In a major boost to India’s defence capabilities, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Kanpur has developed a path-breaking stealth technology called Anālakṣhya Metamaterial Surface Cloaking System (AMSCS).

The advanced technology makes nearby radars go blind by virtually vanishing objects, making them untraceable.

<h2>More about Anālakṣhya Metamaterial Surface Cloaking System</h2>

The technology is based on a textile-based broadband metamaterial microwave absorber. The material helps objects go invisible by absorbing radar waves. It effectively renders Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging ineffective.

It’s being celebrated as a major indication of the success of the ‘Indianisation’ of the Indian defence industry.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjCobzojP2JAxVHp1YBHdoIMtwQxfQBKAB6BAgZEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-china-thaw-patrolling-resumes-along-lac-soldiers-exchange-sweets-772323" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/india-china-thaw-patrolling-resumes-along-lac-soldiers-exchange-sweets-772323&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjCobzojP2JAxVHp1YBHdoIMtwQxfQBKAB6BAgZEAE">India-China thaw: Patrolling resumes along LAC, soldiers exchange sweets</a>

The technology has been developed by a team of experts from IIT Kanpur’s Physics, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering departments. Notably, it has been made using over 90 per cent of materials sourced within the country domestically.

The AMSCS technology went through extensive testing from 2019 to 2024 and turned out to be extremely effective.

The technology will now be utilised by the Indian Armed Forces and it has been licensed to Meta Tattva Systems Pvt. Ltd. for manufacturing.

<h2>Why is it a breakthrough?</h2>

In a world dominated by radar surveillance systems, the AMSCS reduces detectability and increases the survivability of equipment and personnel. It can help Indian forces establish supremacy over hostile forces, boosting the country’s national security and defence forces’ operational capabilities.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjCobzojP2JAxVHp1YBHdoIMtwQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/despite-losing-family-army-man-jinosh-served-in-wayanad-landslide-ops-749874" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/despite-losing-family-army-man-jinosh-served-in-wayanad-landslide-ops-749874&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjCobzojP2JAxVHp1YBHdoIMtwQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE">Despite losing family, Indian army man Jinosh served in Wayanad landslide ops</a>

However, the technology provides opportunities for usage in other industries as well like aerospace and surveillance.

The people behind this advanced technology are professors Anantha Ramakrishna, Kumar Vaibhav Srivastava, and J. Ramkumar, along with their talented students and researchers.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a major boost to India’s defence capabilities, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Kanpur has developed a path-breaking stealth technology called Anālakṣhya Metamaterial Surface Cloaking System (AMSCS).

In a major boost to India’s defence capabilities, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Kanpur has developed a path-breaking stealth technology called Anālakṣhya Metamaterial Surface Cloaking System (AMSCS). The advanced technology makes nearby radars go blind by virtually vanishing objects, making them untraceable. More about Anālakṣhya Metamaterial Surface Cloaking System The technology is based on a textile-based broadband metamaterial microwave absorber. The material helps objects go invisible by absorbing radar waves. It effectively renders Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging ineffective. It’s being celebrated as a major indication of the success of the ‘Indianisation’ of the Indian defence industry. Also read: India-China thaw: Patrolling resumes along LAC, soldiers exchange sweets The technology has been developed by a team of experts from IIT Kanpur’s Physics, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering departments. Notably, it has been made using over 90 per cent of materials sourced within the country domestically. The AMSCS technology went through extensive testing from 2019 to 2024 and turned out to be extremely effective. The technology will now be utilised by the Indian Armed Forces and it has been licensed to Meta Tattva Systems Pvt. Ltd. for manufacturing. Why is it a breakthrough? In a world dominated by radar surveillance systems, the AMSCS reduces detectability and increases the survivability of equipment and personnel. It can help Indian forces establish supremacy over hostile forces, boosting the country’s national security and defence forces’ operational capabilities. Also read: Despite losing family, Indian army man Jinosh served in Wayanad landslide ops However, the technology provides opportunities for usage in other industries as well like aerospace and surveillance. The people behind this advanced technology are professors Anantha Ramakrishna, Kumar Vaibhav Srivastava, and J. Ramkumar, along with their talented students and researchers. (With inputs from agencies)

Breakthrough technology makes radars go blind, to boost India’s national security

In a major&nbsp;breakthrough, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore has developed innovative footwear for the Indian armed forces called Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG) which can not only generate electricity with every step but also provide real-time location tracking.

IIT Indore delivered ten pairs of TENG shoes to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Tuesday (Aug 6). The high-tech shoes are equipped with sophisticated tracking technology, including RFID and a satellite-based GPS module for live location tracking.

Professor Suhas Joshi, the director of IIT Indore, has said that these shoes are expected to significantly enhance the safety, coordination, and operational efficiency of Indian Army personnel.

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The shoes were developed under the guidance of Professor IA Palani, harnessing the Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG) technology. The TENG technology converts the mechanical energy generated from shoes by walking into electricity, which is then stored in a device embedded in the shoe’s soles.

The stored energy in shoes’ soles can power small electronic devices, providing a portable and renewable energy source for soldiers in the field.&nbsp;

The shoes are also equipped with GPS and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, which will allow real-time tracking of military personnel, which can enhance strategic coordination and ensure the safety of soldiers during operations.

<h2>Broad application of high-tech shoes</h2>

There are several broad potential applications of these TENG-powered shoes that extend beyond military use. Like for families with elderly members, especially those with Alzheimer's disease, the shoes offer peace of mind through reliable location tracking. Working parents can monitor their children's whereabouts throughout the school day, and schools can use RFID technology to maintain accurate attendance records. In industrial settings, the shoes are useful for attendance tracking and worker monitoring.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/crisis-in-bangladesh-sri-lanka-pakistan-whats-going-on-with-indias-neighbours-748674">Crisis in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan: What's going on with India's neighbours?</a>

Athletes can also use these shoes to analyse foot movements, which can help improve performance and training techniques. For trekkers and mountaineers, these shoes can provide reliable tracking during expeditions with their self-powered GPS feature, ensuring safety and efficient navigation.&nbsp;

The development of such advanced footwear is a significant step forward for the Indian armed forces, placing them on par with other technologically advanced military forces around the world. Similar initiatives have been undertaken by countries like the United States and China, where research and development in wearable technology for military applications have been ongoing.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a major breakthrough, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore has developed innovative footwear for the Indian armed forces called Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG) which can not only generate electricity with every step but also provide real-time location tracking.

In a major breakthrough, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore has developed innovative footwear for the Indian armed forces called Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG) which can not only generate electricity with every step but also provide real-time location tracking. IIT Indore delivered ten pairs of TENG shoes to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Tuesday (Aug 6). The high-tech shoes are equipped with sophisticated tracking technology, including RFID and a satellite-based GPS module for live location tracking. Professor Suhas Joshi, the director of IIT Indore, has said that these shoes are expected to significantly enhance the safety, coordination, and operational efficiency of Indian Army personnel. Also Read | 100 years for a green card? Indian engineer warns students, ‘Don’t come to US' The shoes were developed under the guidance of Professor IA Palani, harnessing the Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG) technology. The TENG technology converts the mechanical energy generated from shoes by walking into electricity, which is then stored in a device embedded in the shoe’s soles. The stored energy in shoes’ soles can power small electronic devices, providing a portable and renewable energy source for soldiers in the field. The shoes are also equipped with GPS and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, which will allow real-time tracking of military personnel, which can enhance strategic coordination and ensure the safety of soldiers during operations. Broad application of high-tech shoes There are several broad potential applications of these TENG-powered shoes that extend beyond military use. Like for families with elderly members, especially those with Alzheimer's disease, the shoes offer peace of mind through reliable location tracking. Working parents can monitor their children's whereabouts throughout the school day, and schools can use RFID technology to maintain accurate attendance records. In industrial settings, the shoes are useful for attendance tracking and worker monitoring. Also Read | Crisis in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan: What's going on with India's neighbours? Athletes can also use these shoes to analyse foot movements, which can help improve performance and training techniques. For trekkers and mountaineers, these shoes can provide reliable tracking during expeditions with their self-powered GPS feature, ensuring safety and efficient navigation. The development of such advanced footwear is a significant step forward for the Indian armed forces, placing them on par with other technologically advanced military forces around the world. Similar initiatives have been undertaken by countries like the United States and China, where research and development in wearable technology for military applications have been ongoing. (With inputs from agencies)

IIT Indore designs high-tech shoes for Indian armed forces that generate electricity with each step

In a historic first, the Indian Army commissioned five women officers to its Regiment of Artillery.

The Regiment of Artillery is the second largest arm that constitutes a formidable operational arm of the Indian Army. The firepower of Artillery with its missiles, guns, mortars, rocket launchers and unmanned aerial vehicles packs a lethal punch and indeed makes it an ‘Arm of Decision’, as per Indian Army.&nbsp;

After successfully finishing their training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai on Saturday, the female officers joined the Regiment of Artillery.

Lt. Mehak Saini, Lt. Aditi Yadav, Lt. Sakshi Dubey and Lt. Pious Mudgil are the female officers who joined the Regiment of Artillery.

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The female officers will be assigned to various artillery units where they will receive the necessary training and experience to operate SATA (Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Rocket) and other equipment under difficult circumstances.

Three of the five female officers are assigned to forces stationed near northern borders, while the other two are dispatched to difficult regions in the Western Theatre.

Lt Mehak Saini is commissioned into a SATA Regiment. Lt Sakshi Dubey &amp; Lt Aditi Yadav are commissioned into Field Regiments, Lt Pious Mudgil is commissioned into a Medium Regiment and Lt Akanksha is commissioned into a Rocket Regiment.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-air-force-uses-night-vision-goggles-bravely-rescues-121-people-from-sudan-airstrip-587183">Indian Air Force uses night vision goggles, bravely rescues 121 people from Sudan airstrip</a>

In a statement, the Indian Army noted that the occasion was a significant turning point for the force's women officers, "who have been breaking barriers to serve their country with valour and distinction."

According to the Army, the five Women Officers (WOs) who are being commissioned will have access to the same chances and challenges as their male counterparts. Along with the WOs, 19 additional men were commissioned into the regiment.

At the commissioning ceremony the young women cadets took the oath of allegiance to the constitution and received their rank insignia.

Senior military leaders, including Lt. Gen. Adosh Kumar, Colonel Commandant, and Director General of Artillery (Designate), as well as dignitaries and the happy families of the newly commissioned officers, were present at the event.

Watch | After Russia's winter assault, Ukraine prepares for summer attack

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According to the sources cited by PTI news agency, of the five female officers, three are assigned to units stationed near China's borders while the other two are placed in "challenging locations" close to Pakistan's border.

The commissioning of women officers into the Regiment of Artillery is evidence of the Indian Army's progressive development. Gen Manoj Pande, the Chief of Army Staff, made the decision to commission female officers into artillery units public in January. Later, the government agreed to the proposal.

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In a historic first, the Indian Army commissioned five women officers to its Regiment of Artillery. The Regiment of Artillery is the second largest arm that constitutes a formidable operational arm of the Indian Army.

In a historic first, the Indian Army commissioned five women officers to its Regiment of Artillery. The Regiment of Artillery is the second largest arm that constitutes a formidable operational arm of the Indian Army. The firepower of Artillery with its missiles, guns, mortars, rocket launchers and unmanned aerial vehicles packs a lethal punch and indeed makes it an ‘Arm of Decision’, as per Indian Army. After successfully finishing their training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai on Saturday, the female officers joined the Regiment of Artillery. Lt. Mehak Saini, Lt. Aditi Yadav, Lt. Sakshi Dubey and Lt. Pious Mudgil are the female officers who joined the Regiment of Artillery. Also Read | EU nations reach deal 'in principle' to transit grain from Ukraine The female officers will be assigned to various artillery units where they will receive the necessary training and experience to operate SATA (Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Rocket) and other equipment under difficult circumstances. Three of the five female officers are assigned to forces stationed near northern borders, while the other two are dispatched to difficult regions in the Western Theatre. Lt Mehak Saini is commissioned into a SATA Regiment. Lt Sakshi Dubey & Lt Aditi Yadav are commissioned into Field Regiments, Lt Pious Mudgil is commissioned into a Medium Regiment and Lt Akanksha is commissioned into a Rocket Regiment. Also Read | Indian Air Force uses night vision goggles, bravely rescues 121 people from Sudan airstrip In a statement, the Indian Army noted that the occasion was a significant turning point for the force's women officers, "who have been breaking barriers to serve their country with valour and distinction." According to the Army, the five Women Officers (WOs) who are being commissioned will have access to the same chances and challenges as their male counterparts. Along with the WOs, 19 additional men were commissioned into the regiment. At the commissioning ceremony the young women cadets took the oath of allegiance to the constitution and received their rank insignia. Senior military leaders, including Lt. Gen. Adosh Kumar, Colonel Commandant, and Director General of Artillery (Designate), as well as dignitaries and the happy families of the newly commissioned officers, were present at the event. Watch | After Russia's winter assault, Ukraine prepares for summer attack × According to the sources cited by PTI news agency, of the five female officers, three are assigned to units stationed near China's borders while the other two are placed in "challenging locations" close to Pakistan's border. The commissioning of women officers into the Regiment of Artillery is evidence of the Indian Army's progressive development. Gen Manoj Pande, the Chief of Army Staff, made the decision to commission female officers into artillery units public in January. Later, the government agreed to the proposal. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

In historic first, women officers commissioned into Indian Army's Regiment of Artillery

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Amid tensions along the Line of Actual Control&nbsp;(LAC), India's chief of defence staff Bipin Rawat said China has become the biggest security threat to the country.

India and Chinese troops were involved in a clash at Galwan Valley in June last year in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed. The PLA had lost four soldiers although reports claimed the casualties on the Chinese side was much higher.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-tensions-along-border-with-india-china-upgrades-logistics-to-brave-winter-428229">Also Read:&nbsp;Amid tensions along border with India, China upgrades 'logistics to brave winter'</a>

Earlier this year, China had announced de-escalation along the LAC, however, reports claim Chinese troops continue to hold key positions along the border have fortified border areas.&nbsp;

General Rawat said troops stationed along the border with China will continue to remain there for a long while asserting that there was a "trust deficit" and suspicion in solving the border row.

Watch:&nbsp;Xi Jinping's 'uncontested' rule over China

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Indian and Chinese commanders had conducted the thirteenth round of talks at the Chushul-Moldo border aimed at de-escalation, however, the talks ended in a stalemate as India pointed towards China's "unilateral attempts to alter the status quo" and "violation of bilateral agreements".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-navy-numerically-largest-in-the-world-us-report-427400">Also Read |&nbsp;&nbsp;China's navy 'numerically' largest in the world: US report</a>

There have also been reports of transgressions by the Chinese troops along the border. India's Army chief MM Naravane had earlier raised concern over the infrastructure development by Chinese troops at the border.

A US Department of Defence(DOD) report had&nbsp;claimed that China has&nbsp;built homes in villages inside India's Arunachal Pradesh as it expressed concern over infrastructure development efforts along the LAC.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), India's chief of defence staff Bipin Rawat said China has become the biggest security threat to the country.

Amid tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), India's chief of defence staff Bipin Rawat said China has become the biggest security threat to the country. India and Chinese troops were involved in a clash at Galwan Valley in June last year in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed. The PLA had lost four soldiers although reports claimed the casualties on the Chinese side was much higher. Also Read: Amid tensions along border with India, China upgrades 'logistics to brave winter' Earlier this year, China had announced de-escalation along the LAC, however, reports claim Chinese troops continue to hold key positions along the border have fortified border areas. General Rawat said troops stationed along the border with China will continue to remain there for a long while asserting that there was a "trust deficit" and suspicion in solving the border row. Watch: Xi Jinping's 'uncontested' rule over China Indian and Chinese commanders had conducted the thirteenth round of talks at the Chushul-Moldo border aimed at de-escalation, however, the talks ended in a stalemate as India pointed towards China's "unilateral attempts to alter the status quo" and "violation of bilateral agreements". Also Read | China's navy 'numerically' largest in the world: US report There have also been reports of transgressions by the Chinese troops along the border. India's Army chief MM Naravane had earlier raised concern over the infrastructure development by Chinese troops at the border. A US Department of Defence(DOD) report had claimed that China has built homes in villages inside India's Arunachal Pradesh as it expressed concern over infrastructure development efforts along the LAC. (With inputs from Agencies)

China biggest security threat to India, says CDS chief Bipin Rawat

SIMBEX: India-Singapore naval drill in South China Sea

Military training is about reshaping social norms and obeying commands, irrespective of who the commander is. Military personnel should stand for discipline and not discrimination.

The women officers in the Indian Army aren't making any unrealistic demand. A&nbsp;plea has been filed in the Supreme Court of India by women officers demanding permanent commission. In other words, a career in the Army until they retire.

Currently, women in the Indian Army can only serve up to 14 years. 
 
The world has come a long way since military roles were gender-specific. Today, women officers across the world rub shoulders with their male counterparts.

Months into World War I, the triple alliance and the entente met with an unexpected crisis - the shortage of troops. There were no men to guard the borders or fight the enemy.

So several thousand men had to give up farming and their daily jobs to join combat roles. Women too were rushed to camps, but their task was different.

They were expected to nurse the injured soldiers back to health. That was the early 1900s, an age defined by clear division of labour and gender roles.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Today, women are in the frontline, they are in the cockpit and on the deck. Armed Forces are no-longer a male-exclusive club.

Women comprise nearly 15 per cent of Canada's fighting force, 19 per cent of the French military and 10 per cent of the German military.

In Australia, women make up 14.3 per cent of the Army, the number is 4.5 per cent in China's People Liberation Army, and 3.8 per cent in the Indian Army.

Women also make up 14 per cent of the active-duty Army in the United States of America. At least 16 countries allow women to serve in combat roles.

They have equal rights to military stars, stripes and medals as their male counterparts. 
 
WATCH:&nbsp;&nbsp;

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In 2016, Brazil allowed women to enter combat training. The year before that, United Arab Emirates allowed a female fighter pilot to strike a mission against the Islamic State in Syria. South Korea opened combat positions to women as early as the 1990s.

In China, the first class of female fighter pilots graduated in 2009. Germany opened combat roles to women in 2001. Women make up almost 2 per cent of the French combat infantry.

In 1985, Norway became the first nation to open all combat jobs to women. Israel allowed women in combat roles in 1995.

The Philippines did the same in 2006. A woman officer of the US army once shared her experience of serving in Afghanistan. She said women were integral to combating cultural warfare.

At warzones where local women often hide ammunition, terrorists and critical intel, it's the women officer who play a crucial role in getting the complicit locals to break their silence and confederate.

Women are essential to peace-keeping - at home and outside. It's time more countries rise up the ranks and usher in gender balance in their Armed Forces.

 
&nbsp;

Military training is about reshaping social norms and obeying commands, irrespective of who the commander is. Military personnel should stand for discipline and not discrimination.

Military training is about reshaping social norms and obeying commands, irrespective of who the commander is. Military personnel should stand for discipline and not discrimination. The women officers in the Indian Army aren't making any unrealistic demand. A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court of India by women officers demanding permanent commission. In other words, a career in the Army until they retire. Currently, women in the Indian Army can only serve up to 14 years. The world has come a long way since military roles were gender-specific. Today, women officers across the world rub shoulders with their male counterparts. Months into World War I, the triple alliance and the entente met with an unexpected crisis - the shortage of troops. There were no men to guard the borders or fight the enemy. So several thousand men had to give up farming and their daily jobs to join combat roles. Women too were rushed to camps, but their task was different. They were expected to nurse the injured soldiers back to health. That was the early 1900s, an age defined by clear division of labour and gender roles. Today, women are in the frontline, they are in the cockpit and on the deck. Armed Forces are no-longer a male-exclusive club. Women comprise nearly 15 per cent of Canada's fighting force, 19 per cent of the French military and 10 per cent of the German military. In Australia, women make up 14.3 per cent of the Army, the number is 4.5 per cent in China's People Liberation Army, and 3.8 per cent in the Indian Army. Women also make up 14 per cent of the active-duty Army in the United States of America. At least 16 countries allow women to serve in combat roles. They have equal rights to military stars, stripes and medals as their male counterparts. WATCH: × In 2016, Brazil allowed women to enter combat training. The year before that, United Arab Emirates allowed a female fighter pilot to strike a mission against the Islamic State in Syria. South Korea opened combat positions to women as early as the 1990s. In China, the first class of female fighter pilots graduated in 2009. Germany opened combat roles to women in 2001. Women make up almost 2 per cent of the French combat infantry. In 1985, Norway became the first nation to open all combat jobs to women. Israel allowed women in combat roles in 1995. The Philippines did the same in 2006. A woman officer of the US army once shared her experience of serving in Afghanistan. She said women were integral to combating cultural warfare. At warzones where local women often hide ammunition, terrorists and critical intel, it's the women officer who play a crucial role in getting the complicit locals to break their silence and confederate. Women are essential to peace-keeping - at home and outside. It's time more countries rise up the ranks and usher in gender balance in their Armed Forces.

Explained: Rise of women soldiers around the world

An Indian paramilitary guard was killed and another critically wounded after they were fired upon by Bangladeshi troops at a border river on Thursday, Indian security forces said, the first deadly frontier clash between the nations in years.

The incident in&nbsp;West Bengal took place after Bangladesh detained three Indian fishermen for allegedly sailing into their waters searching for Hilsa, a popular fish in regional cuisine.

Two of the fishermen were released or escaped and informed&nbsp;border guards of their detention.

Six Indian guards then took a boat to an island on the Padma River to secure the release of the third fisherman from their Bangladeshi counterparts,&nbsp;Border Security Force (BSF) said.

The BSF said a "border guard was killed and another critically injured in firing by Bangladeshi border troops along the riverine border".

But in a statement late Thursday, Bangladesh said Indian troops fired first after they "forcibly tried to take the detained fisherman" and their border personnel resisted them.

The Indian soldiers "got angry and opened fire and they drove their speedboat back to India by firing all the way. Then the (Border Guard Bangladesh) patrol team fired back in self-defence," the BGB said.

The Indian border force named the slain maritime officer as Head Constable Vijay Bhan Singh. The second guard was taken to hospital, where he was fighting for his life.

Bangladesh said officials from both sides met after the incident and agreed to investigate the encounter and hold future talks.

Illegal fishing is not uncommon in the Sunderbans, a UNESCO world heritage site which straddles the border of India and Bangladesh and is famous for its mangrove forest.

Thousands of people fish in the area around the year. Fishermen detained on both sides are usually released after talks between border officials.

Border relations between India and Bangladesh have been good, and this is the first fatal incident in recent times.

Earlier, in August 2005, guards on both sides exchanged fire over repairs on the Mahananda river, in West Bengal, with no casualties.

An Indian paramilitary guard was killed and another critically wounded after they were fired upon by Bangladeshi troops at a border river on Thursday, Indian security forces said, the first deadly frontier clash between the nations in years.

An Indian paramilitary guard was killed and another critically wounded after they were fired upon by Bangladeshi troops at a border river on Thursday, Indian security forces said, the first deadly frontier clash between the nations in years. The incident in West Bengal took place after Bangladesh detained three Indian fishermen for allegedly sailing into their waters searching for Hilsa, a popular fish in regional cuisine. Two of the fishermen were released or escaped and informed border guards of their detention. Six Indian guards then took a boat to an island on the Padma River to secure the release of the third fisherman from their Bangladeshi counterparts, Border Security Force (BSF) said. The BSF said a "border guard was killed and another critically injured in firing by Bangladeshi border troops along the riverine border". But in a statement late Thursday, Bangladesh said Indian troops fired first after they "forcibly tried to take the detained fisherman" and their border personnel resisted them. The Indian soldiers "got angry and opened fire and they drove their speedboat back to India by firing all the way. Then the (Border Guard Bangladesh) patrol team fired back in self-defence," the BGB said. The Indian border force named the slain maritime officer as Head Constable Vijay Bhan Singh. The second guard was taken to hospital, where he was fighting for his life. Bangladesh said officials from both sides met after the incident and agreed to investigate the encounter and hold future talks. Illegal fishing is not uncommon in the Sunderbans, a UNESCO world heritage site which straddles the border of India and Bangladesh and is famous for its mangrove forest. Thousands of people fish in the area around the year. Fishermen detained on both sides are usually released after talks between border officials. Border relations between India and Bangladesh have been good, and this is the first fatal incident in recent times. Earlier, in August 2005, guards on both sides exchanged fire over repairs on the Mahananda river, in West Bengal, with no casualties.

Bangladesh Border Guards shoot, kill Indian soldier: Official

The trigger for this essay comes from the mounting protests in Hong Kong; an advanced society in the throes of street turbulence. Sooner than later China may throw caution to the winds and send in the People’s Liberation Army to take over the territory and quell democracy. But my focus is elsewhere, on home territory, Kashmir. Having faced street protests there for many years it’s a different ballgame to Hong Kong. I am drawn back to it because of the rumours in the air of impending changes that could act as triggers.

Kashmir usually sits on the edge and street violence, for the last ten years, has been a norm. Will we see it implode again as it did in 2008 with the Amarnath Shrine Board agitation, in 2009 with rumours connected to the Shopian rape case, in 2010 with the Machil and Tufail Mattoo incidents and in 2016 with the killing of Burhan Wani? I am not examining here anything remotely related to the merits and demerits of Article 35A, the abrogation of which is being assessed as a likely trigger.

The power of the street was realised by the separatists in 2008 taking inspiration from the Palestinian Intifada. Little known but the other inspiration for Kashmir’s street turbulence was a book called ‘From Dictatorship to Democracy’ by an American scholar called Gene Sharpe. The latter is considered the father of modern revolutions and his chapter — ‘98 Ways of Non-Violent Action’ has inspired many of them. Syed Ali Shah Geelani is known to have read it and been inspired by it.

In Aug 2008 when we faced the murderous one lakh strong mob which attempted to march from Sopore to Uri, there was no social media. Yet thousands of people poured into the streets. None of us, the army, intelligence services or JK Police were prepared for it. &nbsp;Thereafter, seasoned commanders of anti-terrorist operations were taken aback by the vehemence and passion in the streets. They had little idea about dealing with such protests.

Many a time women led the front pushing even children ahead. Over a period of time, the art of street violence was near perfected by the Kashmiri protestors no doubt with some guidance from across the LoC. Social media expansion became the means of rallying protestors, taking inspiration from Tahrir Square, the Lotus Revolution and many other such protests of the Arab Spring. As the age of the street protestor became younger we witnessed 11 and 12-year-olds take to the streets. From 2014 an innovation entered into the methods with protestors rallying in support of terrorists cornered in houses through intelligence-driven cordons. This proved a major challenge for the security forces (SF) and led to more civilian casualties. The notion that separatists support nonviolent ways of protest has been a misnomer successfully fed to human rights organisations. &nbsp;In 2008-10 two recalls are of significance. First, the Army held a moral sway; its young company commanders had the networking skills and courage to walk up to leaders of protesting mobs and dissuade them many times to put an end to the protest in their area. Secondly, while the police had the most uncomfortable and challenging job the protestors mastered ways of breaking up police squads, attracting them into by lanes and then targeting them, forcing them to fire and cause civilian casualties.&nbsp;

The ecosystem of J&amp;K, of which much is being written and spoken about today, has been the core centre of the organisational capability to run the agitation which at one time came to be termed as ‘agitational terror’ for various reasons. Protest without money power would have ground to a halt. In the town of Baramula from where the protests really began and spread there were fixed rates for each stone thrower. Stones were ‘imported’ by vehicles and stone-throwers came from other towns so that identification of leaders was difficult. The rallying of mobs was done by a large network of over ground workers (OGWs) armed with an information system multiplied many times over today due to social media. Manipulated video clips and rumours form the focus of the information system which the government establishment has a little answer for except the shutting down of the internet. Civilian casualties draw mass response at funerals and increase alienation manifold. The local media with more publications than found in Delhi or Mumbai has rarely found itself under control except during periods when curfew restricted the movement of its workers.

No one is saying that we are heading towards a period of street protests but it’s always good to be wary and cautious when attempts are being to change the tack of the strategy and campaign in J&amp;K. The SF’s identified weakness is what the separatists consider their strength. That is the lack of a professional way of tackling mass protests. We cannot sit on a moral high horse and claim the use of minimum force when the international community throws such things in our face. Also, let us not gloat over our capability to resist international pressure. China may get away with treatment of Uyghur in Xinjiang and possibly even with handing over of Hong Kong to the PLA; that is because China does not claim democratic norms of functioning. Yet, even as Government of India is getting down to tackle issues which have never been tackled in the past it should ensure none of this is done in an unsmart way. It has done well to go after the ecosystem but the same is so strongly entrenched that it will take time. The money conduits and information system which help the separatists run the power of the streets must be legitimately choked completely. Let there be more transparency about this.&nbsp;

No doubt this seems an appropriate time to tackle the separatists when Pakistan too is under pressure and attention is more on Afghanistan. Kashmir’s stamina for resistance is also low notwithstanding formation of joint resistance committees by the separatists. There are far more smart, legitimate and humane ways of controlling violence in the streets than by just pumping in a hundred companies of armed police forces. May be good to take a cue from what the Indian Army does before it sends any troops to conflict zones. It trains them for the situation and threat that they are likely to meet. Untrained soldiers or armed policemen can be a greater liability than can be imagined. Lastly, where is our information system to counter the separatist misinformation? Rumour mongering isn’t the best way of tackling such situations.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-taking-to-the-jk-streets-2778405">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

The trigger for this essay comes from the mounting protests in Hong Kong; an advanced society in the throes of street turbulence. Sooner than later China may throw caution to the winds and send in the People’s Liberation Army to take over the territory and quell democracy.

The trigger for this essay comes from the mounting protests in Hong Kong; an advanced society in the throes of street turbulence. Sooner than later China may throw caution to the winds and send in the People’s Liberation Army to take over the territory and quell democracy. But my focus is elsewhere, on home territory, Kashmir. Having faced street protests there for many years it’s a different ballgame to Hong Kong. I am drawn back to it because of the rumours in the air of impending changes that could act as triggers. Kashmir usually sits on the edge and street violence, for the last ten years, has been a norm. Will we see it implode again as it did in 2008 with the Amarnath Shrine Board agitation, in 2009 with rumours connected to the Shopian rape case, in 2010 with the Machil and Tufail Mattoo incidents and in 2016 with the killing of Burhan Wani? I am not examining here anything remotely related to the merits and demerits of Article 35A, the abrogation of which is being assessed as a likely trigger. The power of the street was realised by the separatists in 2008 taking inspiration from the Palestinian Intifada. Little known but the other inspiration for Kashmir’s street turbulence was a book called ‘From Dictatorship to Democracy’ by an American scholar called Gene Sharpe. The latter is considered the father of modern revolutions and his chapter — ‘98 Ways of Non-Violent Action’ has inspired many of them. Syed Ali Shah Geelani is known to have read it and been inspired by it. In Aug 2008 when we faced the murderous one lakh strong mob which attempted to march from Sopore to Uri, there was no social media. Yet thousands of people poured into the streets. None of us, the army, intelligence services or JK Police were prepared for it. Thereafter, seasoned commanders of anti-terrorist operations were taken aback by the vehemence and passion in the streets. They had little idea about dealing with such protests. Many a time women led the front pushing even children ahead. Over a period of time, the art of street violence was near perfected by the Kashmiri protestors no doubt with some guidance from across the LoC. Social media expansion became the means of rallying protestors, taking inspiration from Tahrir Square, the Lotus Revolution and many other such protests of the Arab Spring. As the age of the street protestor became younger we witnessed 11 and 12-year-olds take to the streets. From 2014 an innovation entered into the methods with protestors rallying in support of terrorists cornered in houses through intelligence-driven cordons. This proved a major challenge for the security forces (SF) and led to more civilian casualties. The notion that separatists support nonviolent ways of protest has been a misnomer successfully fed to human rights organisations. In 2008-10 two recalls are of significance. First, the Army held a moral sway; its young company commanders had the networking skills and courage to walk up to leaders of protesting mobs and dissuade them many times to put an end to the protest in their area. Secondly, while the police had the most uncomfortable and challenging job the protestors mastered ways of breaking up police squads, attracting them into by lanes and then targeting them, forcing them to fire and cause civilian casualties. The ecosystem of J&K, of which much is being written and spoken about today, has been the core centre of the organisational capability to run the agitation which at one time came to be termed as ‘agitational terror’ for various reasons. Protest without money power would have ground to a halt. In the town of Baramula from where the protests really began and spread there were fixed rates for each stone thrower. Stones were ‘imported’ by vehicles and stone-throwers came from other towns so that identification of leaders was difficult. The rallying of mobs was done by a large network of over ground workers (OGWs) armed with an information system multiplied many times over today due to social media. Manipulated video clips and rumours form the focus of the information system which the government establishment has a little answer for except the shutting down of the internet. Civilian casualties draw mass response at funerals and increase alienation manifold. The local media with more publications than found in Delhi or Mumbai has rarely found itself under control except during periods when curfew restricted the movement of its workers. No one is saying that we are heading towards a period of street protests but it’s always good to be wary and cautious when attempts are being to change the tack of the strategy and campaign in J&K. The SF’s identified weakness is what the separatists consider their strength. That is the lack of a professional way of tackling mass protests. We cannot sit on a moral high horse and claim the use of minimum force when the international community throws such things in our face. Also, let us not gloat over our capability to resist international pressure. China may get away with treatment of Uyghur in Xinjiang and possibly even with handing over of Hong Kong to the PLA; that is because China does not claim democratic norms of functioning. Yet, even as Government of India is getting down to tackle issues which have never been tackled in the past it should ensure none of this is done in an unsmart way. It has done well to go after the ecosystem but the same is so strongly entrenched that it will take time. The money conduits and information system which help the separatists run the power of the streets must be legitimately choked completely. Let there be more transparency about this. No doubt this seems an appropriate time to tackle the separatists when Pakistan too is under pressure and attention is more on Afghanistan. Kashmir’s stamina for resistance is also low notwithstanding formation of joint resistance committees by the separatists. There are far more smart, legitimate and humane ways of controlling violence in the streets than by just pumping in a hundred companies of armed police forces. May be good to take a cue from what the Indian Army does before it sends any troops to conflict zones. It trains them for the situation and threat that they are likely to meet. Untrained soldiers or armed policemen can be a greater liability than can be imagined. Lastly, where is our information system to counter the separatist misinformation? Rumour mongering isn’t the best way of tackling such situations. (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.)

Taking to the J&K streets