A joint team of forces in the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir(J&amp;K) launched a search operation on Sunday night after the Indian army noticed "suspicious movement"&nbsp;near their camp at Uri.

"During night hours sentry (guard) of Army artillery unit at Rajarwani Uri detected some suspicious movement around the camp and opened fire. The area has been cordoned and is being searched jointly by the police and army," police officials said.&nbsp;

Army personal noticed movement near the wall of the camp at 3am at Mohra in Uri, which is near the Line of Control(LoC) between India and Pakistan.

Sources told WION that "forces suspect terrorists could be hiding nearby, so a combing operation has been launched", adding that army fired two under-barrel grenade launchers towards an area but there was no gunfire.

Security forces have been conducting searches in the area, the official said.

A joint team of forces in the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) launched a search operation on Sunday night after the Indian army noticed "suspicious movement" near their camp at Uri.

A joint team of forces in the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) launched a search operation on Sunday night after the Indian army noticed "suspicious movement" near their camp at Uri. "During night hours sentry (guard) of Army artillery unit at Rajarwani Uri detected some suspicious movement around the camp and opened fire. The area has been cordoned and is being searched jointly by the police and army," police officials said. Army personal noticed movement near the wall of the camp at 3am at Mohra in Uri, which is near the Line of Control(LoC) between India and Pakistan. Sources told WION that "forces suspect terrorists could be hiding nearby, so a combing operation has been launched", adding that army fired two under-barrel grenade launchers towards an area but there was no gunfire. Security forces have been conducting searches in the area, the official said.

J&K: Security personnel open fire after detecting 'suspicious activity' near Uri army camp

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday said an army coup would never happen in India apparently referring to alleged planting of false stories that the army under the then chief V K Singh had planned such a move in 2011-12.

"A few days ago, the nation showed its utter disgust at a story of how a top UPA Minister kept pushing a narrative that our army will do a coup.

Every Indian knows that our army can do no such thing, but look at the Congress attitude," Modi said addressing a public rally here.

The Prime Minister's comments come days after Union minister and former Army chief V K Singh said he had written to Modi seeking a probe into the alleged planting of false stories about an attempted coup during the UPA-II government in 2012.

Singh had said, "Indian Army loves the country and can never go against it."

Modi also mentioned about the government fulfilling the four decades old demand for One Rank One Pension, and said: "Congress also leaves no opportunity to belittle our Army."

He said one of the Congress leaders used unpardonable language for the army chief, at a time when the Indian army went across the border to do a surgical strike.

The Prime Minister said the NDA government "is a government for each and every Indian. We are leaving no stone unturned for future-proofing India."

His comments assume significance in the wake of repeated attacks from main opposition DMK and its friendly parties in Tamil Nadu that the BJP government at the Centre was working against the interests of the minorities.

Explaining what he meant by future-proofing India, the Prime Minister said it was a reference to a holistic approach to development that safeguards the well-being of our "coming generations."

He cited the 'speed doubling' seen in the pace of road constructions, Bharat Mala project that connected the remotest corners of the nation and 'Sagarmala' that harnessed the power of ports, among other things, while referring to the holistic approach to development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday said an army coup would never happen in India apparently referring to alleged planting of false stories that the army under the then chief V K Singh had planned such a move in 2011-12.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday said an army coup would never happen in India apparently referring to alleged planting of false stories that the army under the then chief V K Singh had planned such a move in 2011-12. "A few days ago, the nation showed its utter disgust at a story of how a top UPA Minister kept pushing a narrative that our army will do a coup. Every Indian knows that our army can do no such thing, but look at the Congress attitude," Modi said addressing a public rally here. The Prime Minister's comments come days after Union minister and former Army chief V K Singh said he had written to Modi seeking a probe into the alleged planting of false stories about an attempted coup during the UPA-II government in 2012. Singh had said, "Indian Army loves the country and can never go against it." Modi also mentioned about the government fulfilling the four decades old demand for One Rank One Pension, and said: "Congress also leaves no opportunity to belittle our Army." He said one of the Congress leaders used unpardonable language for the army chief, at a time when the Indian army went across the border to do a surgical strike. The Prime Minister said the NDA government "is a government for each and every Indian. We are leaving no stone unturned for future-proofing India." His comments assume significance in the wake of repeated attacks from main opposition DMK and its friendly parties in Tamil Nadu that the BJP government at the Centre was working against the interests of the minorities. Explaining what he meant by future-proofing India, the Prime Minister said it was a reference to a holistic approach to development that safeguards the well-being of our "coming generations." He cited the 'speed doubling' seen in the pace of road constructions, Bharat Mala project that connected the remotest corners of the nation and 'Sagarmala' that harnessed the power of ports, among other things, while referring to the holistic approach to development.

Every Indian knows that our Army will never attempt a coup: PM Narendra Modi

Efforts of various rescue teams were finally paid off on Monday after they managed to pull out the tenth body from the avalanche site, which had hit two trucks, in Khardung La of Ladakh region in Jammu and Kashmir.

“The joint military-civil task force carried out relentless search operations in an area extending more than a kilometre, braving the odds against inclement weather, extremely low temperatures and intermittent snowfall. Unfortunately, none of the 10 individuals survived the initial onslaught of the avalanche but the human spirit and hope persisted and the task force continued with its search,” the army said in a press statement.&nbsp;

Khardung La is one of the highest motorable roads in the world at 17,500 feet and it became challenging for the rescue teams to take out the bodies from the snow due to the extreme temperature.&nbsp;

"The bodies were buried 20 feet deep under debris, nearly 800 metres from Khardungla Top towards south Pullu,''&nbsp;said a defence spokesperson.&nbsp;

Following the recovery of all bodies, the operation has now been called off.

The Indian army had pressed heavy machinery and well-trained troops from the Siachen Brigade into the service.

Initially, five dead bodies were taken out and rest remained buried under the snow. All the bodies were airlifted to Zanskar for their final rights at their native villages.

J&amp;K Governor, Satya Pal Malik has already announced an ex-gratia of 5 lakh Indian rupees for the next of the kin of those killed in the avalanche.&nbsp;

Efforts of various rescue teams were finally paid off on Monday after they managed to pull out the tenth body from the avalanche site, which had hit two trucks, in Khardung La of Ladakh region in Jammu and Kashmir.

Efforts of various rescue teams were finally paid off on Monday after they managed to pull out the tenth body from the avalanche site, which had hit two trucks, in Khardung La of Ladakh region in Jammu and Kashmir. “The joint military-civil task force carried out relentless search operations in an area extending more than a kilometre, braving the odds against inclement weather, extremely low temperatures and intermittent snowfall. Unfortunately, none of the 10 individuals survived the initial onslaught of the avalanche but the human spirit and hope persisted and the task force continued with its search,” the army said in a press statement. Khardung La is one of the highest motorable roads in the world at 17,500 feet and it became challenging for the rescue teams to take out the bodies from the snow due to the extreme temperature. "The bodies were buried 20 feet deep under debris, nearly 800 metres from Khardungla Top towards south Pullu,'' said a defence spokesperson. Following the recovery of all bodies, the operation has now been called off. The Indian army had pressed heavy machinery and well-trained troops from the Siachen Brigade into the service. Initially, five dead bodies were taken out and rest remained buried under the snow. All the bodies were airlifted to Zanskar for their final rights at their native villages. J&K Governor, Satya Pal Malik has already announced an ex-gratia of 5 lakh Indian rupees for the next of the kin of those killed in the avalanche.

Ladakh: Army recovers 10 bodies in Khardung La after avalanche, rescue operation called-off

This year's Republic Day will go down for many firsts -- from the participation of Indian National Army (INA) veterans, a female officer leading an all-men contingent to biofuel being used by aircraft during the 90-minute-long parade.&nbsp;

The Republic Day event will start at 10 am on January 26 and will have <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/south-africa-president-cyril-ramaphosa-arrives-in-india-says-visit-will-consolidate-ties-192672">South African President Cyril Ramaphosa</a> as the chief guest. For the first time, 4 Indian Army veterans will be participating in the event.

Speaking to WION, Major General Rajpal Punia, Chief of Staff, HQ Delhi Area and Deputy Parade Commander said, "4 INA soldiers are participating this year. These are - Lalti Ram, 98 years old living in Panchkula; Hira Singh, 97, living in Narnaul; Bhagmal, 100 years living in Manesar and Parmanand Yadav, 95 from Chandigarh. &nbsp;It is a matter of honour. It's a great honour for the country that we have veterans of INA participating."

Besides this, for the first time, biofuel extracted from Jatropha plant will be used as fuel in AN32 aircraft which will take part in the Republic Day celebration.&nbsp;

Major General Punia explained, "We are trying to extract oil for a number of years from it (Jatropha). We are even thinking that it will replace oil in the coming years. Jatropha oil (is) being used by AN32 to fly. You can imagine, if an aircraft can fly, then for the country it's self-sufficiency."

Sankhnaad: Indian classical music's martial tune&nbsp;

Sankhnaad, a martial tune created for the Indian Armed forces will be played for the first time during this year's Republic Day celebrations. This is the first original martial tune of independent India based on Indian classical music. The composition of the tune is a combination of three ragas- Raag Bilaskhani Todi, Raag Bhairavi and Raag Kirvani.&nbsp;

The tune is composed by Dr Tanuja Nafde, a professor, based on a poem written by Brig Vivek Sohal. It was accepted as the official martial tune in December 2017. &nbsp;It was played by 14 military bands together for the first time during the Army Day parade held on January 15 2019.&nbsp;

Woman power at Rajpath&nbsp;

In a first, women participation will be highest ever at Republic Day this year. Lt Bhavana Kasturi, contingent commander, Army Service Corps will be the first-ever woman to lead an all-men army contingent.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION, Lt Bhavana Kasturi said, "It's a matter of great pride and honour to me and it's a glory for us. This will remain as a history of Army Service Corp that our contingent has been part of Rajpath at Republic Day 2019. Not just me, two of our JCOs and 144 jawans in the contingent are very privileged and it will be in history for us. We will be in the books of history forever."

Major Khushboo Kanwar of Assam Rifles will be the first woman to lead an all-women Army contingent. Captain Shikha Surabhi, a daredevil lady officer, would perform stunts during the display. Captain Bhavna Syal, Lt Ambika Sudhakaran will be other lady officers who will play an important role at the parade at Rajpath this Saturday.

As many as 22 tableaux of various states and departments, with the theme '150 years of Mahatma Gandhi', will add colour to this year's parade.

India will be displaying its military might with the display of its latest weapons like the M-77 A2 Ultra light Howitzer (ULH) procured from the United States, K9 Vajra T - a self-propelled artillery gun made under "make in India" programme, and two projects of Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) including medium range surface to air missile, Arjun armoured Rec and repair vehicle. 16 marching contingents from the Indian Armed Forces, paramilitary forces, Delhi Police, NCC, NSS along with 16 bands will also participate.

The Indian Army will be represented by mounted columns of 61 Cavalry, 8 mechanised columns, 6 marching contingents and a flypast by Rudra and Dhruv advanced light helicopters of the Army.

This year's Republic Day will go down for many firsts -- from the participation of Indian National Army (INA) veterans, a female officer leading an all-men contingent to biofuel being used by aircraft during the 90-minute-long parade.

This year's Republic Day will go down for many firsts -- from the participation of Indian National Army (INA) veterans, a female officer leading an all-men contingent to biofuel being used by aircraft during the 90-minute-long parade. The Republic Day event will start at 10 am on January 26 and will have South African President Cyril Ramaphosa as the chief guest. For the first time, 4 Indian Army veterans will be participating in the event. Speaking to WION, Major General Rajpal Punia, Chief of Staff, HQ Delhi Area and Deputy Parade Commander said, "4 INA soldiers are participating this year. These are - Lalti Ram, 98 years old living in Panchkula; Hira Singh, 97, living in Narnaul; Bhagmal, 100 years living in Manesar and Parmanand Yadav, 95 from Chandigarh. It is a matter of honour. It's a great honour for the country that we have veterans of INA participating." Besides this, for the first time, biofuel extracted from Jatropha plant will be used as fuel in AN32 aircraft which will take part in the Republic Day celebration. Major General Punia explained, "We are trying to extract oil for a number of years from it (Jatropha). We are even thinking that it will replace oil in the coming years. Jatropha oil (is) being used by AN32 to fly. You can imagine, if an aircraft can fly, then for the country it's self-sufficiency." Sankhnaad: Indian classical music's martial tune Sankhnaad, a martial tune created for the Indian Armed forces will be played for the first time during this year's Republic Day celebrations. This is the first original martial tune of independent India based on Indian classical music. The composition of the tune is a combination of three ragas- Raag Bilaskhani Todi, Raag Bhairavi and Raag Kirvani. The tune is composed by Dr Tanuja Nafde, a professor, based on a poem written by Brig Vivek Sohal. It was accepted as the official martial tune in December 2017. It was played by 14 military bands together for the first time during the Army Day parade held on January 15 2019. Woman power at Rajpath In a first, women participation will be highest ever at Republic Day this year. Lt Bhavana Kasturi, contingent commander, Army Service Corps will be the first-ever woman to lead an all-men army contingent. Speaking to WION, Lt Bhavana Kasturi said, "It's a matter of great pride and honour to me and it's a glory for us. This will remain as a history of Army Service Corp that our contingent has been part of Rajpath at Republic Day 2019. Not just me, two of our JCOs and 144 jawans in the contingent are very privileged and it will be in history for us. We will be in the books of history forever." Major Khushboo Kanwar of Assam Rifles will be the first woman to lead an all-women Army contingent. Captain Shikha Surabhi, a daredevil lady officer, would perform stunts during the display. Captain Bhavna Syal, Lt Ambika Sudhakaran will be other lady officers who will play an important role at the parade at Rajpath this Saturday. As many as 22 tableaux of various states and departments, with the theme '150 years of Mahatma Gandhi', will add colour to this year's parade. India will be displaying its military might with the display of its latest weapons like the M-77 A2 Ultra light Howitzer (ULH) procured from the United States, K9 Vajra T - a self-propelled artillery gun made under "make in India" programme, and two projects of Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) including medium range surface to air missile, Arjun armoured Rec and repair vehicle. 16 marching contingents from the Indian Armed Forces, paramilitary forces, Delhi Police, NCC, NSS along with 16 bands will also participate. The Indian Army will be represented by mounted columns of 61 Cavalry, 8 mechanised columns, 6 marching contingents and a flypast by Rudra and Dhruv advanced light helicopters of the Army.

Event of many firsts: Army veterans, biofuels and Indian classical martial tune to add sheen to Republic Day parade

Kashmiri soldier Lance Naik to get Ashok Chakra award

The Indian Army said Thursday that five Pakistani soldiers had been killed in the last few days in retaliatory fire across the Line of Control.&nbsp;

Northern Command chief Lt Gen Ranbir Singh said "it shows that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bsf-officer-killed-in-pak-sniper-fire-along-ib-in-jks-kathua-190480">Indian Army is always ready to give them a befitting reply</a>".

Singh added that "2018 has been a great year for the security forces: more than 250 terrorists were killed, 54 were caught alive, and four surrendered to the forces".

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Northern Command chief Lt Gen Ranbir Singh: In the last few days, as you mentioned in your question, 5 Pakistanis were killed, it shows that Indian Army is always ready to give them a befitting reply. <a href="https://t.co/YU74PrMFoD">pic.twitter.com/YU74PrMFoD</a>
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Singh was speaking at the inauguration of the Kalai Bridge in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

2018 has been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/analysis-ceasefire-agreement-between-india-and-pakistan-is-as-good-as-dead-139471">one of the bloodiest years along the Line of Control</a> with the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan being broken incessantly.&nbsp;

An assistant commandant of the Border Security Force was on Monday killed along the International Border by sniper fire.&nbsp;

The BSF troops were carrying out a border domination exercise along the IB when snipers of the Pakistan Rangers opened fire on them at around 1050 hours in the Hiranagar-Samba sector of Kathua district, a senior BSF officer told PTI.

The officer told PTI that Assistant Commandant Vinay Prasad was critically injured in the sniper fire. He was rushed to the Military Hospital at Satwari (Jammu), where he died from his injuries.

The Indian Army said Thursday that five Pakistani soldiers had been killed in the last few days in retaliatory fire across the Line of Control. Northern Command chief Lt Gen Ranbir Singh said "it shows that Indian Army is always ready to give them a befitting reply".

The Indian Army said Thursday that five Pakistani soldiers had been killed in the last few days in retaliatory fire across the Line of Control. Northern Command chief Lt Gen Ranbir Singh said "it shows that Indian Army is always ready to give them a befitting reply". Singh added that "2018 has been a great year for the security forces: more than 250 terrorists were killed, 54 were caught alive, and four surrendered to the forces". Northern Command chief Lt Gen Ranbir Singh: In the last few days, as you mentioned in your question, 5 Pakistanis were killed, it shows that Indian Army is always ready to give them a befitting reply. pic.twitter.com/YU74PrMFoD — ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2019 × Singh was speaking at the inauguration of the Kalai Bridge in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. 2018 has been one of the bloodiest years along the Line of Control with the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan being broken incessantly. An assistant commandant of the Border Security Force was on Monday killed along the International Border by sniper fire. The BSF troops were carrying out a border domination exercise along the IB when snipers of the Pakistan Rangers opened fire on them at around 1050 hours in the Hiranagar-Samba sector of Kathua district, a senior BSF officer told PTI. The officer told PTI that Assistant Commandant Vinay Prasad was critically injured in the sniper fire. He was rushed to the Military Hospital at Satwari (Jammu), where he died from his injuries.

5 Pakistanis killed in retaliatory fire across LoC in last few days: Indian Army

The Indian Army will not hesitate to take strong action to deal with terror activities along the border with Pakistan, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-change-on-the-ground-under-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-army-chief-bipin-rawat-189394">Army chief General Bipin Rawat</a> said on Tuesday.

The country along India's western border is providing support to terror groups and the Indian Army is dealing with them effectively, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cant-allow-gay-sex-to-perpetrate-into-the-army-general-bipin-rawat-189374">General Rawat</a> said in an obvious reference to Pakistan.&nbsp;

"We are ensuring moral dominance along border in Jammu and Kashmir," he said while addressing Army personnel on the occasion of Army Day in Delhi.&nbsp;

The Indian Army will not hesitate to take strong action to deal with terror activities along the western border, Gen Rawat said.

He said new guidelines are being followed to maintain peace and tranquillity along the border in the eastern sector.

"We will keep reviewing the situation along the eastern border," he said, referring to the border with China.

"Our soldiers will not allow any compromise in guarding the border in the eastern sector," he said.&nbsp;

The Indian Army will not hesitate to take strong action to deal with terror activities along the border with Pakistan, Army chief General Bipin Rawat said on Tuesday.

The Indian Army will not hesitate to take strong action to deal with terror activities along the border with Pakistan, Army chief General Bipin Rawat said on Tuesday. The country along India's western border is providing support to terror groups and the Indian Army is dealing with them effectively, General Rawat said in an obvious reference to Pakistan. "We are ensuring moral dominance along border in Jammu and Kashmir," he said while addressing Army personnel on the occasion of Army Day in Delhi. The Indian Army will not hesitate to take strong action to deal with terror activities along the western border, Gen Rawat said. He said new guidelines are being followed to maintain peace and tranquillity along the border in the eastern sector. "We will keep reviewing the situation along the eastern border," he said, referring to the border with China. "Our soldiers will not allow any compromise in guarding the border in the eastern sector," he said.

Army will not hesitate to take strong action against terror activities along Pak border: General Bipin Rawat

With the threat perception changing from land, sea and air into the cyber world, India's Defence Cyber Agency has started taking shape.

The initial proposal of the Defence Cyber Agency will have close to 200-strong staff from the tri-services - Indian Army, Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force, to be headed by the Headquarter of Integrated Defence Staff (IDS). They will serve under the command of the Chairman, Chief of Staff Committee and work closely with the National Cyber Security Advisor.

“We are alive to the threat on cyber front. To that end, we are thinking of making a cyber agency. It would not be a quite full-fledged command as we have in the army. As conscious of the fact that the threat exists, we are going in for the cyber agency. It will be headed by a two-star rank officer. It will be an inter-service agency, not purely army, functioning under the Integrated Defence Staff. They will be looking after the threats in the cyber domain,” said Lt. General MM Naravane, GOC-in-C, Army Eastern Command.

To begin with, the Defence Cyber Agency will be based out of the IDS Headquarters and later dedicated units will come up with the Army commands.

“The entire proposal is still under the formulation. Of course, units will be spread all over the country. One person sitting in Delhi cannot be expected to do all these jobs. There will be units in every Headquarters with dedicated officers to deal with the cybersecurity,” added Naravane.

Last year, the Cabinet Committee on Security had cleared the formation of three agencies - Defence Cyber Agency is one of them, the two others are - Defence Space Agency and Special Operations Division.

With the threat perception changing from land, sea and air into the cyber world, India's Defence Cyber Agency has started taking shape. The initial proposal of the Defence Cyber Agency will have close to 200-strong staff from the tri-services - Indian Army, Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force, to be headed by the Headquarter of Integrated Defence Staff (IDS).

With the threat perception changing from land, sea and air into the cyber world, India's Defence Cyber Agency has started taking shape. The initial proposal of the Defence Cyber Agency will have close to 200-strong staff from the tri-services - Indian Army, Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force, to be headed by the Headquarter of Integrated Defence Staff (IDS). They will serve under the command of the Chairman, Chief of Staff Committee and work closely with the National Cyber Security Advisor. “We are alive to the threat on cyber front. To that end, we are thinking of making a cyber agency. It would not be a quite full-fledged command as we have in the army. As conscious of the fact that the threat exists, we are going in for the cyber agency. It will be headed by a two-star rank officer. It will be an inter-service agency, not purely army, functioning under the Integrated Defence Staff. They will be looking after the threats in the cyber domain,” said Lt. General MM Naravane, GOC-in-C, Army Eastern Command. To begin with, the Defence Cyber Agency will be based out of the IDS Headquarters and later dedicated units will come up with the Army commands. “The entire proposal is still under the formulation. Of course, units will be spread all over the country. One person sitting in Delhi cannot be expected to do all these jobs. There will be units in every Headquarters with dedicated officers to deal with the cybersecurity,” added Naravane. Last year, the Cabinet Committee on Security had cleared the formation of three agencies - Defence Cyber Agency is one of them, the two others are - Defence Space Agency and Special Operations Division.

India to come up with Defence Cyber Agency

Indian Army rescues stranded tourists from Sikkim

Asserting that terrorism is becoming <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ready-another-surgical-strike-action-army-chief-bipin-rawat-167735">a new form of warfare</a>, Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat said on Wednesday the menace is spreading its head like a "multi-headed monster" and is "here to stay" as long as states continue to use it as a state policy.

Rawat, speaking at a panel <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/govt-has-taken-right-decision-army-chief-bipin-rawat-india-cancelling-indo-pak-talks">discussion at the Raisina Dialogue in Delhi</a>, also said that there was a need to control social media as it was becoming a source of spreading radicalisation.

He said a different kind of radicalisation was being witnessed in India and in Jammu and Kashmir, the youth were getting radicalised due to a lot of misinformation, disinformation, and a lot of falsehoods on religion being fed to them.

"That is why you find more and more educated youth being drawn into terrorism," he said.

Terrorism is here to stay as long as there are nations that continue to sponsor it as a state policy, Rawat said, without naming Pakistan.

"Terrorism is becoming a new form of warfare. A weaker nation is using terrorists as proxy to put pressure on another nation to come to terms with it," he said.

The phenomenon of terrorism is now spreading its head like a multi-headed monster, Rawat said.

On the Afghan peace process, he said there should be negotiations with the Taliban, but without conditions.

He also asserted that Pakistan has always kept the Taliban in its backyard and should be concerned about it.

Asserting that terrorism is becoming a new form of warfare, Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat said on Wednesday the menace is spreading its head like a "multi-headed monster" and is "here to stay" as long as states continue to use it as a state policy.

Asserting that terrorism is becoming a new form of warfare, Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat said on Wednesday the menace is spreading its head like a "multi-headed monster" and is "here to stay" as long as states continue to use it as a state policy. Rawat, speaking at a panel discussion at the Raisina Dialogue in Delhi, also said that there was a need to control social media as it was becoming a source of spreading radicalisation. He said a different kind of radicalisation was being witnessed in India and in Jammu and Kashmir, the youth were getting radicalised due to a lot of misinformation, disinformation, and a lot of falsehoods on religion being fed to them. "That is why you find more and more educated youth being drawn into terrorism," he said. Terrorism is here to stay as long as there are nations that continue to sponsor it as a state policy, Rawat said, without naming Pakistan. "Terrorism is becoming a new form of warfare. A weaker nation is using terrorists as proxy to put pressure on another nation to come to terms with it," he said. The phenomenon of terrorism is now spreading its head like a multi-headed monster, Rawat said. On the Afghan peace process, he said there should be negotiations with the Taliban, but without conditions. He also asserted that Pakistan has always kept the Taliban in its backyard and should be concerned about it.

Terrorism becoming new form of warfare, says Army chief Bipin Rawat

Pakistan has been intermittently violating the ceasefire since last 48 hours along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch, news agency ANI reported on Friday.

Indian Army has also been retaliating.

According to the&nbsp;report, no casualty or injury has been reported so far.

The latest ceasefire violation comes days after Pakistan had violated the ceasefire in Poonch as they targeted forward positions.

On December 26, one civilian was killed in the ceasefire violations incident by Pakistan.

On December 21, two Army personnel lost their lives during a ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Keran sector of Kupwara.

The deceased soldiers were identified as Subedar Gamar Thapa and Subedar Raman Thapa.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

According to the report, no casualty or injury has been reported so far.

Pakistan has been intermittently violating the ceasefire since last 48 hours along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch, news agency ANI reported on Friday. Indian Army has also been retaliating. According to the report, no casualty or injury has been reported so far. The latest ceasefire violation comes days after Pakistan had violated the ceasefire in Poonch as they targeted forward positions. On December 26, one civilian was killed in the ceasefire violations incident by Pakistan. On December 21, two Army personnel lost their lives during a ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Keran sector of Kupwara. The deceased soldiers were identified as Subedar Gamar Thapa and Subedar Raman Thapa.

Jammu and Kashmir: Pakistan violates ceasefire along LoC in Poonch

The Indian Army has dismissed the claims of the Pakistan Army that it had shot down an Indian quadcopter in the Bagh sector along the Line of Control.

"They keep lying on these issues. No such incident has taken place," Army sources said here.

The claim was made by Pakistan Army's Inter-Services Public Relations in-charge Major General Asif Ghafoor from his official Twitter handle.

"Pakistan army troops shot down Indian spy quadcopter in Bagh sector area along the line of control. Not even a quadcopter will be allowed to cross LOC, in Sha Allah," he tweeted on Tuesday.

Interestingly, the Pakistan side has been stressing that it did not even allow a quadcopter to cross over the LoC on a day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for the first time, discussed in detail about the surgical strike operations of September 2016 when Indian troops launched multiple attacks on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Pakistan has been denying that surgical strikes ever took place but it is believed that around 50 terrorists along with Pakistan Army regular troops were killed in these operations.&nbsp;

The Indian Army has dismissed the claims of the Pakistan Army that it had shot down an Indian quadcopter in the Bagh sector along the Line of Control. "They keep lying on these issues.

The Indian Army has dismissed the claims of the Pakistan Army that it had shot down an Indian quadcopter in the Bagh sector along the Line of Control. "They keep lying on these issues. No such incident has taken place," Army sources said here. The claim was made by Pakistan Army's Inter-Services Public Relations in-charge Major General Asif Ghafoor from his official Twitter handle. "Pakistan army troops shot down Indian spy quadcopter in Bagh sector area along the line of control. Not even a quadcopter will be allowed to cross LOC, in Sha Allah," he tweeted on Tuesday. Interestingly, the Pakistan side has been stressing that it did not even allow a quadcopter to cross over the LoC on a day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for the first time, discussed in detail about the surgical strike operations of September 2016 when Indian troops launched multiple attacks on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan has been denying that surgical strikes ever took place but it is believed that around 50 terrorists along with Pakistan Army regular troops were killed in these operations.

Indian Army dismisses Pakistan's claim of shooting down its quadcopter

India remained largely secure in 2018, but security being work in progress, always needs a pragmatic relook and year-end is a good time to take stock.&nbsp;

Its major strategic security concerns revolved around its relations with China, US, Russia and Pakistan with doses of attention towards the Indo-Pacific and the nations there.

In spite of the above focus, 2018 began with an achievement, which triggered a continuation of positive events through the first quarter. This was the presence of ten ASEAN leaders as guests of honour at the Republic Day parade. Following it was the visit of the Israeli Prime Minister and the visit of India’s Prime Minister to Palestine, Jordan, UAE and Oman, all crucial areas for India’s engagement.&nbsp;

The Iranian President’s visit to Delhi, so close to the visit of the Israeli Prime Minister, followed by the King of Jordan, truly demonstrated a straddling of interests and reflected the initial approach to multilateralism, which was to emerge later in the year.

After the palpable tension over Doklam that dominated the strategic discourse in the latter half of 2017, it needs to be recognised that India corrected course with the Wuhan and Sochi meetings allaying China’s fears about India’s strategic tie-up with the US. However, China has continued its campaign of psychological warfare, including the deployment of additional military resources and infrastructure along the Himalayan border.&nbsp;

Yet, 2018 did not witness any major standoff although attempted walk-in operations to perceived LAC continued, albeit at a lower key. With Russia also firmly with China, a level of discomfort was entering Indo-Russia relations where traditional strategic bonhomie was being compromised by India’s creeping proximity to the US.&nbsp;

A very deliberate diplomatic effort by the Indian government has apparently righted that perception and the $5 billion deal for acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defence system helped retrieve the relationship. The subsequent joint military training under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCC) at Chebarkulsky in the Ural Mountains further helped the retrieval.&nbsp;

With China, the military-diplomatic domain saw greater positive strokes, but by no means should this be considered permanent. China exercises a repertoire of options to keep India under pressure such that the focus of Indian planners remains embedded at the Himalayan front. If a more aggressive strategy is contemplated, India will need to revisit its decision to put in cold storage the completion of raising of the mountain strike corps.

With India torn by multiple interests with different big powers, the situation demanded a level of multilateralism. To walk the multilateral route, various meetings were held of the different forums and summits of the developing Indo-US Strategic Partnership, including the Indo-US Leadership Summit, the Indo-US Strategic Partnership Forum and the 2+2 Dialogue. The two sides demonstrated appreciation of the constraints that influence the relationship due to extraneous factors. India’s ability to handle the sensitive issue of US sanctions on Iran and the Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) in relation to the S-400 deal, demonstrated political maturity of both sides.&nbsp;

However, the year-end US decision to reduce its military presence in Afghanistan has caused some consternation in Indian strategic circles, which will need deliberation in 2019. India’s attendance of Asean-India and East Asia Summits in Singapore reflected its continued commitment to strengthen its engagement with Asean members and the wider Indo-Pacific region.

On the regional platform, the change of dispensation in Maldives marked a positive turn while Sri Lanka remained on the cusp with instability, although not negatively disposed towards India. To play an effective role in the Indo Pacific strategy, India will need to be deliberate in its relationships with important nations of the Indian Ocean Region.

It is with Pakistan that the relationship remained unchanged even with the arrival of Prime Minister Imran Khan at the helm. With the trust deficit and Pakistan’s continued intransigence over J&amp;K, India had to be diplomatically and militarily alert, a stance which will have to extend even more robustly into 2019.&nbsp;

The country’s national elections in the first half will prevent any decided response to Pakistan’s overtures. It would be far better that its strategic community deliberates on how to deal with Pakistan in the long run and have this in readiness for whichever government comes to power in May 2019.&nbsp;

This recommendation is as much applicable to J&amp;K where a season of high military achievements has been offset by the continuing local recruitment to terrorist ranks and increasing alienation.&nbsp;

The Kartarpur Corridor is a positive development, but contingent on how it is handled in the future. Clearly, Pakistan’s ISI is sensing an opportunity. That opportunity, which it seeks in embroiling India in a continuum of internal security challenges in Punjab and J&amp;K has to be met head-on; as much as the year-end discovery of fledgeling Islamic State networks in North India. 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-secure-through-2018-india-has-work-cut-out-for-new-year-2702318">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;

India remained largely secure in 2018, but security being work in progress, always needs a pragmatic relook and year-end is a good time to take stock. Its major strategic security concerns revolved around its relations with China, US, Russia and Pakistan with doses of attention towards the Indo-Pacific and the nations there.

India remained largely secure in 2018, but security being work in progress, always needs a pragmatic relook and year-end is a good time to take stock. Its major strategic security concerns revolved around its relations with China, US, Russia and Pakistan with doses of attention towards the Indo-Pacific and the nations there. In spite of the above focus, 2018 began with an achievement, which triggered a continuation of positive events through the first quarter. This was the presence of ten ASEAN leaders as guests of honour at the Republic Day parade. Following it was the visit of the Israeli Prime Minister and the visit of India’s Prime Minister to Palestine, Jordan, UAE and Oman, all crucial areas for India’s engagement. The Iranian President’s visit to Delhi, so close to the visit of the Israeli Prime Minister, followed by the King of Jordan, truly demonstrated a straddling of interests and reflected the initial approach to multilateralism, which was to emerge later in the year. After the palpable tension over Doklam that dominated the strategic discourse in the latter half of 2017, it needs to be recognised that India corrected course with the Wuhan and Sochi meetings allaying China’s fears about India’s strategic tie-up with the US. However, China has continued its campaign of psychological warfare, including the deployment of additional military resources and infrastructure along the Himalayan border. Yet, 2018 did not witness any major standoff although attempted walk-in operations to perceived LAC continued, albeit at a lower key. With Russia also firmly with China, a level of discomfort was entering Indo-Russia relations where traditional strategic bonhomie was being compromised by India’s creeping proximity to the US. A very deliberate diplomatic effort by the Indian government has apparently righted that perception and the $5 billion deal for acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defence system helped retrieve the relationship. The subsequent joint military training under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCC) at Chebarkulsky in the Ural Mountains further helped the retrieval. With China, the military-diplomatic domain saw greater positive strokes, but by no means should this be considered permanent. China exercises a repertoire of options to keep India under pressure such that the focus of Indian planners remains embedded at the Himalayan front. If a more aggressive strategy is contemplated, India will need to revisit its decision to put in cold storage the completion of raising of the mountain strike corps. With India torn by multiple interests with different big powers, the situation demanded a level of multilateralism. To walk the multilateral route, various meetings were held of the different forums and summits of the developing Indo-US Strategic Partnership, including the Indo-US Leadership Summit, the Indo-US Strategic Partnership Forum and the 2+2 Dialogue. The two sides demonstrated appreciation of the constraints that influence the relationship due to extraneous factors. India’s ability to handle the sensitive issue of US sanctions on Iran and the Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) in relation to the S-400 deal, demonstrated political maturity of both sides. However, the year-end US decision to reduce its military presence in Afghanistan has caused some consternation in Indian strategic circles, which will need deliberation in 2019. India’s attendance of Asean-India and East Asia Summits in Singapore reflected its continued commitment to strengthen its engagement with Asean members and the wider Indo-Pacific region. On the regional platform, the change of dispensation in Maldives marked a positive turn while Sri Lanka remained on the cusp with instability, although not negatively disposed towards India. To play an effective role in the Indo Pacific strategy, India will need to be deliberate in its relationships with important nations of the Indian Ocean Region. It is with Pakistan that the relationship remained unchanged even with the arrival of Prime Minister Imran Khan at the helm. With the trust deficit and Pakistan’s continued intransigence over J&K, India had to be diplomatically and militarily alert, a stance which will have to extend even more robustly into 2019. The country’s national elections in the first half will prevent any decided response to Pakistan’s overtures. It would be far better that its strategic community deliberates on how to deal with Pakistan in the long run and have this in readiness for whichever government comes to power in May 2019. This recommendation is as much applicable to J&K where a season of high military achievements has been offset by the continuing local recruitment to terrorist ranks and increasing alienation. The Kartarpur Corridor is a positive development, but contingent on how it is handled in the future. Clearly, Pakistan’s ISI is sensing an opportunity. That opportunity, which it seeks in embroiling India in a continuum of internal security challenges in Punjab and J&K has to be met head-on; as much as the year-end discovery of fledgeling Islamic State networks in North India. (This article was originally published on 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)

Secure through 2018, India has work cut out for New Year

Indian Army on Sunday foiled a major attack along the Line of Control. According to an ANI report, the Army successfully averted a major attack carried out by Pakistan's BAT (Border Action Team) which attempted to strike a forward post along the LoC in Naugam Sector on Sunday.&nbsp;

The intruders attempted to move by exploiting thick jungles close to the LoC and were assisted by heavy covering fire of high calibre weapons from Pak posts, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

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Indian Army: Foiled a major BAT(Border Action Team) attempt to strike a forward post along LoC in Naugam Sector on 30 December.Intruders attempted to move by exploiting thick jungles close to LoC &amp;were assisted by heavy covering fire of high calibre weapons from Pakistani posts <a href="https://t.co/wKfOweHzuZ">pic.twitter.com/wKfOweHzuZ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1079566208209428481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Indian Army personnel had conducted an extensive search operation and eliminated two intruders&nbsp;who are likely being ascertained as Pak soldiers, a large cache of warlike stores has been recovered.&nbsp;

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Army: We will ask Pakistan to take back the mortal remains of deceased likely Pakistani soldiers since Pakistan did provide full covering fire support to these intruders <a href="https://t.co/0mveCKkJly">https://t.co/0mveCKkJly</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1079567234824065024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Own troops had conducted prolonged search operations in thick jungles and difficult terrain conditions to ascertain the situation, which had confirmed elimination of two likely Pakistani soldiers and resulted in the recovery of a large cache of warlike stores," Army officials told ANI. &nbsp;

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Army: We will ask Pakistan to take back the mortal remains of deceased likely Pakistani soldiers since Pakistan did provide full covering fire support to these intruders <a href="https://t.co/0mveCKkJly">https://t.co/0mveCKkJly</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1079567234824065024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Indian Army has clarified that Pakistan will be asked to take back the mortal remains of the deceased, likely Pakistani soldiers, since "Pakistan did provide full covering fire support to these intruders," ANI reported.&nbsp;

An Army spokesman said the fire-fight initiated by Pakistan was given strong retaliation by the Indian Army and the exchange of fire continued the whole night.

"Intruders were wearing combat dresses like Pakistani Regulars and were carrying stores with Pakistani markings further reinforced the assessment. Some intruders were also seen in BSF and old pattern IA dresses as part of deception," he was quoted by anews agency PTI.

The spokesman said the intruders were well equipped with IEDs, incendiary materials, explosives and a plethora of arms and ammunition.

"From the recovery, it was estimated that they intended to carry out a gruesome attack on the Indian Army forward post in Naugam sector. The alertness and resilience of the own troops, who engaged and neutralised the intruders, thus eliminated a likely treacherous attack on the Army forward posts along the LoC on the eve of New Year," the spokesman added.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Indian Army on Sunday foiled a major attack along the Line of Control. According to an ANI report, the Army successfully averted a major attack carried out by Pakistan's BAT (Border Action Team) which attempted to strike a forward post along the LoC in Naugam Sector on Sunday.

Indian Army on Sunday foiled a major attack along the Line of Control. According to an ANI report, the Army successfully averted a major attack carried out by Pakistan's BAT (Border Action Team) which attempted to strike a forward post along the LoC in Naugam Sector on Sunday. The intruders attempted to move by exploiting thick jungles close to the LoC and were assisted by heavy covering fire of high calibre weapons from Pak posts, news agency ANI reported. Indian Army: Foiled a major BAT(Border Action Team) attempt to strike a forward post along LoC in Naugam Sector on 30 December.Intruders attempted to move by exploiting thick jungles close to LoC &were assisted by heavy covering fire of high calibre weapons from Pakistani posts pic.twitter.com/wKfOweHzuZ — ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2018 × Indian Army personnel had conducted an extensive search operation and eliminated two intruders who are likely being ascertained as Pak soldiers, a large cache of warlike stores has been recovered. Army: We will ask Pakistan to take back the mortal remains of deceased likely Pakistani soldiers since Pakistan did provide full covering fire support to these intruders https://t.co/0mveCKkJly — ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2018 × "Own troops had conducted prolonged search operations in thick jungles and difficult terrain conditions to ascertain the situation, which had confirmed elimination of two likely Pakistani soldiers and resulted in the recovery of a large cache of warlike stores," Army officials told ANI. Army: We will ask Pakistan to take back the mortal remains of deceased likely Pakistani soldiers since Pakistan did provide full covering fire support to these intruders https://t.co/0mveCKkJly — ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2018 × The Indian Army has clarified that Pakistan will be asked to take back the mortal remains of the deceased, likely Pakistani soldiers, since "Pakistan did provide full covering fire support to these intruders," ANI reported. An Army spokesman said the fire-fight initiated by Pakistan was given strong retaliation by the Indian Army and the exchange of fire continued the whole night. "Intruders were wearing combat dresses like Pakistani Regulars and were carrying stores with Pakistani markings further reinforced the assessment. Some intruders were also seen in BSF and old pattern IA dresses as part of deception," he was quoted by anews agency PTI. The spokesman said the intruders were well equipped with IEDs, incendiary materials, explosives and a plethora of arms and ammunition. "From the recovery, it was estimated that they intended to carry out a gruesome attack on the Indian Army forward post in Naugam sector. The alertness and resilience of the own troops, who engaged and neutralised the intruders, thus eliminated a likely treacherous attack on the Army forward posts along the LoC on the eve of New Year," the spokesman added. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Army foils Pakistan BAT team's bid to carry out major attack along LoC

Indian army starts cleaning drive to beautify Srinagar's Dal Lake

The picturesque Dal lake, located at the foothills of the Himalayan mountain range, in Jammu and Kashmir is the second largest lake in the state. Throughout the year, millions of tourists visit the lake to enjoy the boat ride and stay in the houseboats. But for many years, the lake has been grappling with menacing growth of weed and Azolla (a type of aquatic fern).

Now, the Indian Army has started a 21-day-long cleaning drive with an aim to clean the lake by rooting out weed and Azolla that is growing inside the water body for years.&nbsp;

The temperature here has already dipped to -7 degrees Celsius and the Army is on a relentless mission to clean the pride of Srinagar.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/at-76-degrees-temperature-breaks-28-year-record-in-srinagar-186821">In pictures: At -7.6 degrees, temperature breaks </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/at-76-degrees-temperature-breaks-28-year-record-in-srinagar-186821">28-year</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/at-76-degrees-temperature-breaks-28-year-record-in-srinagar-186821"> record in Srinagar</a>

Around 100 army men and other equipment from the engineering unit of the Indian Army have been stationed at the lake with an aim to de-weed it. This was possible after state administration sought help from the Army.&nbsp;

Most of these army men have volunteered for cleaning the lake and belong to a local unit. As a pilot project, the aim is also to speed up the uprooting of the weed and identify the factors responsible for the growth of the pollutants. Here, these army men say they are ready to volunteer for more time if asked.&nbsp;

"We are taking out the weed from roots by using the machine provided by local authorities, then our men take it out on their boats. Some of our men are taking them out manually using specific tools and methods, it's a difficult task in sub-zero temperature," said an army officer, who wasn't authorised to speak to media.&nbsp;

The total capacity of the lake has already gone down to 40 per cent and the continuing night soil discharged from around 900 houseboats is causing extreme pollution. The task for these men is tough in the rough weather conditions, the water is cold and freezing, yet the morale is high.&nbsp;

The Army is being assisted by the members Srinagar's municipality and lakes and waterways development authority who have also deployed their men and machinery into the service. Locals are also hailing the move taken up by the Army.&nbsp;

"As we know, Kashmir is known for its beauty, with time, the beauty is getting diminished. We have to take measures to save the lake. Indian Army and other organisations have joined hands for this wonderful initiative by taking the weed out from roots. We should appreciate them for this initiative," said a local.&nbsp;

In 1997, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests launched the ‘Save Dal’ project worth Rs 500 crores, since then several projects worth millions have been launched but the result has been short-lived.

Authorities blame people for taking advantage of 2010, 2012 and 2016 summer unrest&nbsp;in the valley, leading to unabated constructions and growth in pollution. The cleaning operation will help clean the lake and restore its beauty which has been lost over the years.

The picturesque Dal lake, located at the foothills of the Himalayan mountain range, in Jammu and Kashmir is the second largest lake in the state. Throughout the year, millions of tourists visit the lake to enjoy the boat ride and stay in the houseboats.

The picturesque Dal lake, located at the foothills of the Himalayan mountain range, in Jammu and Kashmir is the second largest lake in the state. Throughout the year, millions of tourists visit the lake to enjoy the boat ride and stay in the houseboats. But for many years, the lake has been grappling with menacing growth of weed and Azolla (a type of aquatic fern). Now, the Indian Army has started a 21-day-long cleaning drive with an aim to clean the lake by rooting out weed and Azolla that is growing inside the water body for years. The temperature here has already dipped to -7 degrees Celsius and the Army is on a relentless mission to clean the pride of Srinagar. In pictures: At -7.6 degrees, temperature breaks 28-year record in Srinagar Around 100 army men and other equipment from the engineering unit of the Indian Army have been stationed at the lake with an aim to de-weed it. This was possible after state administration sought help from the Army. Most of these army men have volunteered for cleaning the lake and belong to a local unit. As a pilot project, the aim is also to speed up the uprooting of the weed and identify the factors responsible for the growth of the pollutants. Here, these army men say they are ready to volunteer for more time if asked. "We are taking out the weed from roots by using the machine provided by local authorities, then our men take it out on their boats. Some of our men are taking them out manually using specific tools and methods, it's a difficult task in sub-zero temperature," said an army officer, who wasn't authorised to speak to media. The total capacity of the lake has already gone down to 40 per cent and the continuing night soil discharged from around 900 houseboats is causing extreme pollution. The task for these men is tough in the rough weather conditions, the water is cold and freezing, yet the morale is high. The Army is being assisted by the members Srinagar's municipality and lakes and waterways development authority who have also deployed their men and machinery into the service. Locals are also hailing the move taken up by the Army. "As we know, Kashmir is known for its beauty, with time, the beauty is getting diminished. We have to take measures to save the lake. Indian Army and other organisations have joined hands for this wonderful initiative by taking the weed out from roots. We should appreciate them for this initiative," said a local. In 1997, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests launched the ‘Save Dal’ project worth Rs 500 crores, since then several projects worth millions have been launched but the result has been short-lived. Authorities blame people for taking advantage of 2010, 2012 and 2016 summer unrest in the valley, leading to unabated constructions and growth in pollution. The cleaning operation will help clean the lake and restore its beauty which has been lost over the years.

Indian Army sets out on mission to clean Srinagar's pride - Dal lake

A day&nbsp;after Air Force Chief, BS Dhanoa hailed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-probe-needed-in-rafale-fighter-jet-deal-rules-supreme-court-183957">Supreme Court verdict </a>on Rafale jet deal, senior Congress leader, P Chidambaram&nbsp;urged Army and Air Force to stay out of the debate.

"We are not questioning the Air Force Chief, we are humbly requesting the Army and Air Force to stay out of this debate as no one is doubting the capability of the aircraft."

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Palaniappan Chidambaram: We are not questioning the Air Force Chief, we are humbly requesting the Army and Air Force to stay out of this debate as no one is doubting the capability of the aircraft, questions are being raised on the deal <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafale</a> <a href="https://t.co/puVbEF3LQE">pic.twitter.com/puVbEF3LQE</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1075983746870992896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Questions are being raised on the deal," Chidambaram added.

Yesterday, Air Force Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa welcomed the Supreme Court verdict on Rafale jet deal and said that Indian Air Force needs the fighter jets aircraft badly.

Addressing the media in Jodhpur, Dhanoa said that "the Supreme Court has given a very fine judgment and I am not going to comment on it. It has also said that this plane is badly needed. rafale is always a need for the Air Force. It took a long time to&nbsp;come. Others have upgraded their squadron. Also, very fine comments given by the Finance Minister and our Defence Minister."

The Rafale jet deal controversy has been on the boil over the last few months.&nbsp;

The Congress has alleged irregularities in the deal for 36 aircraft and claimed that the Narendra Modi government is buying them at a price much higher than the one that was being negotiated by the previous government.

Last week, the Supreme Court dismissed petitions seeking a probe into the Rafale deal.

&nbsp;

&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A day after Air Force Chief, BS Dhanoa hailed Supreme Court verdict on Rafale jet deal, senior Congress leader, P Chidambaram urged Army and Air Force to stay out of the debate.

A day after Air Force Chief, BS Dhanoa hailed Supreme Court verdict on Rafale jet deal, senior Congress leader, P Chidambaram urged Army and Air Force to stay out of the debate. "We are not questioning the Air Force Chief, we are humbly requesting the Army and Air Force to stay out of this debate as no one is doubting the capability of the aircraft." Palaniappan Chidambaram: We are not questioning the Air Force Chief, we are humbly requesting the Army and Air Force to stay out of this debate as no one is doubting the capability of the aircraft, questions are being raised on the deal #Rafale pic.twitter.com/puVbEF3LQE — ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2018 × "Questions are being raised on the deal," Chidambaram added. Yesterday, Air Force Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa welcomed the Supreme Court verdict on Rafale jet deal and said that Indian Air Force needs the fighter jets aircraft badly. Addressing the media in Jodhpur, Dhanoa said that "the Supreme Court has given a very fine judgment and I am not going to comment on it. It has also said that this plane is badly needed. rafale is always a need for the Air Force. It took a long time to come. Others have upgraded their squadron. Also, very fine comments given by the Finance Minister and our Defence Minister." The Rafale jet deal controversy has been on the boil over the last few months. The Congress has alleged irregularities in the deal for 36 aircraft and claimed that the Narendra Modi government is buying them at a price much higher than the one that was being negotiated by the previous government. Last week, the Supreme Court dismissed petitions seeking a probe into the Rafale deal.

Stay out of Rafale deal: Chidambaram to Army, Air force

The Indian Army is not yet ready to have women in combat roles, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-cannot-stay-together-with-india-as-long-as-it-is-an-islamic-state-army-chief-180522">Army chief General Bipin Rawat</a> said Friday.

The Army chief, however, said there are several other fields where the Army is thinking of inducting women, such as information and psychological warfare.

"We are not yet ready for that (women in combat roles) as facilities have to be created... Women also need to be prepared for that kind of hardships," he said.

"It is not easy. Let us not compare ourselves with Western nations, which are more open," Gen Rawat told reporters on the sidelines of the Passing Out Parade of the 135th course at the National Defence Academy here.

"Yes, we may be more open in our big cities, but our Army personnel are not coming from big cities only. They are coming from rural areas too, where the inter-mingling, which is expected, is still not there," he said.

"They are already there in education and law, so the other field we have identified for them is information warfare, psychological warfare and (we are) also considering the accounting field where women can be inducted," he said.

"Women officers are being inducted into all the three services. But what we have to decide is whether some of them can be given permanent commission," General Rawat said.

The Army has taken a call that there are some aspects and fields where "we need some kind of continuity and permanency," he said.

"In a command-oriented army, male officers do not fit the bill everywhere. The Army needs language interpreters as military diplomacy is gaining ground. The basic requirement is understanding the language while talking to other nations, military to military. So we are looking for women as interpreters," he said.&nbsp;

The Indian Army is not yet ready to have women in combat roles, Army chief General Bipin Rawat said Friday. The Army chief, however, said there are several other fields where the Army is thinking of inducting women, such as information and psychological warfare.

The Indian Army is not yet ready to have women in combat roles, Army chief General Bipin Rawat said Friday. The Army chief, however, said there are several other fields where the Army is thinking of inducting women, such as information and psychological warfare. "We are not yet ready for that (women in combat roles) as facilities have to be created... Women also need to be prepared for that kind of hardships," he said. "It is not easy. Let us not compare ourselves with Western nations, which are more open," Gen Rawat told reporters on the sidelines of the Passing Out Parade of the 135th course at the National Defence Academy here. "Yes, we may be more open in our big cities, but our Army personnel are not coming from big cities only. They are coming from rural areas too, where the inter-mingling, which is expected, is still not there," he said. "They are already there in education and law, so the other field we have identified for them is information warfare, psychological warfare and (we are) also considering the accounting field where women can be inducted," he said. "Women officers are being inducted into all the three services. But what we have to decide is whether some of them can be given permanent commission," General Rawat said. The Army has taken a call that there are some aspects and fields where "we need some kind of continuity and permanency," he said. "In a command-oriented army, male officers do not fit the bill everywhere. The Army needs language interpreters as military diplomacy is gaining ground. The basic requirement is understanding the language while talking to other nations, military to military. So we are looking for women as interpreters," he said.

Army not yet ready for women in combat roles: General Rawat

The Maldives Government has strongly denied media reports which stated that India had offered US $1 billion to the Maldives in exchange for the deployment of Indian troops in the island nation.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid said that the Maldivian territory would not be used for the establishment of any foreign military bases.

Taking to Twitter, Shahid said, "Categorically refute media reports alleging that government is planning to allow the establishment of an Indian military base in Maldives in exchange for financial assistance or other material benefits. It is baseless and aimed at discrediting the government as it starts to rebuild good relations with its neighbours and the rest of the international community."

"Government assures the people, that it will always act in the national interest of Maldives and will not undertake any international engagement that will compromise the sovereignty and independence of the country," he added.

Shahid was reacting to a news article published in a Japanese Daily, NIKKIE Asian Review, which stated that India offered Maldives US $1 billion in exchange for stronger security ties.

Abdullah Shahid was recently on an official visit to New Delhi, where he met top leaders including his counterpart Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

He described India as time-tested and a trusted partner. He showed commitment to strengthen bilateral trade ties between the two countries.

The Foreign Minister, however, mentioned that his country will closely work with all of its neighbours and the international community.

He also called China as a friend and one of the largest economies of the world whose assistance had benefited Maldives.

New Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih is scheduled to visit India on December 17 in keeping with his 'India-First'&nbsp;policy.&nbsp;

The Maldives Government has strongly denied media reports which stated that India had offered US $1 billion to the Maldives in exchange for the deployment of Indian troops in the island nation.

The Maldives Government has strongly denied media reports which stated that India had offered US $1 billion to the Maldives in exchange for the deployment of Indian troops in the island nation. The Minister for Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid said that the Maldivian territory would not be used for the establishment of any foreign military bases. Taking to Twitter, Shahid said, "Categorically refute media reports alleging that government is planning to allow the establishment of an Indian military base in Maldives in exchange for financial assistance or other material benefits. It is baseless and aimed at discrediting the government as it starts to rebuild good relations with its neighbours and the rest of the international community." "Government assures the people, that it will always act in the national interest of Maldives and will not undertake any international engagement that will compromise the sovereignty and independence of the country," he added. Shahid was reacting to a news article published in a Japanese Daily, NIKKIE Asian Review, which stated that India offered Maldives US $1 billion in exchange for stronger security ties. Abdullah Shahid was recently on an official visit to New Delhi, where he met top leaders including his counterpart Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. He described India as time-tested and a trusted partner. He showed commitment to strengthen bilateral trade ties between the two countries. The Foreign Minister, however, mentioned that his country will closely work with all of its neighbours and the international community. He also called China as a friend and one of the largest economies of the world whose assistance had benefited Maldives. New Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih is scheduled to visit India on December 17 in keeping with his 'India-First' policy.

Maldives denies media reports of Indian Army deployment

The Indian Army inducted its first batch of artillery guns on November 9 in Deolali and it is expected that over the next two years, a total of 245 guns will be progressively acquired.&nbsp;

These guns are 145 in number M 777 (from the US) and 100 in number K 9 Vajra (with South Korean cooperation) and will cost a little under Rs 10,000 crores.

It may be recalled that after India acquired the Bofors artillery gun from Sweden in 1986, this is the first induction of fresh inventory and is an indicator of the many constraints that bedevil the military procurement process in India.

Both the Bofors gun and the HDW submarine acquired from then West Germany in the later 1980s have become synonymous with financial transgressions and corruption cum bribery charges were levelled against then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

It also merits note that after more than 30 years of investigation, the Bofors case has been more or less closed for extended delays by the CBI and lack of substantive evidence–though a window has been kept open on technical grounds.

However, it would be valid to infer that then PM Rajiv Gandhi and the Congress party were placed on the defensive by the opposition parties and the electoral defeat of the Congress party in late 1989 was shaped by the perception among the electorate that the government of the day was ‘corrupt’ and hence voted out.

These elements are indicative of the multi-layered significance of the induction in Deolali on Friday where the Defence Minister and the Army Chief were both present. &nbsp;

In her remarks, Minister Nirmala Sitharaman provided the political context when she noted: “These guns are being inducted almost 30 years after the Bofors guns were inducted” &nbsp;and added that though the process to acquire these guns began in 2006, there was no tangible progress.

In the pre-election phase that India is now in, the Minister further added: “In contrast, our government shrunk the process in the last four years and not only initiated the procurement process, but ensured its induction.”&nbsp;

While the M 777 is a case of a direct government to government (G2G) &nbsp;purchase from the USA, thereby avoiding the kind of Rafale fiasco, the Vajra has the potential for contributing to the Make In India initiative prioritized by the Modi government.

The Indian army has been in dire need of acquiring greater fire-power by way of the artillery and this was evidenced during the Kargil war of 1999. Yet, the higher defence decision-making apparatus in India during NDA-I led by PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the UPA decade led by PM Manmohan Singh were unable to redress a major inventory gap for the army and these 15 years did not lead to any meaningful policy decision by way of direct import, &nbsp;technology transfer and assemble in India, as well as provide encouragement to the private sector. &nbsp;

Much the same paradigm applies to the Indian Air Force and the induction of a fighter aircraft now symbolized by the Rafale controversy.

Thus the policy cues from the Deolali induction of artillery guns can be reviewed along three tracks. The first is that the armed forces of India must not be denied critical equipment/ platform due to political mud-slinging between the major parties and the Bofors-HDW cross ought to be an internalised for lessons learnt and pitfalls to be avoided by the legislature and the PMO in an appropriate manner.

This is easier said than done given the current ethos in India, which is a relentless zero-sum approach towards national security and seeking political mileage for electoral benefit.

The second is that whether UPA or NDA, the military inventory procurement procedures in India have to be made more time and cost efficient. The submarine saga of India is one of precious time and resources – both fiscal and HR being squandered due to faulty policy making and an indifferent/impulsive higher defence management approach.&nbsp;

The Rafale fighter aircraft experience and the Scorpene submarine now being built in India as the new Kalveri class, are illustrative.

The third policy strand that merits some deep introspection is the Indian inability to nurture a national eco-system for encouraging Make in India in the defence sector in a meaningful manner.&nbsp;

The Vajra K 9 guns inducted in Deolali are the result of cooperation between a South Korean technology major and an &nbsp;Indian company — Larsen &amp; Toubro. &nbsp;This is a commendable initiative in relation to domestic manufacture of conventional military equipment for the army, which despite being the largest service in India, does not have a significant track-record in design and manufacture of equipment/platforms. &nbsp;&nbsp;

India needs to nurture the private sector –both major and medium - to become stakeholders in the path towards some degree of self-sufficiency.

Defence R&amp;D and manufacture in India has been zealously guarded by the DRDO and the defence PSUs, including the Ordnance factories.&nbsp;

While there have been notable successes in the strategic domain due to the perseverance of these institutions, for example, the missile and nuclear weapon programme– the conventional arms spectrum is disappointing.&nbsp;

While the DRDO has been accused of being a ‘dog-in-the-manger’, in certain instances the faith and trust placed in the private sector has been misplaced leading to bitter acrimony between the principal stakeholders.

India is planning a manned mission to the moon but is unable to design and manufacture a personal weapon for its one million-plus army and a para-military that is as large. Irrigating the defence design and manufacturing eco-system towards this end for the long term is a national imperative. 
 
(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-acquisitions-long-overdue-2686109">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 Indian Army inducted its first batch of artillery guns on November 9 in Deolali and it is expected that over the next two years, a total of 245 guns will be progressively acquired.

The Indian Army inducted its first batch of artillery guns on November 9 in Deolali and it is expected that over the next two years, a total of 245 guns will be progressively acquired. These guns are 145 in number M 777 (from the US) and 100 in number K 9 Vajra (with South Korean cooperation) and will cost a little under Rs 10,000 crores. It may be recalled that after India acquired the Bofors artillery gun from Sweden in 1986, this is the first induction of fresh inventory and is an indicator of the many constraints that bedevil the military procurement process in India. Both the Bofors gun and the HDW submarine acquired from then West Germany in the later 1980s have become synonymous with financial transgressions and corruption cum bribery charges were levelled against then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. It also merits note that after more than 30 years of investigation, the Bofors case has been more or less closed for extended delays by the CBI and lack of substantive evidence–though a window has been kept open on technical grounds. However, it would be valid to infer that then PM Rajiv Gandhi and the Congress party were placed on the defensive by the opposition parties and the electoral defeat of the Congress party in late 1989 was shaped by the perception among the electorate that the government of the day was ‘corrupt’ and hence voted out. These elements are indicative of the multi-layered significance of the induction in Deolali on Friday where the Defence Minister and the Army Chief were both present. In her remarks, Minister Nirmala Sitharaman provided the political context when she noted: “These guns are being inducted almost 30 years after the Bofors guns were inducted” and added that though the process to acquire these guns began in 2006, there was no tangible progress. In the pre-election phase that India is now in, the Minister further added: “In contrast, our government shrunk the process in the last four years and not only initiated the procurement process, but ensured its induction.” While the M 777 is a case of a direct government to government (G2G) purchase from the USA, thereby avoiding the kind of Rafale fiasco, the Vajra has the potential for contributing to the Make In India initiative prioritized by the Modi government. The Indian army has been in dire need of acquiring greater fire-power by way of the artillery and this was evidenced during the Kargil war of 1999. Yet, the higher defence decision-making apparatus in India during NDA-I led by PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the UPA decade led by PM Manmohan Singh were unable to redress a major inventory gap for the army and these 15 years did not lead to any meaningful policy decision by way of direct import, technology transfer and assemble in India, as well as provide encouragement to the private sector. Much the same paradigm applies to the Indian Air Force and the induction of a fighter aircraft now symbolized by the Rafale controversy. Thus the policy cues from the Deolali induction of artillery guns can be reviewed along three tracks. The first is that the armed forces of India must not be denied critical equipment/ platform due to political mud-slinging between the major parties and the Bofors-HDW cross ought to be an internalised for lessons learnt and pitfalls to be avoided by the legislature and the PMO in an appropriate manner. This is easier said than done given the current ethos in India, which is a relentless zero-sum approach towards national security and seeking political mileage for electoral benefit. The second is that whether UPA or NDA, the military inventory procurement procedures in India have to be made more time and cost efficient. The submarine saga of India is one of precious time and resources – both fiscal and HR being squandered due to faulty policy making and an indifferent/impulsive higher defence management approach. The Rafale fighter aircraft experience and the Scorpene submarine now being built in India as the new Kalveri class, are illustrative. The third policy strand that merits some deep introspection is the Indian inability to nurture a national eco-system for encouraging Make in India in the defence sector in a meaningful manner. The Vajra K 9 guns inducted in Deolali are the result of cooperation between a South Korean technology major and an Indian company — Larsen & Toubro. This is a commendable initiative in relation to domestic manufacture of conventional military equipment for the army, which despite being the largest service in India, does not have a significant track-record in design and manufacture of equipment/platforms. India needs to nurture the private sector –both major and medium - to become stakeholders in the path towards some degree of self-sufficiency. Defence R&D and manufacture in India has been zealously guarded by the DRDO and the defence PSUs, including the Ordnance factories. While there have been notable successes in the strategic domain due to the perseverance of these institutions, for example, the missile and nuclear weapon programme– the conventional arms spectrum is disappointing. While the DRDO has been accused of being a ‘dog-in-the-manger’, in certain instances the faith and trust placed in the private sector has been misplaced leading to bitter acrimony between the principal stakeholders. India is planning a manned mission to the moon but is unable to design and manufacture a personal weapon for its one million-plus army and a para-military that is as large. Irrigating the defence design and manufacturing eco-system towards this end for the long term is a national imperative. (This article was originally published on 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)

Acquisitions long overdue

An Army soldier was killed Saturday in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-1-bsf-soldier-killed-in-pakistani-sniper-fire-33527">sniper fire by Pakistani troops</a> along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, a defence spokesman said.

The spokesman identified the soldier as rifleman Varun Kattal (21), a resident of Mawa-Rajpura area of Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir. He is survived by his parents, father Anchal Singh and mother Pinki Rani.

This was the second sniper attack along the LoC in two days. An Army porter lost his life in a similar attack in Akhnoor sector of Jammu Friday.

"At about 0945 hours, unprovoked ceasefire violation was initiated by Pakistan in Sunderbani sector in which one Army soldier was shot by a sniper from across the border and later succumbed to injuries at 11.10 AM," the spokesman said.

"Rifleman Kattal was a brave and sincere soldier. The nation will always remain indebted to him for the supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty," the spokesman said adding his martyrdom will not go in vain.

He said the Indian Army retaliated strongly and effectively on Pakistan army posts.

On October 21, three soldiers of Jammu and Kashmir light infantry regiment and two heavily-armed infiltrators, believed to be members of the Border Action Team (BAT) of the Pakistan army, and terrorists, were killed in Sunderbani sector.

On November 6, a soldier was injured when he was hit by a sniper from across the border at Kalal in Noushera sector of Rajouri, while a BSF jawan was injured in a separate incident of firing by Pakistan along the LoC in the Manjakote area of the Rajouri-Poonch sector Friday.

The number of ceasefire violations this year by Pakistan has been the highest in the past eight years.

The first seven months of this year saw 52 deaths and 232 people getting injured in 1,435 ceasefire violations in the state, according to an RTI reply by the Home Ministry.&nbsp;

An Army soldier was killed Saturday in sniper fire by Pakistani troops along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, a defence spokesman said.

An Army soldier was killed Saturday in sniper fire by Pakistani troops along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, a defence spokesman said. The spokesman identified the soldier as rifleman Varun Kattal (21), a resident of Mawa-Rajpura area of Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir. He is survived by his parents, father Anchal Singh and mother Pinki Rani. This was the second sniper attack along the LoC in two days. An Army porter lost his life in a similar attack in Akhnoor sector of Jammu Friday. "At about 0945 hours, unprovoked ceasefire violation was initiated by Pakistan in Sunderbani sector in which one Army soldier was shot by a sniper from across the border and later succumbed to injuries at 11.10 AM," the spokesman said. "Rifleman Kattal was a brave and sincere soldier. The nation will always remain indebted to him for the supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty," the spokesman said adding his martyrdom will not go in vain. He said the Indian Army retaliated strongly and effectively on Pakistan army posts. On October 21, three soldiers of Jammu and Kashmir light infantry regiment and two heavily-armed infiltrators, believed to be members of the Border Action Team (BAT) of the Pakistan army, and terrorists, were killed in Sunderbani sector. On November 6, a soldier was injured when he was hit by a sniper from across the border at Kalal in Noushera sector of Rajouri, while a BSF jawan was injured in a separate incident of firing by Pakistan along the LoC in the Manjakote area of the Rajouri-Poonch sector Friday. The number of ceasefire violations this year by Pakistan has been the highest in the past eight years. The first seven months of this year saw 52 deaths and 232 people getting injured in 1,435 ceasefire violations in the state, according to an RTI reply by the Home Ministry.

J&K: In 2nd attack in 2 days, Indian Army soldier killed in sniper fire along Line of Control

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will attend a ceremony on Friday to induct new artillery guns and equipment, including K9 Vajra and M777 howitzers, at Deolali artillery centre in Nashik, a ministry spokesperson said.

Induction of 100 K9 Vajra at a cost of Rs 4,366 crore is to complete by November 2020. The first batch of 10 guns will be delivered this month, Defence Ministry spokesperson Colonel Aman Anand told reporters on Thursday.

The next 40 guns will be delivered in November 2019, and another 50 in November 2020, he said.

The first regiment of K9 Vajra, first-ever artillery gun manufactured by the Indian private sector, is expected to complete by July 2019.

The gun has a maximum range of 28-38 km. It is capable of burst firing three rounds in 30 seconds, intense firing of 15 rounds in three minutes and sustained firing of 60 rounds in 60 minutes, he said.

The Army is also going to raise seven regiments of 145 M777 howitzers.

Five guns each will be delivered to the Army beginning August 2019 and the entire process will complete in following 24 months. The first regiment will complete by October next year, the spokesperson said.

The gun, having a range of 30 km, can be moved to a desired location using helicopters and service aircraft.

Compact gun tractor to tow 130 MM and 155 MM artillery guns will also inducted during the ceremony, the officer said. It is fitted with a crane that can handle ammunition weighing two tons.

Maximum speed of the vehicle without a tow is 80 km per hour which comes down to 50 km per hour with a gun attached to it, he added.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will attend a ceremony on Friday to induct new artillery guns and equipment, including K9 Vajra and M777 howitzers, at Deolali artillery centre in Nashik, a ministry spokesperson said.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will attend a ceremony on Friday to induct new artillery guns and equipment, including K9 Vajra and M777 howitzers, at Deolali artillery centre in Nashik, a ministry spokesperson said. Induction of 100 K9 Vajra at a cost of Rs 4,366 crore is to complete by November 2020. The first batch of 10 guns will be delivered this month, Defence Ministry spokesperson Colonel Aman Anand told reporters on Thursday. The next 40 guns will be delivered in November 2019, and another 50 in November 2020, he said. The first regiment of K9 Vajra, first-ever artillery gun manufactured by the Indian private sector, is expected to complete by July 2019. The gun has a maximum range of 28-38 km. It is capable of burst firing three rounds in 30 seconds, intense firing of 15 rounds in three minutes and sustained firing of 60 rounds in 60 minutes, he said. The Army is also going to raise seven regiments of 145 M777 howitzers. Five guns each will be delivered to the Army beginning August 2019 and the entire process will complete in following 24 months. The first regiment will complete by October next year, the spokesperson said. The gun, having a range of 30 km, can be moved to a desired location using helicopters and service aircraft. Compact gun tractor to tow 130 MM and 155 MM artillery guns will also inducted during the ceremony, the officer said. It is fitted with a crane that can handle ammunition weighing two tons. Maximum speed of the vehicle without a tow is 80 km per hour which comes down to 50 km per hour with a gun attached to it, he added.

Indian Army to induct K9, M777 howitzer guns on Friday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said he would celebrate Diwali with Army jawans and share pictures of his experience.

Responding to Diwali greetings from Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Modi said, "Every year, I visit our border areas and surprise our troops. This year too, will spend Diwali with our brave troops. Spending time with them is special."

He said he would share the photos of the same Wednesday evening.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Bibi, my friend, thank you so much for the Diwali wishes. 
 
Every year, I visit our border areas and surprise our troops. This year too, will spend Diwali with our brave troops. Spending time with them is special. 
 
I will share photos of the same tomorrow evening. :) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@netanyahu</a> <a href="https://t.co/gnouOA3QGt">https://t.co/gnouOA3QGt</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1059842760159694849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Modi also thanked Bibi, as Netanyahu is called, for the Diwali wishes.

Sources in the government had Monday said that the prime minister would offer prayers at the Kedarnath shrine on Wednesday.

"On behalf of the people of Israel, I would like to wish my dear friend @narendramodi and the people of India a joyous Diwali. May this luminous festival of lights bring you happiness and prosperity. Reply to this tweet with the name of the city where you're celebrating!," the Israel premier had tweeted.

After becoming the prime minister in 2014, Modi had spent Diwali at Siachen with Army jawans.

In 2015, he had visited the Punjab border on Diwali. His visit had coincided with 50 years of the 1965 Indo-Pak war.

The next year, Modi was in Himachal Pradesh, where he spent time with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel at a border outpost.

He had spent his fourth Diwali as prime minister with soldiers at Gurez in Jammu and Kashmir last year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said he would celebrate Diwali with Army jawans and share pictures of his experience. Responding to Diwali greetings from Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Modi said, "Every year, I visit our border areas and surprise our troops.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said he would celebrate Diwali with Army jawans and share pictures of his experience. Responding to Diwali greetings from Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Modi said, "Every year, I visit our border areas and surprise our troops. This year too, will spend Diwali with our brave troops. Spending time with them is special." He said he would share the photos of the same Wednesday evening. Bibi, my friend, thank you so much for the Diwali wishes. Every year, I visit our border areas and surprise our troops. This year too, will spend Diwali with our brave troops. Spending time with them is special. I will share photos of the same tomorrow evening. :) @netanyahu https://t.co/gnouOA3QGt — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 6, 2018 × Modi also thanked Bibi, as Netanyahu is called, for the Diwali wishes. Sources in the government had Monday said that the prime minister would offer prayers at the Kedarnath shrine on Wednesday. "On behalf of the people of Israel, I would like to wish my dear friend @narendramodi and the people of India a joyous Diwali. May this luminous festival of lights bring you happiness and prosperity. Reply to this tweet with the name of the city where you're celebrating!," the Israel premier had tweeted. After becoming the prime minister in 2014, Modi had spent Diwali at Siachen with Army jawans. In 2015, he had visited the Punjab border on Diwali. His visit had coincided with 50 years of the 1965 Indo-Pak war. The next year, Modi was in Himachal Pradesh, where he spent time with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel at a border outpost. He had spent his fourth Diwali as prime minister with soldiers at Gurez in Jammu and Kashmir last year.

PM Modi in Kedarnath today, will spend Diwali with soldiers

Indian Army to get first batch of K-9 Howitzers on 9th November

One of the two terrorists killed in Kashmir early Tuesday morning used to be an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmir-indian-army-soldier-believed-to-have-joined-hizbul-mujahideen-130908">Indian Army soldier</a>.&nbsp;

The two terrorists were identified as Mohammad Idrees Sultan alias Chota Abrar, a resident of Safanagri in Shopian, and Amir Hussain Rather alias Abu Sobaan, a resident of Awneera in Shopian.&nbsp;

"They were affiliated with proscribed terror outfit HM and were involved in terror attacks on security establishments and many other civilian atrocities in the area," PTI quoted a police spokesman as saying.&nbsp;

The spokesperson added that Sultan was an Indian Army deserter who had joined the militants in April this year.

Security forces had launched a cordon-and-search operation in the Safanagri area of Zainapora of south Kashmir in the pre-dawn hours of Tuesday after havging got a tip off about the presence of militants in the area, the spokesperson said.&nbsp;

He added that as the search operation was going on, the hiding militants fired on the search party.&nbsp;

The spokesperson said the security forces returned fire, and the two militants were killed in the ensuing encounter.

Sultan, a sepoy with the 12 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI), had been posted at Katihar in Bihar when he went missing.&nbsp;

He had come home to Shopian on April 12 and then gone missing, police officials had said then.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

One of the two terrorists killed in Kashmir early Tuesday morning used to be an Indian Army soldier. The two terrorists were identified as Mohammad Idrees Sultan alias Chota Abrar, a resident of Safanagri in Shopian, and Amir Hussain Rather alias Abu Sobaan, a resident of Awneera in Shopian.

One of the two terrorists killed in Kashmir early Tuesday morning used to be an Indian Army soldier. The two terrorists were identified as Mohammad Idrees Sultan alias Chota Abrar, a resident of Safanagri in Shopian, and Amir Hussain Rather alias Abu Sobaan, a resident of Awneera in Shopian. "They were affiliated with proscribed terror outfit HM and were involved in terror attacks on security establishments and many other civilian atrocities in the area," PTI quoted a police spokesman as saying. The spokesperson added that Sultan was an Indian Army deserter who had joined the militants in April this year. Security forces had launched a cordon-and-search operation in the Safanagri area of Zainapora of south Kashmir in the pre-dawn hours of Tuesday after havging got a tip off about the presence of militants in the area, the spokesperson said. He added that as the search operation was going on, the hiding militants fired on the search party. The spokesperson said the security forces returned fire, and the two militants were killed in the ensuing encounter. Sultan, a sepoy with the 12 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI), had been posted at Katihar in Bihar when he went missing. He had come home to Shopian on April 12 and then gone missing, police officials had said then. (With inputs from PTI)

One of 2 terrorists killed in Kashmir today used to be an Indian Army soldier

The Army on Monday warned Pakistan to restrain the terrorists operating from its soil, a day after killing two heavily-armed Pakistani "intruders" in a gunfight in Sunderbani sector of Jammu on Sunday, official sources said.

They said the Army has also asked the Pakistan military to take back bodies of the two "intruders", who were wearing combat uniforms and believed to be members of Pakistani Border Action Team, they said.

Two heavily armed Pakistani intruders and three Army soldiers were killed Sunday in the gunfight after the Army foiled an infiltration bid along the LoC in Sunderbani sector.

The sources said Pakistan Army has been informed, through established communication channels, to take possession of the bodies of the "hostile Pakistani nationals" and that a "stern warning" was also conveyed to the military of the neighbouring country to restrain the terrorists operating from its soil.

The incident on Sunday took place at around 1:20 PM.

The sources said five to six Pakistani intruders crossed the LoC and fired on Indian Army patrol in the Sunderbani sector.

Three soldiers of Eight Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI), Havildar Kaushal Kumar of Nowshera (Rajouri), lance naik Ranjeet Singh of Doda and rifleman Rajat Kumar Basan of Pallanwala (Jammu), were killed while rifleman Rakesh Kumar of Samba suffered injuries in the gunfight.

The sources said since the talks between DGMOs (Director General of Military Operations) of the two countries on May 29, the Indian Army has been maintaining "utmost restraint" to uphold the ceasefire pact along the LoC despite regular provocative actions from across the border.

However, Pakistan Army has been vigorously attempting to send terrorists across the LoC and seven infiltration bids have been foiled by the Indian Army since May 30, in which 23 terrorists have been killed.

Reports suggest a concentration of a large number of terrorists in launch pads across the border, desperate to infiltrate into India before the onset of winter.

Sources said the Army was ready to deal with any challenge along the LoC which has been witnessing frequent incidents of cross-border firing since January.

The Indian Army has been adopting a "tough" approach in dealing with ceasefire violations and terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir in the last one year.

The Army on Monday warned Pakistan to restrain the terrorists operating from its soil, a day after killing two heavily-armed Pakistani "intruders" in a gunfight in Sunderbani sector of Jammu on Sunday, official sources said.

The Army on Monday warned Pakistan to restrain the terrorists operating from its soil, a day after killing two heavily-armed Pakistani "intruders" in a gunfight in Sunderbani sector of Jammu on Sunday, official sources said. They said the Army has also asked the Pakistan military to take back bodies of the two "intruders", who were wearing combat uniforms and believed to be members of Pakistani Border Action Team, they said. Two heavily armed Pakistani intruders and three Army soldiers were killed Sunday in the gunfight after the Army foiled an infiltration bid along the LoC in Sunderbani sector. The sources said Pakistan Army has been informed, through established communication channels, to take possession of the bodies of the "hostile Pakistani nationals" and that a "stern warning" was also conveyed to the military of the neighbouring country to restrain the terrorists operating from its soil. The incident on Sunday took place at around 1:20 PM. The sources said five to six Pakistani intruders crossed the LoC and fired on Indian Army patrol in the Sunderbani sector. Three soldiers of Eight Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI), Havildar Kaushal Kumar of Nowshera (Rajouri), lance naik Ranjeet Singh of Doda and rifleman Rajat Kumar Basan of Pallanwala (Jammu), were killed while rifleman Rakesh Kumar of Samba suffered injuries in the gunfight. The sources said since the talks between DGMOs (Director General of Military Operations) of the two countries on May 29, the Indian Army has been maintaining "utmost restraint" to uphold the ceasefire pact along the LoC despite regular provocative actions from across the border. However, Pakistan Army has been vigorously attempting to send terrorists across the LoC and seven infiltration bids have been foiled by the Indian Army since May 30, in which 23 terrorists have been killed. Reports suggest a concentration of a large number of terrorists in launch pads across the border, desperate to infiltrate into India before the onset of winter. Sources said the Army was ready to deal with any challenge along the LoC which has been witnessing frequent incidents of cross-border firing since January. The Indian Army has been adopting a "tough" approach in dealing with ceasefire violations and terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir in the last one year.

Indian Army asks Pakistan to take back bodies of intruders killed in Sunderbani sector

India summons Pakistani official over Sunderbani killings

A day after killing two heavily-armed Pakistani intruders in a gunfight which also <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmir-six-civilians-die-in-blast-after-encounter-kills-3-militants-172656">left three soldiers dead</a>, the Army on Monday conveyed a stern warning to Pakistan to restrain the terrorists operating from its soil.&nbsp;

The army also asked Pakistan to take over the bodies of its two hostile nationals, said an army officer who did not want to be named.&nbsp;

"Pakistan Army has been informed through established communication channels to take over the bodies of the hostile Pakistani Nationals. A stern warning has been conveyed to Pakistan Army to restrain the terrorists operating from its soil," the officer said.

Three soldiers of Eight Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JKLI) — Havildar Kaushal Kumar of Nowshera (Rajouri), Lance Naik Ranjeet Singh of Doda and rifleman Rajat Kumar Basan of Pallanwala (Jammu) — were killed and rifleman Rakesh Kumar of Samba was injured when a group of five to six Pakistani armed intruders crossed the line of control (LoC) and fired on an army patrol in Sunderbani sector of Rajouri district on Sunday.&nbsp;

During the ensuing fire-fight, two intruders wearing combat uniform and believed to be members of the Pakistani Border Action Team, were eliminated but their identity could not be ascertained.&nbsp;

The officer said since the Director General of Military operations (DGMO) level talks on May 29, which was held at the behest of Pakistan, Indian Army has been maintaining utmost restraint to uphold the ceasefire along the LoC despite regular provocative actions from across the border.

However, the Pakistan Army has been vigorously attempting to send terrorists across the LoC which was evident from the fact that seven infiltration bids have been foiled by the Army since May 30, in which 23 terrorists have been killed, the officer said.

He said reports suggest concentration of large number of terrorists in the launch pads desperate to infiltrate before the onset of snow.

The army troops are fully alert and maintaining round-the-clock vigil to scuttle any attempt of infiltration by the terrorists, he said.&nbsp;

A day after killing two heavily-armed Pakistani intruders in a gunfight which also left three soldiers dead, the Army on Monday conveyed a stern warning to Pakistan to restrain the terrorists operating from its soil.

A day after killing two heavily-armed Pakistani intruders in a gunfight which also left three soldiers dead, the Army on Monday conveyed a stern warning to Pakistan to restrain the terrorists operating from its soil. The army also asked Pakistan to take over the bodies of its two hostile nationals, said an army officer who did not want to be named. "Pakistan Army has been informed through established communication channels to take over the bodies of the hostile Pakistani Nationals. A stern warning has been conveyed to Pakistan Army to restrain the terrorists operating from its soil," the officer said. Three soldiers of Eight Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JKLI) — Havildar Kaushal Kumar of Nowshera (Rajouri), Lance Naik Ranjeet Singh of Doda and rifleman Rajat Kumar Basan of Pallanwala (Jammu) — were killed and rifleman Rakesh Kumar of Samba was injured when a group of five to six Pakistani armed intruders crossed the line of control (LoC) and fired on an army patrol in Sunderbani sector of Rajouri district on Sunday. During the ensuing fire-fight, two intruders wearing combat uniform and believed to be members of the Pakistani Border Action Team, were eliminated but their identity could not be ascertained. The officer said since the Director General of Military operations (DGMO) level talks on May 29, which was held at the behest of Pakistan, Indian Army has been maintaining utmost restraint to uphold the ceasefire along the LoC despite regular provocative actions from across the border. However, the Pakistan Army has been vigorously attempting to send terrorists across the LoC which was evident from the fact that seven infiltration bids have been foiled by the Army since May 30, in which 23 terrorists have been killed, the officer said. He said reports suggest concentration of large number of terrorists in the launch pads desperate to infiltrate before the onset of snow. The army troops are fully alert and maintaining round-the-clock vigil to scuttle any attempt of infiltration by the terrorists, he said.

Pakistan asked to take back bodies of 2 slain intruders: Indian Army

A Summary General Court Martial (SGCM) of the Indian Army&nbsp;convicted seven personnel, including a Major General for their alleged involvement in a 1994 fake encounter case&nbsp;in Assam.

According to reports, AK Lal, Colonel Thomas Mathew, Colonel RS Sibiren, Captain Dilip Singh, Captain Jagdeo Singh, Naik Albindar Singh and Naik Shivendar Singh have been awarded life imprisonment for their involvement in a fake encounter of the five youths that had taken place in Assam's Tinsukia district 24-years-ago.

However, the judgement of life imprisonment is yet to be confirmed by Eastern Army Command in Kolkata&nbsp;and Army Headquarter in Delhi, which may take a few more months.

In February 1994, the army had detained nine youths who were&nbsp;picked up by the unit&nbsp;of the Punjab regiment from different areas of Tinsukia district over suspicion that they were involved in the killing of a top tea garden executive who&nbsp;was killed by ULFA militants. The youths were&nbsp;All Assam Students Union activists.

Army personnel reportedly killed five of them after branding them as ULFA militants. Other four reportedly were released after apparently being threatened at gunpoint.

On February 22 of the same year, Jagdish Bhuyan, then All Assam Students Union leader&nbsp;filed a Habeas Corpus petition in the Gauhati High Court seeking to know the details of the youths. The High court asked the Indian Army to produce the nine All Assam Students Union leaders at the nearest police station, later&nbsp;the Army reportedly produced five bodies at the Dholla Police Station in Assam.

The probe of the case handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) which chargesheeted seven army personnel in the case.

The High Court had asked the army to conduct a court-martial which began on July 16 this year and concluded on July 27. The quantum of punishment was pronounced on Saturday.

The court-martial was also challenged by the army in the Supreme Court. After taking a nod from the apex court, the army started the process of holding the SGCM.

A Summary General Court Martial (SGCM) of the Indian Army convicted seven personnel, including a Major General for their alleged involvement in a 1994 fake encounter case in Assam.

A Summary General Court Martial (SGCM) of the Indian Army convicted seven personnel, including a Major General for their alleged involvement in a 1994 fake encounter case in Assam. According to reports, AK Lal, Colonel Thomas Mathew, Colonel RS Sibiren, Captain Dilip Singh, Captain Jagdeo Singh, Naik Albindar Singh and Naik Shivendar Singh have been awarded life imprisonment for their involvement in a fake encounter of the five youths that had taken place in Assam's Tinsukia district 24-years-ago. However, the judgement of life imprisonment is yet to be confirmed by Eastern Army Command in Kolkata and Army Headquarter in Delhi, which may take a few more months. In February 1994, the army had detained nine youths who were picked up by the unit of the Punjab regiment from different areas of Tinsukia district over suspicion that they were involved in the killing of a top tea garden executive who was killed by ULFA militants. The youths were All Assam Students Union activists. Army personnel reportedly killed five of them after branding them as ULFA militants. Other four reportedly were released after apparently being threatened at gunpoint. On February 22 of the same year, Jagdish Bhuyan, then All Assam Students Union leader filed a Habeas Corpus petition in the Gauhati High Court seeking to know the details of the youths. The High court asked the Indian Army to produce the nine All Assam Students Union leaders at the nearest police station, later the Army reportedly produced five bodies at the Dholla Police Station in Assam. The probe of the case handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) which chargesheeted seven army personnel in the case. The High Court had asked the army to conduct a court-martial which began on July 16 this year and concluded on July 27. The quantum of punishment was pronounced on Saturday. The court-martial was also challenged by the army in the Supreme Court. After taking a nod from the apex court, the army started the process of holding the SGCM.

Army court sentences Major General, 6 others to life in fake encounter case

The Russian Army is "very keen" on associating with the Indian Army, said Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Sunday while stressing on the independence of Indian policymaking.

"Russians are very keen on associating with the Indian Army because we are a very capable Army. We are capable of standing for what is right for us," General Rawat said at the inaugural General KV Krishna Rao Memorial Lecture at Manekshaw Centre.

"When Russians asked about the American sanctions, my reply was, 'Yes, we do appreciate that there could be sanctions on us, but we follow an independent policy. You can be rest assured. While we may be associating with America in getting some technology, but we follow an independent policy'," he said.

General Rawat continued saying, "I further told them, 'While we are talking sanctions and you are questioning on sanctions. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at this juncture are signing the treaty on the purchase of S-400 weapon system in spite of the fact that we may face challenges from America in the future and a USD 5.3 billion deal has been signed between the two countries."

The Army chief went on to add that India is "looking forward to getting Kamov helicopters". He added, "We are also looking forward to getting other weapon systems and technologies. We are looking forward to getting space-based systems and technologies to enhance our space capabilities".

The Army Chief, who recently undertook a six-day visit to Russia, met the top brass of the Russian Armed Forces and key military formations and establishments.

The delegation also visited the Mikhailovskaya Artillery Military Academy, the Headquarters of Western Military District in St. Petersburg and General Staff Academy.

The Russian Army is "very keen" on associating with the Indian Army, said Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Sunday while stressing on the independence of Indian policymaking.

The Russian Army is "very keen" on associating with the Indian Army, said Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Sunday while stressing on the independence of Indian policymaking. "Russians are very keen on associating with the Indian Army because we are a very capable Army. We are capable of standing for what is right for us," General Rawat said at the inaugural General KV Krishna Rao Memorial Lecture at Manekshaw Centre. "When Russians asked about the American sanctions, my reply was, 'Yes, we do appreciate that there could be sanctions on us, but we follow an independent policy. You can be rest assured. While we may be associating with America in getting some technology, but we follow an independent policy'," he said. General Rawat continued saying, "I further told them, 'While we are talking sanctions and you are questioning on sanctions. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at this juncture are signing the treaty on the purchase of S-400 weapon system in spite of the fact that we may face challenges from America in the future and a USD 5.3 billion deal has been signed between the two countries." The Army chief went on to add that India is "looking forward to getting Kamov helicopters". He added, "We are also looking forward to getting other weapon systems and technologies. We are looking forward to getting space-based systems and technologies to enhance our space capabilities". The Army Chief, who recently undertook a six-day visit to Russia, met the top brass of the Russian Armed Forces and key military formations and establishments. The delegation also visited the Mikhailovskaya Artillery Military Academy, the Headquarters of Western Military District in St. Petersburg and General Staff Academy.

Russia keen to associate with Indian Army: General Rawat

Pakistan Army on Thursday evening resorted to unprovoked small arms firing in Poonch sector, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, Indian Army retaliated and the firing stopped after a while.

The incident came few days after a Pakistani chopper on Sunday violated the airspace along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Army said.

News agency PTI quoting Jammu-based Army PRO Lt Col Devender Anand said that the helicopter violated the airspace around 12:13 pm.

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J&amp;K: Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked small arms firing in Poonch sector earlier this evening. Indian Army retaliated &amp; the firing stopped after sometime.
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The helicopter flew for nearly five minutes inside Poonch area near Line of Control, the report added.&nbsp;

Official sources said a white-colour chopper crossed into this side in Gulpur sector and hovered for sometime before turning back.

Helicopters are barred coming within 1 kilometre of the LoC, according to sources.&nbsp;

Pakistan Army on Thursday evening resorted to unprovoked small arms firing in Poonch sector, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, Indian Army retaliated and the firing stopped after a while.

Pakistan Army on Thursday evening resorted to unprovoked small arms firing in Poonch sector, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, Indian Army retaliated and the firing stopped after a while. The incident came few days after a Pakistani chopper on Sunday violated the airspace along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Army said. News agency PTI quoting Jammu-based Army PRO Lt Col Devender Anand said that the helicopter violated the airspace around 12:13 pm. J&K: Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked small arms firing in Poonch sector earlier this evening. Indian Army retaliated & the firing stopped after sometime. — ANI (@ANI) October 4, 2018 × The helicopter flew for nearly five minutes inside Poonch area near Line of Control, the report added. Official sources said a white-colour chopper crossed into this side in Gulpur sector and hovered for sometime before turning back. Helicopters are barred coming within 1 kilometre of the LoC, according to sources.

J&K: Pak army resorted to unprovoked firing in Poonch, India retaliated

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