name of soldiers during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, he said the Army does not want to get into the debate.

As many as 513 ceasefire violations by Pakistan have taken place along the line of control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir in the past one-and-a-half month and the Pakistan Army has suffered five to six times more casualties than the Indian Army in the retaliatory action, a senior officer said on Saturday.

As many as 513 ceasefire violations by Pakistan have taken place along the line of control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir in the past one-and-a-half month and the Pakistan Army has suffered five to six times more casualties than the Indian Army in the retaliatory action, a senior officer said on Saturday. The Pakistan Army also used heavy weaponry like mortars and artillery guns in over 100 times during these violations and targeted civilian areas but was given a befitting response by the Indian Army, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of White Knight Corps Lt. Gen. Paramjit Singh told reporters in Rajouri. “Almost 513 ceasefire violations happened in the past one-and-a-half month and over 100 times during these violations, the Pakistan Army used heavy weapons like mortars and artillery guns and targeted civilian areas. Only yesterday [Friday], four civilians, including two girls, were injured in Poonch,” the GOC said. However, he said the Pakistan Army is being given a befitting response by the Indian Army. Responding to a question about the casualties suffered by Pakistan in the retaliatory action, he said unlike the Indian Army, Pakistan does not announce the number of its casualties. “However, as per our sources, the Pakistan Army suffered five to six times more casualties than the casualties on our side,” Lt. Gen. Singh said. Ten people, including four security personnel, have been killed and nearly 45 others, mostly civilians, injured in the twin districts since India’s preemptive air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror camp in Pakistan’s Balakot on February 26 in response to the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. On the sniping incidents from across the border, Lt. Gen. Singh said such incidents had come to nought over the past several months, especially after the Balakot strike. “Some incidents of sniping took place earlier and accordingly we have taken some measures to strengthen our defence. As per the data this year, only three incidents of sniping by the Pakistan Army were reported from January to February 26 in which one of the fatalities include a civilian porter,” he said. “There was no sniping incident from February 27 till date, which means the steps taken by us have been successful,” the officer said. He said the morale of the troops is very high and as long as they are deployed on the borders, the people of the country need not worry. “They have every kind of weaponry and explosives with them and their resolve is rock solid and always prepared for any challenge. As long as they are on the border, you are safe,” he said. Responding to a question, the officer said, “Our message to Pakistan is given every day whenever some nefarious activity happens on the border.” When asked for a comment on politics being played in the name of soldiers during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, he said the Army does not want to get into the debate.

Enraged by Balakot strike Pakistan violated ceasefire 513 times in 45 days, suffered more than India: Army

At least eight persons, including two children, were killed in a flash <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/record-rains-turn-pakistan-citys-roads-into-rivers-six-dead-148797&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjmy8C_7MzhAhXLtY8KHbpxDQIQFggEMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw18-8mX1U6HiDxCZYxKk8pX">flood</a> in northwest Pakistan, officials said.

The incident happened when a vehicle carrying them was heading to a wedding party and it drowned in Wana tehsil of South Waziristan District bordering Afghanistan on Saturday, according to district administration officials.&nbsp;

Six children remain missing and a search operation is underway to find them, the officials said.

The rescue team retrieved six bodies of women and two children. Pakistan Army and district administration officials are continuing a search for the missing individuals.&nbsp;

At least eight persons, including two children, were killed in a flash flood in northwest Pakistan, officials said. The incident happened when a vehicle carrying them was heading to a wedding party and it drowned in Wana tehsil of South Waziristan District bordering Afghanistan on Saturday, according to district administration officials.

At least eight persons, including two children, were killed in a flash flood in northwest Pakistan, officials said. The incident happened when a vehicle carrying them was heading to a wedding party and it drowned in Wana tehsil of South Waziristan District bordering Afghanistan on Saturday, according to district administration officials. Six children remain missing and a search operation is underway to find them, the officials said. The rescue team retrieved six bodies of women and two children. Pakistan Army and district administration officials are continuing a search for the missing individuals.

Pakistan: Flash flood kills eight people

Over the last few years, we have been witnessing a debate on the subject of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). Sadly, it is becoming more strident as media channels have multiplied, as have activists and ‘experts’.&nbsp;

Now with the social media, no channel is needed. Suddenly, everyone has a view and a platform to express it. So the debate has got high on rhetoric and low on content. There are frequent references to phrases like ‘draconian law’, ‘licence to kill’, ‘free hand to Army to rape and murder’, and much more.&nbsp;

Are we talking about our Indian Army, the simple soldiers who risk their lives day after day for country and countrymen? Or are we talking about characters from a James Bond movie? Why have the debates got so shrill? Partly because it is fashionable to talk about human rights (in that case, one needs to make a case about the human rights of soldiers as well, but I will leave it for a subsequent day). &nbsp;

The rights part have got discussed threadbare and the legal mores analysed to the hilt. Knowledgeable in their fields as they might be, these experts have no idea of how to operate in these tricky situations, where there is risk to life and limb.

The Indian Army, on the other hand, barely comes out openly in support of its stand on the AFSPA and has always been reluctant to put forward its views in public. The result is the public has got a one-sided and distorted picture. &nbsp;

Recently, this subject gathered additional momentum as a major political party suggested changes in their position on the AFSPA in their election manifesto. Once again, there was a flurry of activities, speeches and debates. Given the poll climes, there was the obvious political tilt, as can be expected. &nbsp;

But the Indian public deserves better. The purpose of this piece is to put forward the facts simply, correctly and directly, so that we can aspire for more informed debates.

Let us first understand what AFSPA is. It was first promulgated in its present form in 1958 in North East India when the army was called in to control the Naga insurgents, as the Naga National Council had declared independence.&nbsp;

Normally, a district magistrate hands over any given situation to the army by actually signing a form. But in remote, high altitude and thickly forested mountains, there is no habitation, let alone any representative of the civil administration. Hence the army officer in charge is empowered to take a few actions himself, such as searching a bunker or hideout without warrant, destroying illegal equipment, explosives and armament in situ, arrest anti-national elements without warrant (but hand them over to the police within 24 hours), and lastly stop anyone from doing anything that may be illegal and against the interests of the state, to the extent of opening fire, if needed. &nbsp;

Additionally, if an army man commits a wrong while operating under AFSPA, he can be prosecuted in a court of law, for which an approval of the central government is needed. &nbsp;

Later, when AFSPA was made applicable to Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir in 1990, two more provisions were added, namely authority to search a vehicle without warrant and to search an individual.&nbsp;

These checks have become commonplace in our lives these days. We open the boot of our cars and get body searched very readily by a security guard at a movie hall or a mall. Hardly ‘draconian’ or ‘licence to kill’! Here, we seem to understand that these checks are required for our own security and safety.&nbsp;

Let us also appreciate that the Army is the instrument of last resort. It is called in when the civil administration, the police and the central armed police forces have not been able to bring any given situation under full control. 
 
When the Army is called in, it should be empowered or enabled to operate effectively. If Army is also not effective in controlling the situation, who else will the country turn to?&nbsp;

Hence, to operate effectively in a disturbing situation, in the absence of policing powers, the Army needs an enabler in the form of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.&nbsp;

The Act, as well as the deployment of the army, is temporary. As soon as the situation normalises, both will go and the army will be most happy to return to its primary duties. When conditions improve, and situation permits, the govt revokes AFSPA in consultation with the army and other stakeholders.&nbsp;

In the past, on the recommendations of the army, AFSPA has been revoked from Mizoram in 1987, Punjab in 1997 and Tripura in 2015.&nbsp;

Selective revocation of AFSPA is fraught with immense danger. It gives terrorists the latitude to operate from their safe sanctuaries. The failed model of Imphal is a case in point.&nbsp;

Revoking or diluting AFSPA should only be done in light of the security situation, after giving due consideration to views of all stakeholders. It will be highly dangerous if extraneous pressures come to dictate such sensitive decisions.&nbsp;

If it is so done, the situation is likely to worsen and slip back by a few years. And then Army will be called in again, and so the cycle will go on.

&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The ZeeNews. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-not-a-james-bond-movie-2738011">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Over the last few years, we have been witnessing a debate on the subject of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). Sadly, it is becoming more strident as media channels have multiplied, as have activists and ‘experts’.

Over the last few years, we have been witnessing a debate on the subject of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). Sadly, it is becoming more strident as media channels have multiplied, as have activists and ‘experts’. Now with the social media, no channel is needed. Suddenly, everyone has a view and a platform to express it. So the debate has got high on rhetoric and low on content. There are frequent references to phrases like ‘draconian law’, ‘licence to kill’, ‘free hand to Army to rape and murder’, and much more. Are we talking about our Indian Army, the simple soldiers who risk their lives day after day for country and countrymen? Or are we talking about characters from a James Bond movie? Why have the debates got so shrill? Partly because it is fashionable to talk about human rights (in that case, one needs to make a case about the human rights of soldiers as well, but I will leave it for a subsequent day). The rights part have got discussed threadbare and the legal mores analysed to the hilt. Knowledgeable in their fields as they might be, these experts have no idea of how to operate in these tricky situations, where there is risk to life and limb. The Indian Army, on the other hand, barely comes out openly in support of its stand on the AFSPA and has always been reluctant to put forward its views in public. The result is the public has got a one-sided and distorted picture. Recently, this subject gathered additional momentum as a major political party suggested changes in their position on the AFSPA in their election manifesto. Once again, there was a flurry of activities, speeches and debates. Given the poll climes, there was the obvious political tilt, as can be expected. But the Indian public deserves better. The purpose of this piece is to put forward the facts simply, correctly and directly, so that we can aspire for more informed debates. Let us first understand what AFSPA is. It was first promulgated in its present form in 1958 in North East India when the army was called in to control the Naga insurgents, as the Naga National Council had declared independence. Normally, a district magistrate hands over any given situation to the army by actually signing a form. But in remote, high altitude and thickly forested mountains, there is no habitation, let alone any representative of the civil administration. Hence the army officer in charge is empowered to take a few actions himself, such as searching a bunker or hideout without warrant, destroying illegal equipment, explosives and armament in situ, arrest anti-national elements without warrant (but hand them over to the police within 24 hours), and lastly stop anyone from doing anything that may be illegal and against the interests of the state, to the extent of opening fire, if needed. Additionally, if an army man commits a wrong while operating under AFSPA, he can be prosecuted in a court of law, for which an approval of the central government is needed. Later, when AFSPA was made applicable to Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir in 1990, two more provisions were added, namely authority to search a vehicle without warrant and to search an individual. These checks have become commonplace in our lives these days. We open the boot of our cars and get body searched very readily by a security guard at a movie hall or a mall. Hardly ‘draconian’ or ‘licence to kill’! Here, we seem to understand that these checks are required for our own security and safety. Let us also appreciate that the Army is the instrument of last resort. It is called in when the civil administration, the police and the central armed police forces have not been able to bring any given situation under full control. When the Army is called in, it should be empowered or enabled to operate effectively. If Army is also not effective in controlling the situation, who else will the country turn to? Hence, to operate effectively in a disturbing situation, in the absence of policing powers, the Army needs an enabler in the form of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act. The Act, as well as the deployment of the army, is temporary. As soon as the situation normalises, both will go and the army will be most happy to return to its primary duties. When conditions improve, and situation permits, the govt revokes AFSPA in consultation with the army and other stakeholders. In the past, on the recommendations of the army, AFSPA has been revoked from Mizoram in 1987, Punjab in 1997 and Tripura in 2015. Selective revocation of AFSPA is fraught with immense danger. It gives terrorists the latitude to operate from their safe sanctuaries. The failed model of Imphal is a case in point. Revoking or diluting AFSPA should only be done in light of the security situation, after giving due consideration to views of all stakeholders. It will be highly dangerous if extraneous pressures come to dictate such sensitive decisions. If it is so done, the situation is likely to worsen and slip back by a few years. And then Army will be called in again, and so the cycle will go on. (This article was originally published on The ZeeNews. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Selective revocation of AFSPA is fraught with immense danger

A blast occurred inside an army camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Lachampora&nbsp;in Handwara area of Kupwara district.

Two soldiers were injured in the blast.

Both soldiers who suffered injuries&nbsp;have been airlifted to the army's 92 base hospital located in Srinagar.

Sources said that among the two, one army man has suffered critical wounds adding that an investigation has been launched to establish the nature of the blast.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

A blast occurred inside an army camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Lachampora in Handwara area of Kupwara district. Two soldiers were injured in the blast. Both soldiers who suffered injuries have been airlifted to the army's 92 base hospital located in Srinagar.

A blast occurred inside an army camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Lachampora in Handwara area of Kupwara district. Two soldiers were injured in the blast. Both soldiers who suffered injuries have been airlifted to the army's 92 base hospital located in Srinagar. Sources said that among the two, one army man has suffered critical wounds adding that an investigation has been launched to establish the nature of the blast.

Blast inside Army camp in J&K; two soldiers injured

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on March 27 that India had successfully shot down one of its own low-grade decommissioned satellites with the help of an indigenously made missile produced by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It was unclear which missile from the family of missiles India possesses was employed for this. With a process code-named Mission Shakti, India became the fourth country in the world to develop this specialised technology and successfully test it, after the US, Russia and China. The test was carried out off the coast of Odisha and on a low orbit satellite 300 km above surface level.&nbsp;

To a public, even of the reasonably well-informed variety, the downing of our own satellite by an Indian missile and going into celebration mode must appear rather strange. The military-strategic implications of the achievement will take a little time to sink once the brouhaha over the application of Election Commission norms to the announcement, gets over.&nbsp;

A simple explanation from a military point of view is given here. Remember, having an eye in the sky in the form of satellites is a major advantage for militaries, which possess such capability. Besides the operational strategic domain involving close surveillance, there is navigation for aircraft, surface vehicles, vessels at sea and personnel on foot. Pinpoint targeting of long-range missiles is possible because of these. With the development of armed drones, the US operators have been located in Florida, US, and homing the drones to their targets in Afghanistan with the help of satellite surveillance and navigation. Surveillance from space has distinct advantage, in that it is like a permanent drone in the sky and covering an area well beyond imagination. It makes the verifiability of agreement on limitation of troops, or early warning signals of troop movement much more credible. India’s massive mobilisation before it can go to war with either adversary is vulnerable due to satellite pick up. In today’s world the Internet and many other networks are dependent for their area coverage on satellites. Modern wars without network centricity are almost unthinkable. Similarly, war without the cyber domain activated for offensive or defensive tasks cannot be imagined today. Satellites provide the capacity for wide area coverage and can assist with both offensive and defensive exploitation of the cyber domain.&nbsp;

Since so much now depends on satellites, making your adversary’s eyes, ears and nodes in the sky vulnerable to incapacitation through a physical attack (by kinetic contact) or other means was an obvious measure that militaries would pursue. When a satellite or satellites are taken out or rendered unusable, the resultant effect is most felt on the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capability of a nation or force. It helps in the efforts to remain ahead in the information and decision cycle. There are networks for command and control, control of artillery, logistics and communications, without which military operations are rendered almost ineffective. The US has been pursuing a programme focused on this from as early as 1959. The first test missed a satellite by a couple of kilometres but in 1962 and 1963 successful tests were conducted with ballistic missiles going up to a vertical height of 400 miles. It was the time of President Ronald Reagan that research took a different turn with the ‘Star Wars’ programme which was designed to destroy all incoming projectiles or unfriendly equipment in space through kinetic of directed energy means.&nbsp;

China commenced testing in 2007 but its very first test left a tremendous amount of space debris from the destruction of a low orbit older satellite. Debris in space resulting from the use of ASAT weapons, even for testing purposes, is a major challenge as even small particles can ram against functional satellites and damage them. It is reported by the UN Outer Space Affairs Department that only 1400 of the 19000 artificial objects being currently tracked in space are functional satellites, the rest mostly being debris. A set of UN guidelines on space debris have been formulated. India’s ASAT test was in a very low earth orbit thus mitigating the danger emerging from the resultant debris after the test.&nbsp;

So why has India undertaken the ASAT test? Firstly, much like nuclear weapons, ASAT could remain a strategic weapon for only deterrence and not be involved in actual war fighting although its direct life-threatening capability is lower by volumes. It is important to demonstrate the capability for deterrence especially since China has been developing its capability for fairly long. Secondly, it is always possible that a Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) kind of international agreement may force a moratorium on development and testing of ASAT in the future. That would leave India in the lurch and future testing against the treaty would draw sanctions and international ire. A physical test with data all canned gives a boost to strategic capability. While the MEA may have made the right move by discounting any objective or country being focused upon by India’s ASAT programme, it is important that the successful test has been done at a time when the subcontinent has just emerged from its latest crisis involving a near showdown between India and Pakistan. Pakistan is known for its copy cat approach and it could just be tempted to acquire such a capability of its own; of course with the assistance of its all-weather friend, China. Affordability is not something Pakistan usually looks at despite its almost paralysed economy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There are fast emerging technologies in this field and we have to hear more about India’s progress in the anti-ballistic missile (ABM) domain for a future ‘iron dome’ concept. The US and Russia have the capabilities of launching an ASAT from the ship, land and space, while India, presently, has used a land installation. No doubt progress towards that will also be made as ISRO has demonstrated.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-blinding-the-eye-in-the-sky-2734548">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on March 27 that India had successfully shot down one of its own low-grade decommissioned satellites with the help of an indigenously made missile produced by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on March 27 that India had successfully shot down one of its own low-grade decommissioned satellites with the help of an indigenously made missile produced by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It was unclear which missile from the family of missiles India possesses was employed for this. With a process code-named Mission Shakti, India became the fourth country in the world to develop this specialised technology and successfully test it, after the US, Russia and China. The test was carried out off the coast of Odisha and on a low orbit satellite 300 km above surface level. To a public, even of the reasonably well-informed variety, the downing of our own satellite by an Indian missile and going into celebration mode must appear rather strange. The military-strategic implications of the achievement will take a little time to sink once the brouhaha over the application of Election Commission norms to the announcement, gets over. A simple explanation from a military point of view is given here. Remember, having an eye in the sky in the form of satellites is a major advantage for militaries, which possess such capability. Besides the operational strategic domain involving close surveillance, there is navigation for aircraft, surface vehicles, vessels at sea and personnel on foot. Pinpoint targeting of long-range missiles is possible because of these. With the development of armed drones, the US operators have been located in Florida, US, and homing the drones to their targets in Afghanistan with the help of satellite surveillance and navigation. Surveillance from space has distinct advantage, in that it is like a permanent drone in the sky and covering an area well beyond imagination. It makes the verifiability of agreement on limitation of troops, or early warning signals of troop movement much more credible. India’s massive mobilisation before it can go to war with either adversary is vulnerable due to satellite pick up. In today’s world the Internet and many other networks are dependent for their area coverage on satellites. Modern wars without network centricity are almost unthinkable. Similarly, war without the cyber domain activated for offensive or defensive tasks cannot be imagined today. Satellites provide the capacity for wide area coverage and can assist with both offensive and defensive exploitation of the cyber domain. Since so much now depends on satellites, making your adversary’s eyes, ears and nodes in the sky vulnerable to incapacitation through a physical attack (by kinetic contact) or other means was an obvious measure that militaries would pursue. When a satellite or satellites are taken out or rendered unusable, the resultant effect is most felt on the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capability of a nation or force. It helps in the efforts to remain ahead in the information and decision cycle. There are networks for command and control, control of artillery, logistics and communications, without which military operations are rendered almost ineffective. The US has been pursuing a programme focused on this from as early as 1959. The first test missed a satellite by a couple of kilometres but in 1962 and 1963 successful tests were conducted with ballistic missiles going up to a vertical height of 400 miles. It was the time of President Ronald Reagan that research took a different turn with the ‘Star Wars’ programme which was designed to destroy all incoming projectiles or unfriendly equipment in space through kinetic of directed energy means. China commenced testing in 2007 but its very first test left a tremendous amount of space debris from the destruction of a low orbit older satellite. Debris in space resulting from the use of ASAT weapons, even for testing purposes, is a major challenge as even small particles can ram against functional satellites and damage them. It is reported by the UN Outer Space Affairs Department that only 1400 of the 19000 artificial objects being currently tracked in space are functional satellites, the rest mostly being debris. A set of UN guidelines on space debris have been formulated. India’s ASAT test was in a very low earth orbit thus mitigating the danger emerging from the resultant debris after the test. So why has India undertaken the ASAT test? Firstly, much like nuclear weapons, ASAT could remain a strategic weapon for only deterrence and not be involved in actual war fighting although its direct life-threatening capability is lower by volumes. It is important to demonstrate the capability for deterrence especially since China has been developing its capability for fairly long. Secondly, it is always possible that a Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) kind of international agreement may force a moratorium on development and testing of ASAT in the future. That would leave India in the lurch and future testing against the treaty would draw sanctions and international ire. A physical test with data all canned gives a boost to strategic capability. While the MEA may have made the right move by discounting any objective or country being focused upon by India’s ASAT programme, it is important that the successful test has been done at a time when the subcontinent has just emerged from its latest crisis involving a near showdown between India and Pakistan. Pakistan is known for its copy cat approach and it could just be tempted to acquire such a capability of its own; of course with the assistance of its all-weather friend, China. Affordability is not something Pakistan usually looks at despite its almost paralysed economy. There are fast emerging technologies in this field and we have to hear more about India’s progress in the anti-ballistic missile (ABM) domain for a future ‘iron dome’ concept. The US and Russia have the capabilities of launching an ASAT from the ship, land and space, while India, presently, has used a land installation. No doubt progress towards that will also be made as ISRO has demonstrated. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Having an eye in sky in form of satellites is a major advantage for militaries

Major DP Singh, a retired officer of the Indian Army, who has&nbsp;a&nbsp;prosthetic&nbsp;leg has become the first battle casualty veteran to skydive.

He carried out the feat&nbsp;at Nasik today&nbsp;along with the team of Indian Army's Additional Directorate General of Public Information.

This was the first ever skydiving jump for the battle casualty veteran (leg amputee) conducted in India.
<img alt="SKYDIVING" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="93776dc2-8a4a-4371-8ef5-199c2beb5483" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/MAJOR.JPG" />
The freefall was conducted to endorse the “spirit of adventure” for all disabled soldiers who have suffered physical and war injuries in peace time.

Major DP Singh,&nbsp;widely known as the “Indian blade runner”,&nbsp;was trained by Indian Army to perform the first ever successful skydive.

Gen Bipin Rawat, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM, ADC, COAS approved the activity for the officer to commemorate “Year of Disabled in the Line of Duty”.

The journey to train the retired officer was started on March 18 when he was trained on first jump course.
<img alt="TRAINING" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="83087482-0ac0-4cff-b587-5f4d1d40aa3f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/MAJ.JPG" />
The training&nbsp;which&nbsp;was witnessed by soldiers and recruits of training establishment successfully culminated on March 28 by safe and successful landing at the Dropzone.

&nbsp;

Major DP Singh, a retired officer of the Indian Army, who has a prosthetic leg has become the first battle casualty veteran to skydive. He carried out the feat at Nasik today along with the team of Indian Army's Additional Directorate General of Public Information.

Major DP Singh, a retired officer of the Indian Army, who has a prosthetic leg has become the first battle casualty veteran to skydive. He carried out the feat at Nasik today along with the team of Indian Army's Additional Directorate General of Public Information. This was the first ever skydiving jump for the battle casualty veteran (leg amputee) conducted in India. The freefall was conducted to endorse the “spirit of adventure” for all disabled soldiers who have suffered physical and war injuries in peace time. Major DP Singh, widely known as the “Indian blade runner”, was trained by Indian Army to perform the first ever successful skydive. Gen Bipin Rawat, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM, ADC, COAS approved the activity for the officer to commemorate “Year of Disabled in the Line of Duty”. The journey to train the retired officer was started on March 18 when he was trained on first jump course. The training which was witnessed by soldiers and recruits of training establishment successfully culminated on March 28 by safe and successful landing at the Dropzone.

'Indian blade runner': Army veteran Major DP Singh becomes first battle casualty veteran to skydive

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