The Indian army is the epitome of courage and fearlessness. The institution in itself is a representation of the idea of India.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The army has been deployed in every corner of India, including the state of Jammu and Kashmir to discharge its duties. In Jammu and Kashmir, the presence of the armed forces is directed mainly to provide assistance to the state government in civil and administrative matters as well as to maintain public order and ensure the security of the nation. The security forces are always in the forefront during any disturbances, be it a natural calamity such as floods, cloudburst and landslides, or a terrorist attack.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The personnel of the armed forces dedicate their lives towards the service of the nation and to uphold the honour of the flag and sovereignty of the country. However, there have been several incidents in which stones and petrol bombs have been hurled at the security personnel.

&nbsp;

The human rights activists and organisations often take up cases of human rights of the perpetrators of violence who suffer injury or sometimes death during the incitement and criticise the armed forces.

&nbsp;

Whenever the armed forces are required to retaliate either in defence or to restore peace, they are protected by the provisions of the AFSPA. The AFSPA act is applicable in the state of J&amp;K which allows special powers to the armed forces.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;However, it is then that these activists and others term AFSPA as a &ldquo;tool of state abuse, oppression and discrimination&rdquo;. It is essential to understand that these special powers are no privilege but a protection so that they can carry out their duties without fear and obstructions.

&nbsp;

Every member of society, by its very existence, is clothed with human rights. Thus, it is also integral to recognise that the personnel of security forces, including the Army, the BSF, and the CRPF, have human rights as well that need to be protected.

&nbsp;

Many activists and organisation have held the Indian army responsible for infringing upon the human rights of the perpetrators of violence, however, the army is responsible for safeguarding those very rights that are invoked.

&nbsp;

The appalling and gruesome pictures of soldiers being pelted with stones, disarmed and being violently attacked by groups of people and the apathy of the state government, implicating the troops in criminal cases, was disturbing. The situation compelled us to approach the human rights commission and file a representation in the NHRC.

&nbsp;

There have been attempts to add a communal twist to this issue and politicise it. However, the Indian Army is an apolitical and a positively secular institution. The Army&rsquo;s loyalty is to the nation and not to any political party.

&nbsp;

We are happy and reassured to see NHRC rising up to the occasion and promptly issuing a notice to the Government of India and the Ministry of Defence and calling upon them to submit a report.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; &nbsp;

Every member of society, by its very existence, is clothed with human rights. Thus, it is also integral to recognise that the personnel of security forces, including the Army, the BSF, and the CRPF, have human rights as well that need to be protected.

The Indian army is the epitome of courage and fearlessness. The institution in itself is a representation of the idea of India. The army has been deployed in every corner of India, including the state of Jammu and Kashmir to discharge its duties. In Jammu and Kashmir, the presence of the armed forces is directed mainly to provide assistance to the state government in civil and administrative matters as well as to maintain public order and ensure the security of the nation. The security forces are always in the forefront during any disturbances, be it a natural calamity such as floods, cloudburst and landslides, or a terrorist attack. The personnel of the armed forces dedicate their lives towards the service of the nation and to uphold the honour of the flag and sovereignty of the country. However, there have been several incidents in which stones and petrol bombs have been hurled at the security personnel. The human rights activists and organisations often take up cases of human rights of the perpetrators of violence who suffer injury or sometimes death during the incitement and criticise the armed forces. Whenever the armed forces are required to retaliate either in defence or to restore peace, they are protected by the provisions of the AFSPA. The AFSPA act is applicable in the state of J&K which allows special powers to the armed forces. However, it is then that these activists and others term AFSPA as a “tool of state abuse, oppression and discrimination”. It is essential to understand that these special powers are no privilege but a protection so that they can carry out their duties without fear and obstructions. Every member of society, by its very existence, is clothed with human rights. Thus, it is also integral to recognise that the personnel of security forces, including the Army, the BSF, and the CRPF, have human rights as well that need to be protected. Many activists and organisation have held the Indian army responsible for infringing upon the human rights of the perpetrators of violence, however, the army is responsible for safeguarding those very rights that are invoked. The appalling and gruesome pictures of soldiers being pelted with stones, disarmed and being violently attacked by groups of people and the apathy of the state government, implicating the troops in criminal cases, was disturbing. The situation compelled us to approach the human rights commission and file a representation in the NHRC. There have been attempts to add a communal twist to this issue and politicise it. However, the Indian Army is an apolitical and a positively secular institution. The Army’s loyalty is to the nation and not to any political party. We are happy and reassured to see NHRC rising up to the occasion and promptly issuing a notice to the Government of India and the Ministry of Defence and calling upon them to submit a report. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: As daughter of a soldier, I find stone pelting gruesome

Taking a dig at those who recently whipped up the issue of religion in the Indian Army, Lieutenant General Devraj Anbu, General Officer, Northern Command said, &quot;We don&#39;t communalise martyrs, those making statements don&#39;t know the Army well.&quot;

&nbsp;

Having served in the Indian Army for more than a decade, I know for sure how the secular nationalist spirit of the forces binds our soldiers together.

&nbsp;

Almost two decades back when I joined the Indian Army as an officer, I participated in the Mandir Parade which is a customary practice for all the soldiers of Army. It is called parade because everyone available must attend it and there is no exemption. All officers and jawans are expected to perform as per the religion of the regiment. If a regiment is predominantly Sikh then all will go for ardas and if Hindu then everyone will perform aarti.&nbsp; In some Christian dominated regiments, such as those populated by people from Nagaland and Assam, Christmas is a regimental function. If the regiment is dominated by Muslim soldiers, everyone will be present at the time of Eid Namaz and keep Roza.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

It is a standard practice in the Army that all the religious places of different religion share the same premises and is called the &ldquo;Sarva Dharma Sambhav Sthal&rdquo;. It is a common scene in a regiment to see officers moving out of Mandir after aarti and rushing to gurudwara or church or mosque for prayers.

&nbsp;

This is the form of religion in the Armed forces. There is another interesting custom in the Infantry Regiments which are primarily raised around regional (Punjab, Garhwal, Kumaon), community (Mahar, Naga, Jat) or religious (Sikh) identities. The newly commissioned officer is not sent to the unit but to the regimental centre where he learns about his men. He learns their religion, habits, language so that he can become one of them. Then only he can go and command those troops.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

To put it simply, all the religious divisiveness cease to exist when a person joins the armed forces. The olive-green skin dominates all religions and faiths. The person joins a force of believers who are following only one religion- Indian, and that&rsquo;s the peculiarity of the secular nature of Indian Armed Forces.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

This was the reason why many of the Muslim Indian Army officers decided to stay back with their troops after the Indian Partition and refused the offer of Pakistani Generals to join their army even when offered a promotion. Here, I would like to quote the example of Brigadier Mohammad Usman, Mahavir Chakra (Posthumous) who chose to stay with the Indian Army and laid down his life saving our borders.

&nbsp;

Indian army had been accused of human rights violation, and such accusations are common for any force operating in the disturbed areas but there had never ever been a single incident where anyone has accused it of religious or caste-based differentiations. This was the reason why Indian Armed forces could work in complex peacekeeping operations under United Nations.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In 1984, during Operation Blue Star, when the Army was tasked to move in, the soldiers removed their shoes, prayed for the almighty and then entered the Golden Temple Complex. They had been given instructions not to cause any harm to Harmandir Sahib. They laid down their lives but followed the orders to the letter and spirit. Such is the secular nature of Indian Army. On the other hand, at the time of great mosque seize in Mecca in 1979 even Pakistani Commandoes entered the complex in full battle gear and created havoc.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

There are other examples too. When I was posted on the Line of Control in Poonch area, the Jat regiment was replaced by a battalion of grenadiers which had a company of all Muslim soldiers. The Jats had a small temple on that post. Soon after the grenadiers took over, the senior most JCO of the company appointed one of the Muslim soldiers to the service of the temple. His logic was clear, the temple belongs to the post and not to any religion. The person was responsible for not only cleaning the temple but also to light up the diya before the deity twice a day.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

During the Kargil War, several hundreds of Pakistani soldiers were killed. Indian government offered their mortal remains to Pakistan but our rogue neighbour refused to identify their officers and soldiers. This was a crucial time and the Indian Army not only arranged the respectful burial of those bodies but managed to get maulvis and Muslim soldiers to do the Salat-El-Janazah for them. They are peacefully buried in Indian territory and the graves are periodically looked after by the Indian soldiers only.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Till date, the entire Indian Army avoids having non-vegetarian food and alcohol on Tuesday and Thursday, the two days considered auspicious for the Hindu and Muslim communities.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Indian Army is the only force in the world, wherein I have seen Captain Ahmad with a tilak on his forehead, Major James bowing before Guru Granth Sahib and speaking fluent Punjabi, Lieutenant Chaturvedi keeping all the 30 Rozas and Major Gurkirat Singh decorating his house for Christmas.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

There are people in this country who see the armed forces through religious lenses but the reality is far from their perception. The only faith Indian Army follows is the National Faith and no other faith comes after that.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Having served in the Indian Army for more than a decade, I know for sure how the secular nationalist spirit of the forces binds our soldiers together.

Taking a dig at those who recently whipped up the issue of religion in the Indian Army, Lieutenant General Devraj Anbu, General Officer, Northern Command said, "We don't communalise martyrs, those making statements don't know the Army well." Having served in the Indian Army for more than a decade, I know for sure how the secular nationalist spirit of the forces binds our soldiers together. Almost two decades back when I joined the Indian Army as an officer, I participated in the Mandir Parade which is a customary practice for all the soldiers of Army. It is called parade because everyone available must attend it and there is no exemption. All officers and jawans are expected to perform as per the religion of the regiment. If a regiment is predominantly Sikh then all will go for ardas and if Hindu then everyone will perform aarti. In some Christian dominated regiments, such as those populated by people from Nagaland and Assam, Christmas is a regimental function. If the regiment is dominated by Muslim soldiers, everyone will be present at the time of Eid Namaz and keep Roza. It is a standard practice in the Army that all the religious places of different religion share the same premises and is called the “Sarva Dharma Sambhav Sthal”. It is a common scene in a regiment to see officers moving out of Mandir after aarti and rushing to gurudwara or church or mosque for prayers. This is the form of religion in the Armed forces. There is another interesting custom in the Infantry Regiments which are primarily raised around regional (Punjab, Garhwal, Kumaon), community (Mahar, Naga, Jat) or religious (Sikh) identities. The newly commissioned officer is not sent to the unit but to the regimental centre where he learns about his men. He learns their religion, habits, language so that he can become one of them. Then only he can go and command those troops. To put it simply, all the religious divisiveness cease to exist when a person joins the armed forces. The olive-green skin dominates all religions and faiths. The person joins a force of believers who are following only one religion- Indian, and that’s the peculiarity of the secular nature of Indian Armed Forces. This was the reason why many of the Muslim Indian Army officers decided to stay back with their troops after the Indian Partition and refused the offer of Pakistani Generals to join their army even when offered a promotion. Here, I would like to quote the example of Brigadier Mohammad Usman, Mahavir Chakra (Posthumous) who chose to stay with the Indian Army and laid down his life saving our borders. Indian army had been accused of human rights violation, and such accusations are common for any force operating in the disturbed areas but there had never ever been a single incident where anyone has accused it of religious or caste-based differentiations. This was the reason why Indian Armed forces could work in complex peacekeeping operations under United Nations. In 1984, during Operation Blue Star, when the Army was tasked to move in, the soldiers removed their shoes, prayed for the almighty and then entered the Golden Temple Complex. They had been given instructions not to cause any harm to Harmandir Sahib. They laid down their lives but followed the orders to the letter and spirit. Such is the secular nature of Indian Army. On the other hand, at the time of great mosque seize in Mecca in 1979 even Pakistani Commandoes entered the complex in full battle gear and created havoc. There are other examples too. When I was posted on the Line of Control in Poonch area, the Jat regiment was replaced by a battalion of grenadiers which had a company of all Muslim soldiers. The Jats had a small temple on that post. Soon after the grenadiers took over, the senior most JCO of the company appointed one of the Muslim soldiers to the service of the temple. His logic was clear, the temple belongs to the post and not to any religion. The person was responsible for not only cleaning the temple but also to light up the diya before the deity twice a day. During the Kargil War, several hundreds of Pakistani soldiers were killed. Indian government offered their mortal remains to Pakistan but our rogue neighbour refused to identify their officers and soldiers. This was a crucial time and the Indian Army not only arranged the respectful burial of those bodies but managed to get maulvis and Muslim soldiers to do the Salat-El-Janazah for them. They are peacefully buried in Indian territory and the graves are periodically looked after by the Indian soldiers only. Till date, the entire Indian Army avoids having non-vegetarian food and alcohol on Tuesday and Thursday, the two days considered auspicious for the Hindu and Muslim communities. The Indian Army is the only force in the world, wherein I have seen Captain Ahmad with a tilak on his forehead, Major James bowing before Guru Granth Sahib and speaking fluent Punjabi, Lieutenant Chaturvedi keeping all the 30 Rozas and Major Gurkirat Singh decorating his house for Christmas. There are people in this country who see the armed forces through religious lenses but the reality is far from their perception. The only faith Indian Army follows is the National Faith and no other faith comes after that. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Not religion, nationalism is sole inspiration of Indian Army

If verbal gymnastics was an Olympic sport, there is little doubt that Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman, the Raksha Mantri, would win the Gold Medal hands down.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

One minute, in a confidential conversation with Ms. Mehbooba Mufti, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, she is supportive of the Chief Minister&rsquo;s intention to file an FIR against the Army unit that fired in self-defence in the Shopian incident, for &quot;carelessness&quot; on their part.&nbsp; Ten days later as the Supreme Court stays the FIR, the RM unashamedly does a perfect verbal somersault and publicly states that the Supreme Court&rsquo;s directions were expected and that the Central Government supports our &ldquo;brave soldiers&rdquo;! One would not blame the military if it concluded that with friends like her, who needs enemies?

&nbsp;

At the outset it needs to be clarified that despite all the brouhaha in the media, the military veteran community and even among prominent members of the BJP and RSS, for instance, Mr. Subramanium Swamy, the Police can lodge an FIR against the Army, even in a disturbed area where AFSPA is in force if it concludes that a cognizable crime has been committed.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

While AFSPA, in essence, gives the Army operating in disturbed areas police powers of arrest and search without a warrant, given the hostile environment they are required to operate in, Section 7 of the Act only prevents prosecution of Army personnel without the sanction of the Central Government. Even a layman is conversant with the fact that filing of an FIR implies only commencement of an investigation.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Thus, the filing of the FIR in such circumstances means little and would not in any way adversely impact the morale of personnel, provided they have organisational support. While Ms. Sitharaman&rsquo;s flip-flops have seriously damaged the credibility of the Central Government, sadly the wishy-washy comments of the Northern Army Commander, as well as the lack of any public statement from the Army Chief in support of his troops, has not helped matters. It is probably this perceived lack of organisational support that forced Major Aditya Kumar&rsquo;s father to approach the Supreme Court with the plea to quash the FIR.&nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp; While Mehbooba Mufti could well be ignorant, the Police are certainly fully aware that an FIR can only be lodged against an individual or group when a cognizable offence has been committed by them. In all other circumstances, a Police Report needs to be filed and the case brought before a Magistrate who then directs whether an FIR needs to be filed or not based on the evidence available.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In the present instance, it needs only a superficial understanding of the law to conclude that firing in self-defence against a mob intent on lynching soldiers, snatching their arms, destroying government property and preventing them from carrying out their duties can hardly be considered a cognizable offence. As a matter of fact, the Police had failed in its duties by not lodging an FIR against the mob and arresting those involved. It is incumbent on the authorities to hold to account those officers responsible for this lapse. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

In any case if there was any doubt as to what exactly occurred and in the version of events brought out by the Army, a Magisterial Enquiry on the basis of a Police Report would have been sufficient to place the facts on record and that would have allowed the authorities to proceed with the case on its merit. Incidentally, the State Government also simultaneously ordered a Magisterial Enquiry along with the FIR, though this Enquiry will have little credibility given the circumstances.

&nbsp;

There is a problem in the manner in which this incident has been dealt with. Clearly, there has been unwarranted and unethical attempts by both the ruling alliance and the opposition in the State to politicise the issue and curry favour with the people.&nbsp; Mehbooba Mufti&rsquo;s assertion in the Assembly while defending the police action of lodging an FIR against the Army by suggesting that&nbsp; &quot;black sheep can be anywhere&quot;, without waiting for a report from an impartial investigator clearly suggests blatant bias against the Army as well as efforts on her Governments part to exert pressure on the Police to target the Army.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp; More worrisome is the fact that thanks to judicial activism, AFSPA has lost much of its effectiveness and this has greatly restricted the Army&rsquo;s ability to respond robustly and proactively to security threats for fear of subsequent criminal cases against them. Moreover, the State Government has been excessively lenient towards citizens indulging in acts of stone pelting and other violent activities. As a result, the Army finds it extremely difficult to carry out area domination patrols, especially in rural areas, due to attacks on them by unrestrained mobs. The Army, thus, finds itself losing control of the countryside, a critical element in any counter-insurgency strategy, if it is to succeed.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;There is little doubt that politicians are targeting the military for their own selfish reasons. As we are well aware, no insurgency can be resolved without a political solution being implemented. Unfortunately, in our case, neither the State nor the Central Government is willing to put forward a solution that can help resolve the issue. In such circumstances, the Army will continue to pay the price unless it takes drastic action and refuses to be played.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The worry is that if the military hierarchy refuses to stand up and confront the political leadership, it is only a matter of time before the rank and file, who bear the brunt of such operations, may take matters into their own hands. That would disastrous for the military.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;Finally, of course, this government does have another option; it could arrange to hand over the situation to Mr. Bhagwat and his merry band of volunteers in khaki who believe they can achieve in three days what the Army hasn&rsquo;t in three decades. If nothing else this ludicrous suggestion may lead to the death of separatists from laughing too much and that wouldn&rsquo;t count as murder would it?&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

While Ms. Sitharaman’s flip-flops have seriously damaged the credibility of the Central Government, sadly the wishy-washy comments of the Northern Army Commander, as well as the lack of any public statement from the Army Chief in support of his troops, has not helped matters.

If verbal gymnastics was an Olympic sport, there is little doubt that Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman, the Raksha Mantri, would win the Gold Medal hands down. One minute, in a confidential conversation with Ms. Mehbooba Mufti, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, she is supportive of the Chief Minister’s intention to file an FIR against the Army unit that fired in self-defence in the Shopian incident, for "carelessness" on their part. Ten days later as the Supreme Court stays the FIR, the RM unashamedly does a perfect verbal somersault and publicly states that the Supreme Court’s directions were expected and that the Central Government supports our “brave soldiers”! One would not blame the military if it concluded that with friends like her, who needs enemies? At the outset it needs to be clarified that despite all the brouhaha in the media, the military veteran community and even among prominent members of the BJP and RSS, for instance, Mr. Subramanium Swamy, the Police can lodge an FIR against the Army, even in a disturbed area where AFSPA is in force if it concludes that a cognizable crime has been committed. While AFSPA, in essence, gives the Army operating in disturbed areas police powers of arrest and search without a warrant, given the hostile environment they are required to operate in, Section 7 of the Act only prevents prosecution of Army personnel without the sanction of the Central Government. Even a layman is conversant with the fact that filing of an FIR implies only commencement of an investigation. Thus, the filing of the FIR in such circumstances means little and would not in any way adversely impact the morale of personnel, provided they have organisational support. While Ms. Sitharaman’s flip-flops have seriously damaged the credibility of the Central Government, sadly the wishy-washy comments of the Northern Army Commander, as well as the lack of any public statement from the Army Chief in support of his troops, has not helped matters. It is probably this perceived lack of organisational support that forced Major Aditya Kumar’s father to approach the Supreme Court with the plea to quash the FIR. While Mehbooba Mufti could well be ignorant, the Police are certainly fully aware that an FIR can only be lodged against an individual or group when a cognizable offence has been committed by them. In all other circumstances, a Police Report needs to be filed and the case brought before a Magistrate who then directs whether an FIR needs to be filed or not based on the evidence available. In the present instance, it needs only a superficial understanding of the law to conclude that firing in self-defence against a mob intent on lynching soldiers, snatching their arms, destroying government property and preventing them from carrying out their duties can hardly be considered a cognizable offence. As a matter of fact, the Police had failed in its duties by not lodging an FIR against the mob and arresting those involved. It is incumbent on the authorities to hold to account those officers responsible for this lapse. In any case if there was any doubt as to what exactly occurred and in the version of events brought out by the Army, a Magisterial Enquiry on the basis of a Police Report would have been sufficient to place the facts on record and that would have allowed the authorities to proceed with the case on its merit. Incidentally, the State Government also simultaneously ordered a Magisterial Enquiry along with the FIR, though this Enquiry will have little credibility given the circumstances. There is a problem in the manner in which this incident has been dealt with. Clearly, there has been unwarranted and unethical attempts by both the ruling alliance and the opposition in the State to politicise the issue and curry favour with the people. Mehbooba Mufti’s assertion in the Assembly while defending the police action of lodging an FIR against the Army by suggesting that "black sheep can be anywhere", without waiting for a report from an impartial investigator clearly suggests blatant bias against the Army as well as efforts on her Governments part to exert pressure on the Police to target the Army. More worrisome is the fact that thanks to judicial activism, AFSPA has lost much of its effectiveness and this has greatly restricted the Army’s ability to respond robustly and proactively to security threats for fear of subsequent criminal cases against them. Moreover, the State Government has been excessively lenient towards citizens indulging in acts of stone pelting and other violent activities. As a result, the Army finds it extremely difficult to carry out area domination patrols, especially in rural areas, due to attacks on them by unrestrained mobs. The Army, thus, finds itself losing control of the countryside, a critical element in any counter-insurgency strategy, if it is to succeed. There is little doubt that politicians are targeting the military for their own selfish reasons. As we are well aware, no insurgency can be resolved without a political solution being implemented. Unfortunately, in our case, neither the State nor the Central Government is willing to put forward a solution that can help resolve the issue. In such circumstances, the Army will continue to pay the price unless it takes drastic action and refuses to be played. The worry is that if the military hierarchy refuses to stand up and confront the political leadership, it is only a matter of time before the rank and file, who bear the brunt of such operations, may take matters into their own hands. That would disastrous for the military. Finally, of course, this government does have another option; it could arrange to hand over the situation to Mr. Bhagwat and his merry band of volunteers in khaki who believe they can achieve in three days what the Army hasn’t in three decades. If nothing else this ludicrous suggestion may lead to the death of separatists from laughing too much and that wouldn’t count as murder would it? (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Will this brouhaha over Major Aditya help the Army? No

The body of another Army soldier - the sixth martyr - has been recovered from the encounter site inside the Sunjuwan Military camp in Jammu, taking the death toll in the terror attack to 10, including three terrorists of the JeM.

The body of the Army jawan was recovered during the clearance operation at the camp on Monday night, Jammu-based Army Public Relation Officer Lt Col Devender Anand said.

A group of heavily-armed men struck the sprawling camp of the 36 brigade of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry before dawn on February 10, killing six people including five soldiers.

Five Army personnel, hailing from Jammu and Kashmir, and the father of one of the slain soldiers, were killed and 10 others, including two officers and six women and children, were injured in the incident.

The bodies of the three terrorists of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit were also recovered along with huge cache of arms and ammunition during the search operation.

Meanwhile, Lt Col Anand said Chief Minsiter Mehbooba Mufti is attending the wreath-laying ceremony of the four slain soldiers, belonging to the Kashmir Valley, at the airport here.

He said that the mortal remains of four Kashmiri soldiers and the civilian would be flown to Srinagar after the wreath- laying ceremony around 11 am and thereafter to their native places for burial.

The body of the Army jawan was recovered during the clearance operation at the camp on Monday night, Jammu-based Army Public Relation Officer Lt Col Devender Anand said.

The body of another Army soldier - the sixth martyr - has been recovered from the encounter site inside the Sunjuwan Military camp in Jammu, taking the death toll in the terror attack to 10, including three terrorists of the JeM. The body of the Army jawan was recovered during the clearance operation at the camp on Monday night, Jammu-based Army Public Relation Officer Lt Col Devender Anand said. A group of heavily-armed men struck the sprawling camp of the 36 brigade of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry before dawn on February 10, killing six people including five soldiers. Five Army personnel, hailing from Jammu and Kashmir, and the father of one of the slain soldiers, were killed and 10 others, including two officers and six women and children, were injured in the incident. The bodies of the three terrorists of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit were also recovered along with huge cache of arms and ammunition during the search operation. Meanwhile, Lt Col Anand said Chief Minsiter Mehbooba Mufti is attending the wreath-laying ceremony of the four slain soldiers, belonging to the Kashmir Valley, at the airport here. He said that the mortal remains of four Kashmiri soldiers and the civilian would be flown to Srinagar after the wreath- laying ceremony around 11 am and thereafter to their native places for burial.

Sunjuwan attack: Body of another soldier recovered; toll rises to 10

To instil&nbsp;&quot;patriotism&quot;&nbsp;in them, India Army veterans addressed JNU students on the eve of Republic Day.&nbsp;

Major General (retired) GD Bakhi -- well known from his appearances on television -- was among the speakers. He spoke to the JNU students about India&#39;s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war which led to the creation of Bangladesh.&nbsp;

And perhaps unknowingly he also seemed to call on Indians to come together in all their diversity.&nbsp;

&quot;Despite our problems in gelling with each other, 1971 saw us in our best. We synergised, political department, armed forces, home and defence ministry, intelligence agencies came together and in 13 days we broke Pakistan into two,&quot; PTI reported Bakshi as saying.&nbsp;

Bakshi however added, PTI said, that war&nbsp;was the last resort.

The other speakers, PTI reported, included Param Vir Chakra -- the second-highest gallantry award the army gives out -- awardees.

JNU Vice-Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar was also present.

Kumar had recently had a tank installed on campus. The tank was a gift from the army, which Kumar said would help instil in his students &quot;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/jnu-vc-wants-tank-installed-on-campus-to-instill-love-for-the-army-among-students-18217" target="_blank">a love for the&nbsp;army</a>&quot;.&nbsp;

Major General (retired) GD Bakhi -- well known from his appearances on television -- was among the speakers

To instil "patriotism" in them, India Army veterans addressed JNU students on the eve of Republic Day. Major General (retired) GD Bakhi -- well known from his appearances on television -- was among the speakers. He spoke to the JNU students about India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war which led to the creation of Bangladesh. And perhaps unknowingly he also seemed to call on Indians to come together in all their diversity. "Despite our problems in gelling with each other, 1971 saw us in our best. We synergised, political department, armed forces, home and defence ministry, intelligence agencies came together and in 13 days we broke Pakistan into two," PTI reported Bakshi as saying. Bakshi however added, PTI said, that war was the last resort. The other speakers, PTI reported, included Param Vir Chakra -- the second-highest gallantry award the army gives out -- awardees. JNU Vice-Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar was also present. Kumar had recently had a tank installed on campus. The tank was a gift from the army, which Kumar said would help instil in his students "a love for the army".

To instil 'patriotism' in them, Army veterans address JNU students

In a series of attacks ahead <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-firing-positions-fuel-dump-destroyed-in-retaliation-bsf-30385">of Republic Day, militants today hurled</a> a grenade at a police station in Baramulla and another at a CRPF team in Pulwama, where they also opened fire on a police patrol, leaving two persons injured in these incidents.

The militants lobbed a grenade towards CRPF personnel at Pampore in Pulwama district, 14 kms from here, a police official said.

He said the grenade landed on the roadside, resulting in injuries to a passerby.

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Jammu &amp; Kashmir: Terrorists lobed a grenade near Baramullah Police station; One policeman injured, more details awaited (<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> deferred by unspecified time) <a href="https://t.co/ubxdKTaf80">pic.twitter.com/ubxdKTaf80</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/955443235538616320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In the second attack, militants opened fire on a police patrol party at Lassipora area of the Pulwama District, the official said.

He said the police retaliated, forcing the militants to flee from the spot. No one was injured in the firing incident.

Later in the evening, militants lobbed a grenade at police station Baramulla, resulting in injuries to a guard, the official said.

He said a few shots were also heard after the grenade blast.

The three attacks came four days ahead of the Republic Day celebrations.

Security forces have stepped up security across Kashmir to thwart possible militant attacks and to ensure an incident-free Republic Day.

The three attacks came four days ahead of the Republic Day celebrations.

In a series of attacks ahead of Republic Day, militants today hurled a grenade at a police station in Baramulla and another at a CRPF team in Pulwama, where they also opened fire on a police patrol, leaving two persons injured in these incidents. The militants lobbed a grenade towards CRPF personnel at Pampore in Pulwama district, 14 kms from here, a police official said. He said the grenade landed on the roadside, resulting in injuries to a passerby. Jammu & Kashmir: Terrorists lobed a grenade near Baramullah Police station; One policeman injured, more details awaited (#Visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/ubxdKTaf80 — ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2018 × In the second attack, militants opened fire on a police patrol party at Lassipora area of the Pulwama District, the official said. He said the police retaliated, forcing the militants to flee from the spot. No one was injured in the firing incident. Later in the evening, militants lobbed a grenade at police station Baramulla, resulting in injuries to a guard, the official said. He said a few shots were also heard after the grenade blast. The three attacks came four days ahead of the Republic Day celebrations. Security forces have stepped up security across Kashmir to thwart possible militant attacks and to ensure an incident-free Republic Day.

J&K: Ahead of Republic Day, militants launch attack on Baramulla, Pulwama

Following the backlash received over Mohan Bhagwat`s alleged disrespectful statement against the Indian army, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Monday said that his speech was being misrepresented.

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-hits-out-at-rss-chief-for-insulting-army-32572"> Rahul Gandhi hits out at RSS chief for &#39;insulting&#39; army</a>

A statement issued by Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh, Manmohan Vaidya, read, &quot;Bhagwat ji had said that if situation arises and the Constitution permits, Indian army would take six months to prepare the society whereas Sangh Swayamsevaks can be trained in three days, as Swayamsevaks practise discipline regularly.&quot;

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<h5>Bhagwat ji had said that if situation arises and the Constitution permits, Indian army would take six months to prepare the society whereas Sangh Swayamsevaks can be trained in three days, as Swayamsevaks practise discipline regularly&#39;</h5>
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To this effect, Vaidya added, the statement was not a comparison between the Indian army and the Sangh Swayamsevaks, but a comparison between general society and swayamsevaks, when given the opportunity to be trained by the Indian Army.

Bhagwat`s statement sparked an outrage on social media following his speech in Bihar`s Muzaffarpur where he was reported to have said that RSS was capable of preparing military personnel in three days for which the Indian Army would take six to seven months.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The RSS said Bhagwat's statement was not a comparison between the Indian Army and swayamsevaks but a comparison between society and swayamsevaks

Following the backlash received over Mohan Bhagwat`s alleged disrespectful statement against the Indian army, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Monday said that his speech was being misrepresented. Also read: Rahul Gandhi hits out at RSS chief for 'insulting' army A statement issued by Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh, Manmohan Vaidya, read, "Bhagwat ji had said that if situation arises and the Constitution permits, Indian army would take six months to prepare the society whereas Sangh Swayamsevaks can be trained in three days, as Swayamsevaks practise discipline regularly." Bhagwat ji had said that if situation arises and the Constitution permits, Indian army would take six months to prepare the society whereas Sangh Swayamsevaks can be trained in three days, as Swayamsevaks practise discipline regularly' × To this effect, Vaidya added, the statement was not a comparison between the Indian army and the Sangh Swayamsevaks, but a comparison between general society and swayamsevaks, when given the opportunity to be trained by the Indian Army. Bhagwat`s statement sparked an outrage on social media following his speech in Bihar`s Muzaffarpur where he was reported to have said that RSS was capable of preparing military personnel in three days for which the Indian Army would take six to seven months.

Bhagwat's speech being misrepresented: RSS

Congress President Rahul Gandhi hit out at <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bhawagts-statement-was-misrepresented-clarifies-rss-32571" target="_blank">RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat</a> for his latest speech on forming an army within three days.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi tweeted saying that the comment was an insult to every Indian, flag, and soldier.&nbsp;

Gandhi has also asked&nbsp;Bhagwat to apologise for his statements.

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The RSS Chief&#39;s speech is an insult to every Indian, because it disrespects those who have died for our nation. 
 
It is an insult to our flag because it insults every soldier who ever saluted it. 
 
Shame on you Mr Bhagwat, for disrespecting our martyrs and our Army. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ApologiseRSS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ApologiseRSS</a> <a href="https://t.co/Gh7t4Ghgon">pic.twitter.com/Gh7t4Ghgon</a>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/962915922498412545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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While addressing an RSS organisation in Muzaffarpur&#39;s districts school RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has claimed that the organisation has the power to form an army within three days while the army will take about six-seven months in preparing.

He said, &quot; If the Constitution allows and if any need arises the&nbsp;organisation will form an army in three days&quot;.&nbsp;

Bhagwat said the youth gets the required inspiration and physical power after joining the RSS, where they are taught to devote themselves to the motherland and also adhere to Indian values.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi tweeted saying that the comment made by the RSS chief was an insult to every Indian, flag, and soldier

Congress President Rahul Gandhi hit out at RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat for his latest speech on forming an army within three days. Rahul Gandhi tweeted saying that the comment was an insult to every Indian, flag, and soldier. Gandhi has also asked Bhagwat to apologise for his statements. The RSS Chief's speech is an insult to every Indian, because it disrespects those who have died for our nation. It is an insult to our flag because it insults every soldier who ever saluted it. Shame on you Mr Bhagwat, for disrespecting our martyrs and our Army. #ApologiseRSS pic.twitter.com/Gh7t4Ghgon — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) February 12, 2018 × While addressing an RSS organisation in Muzaffarpur's districts school RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has claimed that the organisation has the power to form an army within three days while the army will take about six-seven months in preparing. He said, " If the Constitution allows and if any need arises the organisation will form an army in three days". Bhagwat said the youth gets the required inspiration and physical power after joining the RSS, where they are taught to devote themselves to the motherland and also adhere to Indian values.

Rahul Gandhi hits out at RSS chief for 'insulting' army

While addressing the RSS organisation in Muzaffarpur&#39;s districts school RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has claimed that the&nbsp;organisation has the power to form an army within three days.&nbsp;

He said, &quot; If the Constitution allows and if any need arises the&nbsp;organisation will form an army in three days&quot;.&nbsp;

Bhagwat said the youth gets the required inspiration and physical power after joining the RSS, where they are taught to devote themselves to the motherland and also adhere to Indian values.&nbsp;

While referring to India China war he said that the RSS was guarding the border until the Indian forces arrived in the Sikkim&#39;s Tejpur border.&nbsp;

He was addressing the last day of his six-day visit to Muzzafarnagar.

He said, 'If the Constitution allows and if any need arises his organisation will form an army in three days'

While addressing the RSS organisation in Muzaffarpur's districts school RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has claimed that the organisation has the power to form an army within three days. He said, " If the Constitution allows and if any need arises the organisation will form an army in three days". Bhagwat said the youth gets the required inspiration and physical power after joining the RSS, where they are taught to devote themselves to the motherland and also adhere to Indian values. While referring to India China war he said that the RSS was guarding the border until the Indian forces arrived in the Sikkim's Tejpur border. He was addressing the last day of his six-day visit to Muzzafarnagar.

RSS has power to form army within 3 days: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat

The Indian Army began a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/terrorist-attack-sunjwan-army-camp-in-jammu-and-kashmir-2-injured-32376">clearing operation after </a>suspected Jaish terrorists attacked a military camp in J&amp;K.

Terrorists had attacked an Army camp in Sunjwan area located on the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway on Saturday.

The pre-dawn attack occurred a day after Parliament attacker Afzal Guru&#39;s death anniversary who was hanged on February 9, 2013.

Army spokesperson Lt Col Devender Anand said the Army had found the bodies of three of its personnel and a civilian, taking the toll to six in the attack, and gunned down three terrorists.

&quot;The Army has launched a fire assault as a part of a sanitisation and clearing operation. There was no exchange of fire,&quot; the Army said.

Five Armymen, including two junior commissioned officers(JCOs), and the father of a soldier was killed in the attack after the terrorists struck the camp belonging to the 36 Brigade of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JKLI).

Terrorists had attacked an Army camp in Sunjwan area located on the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway in on Saturday.

The Indian Army began a clearing operation after suspected Jaish terrorists attacked a military camp in J&K. Terrorists had attacked an Army camp in Sunjwan area located on the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway on Saturday. The pre-dawn attack occurred a day after Parliament attacker Afzal Guru's death anniversary who was hanged on February 9, 2013. Army spokesperson Lt Col Devender Anand said the Army had found the bodies of three of its personnel and a civilian, taking the toll to six in the attack, and gunned down three terrorists. "The Army has launched a fire assault as a part of a sanitisation and clearing operation. There was no exchange of fire," the Army said. Five Armymen, including two junior commissioned officers(JCOs), and the father of a soldier was killed in the attack after the terrorists struck the camp belonging to the 36 Brigade of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JKLI).

J&K: Army begins 'clearing operation' after terror attack

In the wake of a series of stone-pelting incidents and mob attacks on army personnel in Jammu and Kashmir, army kids have moved the National Human Rights Commission and filed a petition to protect army personnel&#39;s human rights.&nbsp;

&quot;As young Indians and citizens of this great country, especially as children of army personnel, we are concerned about the state of affairs of the troops serving in the disturbed areas and we are compelled to approach the Hon&#39;ble Commission to seek intervention in the matter and initiate appropriate inquiry in the incidents of violations of human rights of the members of the armed forces,&quot; read the official letter.&nbsp;

The letter noted that the FIRs registered against the stone pelters and violence perpetrators have been withdrawn upon the direction of the State government.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/wont-allow-anti-india-activities-in-kashmir-army-chief-29627" target="_blank">Won&#39;t allow anti-India activities in Kashmir, says Army chief</a>

The letter also noted that other countries &quot;would never tolerate such indignities rained upon their armed forces,&quot; and laid out in detail, punishment that is meted out to perpetrators in other countries.&nbsp;

&quot;Being concerned for the safety of soldiers and officers of the Indian army, deployed in counter-insurgency areas in J&amp;K and other states, we wish to draw your attention to the innumerable and frequent instances of violations of human rights of the army personnel,&quot; read the letter.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/stone-pelting-at-funeral-procession-of-indian-army-lt-ummer-fayaz-who-was-abducted-killed-by-militants-in-kashmir-15434" target="_blank">Stone pelting at funeral procession of Indian Army Lt Ummer Fayaz who was abducted, killed by militants in Kashmir</a>

Watch: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-man-tied-to-army-jeep-in-kashmir-allegedly-to-avoid-stone-pelting-14506" target="_blank">Man tied to Army jeep in Kashmir allegedly to avoid stone pelting</a>

The letter further noted that the children of army personnel were greatly disturbed by &quot;the recent incident of an unruly and disruptive mob hurling stones at an army convoy in Shopian, J&amp;K&quot;.&nbsp;

The letter gave out a detailed account of incidents where army personnel were attacked in the past year as well as in January 2018.&nbsp;

The letter noted that other countries 'would never tolerate such indignities rained upon their armed forces'

In the wake of a series of stone-pelting incidents and mob attacks on army personnel in Jammu and Kashmir, army kids have moved the National Human Rights Commission and filed a petition to protect army personnel's human rights. "As young Indians and citizens of this great country, especially as children of army personnel, we are concerned about the state of affairs of the troops serving in the disturbed areas and we are compelled to approach the Hon'ble Commission to seek intervention in the matter and initiate appropriate inquiry in the incidents of violations of human rights of the members of the armed forces," read the official letter. The letter noted that the FIRs registered against the stone pelters and violence perpetrators have been withdrawn upon the direction of the State government. Also read: Won't allow anti-India activities in Kashmir, says Army chief The letter also noted that other countries "would never tolerate such indignities rained upon their armed forces," and laid out in detail, punishment that is meted out to perpetrators in other countries. "Being concerned for the safety of soldiers and officers of the Indian army, deployed in counter-insurgency areas in J&K and other states, we wish to draw your attention to the innumerable and frequent instances of violations of human rights of the army personnel," read the letter. Also read: Stone pelting at funeral procession of Indian Army Lt Ummer Fayaz who was abducted, killed by militants in Kashmir Watch: Man tied to Army jeep in Kashmir allegedly to avoid stone pelting The letter further noted that the children of army personnel were greatly disturbed by "the recent incident of an unruly and disruptive mob hurling stones at an army convoy in Shopian, J&K". The letter gave out a detailed account of incidents where army personnel were attacked in the past year as well as in January 2018.

Protect soldiers' human rights: Army kids write to NHRC against stone-pelters

Bollywood can easily call this year as the year of &#39;postponing release dates&#39; with another classic case of upcoming movie Aiyaary starring <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-aiyaary-yet-to-get-clearance-from-censor-board-siddharth-malhotra-says-film-will-release-on-time-31835" target="_blank">Sidharth Malhotra</a> and Manoj Bajpayee as Army officials in a defence-drama getting postponed twice.&nbsp;

The movie was originally planned to release on January 26, then shifted to February 9 (as Padmaavat announced its release on Jan 25), which finally shifted to February 16 as CBFC delayed the process of issuing the release certificate to the film.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-watch-aiyaarys-song-lae-dooba-sidharth-malhotra-rakul-preets-chemistry-on-point-28033" target="_blank">Also Watch:&nbsp;&#39;Aiyaary&#39;s song Lae Dooba: Sidharth Malhotra, Rakul Preet&#39;s chemistry on point</a>

The second shift in dates resulted due to CBFC&#39;s hesitation in issuing a certificate without Defense Ministry&#39;s nod in&nbsp;a curious case. As the movie is set against the backdrop of the Indian Army, it looks like the Censor Board played safe to ensure the Ministry was okay with the film and thus showed it to them for a go-ahead.&nbsp;

The real reason behind this has now been revealed: As per a report in a Mumbai-based newspaper, the film shows a real-life scam surrounding the army and the government -- something that bothered both the Censor Board and Ministry of Defense. Dealing with corruption in certain sections of the army, the movie takes inspiration for one of its subplots from the real-life land scam of the Adarsh Housing Society,&nbsp;located in Colaba are of Mumbai.

In the film, there are scenes where&nbsp;Sidharth Malhotra and Pooja Chopra&#39;s characters are heard referring to a plot in &#39;Colaba&#39;. Naseeruddin Shah&#39;s (who has a cameo in the movie) character is linked to this subplot, where he is playing the watchman of the said plot. He mentions that the property reserved for widows of martyred soldiers will be taken over by politicians. This is what happened in real life as well in 2010 when the scam was revealed and several top brass officials and politicians were investigated.&nbsp;

The CBI is currently investigating the claim. It led to the resignation of then&nbsp;Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan, while the late Vilasrao Deshmukh, Sushilkumar Shinde and Shivajirao Nilangekar Patil, two former urban development ministers, Rajesh Tope and Sunil Tatkare, were all named in the scam.&nbsp;

As of now, Aiyaary <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-aiyaary-gets-censor-certificate-films-cast-rejoices-32065" target="_blank">received its certificate</a> on February 7 and will continue to release on February 16.&nbsp;

As for the cuts suggested by the Censor Board, a source close to the film said in the report:&nbsp;&ldquo;The filmmakers were glad they didn&rsquo;t ask for too many, there were just four minor changes which were carried out to everyone&rsquo;s satisfaction.&rdquo;

Aiyaary is directed by Neeraj Pandey and&nbsp;stars Sidharth Malhotra, Manoj Bajpayee, Rakul Preet Singh, Kumud Mishra, Adil Hussain and Anupam Kher.

&nbsp;

Aiyaary was slated to release on Feb 9 clashing with PadMan but owing to non-issuance of certificate from CBFC, the movie postponed its release to Feb 16

Bollywood can easily call this year as the year of 'postponing release dates' with another classic case of upcoming movie Aiyaary starring Sidharth Malhotra and Manoj Bajpayee as Army officials in a defence-drama getting postponed twice. The movie was originally planned to release on January 26, then shifted to February 9 (as Padmaavat announced its release on Jan 25), which finally shifted to February 16 as CBFC delayed the process of issuing the release certificate to the film. Also Watch: 'Aiyaary's song Lae Dooba: Sidharth Malhotra, Rakul Preet's chemistry on point The second shift in dates resulted due to CBFC's hesitation in issuing a certificate without Defense Ministry's nod in a curious case. As the movie is set against the backdrop of the Indian Army, it looks like the Censor Board played safe to ensure the Ministry was okay with the film and thus showed it to them for a go-ahead. The real reason behind this has now been revealed: As per a report in a Mumbai-based newspaper, the film shows a real-life scam surrounding the army and the government -- something that bothered both the Censor Board and Ministry of Defense. Dealing with corruption in certain sections of the army, the movie takes inspiration for one of its subplots from the real-life land scam of the Adarsh Housing Society, located in Colaba are of Mumbai. In the film, there are scenes where Sidharth Malhotra and Pooja Chopra's characters are heard referring to a plot in 'Colaba'. Naseeruddin Shah's (who has a cameo in the movie) character is linked to this subplot, where he is playing the watchman of the said plot. He mentions that the property reserved for widows of martyred soldiers will be taken over by politicians. This is what happened in real life as well in 2010 when the scam was revealed and several top brass officials and politicians were investigated. The CBI is currently investigating the claim. It led to the resignation of then Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan, while the late Vilasrao Deshmukh, Sushilkumar Shinde and Shivajirao Nilangekar Patil, two former urban development ministers, Rajesh Tope and Sunil Tatkare, were all named in the scam. As of now, Aiyaary received its certificate on February 7 and will continue to release on February 16. As for the cuts suggested by the Censor Board, a source close to the film said in the report: “The filmmakers were glad they didn’t ask for too many, there were just four minor changes which were carried out to everyone’s satisfaction.” Aiyaary is directed by Neeraj Pandey and stars Sidharth Malhotra, Manoj Bajpayee, Rakul Preet Singh, Kumud Mishra, Adil Hussain and Anupam Kher.

This is the real reason why Censor Board, Defense Ministry had issues with 'Aiyaary'

The Army today clearly indicated it would take retaliatory action against the killing of four army men in heavy shelling by Pakistani forces along the LoC in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, saying that its action would speak for itself.

Vice chief Lt Gen Sarath Chand said the Army has been responding appropriately to Pakistan shelling, asserting that India will continue to give a &quot;befitting reply&quot; to such acts.

&quot;That (retaliation) goes without saying, I think I don&#39;t have to say that. (Our) action will speak for itself,&quot; he said when asked about the killing of a Captain and three other Army men in the Rajouri sector.

The Captain and three jawans were killed and at least four people injured yesterday in the heavy Pakistani shelling along the LoC.

Chand also accused the Pakistani Army of supporting the infiltration of terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-assembly-rocked-over-ceasefire-violations-by-pakistan-31836" target="_blank">Jammu and Kashmir Assembly rocked over ceasefire violations by Pakistan</a>

&quot;We will continue with our process of giving a befitting reply (to such acts),&quot; he told reporters on the sidelines of an event here, adding that there were even incidents of mutilation of bodies of jawans last year.

&quot;We have been responding appropriately,&quot; he said.

&quot;There has been cross-border shelling from their (Pakistan&#39;s) side. And one of the shells landed near the officer and his men, leading to the casualties,&quot; he said when asked about yesterday&#39;s shelling.

Captain Kapil Kundu, a resident of village Ransika in Haryana&#39;s Gurgaon district, was killed just six days before his 22nd birthday, Army officials said.

Havildar Roshan Lal, 42, a resident of Samba district, Jammu and Kashmir, Riflemen Ramavatar, 27, of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, and Subham Singh, 23, of Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Kathua district were also killed in the shelling.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said earlier today Indians had full faith in the valour of the Army. 
&quot;People of the country have full faith in the valour of the Indian Army,&quot; the minister told reporters outside Parliament when asked about the steps India would take in response to the attack.&nbsp;

'That (retaliation) goes without saying, I think I don't have to say that. (Our) action will speak for itself,' Vice-Chief General Sarath Chand said

The Army today clearly indicated it would take retaliatory action against the killing of four army men in heavy shelling by Pakistani forces along the LoC in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, saying that its action would speak for itself. Vice chief Lt Gen Sarath Chand said the Army has been responding appropriately to Pakistan shelling, asserting that India will continue to give a "befitting reply" to such acts. "That (retaliation) goes without saying, I think I don't have to say that. (Our) action will speak for itself," he said when asked about the killing of a Captain and three other Army men in the Rajouri sector. The Captain and three jawans were killed and at least four people injured yesterday in the heavy Pakistani shelling along the LoC. Chand also accused the Pakistani Army of supporting the infiltration of terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir. Also read: Jammu and Kashmir Assembly rocked over ceasefire violations by Pakistan "We will continue with our process of giving a befitting reply (to such acts)," he told reporters on the sidelines of an event here, adding that there were even incidents of mutilation of bodies of jawans last year. "We have been responding appropriately," he said. "There has been cross-border shelling from their (Pakistan's) side. And one of the shells landed near the officer and his men, leading to the casualties," he said when asked about yesterday's shelling. Captain Kapil Kundu, a resident of village Ransika in Haryana's Gurgaon district, was killed just six days before his 22nd birthday, Army officials said. Havildar Roshan Lal, 42, a resident of Samba district, Jammu and Kashmir, Riflemen Ramavatar, 27, of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, and Subham Singh, 23, of Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district were also killed in the shelling. Home Minister Rajnath Singh said earlier today Indians had full faith in the valour of the Army. "People of the country have full faith in the valour of the Indian Army," the minister told reporters outside Parliament when asked about the steps India would take in response to the attack.

'Action will speak for itself': Army hints at retaliatory action against killing of 4 soldiers by Pakistan

Gurez, a picturesque&nbsp;valley just a few kilometres away from the Line of Control (LoC) in the border district of district Bandipora, remain cut off from rest of&nbsp;Kashmir for&nbsp;the past four months because of heavy snowfall. The people of the area live in miserable conditions during this four months and suffer most&nbsp;because of ill health care.&nbsp;

On 31st of&nbsp;January, a seven-year-old boy from the area complained of acute pain in the abdomen. Seeing his unbearable pain, parents admitted him to a hospital in&nbsp;Gurez. Though the hospital was well-equipped, nobody was there&nbsp;to operate the facilities&nbsp;available. A junior&nbsp;doctor present diagnosed that the child was suffering from appendicitis and needed to be operated upon immediately&nbsp;which was not possible at the hospital. The doctor&nbsp;suggested the parents of the seven-year-old boy to shift&nbsp;him to Srinagar. However, even that was not possible as the road was closed due to bad weather. The chopper service was also not operational for the last three days due to the&nbsp;continuous&nbsp;snowfall and cloudy weather.&nbsp;

At this difficult&nbsp;time when helpless parents were seeing their&nbsp;kid in unbearable&nbsp;pain and not been able to&nbsp;do anything, Indian&nbsp;army came forward to help. A local army unit located in Gurez signalled the IAF base in Srinagar&nbsp;and requested for the helicopter&nbsp;to airlift the child to Srinagar.

Srinagar-based defence&nbsp;spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia said that the seven-year-old&nbsp;Taufik&nbsp;suffered acute pain as a result of appendicitis on January 31 night and needed immediate medical care. Due to non-availability of adequate medicare in the area, he had to be shifted to Srinagar for treatment. The message for shifting&nbsp;was received at the Air Force Station, Srinagar, at night. The crew along with a helicopter was put on standby. However, bad weather at Gurez prevented the helicopter from getting airborne the next morning,&rdquo; the defence spokesman said.

He said the helicopter was then assigned to&nbsp;another assignment.

&ldquo;On its way back from the assignment, the helicopter crew received a message that the weather at Gurez had improved to marginal. The helicopter was diverted to the landing site. After the successful landing, Taufik and his father were picked up despite continuous snowfall and low clouds and moved to Srinagar,&rdquo; the spokesman said.

And boy&#39;s life was saved with the help of Indian Air Force and he was taken to Srinagar for treatment on February 1 where his&nbsp;condition is stable.

Local residents of Gurez and family members of Tawfiq thanked the air forces. Taufiq&#39;s father&nbsp;Ghulam Rasool Lone thanked the Army especially the rescue team&nbsp;of the Air Force, who undertook a &#39;risky landing&#39; to save the child&#39;s life in that bad weather condition. &#39;&#39;If Air Force personnel did not come forward to&nbsp;help, my&nbsp;child would have died. Due to their swift action&nbsp;my child survived,&#39;&#39; he said.&nbsp;

Cursing the local administration&nbsp;he said &quot;Pawan Hans Chopper Service, started by the administration is a failure&nbsp;when the army helicopter landed, why can&#39;t they? According to the Lone, people there have to face such situation in every winter.

Another resident Mohammad Snaullah Lone, a teacher by profession said &quot;We have a nice hospital which is well equipped&nbsp;but there is no one to handle the&nbsp;equipment. There are no expert technicians&nbsp;and doctors.&#39;&#39; He further complained that a&nbsp;few weeks back doctors&nbsp;were transferred&nbsp;to that place but no one joined as they are having political&nbsp;connections and don&#39;t want to come&nbsp;to&nbsp;such a remote&nbsp;area&quot;. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Srinagar-based defence spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia said, '7-year-old Taufik, who lives in Gurez, suffered acute pain as a result of appendicitis on January 31 night and needed immediate medical care'

Gurez, a picturesque valley just a few kilometres away from the Line of Control (LoC) in the border district of district Bandipora, remain cut off from rest of Kashmir for the past four months because of heavy snowfall. The people of the area live in miserable conditions during this four months and suffer most because of ill health care. On 31st of January, a seven-year-old boy from the area complained of acute pain in the abdomen. Seeing his unbearable pain, parents admitted him to a hospital in Gurez. Though the hospital was well-equipped, nobody was there to operate the facilities available. A junior doctor present diagnosed that the child was suffering from appendicitis and needed to be operated upon immediately which was not possible at the hospital. The doctor suggested the parents of the seven-year-old boy to shift him to Srinagar. However, even that was not possible as the road was closed due to bad weather. The chopper service was also not operational for the last three days due to the continuous snowfall and cloudy weather. At this difficult time when helpless parents were seeing their kid in unbearable pain and not been able to do anything, Indian army came forward to help. A local army unit located in Gurez signalled the IAF base in Srinagar and requested for the helicopter to airlift the child to Srinagar. Srinagar-based defence spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia said that the seven-year-old Taufik suffered acute pain as a result of appendicitis on January 31 night and needed immediate medical care. Due to non-availability of adequate medicare in the area, he had to be shifted to Srinagar for treatment. The message for shifting was received at the Air Force Station, Srinagar, at night. The crew along with a helicopter was put on standby. However, bad weather at Gurez prevented the helicopter from getting airborne the next morning,” the defence spokesman said. He said the helicopter was then assigned to another assignment. “On its way back from the assignment, the helicopter crew received a message that the weather at Gurez had improved to marginal. The helicopter was diverted to the landing site. After the successful landing, Taufik and his father were picked up despite continuous snowfall and low clouds and moved to Srinagar,” the spokesman said. And boy's life was saved with the help of Indian Air Force and he was taken to Srinagar for treatment on February 1 where his condition is stable. Local residents of Gurez and family members of Tawfiq thanked the air forces. Taufiq's father Ghulam Rasool Lone thanked the Army especially the rescue team of the Air Force, who undertook a 'risky landing' to save the child's life in that bad weather condition. ''If Air Force personnel did not come forward to help, my child would have died. Due to their swift action my child survived,'' he said. Cursing the local administration he said "Pawan Hans Chopper Service, started by the administration is a failure when the army helicopter landed, why can't they? According to the Lone, people there have to face such situation in every winter. Another resident Mohammad Snaullah Lone, a teacher by profession said "We have a nice hospital which is well equipped but there is no one to handle the equipment. There are no expert technicians and doctors.'' He further complained that a few weeks back doctors were transferred to that place but no one joined as they are having political connections and don't want to come to such a remote area".

Indian Air Force saves 7-year-old boy from snowbound Gurez Valley

The Indian Army on Thursday carried out a &ldquo;retaliatory action&rdquo; against Pakistani troops, killing 2 of their soldiers and injuring many others along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir&rsquo;s RS Pura sector.

The BSF destroyed a Pakistani bunker that led to the killing of these two Pakistani Rangers.

Earlier, a BSF soldier was killed when Pakistani troops breached border ceasefire and fired on border guards in RS Pura sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday.

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We retaliated effectively which led to damage on that (Pakistan) side. BSF never starts it but when they do, we make sure we take strong action. Martyrdom of Head Constable A Suresh will not go in vain: KK Sharma, DG BSF on ceasefire violation by Pakistan <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/QEaSijhEph">pic.twitter.com/QEaSijhEph</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/953890240032198656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>: Houses damaged due to ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Samba&#39;s RS Pura last night. <a href="https://t.co/Tg2nrkHIRq">pic.twitter.com/Tg2nrkHIRq</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/953884785725722626?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Jammu: Wreath laying ceremony of BSF Head Constable A Suresh of 78 Bn who lost his life in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in R S Pura sector of Samba district last night. <a href="https://t.co/5R0no2YE69">pic.twitter.com/5R0no2YE69</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/953884664787189765?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire by firing and shelling along the International Border in R S Pura sector.

BSF sources said Pakistani Rangers breached border ceasefire in R S Pura sector of Jammu at around 9 pm yesterday by firing on the BSF posts.

They said a BSF jawan sustained critical injuries in the Pakistani troops firing.

&ldquo;The injured jawan was evacuated to hospital, where he succumbed to injuries,&rdquo; sources said.

BSF sources said Pakistani Rangers breached border ceasefire in R S Pura sector of Jammu at around 9 pm yesterday

The Indian Army on Thursday carried out a “retaliatory action” against Pakistani troops, killing 2 of their soldiers and injuring many others along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir’s RS Pura sector. The BSF destroyed a Pakistani bunker that led to the killing of these two Pakistani Rangers. Earlier, a BSF soldier was killed when Pakistani troops breached border ceasefire and fired on border guards in RS Pura sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. We retaliated effectively which led to damage on that (Pakistan) side. BSF never starts it but when they do, we make sure we take strong action. Martyrdom of Head Constable A Suresh will not go in vain: KK Sharma, DG BSF on ceasefire violation by Pakistan #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/QEaSijhEph — ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2018 × #JammuAndKashmir: Houses damaged due to ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Samba's RS Pura last night. pic.twitter.com/Tg2nrkHIRq — ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2018 × Jammu: Wreath laying ceremony of BSF Head Constable A Suresh of 78 Bn who lost his life in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in R S Pura sector of Samba district last night. pic.twitter.com/5R0no2YE69 — ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2018 × Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire by firing and shelling along the International Border in R S Pura sector. BSF sources said Pakistani Rangers breached border ceasefire in R S Pura sector of Jammu at around 9 pm yesterday by firing on the BSF posts. They said a BSF jawan sustained critical injuries in the Pakistani troops firing. “The injured jawan was evacuated to hospital, where he succumbed to injuries,” sources said.

Indian Army retaliates, kills 2 Pakistani soldiers

After <a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/wont-allow-anti-india-activities-in-kashmir-army-chief-29627">General Bipin Rawat indicated that the Indian Army</a> could cross the border to tackle terrorism in J&amp;K, the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Major General Asif Ghafoor hit back saying Indian army chief&#39;s statement was &quot;irresponsible&quot; and &quot;unbecoming&quot; of a four-star general.

On the occasion of Army Day, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gen-rawats-remarks-on-dokalam-unconstructive-china-29595">General Rawat had said that the military</a> was ready to escalate the offensive in J&amp;K to combat cross-border terrorism, in a clear reference to crossing the LoC, asserting&nbsp;&quot;if we are forced, then we may escalate our military action and carry out &#39;other action&#39;.&quot;

In a tit-for-tat response, Ghafoor told Pakistan&#39;s Dawn newspaper: &quot;Should India wish to test our resolve they may try and see it for themselves. We have a credible nuclear capability exclusively meant for threats from the East.&quot;

Pakistan&#39;s military wing added that Pakistan considers its nuclear capability to be a &quot;weapon of deterrence&quot; and not an &quot;option for war&quot;.

&quot;The only thing stopping them is our credible nuclear deterrence as there is no space of war between the two nuclear states,&quot; Ghafoor said, adding,&quot;Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state with a professional army, therefore India must not remain in illusion.&quot;

Pakistan&#39;s foreign ministry in a statement said: &quot;These are not issues to be taken lightly. There must not be any misadventure based on a miscalculation.&quot;

&quot;Pakistan is fully capable of defending itself,&quot; the statement added.

General Rawat had said the Pakistan Army was continuously trying to help terrorists sneak into India along the Line of Control (LoC) in J&amp;K, adding that the Indian Army is using its might &quot;to teach them a lesson.&quot;

General Rawat had said that the military was ready to escalate the offensive in J&K to combat cross-border terrorism

After General Bipin Rawat indicated that the Indian Army could cross the border to tackle terrorism in J&K, the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Major General Asif Ghafoor hit back saying Indian army chief's statement was "irresponsible" and "unbecoming" of a four-star general. On the occasion of Army Day, General Rawat had said that the military was ready to escalate the offensive in J&K to combat cross-border terrorism, in a clear reference to crossing the LoC, asserting "if we are forced, then we may escalate our military action and carry out 'other action'." In a tit-for-tat response, Ghafoor told Pakistan's Dawn newspaper: "Should India wish to test our resolve they may try and see it for themselves. We have a credible nuclear capability exclusively meant for threats from the East." Pakistan's military wing added that Pakistan considers its nuclear capability to be a "weapon of deterrence" and not an "option for war". "The only thing stopping them is our credible nuclear deterrence as there is no space of war between the two nuclear states," Ghafoor said, adding,"Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state with a professional army, therefore India must not remain in illusion." Pakistan's foreign ministry in a statement said: "These are not issues to be taken lightly. There must not be any misadventure based on a miscalculation." "Pakistan is fully capable of defending itself," the statement added. General Rawat had said the Pakistan Army was continuously trying to help terrorists sneak into India along the Line of Control (LoC) in J&K, adding that the Indian Army is using its might "to teach them a lesson."

We have credible nuclear capability should India test our resolve: Pakistan

Five Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists were killed last night while they were trying to cross the Jhelum river in a boat in Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Uri sector.

However, the attempt was foiled by the alert security forces, which reportedly had prior information about the movement of suicide attackers from across the border. &nbsp;

It was 3 am at night, Uri sector was calm and the only sounds could be heard were of flowing river water and cold snow breeze.&nbsp;

But soon this silence turned into a fierce gun battle between the terrorists and Indian Army.

It was the time when alert Army men at Dulanja area of Uri noticed the suspicious movement and the terrorist in the boat were challenged.

The battle lasted for hours and a search operation was launched in this regard.&nbsp;

Divulging details of the operation, Brigadier YS Ahlawat 12 sector said, &ldquo;Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists were killed while they were trying to cross the Jhelum river in a boat in Uri sector. The bodies of four terrorists have been recovered while the body of the fifth suicide attacker is lying on the other side of the Jhelum&quot;&nbsp;

He further added, &quot;A major infiltration bid by a suicide group has been foiled along the Line of Control (LoC). A major tragedy has been averted on the Army Day. Alert Army troops tracked their movement and were successful in eliminating five terrorists.&quot;

Arms and ammunition including four AK-47, 3 UBGL (under barrel grenade launcher) 38 UBGL grenades, 23 hand grenades and 9 IEDs were recovered during search operations, indicating the terrorists had planned of something big ahead of the Republic Day.

Uri is located on the left bank of the Jhelum river, about 10 kms of the Line of Control with Pakistan.

The army tracked their footprints and as they were crossing the river, a fierce gun battle took place.&nbsp;

This is not the first time when terrorist tried to infiltrate via Uri sector especially in winters as this is the only area which is less snow covered.&nbsp;

The army reportedly had prior information about the movement of suicide attackers from across the border

Five Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists were killed last night while they were trying to cross the Jhelum river in a boat in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri sector. However, the attempt was foiled by the alert security forces, which reportedly had prior information about the movement of suicide attackers from across the border. It was 3 am at night, Uri sector was calm and the only sounds could be heard were of flowing river water and cold snow breeze. But soon this silence turned into a fierce gun battle between the terrorists and Indian Army. It was the time when alert Army men at Dulanja area of Uri noticed the suspicious movement and the terrorist in the boat were challenged. The battle lasted for hours and a search operation was launched in this regard. Divulging details of the operation, Brigadier YS Ahlawat 12 sector said, “Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists were killed while they were trying to cross the Jhelum river in a boat in Uri sector. The bodies of four terrorists have been recovered while the body of the fifth suicide attacker is lying on the other side of the Jhelum" He further added, "A major infiltration bid by a suicide group has been foiled along the Line of Control (LoC). A major tragedy has been averted on the Army Day. Alert Army troops tracked their movement and were successful in eliminating five terrorists." Arms and ammunition including four AK-47, 3 UBGL (under barrel grenade launcher) 38 UBGL grenades, 23 hand grenades and 9 IEDs were recovered during search operations, indicating the terrorists had planned of something big ahead of the Republic Day. Uri is located on the left bank of the Jhelum river, about 10 kms of the Line of Control with Pakistan. The army tracked their footprints and as they were crossing the river, a fierce gun battle took place. This is not the first time when terrorist tried to infiltrate via Uri sector especially in winters as this is the only area which is less snow covered.

Major infiltration bid by suicide group foiled in Uri, says Army

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday said that schools in Jammu and Kashmir are instilling wrong information into students&#39; mind by showing them a separate map of their state and not as one Indian map.

&quot;In the schools in Jammu and Kashmir, what teachers are teaching should not be taught. In schools, there can be seen two maps - one of India another of Jammu and Kashmir. Why do we need a separate map for the state? What does it teach the children?&quot; Rawat said addressing the media ahead of the Army Day on January 15.

On <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-should-not-expect-us-to-do-its-work-army-chief-on-pakistan-29340">combating terrorism</a> in Jammu and Kashmir, General Rawat asserted, &quot;We may have neutralised several terrorists but we have also caught 39 of them alive because we wanted to give them a second chance.&quot;

He also called for changing India&#39;s focus from the western frontier to the northern one in the wake of growing Chinese presence in India&#39;s neighbourhood like Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Myanmar, which have traditionally close ties with New Delhi.

&quot;For too long, we have kept our focus on the western front. I think time has come for us to focus on the northern border. Therefore our infrastructure development on the northern border has to be speeded up,&quot; he said.

General Rawat said countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have to be kept on board as part of a broader strategy to deal with China.

&quot;I think we cannot allow the neighbourhood to be drifted away from us - whether it is Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka or Afghanistan. These nations have to be kept on board, and I think we have to put in our wholehearted effort to ensure we continue to support them,&quot; he said.

&quot;We are seeking support of other nations, group of nations in the region, to see that we are not isolated completely in a situation in Asia against an assertive China. That is the next step that is being taken and therefore you will find that a quadrilateral is formed,&quot; General Rawat said.

In November last year, India, Japan, Australia and the US had set the ball rolling for forming a quadrilateral coalition in the Indo-Pacific region to pursue their common interests, a move seen as a measure to counter growing Chinese influence.

He said there are other countries that are coming on board to support India in whatever way they can.

&quot;At the military level, we know that if there is a threat from China, we have to be prepared for it,&quot; he said.

He said by keeping these nations with it, India would be able to make sure that the assertiveness that China is showing against it is balenced in some way.

&quot;That is the approach we are taking. We know China is a powerful country but let us also not forget that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-may-be-a-powerful-country-but-india-is-not-a-weak-nation-either-army-chief-gen-bipin-rawat-29325">we are not a weak nation</a>. Let&#39;s not get so worried. We are dealing with the situation. We are confident we will be able to handle the situation,&quot; he said.

Troops of India and China were locked in a 73-day-long standoff in Doklam starting in June last year after the Indian side stopped construction of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army. Bhutan and China have a dispute over Doklam. The face-off ended on August 28.

General Rawat said China has been keeping its troops in north Doklam.

He said India is dealing with China at different levels including through diplomatic engagement.

He also called for changing India's focus from the western frontier to the northern one in the wake of growing Chinese presence in India's neighbourhood.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday said that schools in Jammu and Kashmir are instilling wrong information into students' mind by showing them a separate map of their state and not as one Indian map. "In the schools in Jammu and Kashmir, what teachers are teaching should not be taught. In schools, there can be seen two maps - one of India another of Jammu and Kashmir. Why do we need a separate map for the state? What does it teach the children?" Rawat said addressing the media ahead of the Army Day on January 15. On combating terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, General Rawat asserted, "We may have neutralised several terrorists but we have also caught 39 of them alive because we wanted to give them a second chance." He also called for changing India's focus from the western frontier to the northern one in the wake of growing Chinese presence in India's neighbourhood like Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Myanmar, which have traditionally close ties with New Delhi. "For too long, we have kept our focus on the western front. I think time has come for us to focus on the northern border. Therefore our infrastructure development on the northern border has to be speeded up," he said. General Rawat said countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have to be kept on board as part of a broader strategy to deal with China. "I think we cannot allow the neighbourhood to be drifted away from us - whether it is Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka or Afghanistan. These nations have to be kept on board, and I think we have to put in our wholehearted effort to ensure we continue to support them," he said. "We are seeking support of other nations, group of nations in the region, to see that we are not isolated completely in a situation in Asia against an assertive China. That is the next step that is being taken and therefore you will find that a quadrilateral is formed," General Rawat said. In November last year, India, Japan, Australia and the US had set the ball rolling for forming a quadrilateral coalition in the Indo-Pacific region to pursue their common interests, a move seen as a measure to counter growing Chinese influence. He said there are other countries that are coming on board to support India in whatever way they can. "At the military level, we know that if there is a threat from China, we have to be prepared for it," he said. He said by keeping these nations with it, India would be able to make sure that the assertiveness that China is showing against it is balenced in some way. "That is the approach we are taking. We know China is a powerful country but let us also not forget that we are not a weak nation. Let's not get so worried. We are dealing with the situation. We are confident we will be able to handle the situation," he said. Troops of India and China were locked in a 73-day-long standoff in Doklam starting in June last year after the Indian side stopped construction of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army. Bhutan and China have a dispute over Doklam. The face-off ended on August 28. General Rawat said China has been keeping its troops in north Doklam. He said India is dealing with China at different levels including through diplomatic engagement.

'Why do teachers in J&K use separate map for state?' asks Army Chief

The Indian Army killed 138 Pakistan Army personnel in 2017 in tactical operations and retaliatory cross-border firings along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, government intelligence sources said today.

The Indian Army lost 28 soldiers during the same period along the LoC, the sources said.

The sources said the Pakistan Army usually does not acknowledge the deaths of its personnel and shows them as civilian casualties in certain cases.

The Indian Army has been adopting a &quot;tough&quot; approach in dealing with ceasefire violations and terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir in the last one year.

The Pakistan Army has suffered 138 fatal and 155 non- fatal casualties in tactical operations and retaliatory cross-border firings along the LoC in 2017, the intelligence sources told PTI.

A total of 70 Indian Army personnel were injured during cross border firings and other incidents.

Asked about the fatalities on the Pakistani side, the Army refused to comment. However, Army spokesperson Col Aman Anand said India has been effectively retaliating against all ceasefire violations by the Pakistan Army and will continue to do so.

According to official figures, 860 incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops were reported in 2017 as against 221 last year.

It seems the Pakistan Army has a policy of not acknowledging the killing of its personnel, the sources said. They also referred to the Kargil war when Pakistan had declined to accept casualties despite proof given by India.

The sources also cited an incident on December 25 when a group of five Army commandos crossed the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir and killed three Pakistani soldiers. The Pakistan Army had posted a tweet that day acknowledging the deaths but later deleted it.

The Pakistan Army&#39;s spokesperson two days later rejected reports that Indian commandos selectively targeted a post across the LoC and killed three of its soldiers.

The intelligence sources said Indian Army killed 27 Pakistani soldiers in sniper firing last year while seven of its soldiers lost their lives in Pakistani sniper firing along the LoC.

As part of its policy of &quot;hot pursuit&quot;, the Indian Army has been carrying out tactical operations to foil Pakistan Army&#39;s support to terrorists.

In May last year, the Indian Army had said it launched &quot;punitive fire assaults&quot; on Pakistani positions across the LoC, inflicting &quot;some damage&quot;, days after two Indian Army personnel were beheaded.&nbsp;

The sources said the Indian Army lost 28 soldiers during the same period

The Indian Army killed 138 Pakistan Army personnel in 2017 in tactical operations and retaliatory cross-border firings along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, government intelligence sources said today. The Indian Army lost 28 soldiers during the same period along the LoC, the sources said. The sources said the Pakistan Army usually does not acknowledge the deaths of its personnel and shows them as civilian casualties in certain cases. 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 Pakistan Army has suffered 138 fatal and 155 non- fatal casualties in tactical operations and retaliatory cross-border firings along the LoC in 2017, the intelligence sources told PTI. A total of 70 Indian Army personnel were injured during cross border firings and other incidents. Asked about the fatalities on the Pakistani side, the Army refused to comment. However, Army spokesperson Col Aman Anand said India has been effectively retaliating against all ceasefire violations by the Pakistan Army and will continue to do so. According to official figures, 860 incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops were reported in 2017 as against 221 last year. It seems the Pakistan Army has a policy of not acknowledging the killing of its personnel, the sources said. They also referred to the Kargil war when Pakistan had declined to accept casualties despite proof given by India. The sources also cited an incident on December 25 when a group of five Army commandos crossed the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir and killed three Pakistani soldiers. The Pakistan Army had posted a tweet that day acknowledging the deaths but later deleted it. The Pakistan Army's spokesperson two days later rejected reports that Indian commandos selectively targeted a post across the LoC and killed three of its soldiers. The intelligence sources said Indian Army killed 27 Pakistani soldiers in sniper firing last year while seven of its soldiers lost their lives in Pakistani sniper firing along the LoC. As part of its policy of "hot pursuit", the Indian Army has been carrying out tactical operations to foil Pakistan Army's support to terrorists. In May last year, the Indian Army had said it launched "punitive fire assaults" on Pakistani positions across the LoC, inflicting "some damage", days after two Indian Army personnel were beheaded.

Indian Army killed 138 Pakistani soldiers across LoC in 2017: Sources

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/saale-ko-goli-maaro-armed-men-shouted-as-they-tried-to-abduct-wions-pakistan-bureau-chief-29126" target="_blank">&#39;Saale ko </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/saale-ko-goli-maaro-armed-men-shouted-as-they-tried-to-abduct-wions-pakistan-bureau-chief-29126" target="_blank">goli</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/saale-ko-goli-maaro-armed-men-shouted-as-they-tried-to-abduct-wions-pakistan-bureau-chief-29126" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/saale-ko-goli-maaro-armed-men-shouted-as-they-tried-to-abduct-wions-pakistan-bureau-chief-29126" target="_blank">maaro</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/saale-ko-goli-maaro-armed-men-shouted-as-they-tried-to-abduct-wions-pakistan-bureau-chief-29126" target="_blank">,&#39; armed men shouted as they tried to abduct WION&#39;s Pakistan bureau chief Taha </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/saale-ko-goli-maaro-armed-men-shouted-as-they-tried-to-abduct-wions-pakistan-bureau-chief-29126" target="_blank">Siddiqui</a>

WION&#39;s Pakistan bureau chief&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/wions-pakistan-bureau-chief-taha-siddiqui-narrowly-escapes-abduction-attempt-29101" target="_blank">narrowly escaped an abduction attempt</a>&nbsp;on him this morning in Islamabad, Pakistan. Taha Siddiqui had been on his way to the Islamabad airport in a cab early Wednesday morning -- he was going on leave for three days -- when another car overtook him and blocked his path.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/uidai-issues-virtual-id-against-aadhaar-to-strengthen-data-security-29128" target="_blank">After report of Aadhar details being sold, UIDAI issues virtual IDs</a>

Days after a media report that Aadhaar details were being sold for as little as Rs 500, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on Wednesday introduced virtual IDs for Aadhar holders which can be used in lieu of a person&#39;s Aadhaar number.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-origin-shopkeeper-beaten-to-death-in-uk-29141" target="_blank">Indian-origin shopkeeper beaten to death in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-origin-shopkeeper-beaten-to-death-in-uk-29141" target="_blank">UK</a>

An Indian-origin shopkeeper was killed after he was punched for refusing to serve cigarette paper to under-age UK teenagers at his shop in north London. Vijay Patel, 49, was attacked in Mill Hill area of the city on Saturday night and rushed to a hospital, where he died of head injuries on Monday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/1984-anti-sikh-riots-case-supreme-court-orders-re-investigation-of-186-cases-29114" target="_blank">1984 anti-Sikh riots: SC orders reinvestigation of 186 cases</a>

The Supreme Court on Wednesday has ordered re-investigation of 186 cases in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. These cases had earlier been closed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-killed-138-pakistani-soldiers-across-loc-in-2017-sources-29119" target="_blank">Indian Army killed 138 Pakistani soldiers across LoC in 2017: Sources</a>

The Indian Army killed 138 Pakistan Army personnel in 2017 in tactical operations and retaliatory cross-border firings along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, government intelligence sources said today.

'Saale ko goli maaro,' armed men shouted as they tried to abduct WION's Pakistan bureau chief Taha Siddiqui WION's Pakistan bureau chief narrowly escaped an abduction attempt on him this morning in Islamabad, Pakistan. Taha Siddiqui had been on his way to the Islamabad airport in a cab early Wednesday morning -- he was going on leave for three days -- when another car overtook him and blocked his path. After report of Aadhar details being sold, UIDAI issues virtual IDs Days after a media report that Aadhaar details were being sold for as little as Rs 500, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on Wednesday introduced virtual IDs for Aadhar holders which can be used in lieu of a person's Aadhaar number. Indian-origin shopkeeper beaten to death in UK An Indian-origin shopkeeper was killed after he was punched for refusing to serve cigarette paper to under-age UK teenagers at his shop in north London. Vijay Patel, 49, was attacked in Mill Hill area of the city on Saturday night and rushed to a hospital, where he died of head injuries on Monday. 1984 anti-Sikh riots: SC orders reinvestigation of 186 cases The Supreme Court on Wednesday has ordered re-investigation of 186 cases in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. These cases had earlier been closed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case. Indian Army killed 138 Pakistani soldiers across LoC in 2017: Sources The Indian Army killed 138 Pakistan Army personnel in 2017 in tactical operations and retaliatory cross-border firings along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, government intelligence sources said today.

WION Evening News brief, January 10, 2018

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat has stressed on the need for modernisation of the armed forces.

He also added that we have reached a time in which we need to take cues from the &quot;Arthshastra&quot; and &quot;Chanakya Niti&quot;.

General Rawat also lauded the advancement in defence technology development and said that the future wars would be fought in more difficult circumstances and we should be prepared for it.

&quot;There is a huge requirement of modernisation of our armed forces, in every field. The future wars will be fought in difficult terrains and circumstances and we have to be prepared for them,&quot; the army chief said.

General Rawat was addressing a gathering at the Army Technology Seminar in Delhi.

He also assured the government on the proper utilisation of technology if the industry assisted the armed forces.

&quot;A good headway has been made in lightweight bullet-proof material and fuel cell technology. The journey has begun and this must continue. We are confident that if we get support from the industry, we will walk the extra mile to ensure that we utilise the technology they give us,&quot; the army chief said.&nbsp;

General Rawat also stressed on the need for making ammunition in India&nbsp;and minimising the usage of imported military equipment, saying that imports in defence technology should be lowered down and India should fight the next war with home-made solutions.

&quot;We would like to gradually move away from imports (in defence technology), because, for a nation like ours, the time has come to ensure that we fight the next war with homemade solutions,&quot; he said.

The Indian Army last year announced plans to replace old weapons and said that they are&nbsp;planning to acquire&nbsp;7 lakh rifles, &nbsp;44,000 light machine guns (LMGs) and nearly 44,600 carbines.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

General Rawat stressed on the need for making ammunition in India and minimising the usage of imported military equipment, saying that imports in defence technology should be lowered down

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat has stressed on the need for modernisation of the armed forces. He also added that we have reached a time in which we need to take cues from the "Arthshastra" and "Chanakya Niti". General Rawat also lauded the advancement in defence technology development and said that the future wars would be fought in more difficult circumstances and we should be prepared for it. "There is a huge requirement of modernisation of our armed forces, in every field. The future wars will be fought in difficult terrains and circumstances and we have to be prepared for them," the army chief said. General Rawat was addressing a gathering at the Army Technology Seminar in Delhi. He also assured the government on the proper utilisation of technology if the industry assisted the armed forces. "A good headway has been made in lightweight bullet-proof material and fuel cell technology. The journey has begun and this must continue. We are confident that if we get support from the industry, we will walk the extra mile to ensure that we utilise the technology they give us," the army chief said. General Rawat also stressed on the need for making ammunition in India and minimising the usage of imported military equipment, saying that imports in defence technology should be lowered down and India should fight the next war with home-made solutions. "We would like to gradually move away from imports (in defence technology), because, for a nation like ours, the time has come to ensure that we fight the next war with homemade solutions," he said. The Indian Army last year announced plans to replace old weapons and said that they are planning to acquire 7 lakh rifles, 44,000 light machine guns (LMGs) and nearly 44,600 carbines.

Next war should be fought with home-made solutions: Army chief

The Pakistani Army on Thursday resorted to shelling and also fired from small arms and automatic weapons along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Poonch district.

The Indian Army retaliated strongly.

&quot;Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked firing of small arms and automatic weapons and also shelling from late this afternoon in Shahpur sector of Poonch district along the LoC,&quot; a police officer said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Poonch&#39;s Shahpur sector <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/J?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#J</a>&amp;K (earlier visuals) <a href="https://t.co/OLbOHkBRUN">pic.twitter.com/OLbOHkBRUN</a>
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Indian troops also replied back, he said.

On the night of January 3, Pakistan troops had resorted to unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatic weapons and mortars along the LoC in Rajouri sector.

The same morning, Pakistan Rangers violated the ceasefire and resorted to sniper fire on a forward post along the International Border (IB) in Hiranagar sector of Samba district killing BSF Head Constable R P Hazra.

Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked firing of small arms and automatic weapons and also shelling from late this afternoon in Shahpur sector of Poonch district along the LoC.

The Pakistani Army on Thursday resorted to shelling and also fired from small arms and automatic weapons along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district. The Indian Army retaliated strongly. "Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked firing of small arms and automatic weapons and also shelling from late this afternoon in Shahpur sector of Poonch district along the LoC," a police officer said. #WATCH Ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Poonch's Shahpur sector #J&K (earlier visuals) pic.twitter.com/OLbOHkBRUN — ANI (@ANI) January 5, 2018 × Indian troops also replied back, he said. On the night of January 3, Pakistan troops had resorted to unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatic weapons and mortars along the LoC in Rajouri sector. The same morning, Pakistan Rangers violated the ceasefire and resorted to sniper fire on a forward post along the International Border (IB) in Hiranagar sector of Samba district killing BSF Head Constable R P Hazra.

Watch: Pakistan troops open fire along LoC, Indian Army retaliates

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

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

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

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

The Pakistani media reported Monday that India had killed three Pakistani soldiers along the Line of Control.

It added that one Pakistani soldier was wounded.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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India has killed three Pakistan Army soldiers along LOC at Rakhchikri, Rawlakot sector. One Pak soldier is injured: Pakistan media <a href="https://t.co/mgy2WkaGWy">pic.twitter.com/mgy2WkaGWy</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945339431434600449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Indian Army troops crossed over the Line of Control (PoK) &amp; killed three Pakistani army soldiers, one Pak soldier injured. This was in retaliation to the four Indian Army personnel killed on Saturday? in ceasefire violation by Pakistan: Intelligence Sources
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945475527619391488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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ANI reported Tuesday, quoting intelligence sources, that Indian Army troops had crossed over the Line of Control and killed the three soldiers.&nbsp;

ANI added that the killings were in retaliation to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-3-soldiers-killed-in-pakistan-ceasefire-violation-in-keri-27540" target="_blank">four Indian Army personnel killed</a> on Saturday in the ceasefire violation by Pakistan.&nbsp;

The Inter-Services Public Relations, the media wing of the Pakistan Armed Forces, said the killings had been caused by a ceasefire violation.&nbsp;

&ldquo;India initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation along LoC at Rakhchikri, Rawlakot sector. Three soldiers embraced shahadat (died). One injured,&rdquo; it said on its website.&nbsp;

The ISPR added that Pakistani troops had given a &quot;strong response&quot; to the attack.&nbsp;

Some media outlets&nbsp;however quoted the Indian Army as denying the reports, blaming Pakistan for the ceasefire violation, and saying the Pakistani&nbsp;soldiers may have died in return fire.&nbsp;

The three Pakistani soldiers killed, sources said, belonged to the 59 Baloch Regiment, 12 infantry division.&nbsp;

They were identified as Sepoy Sajjad, M Usma, and Abdul Rehman.&nbsp;

The injured Pakistani soldier was identified as Athzaz Hussain.&nbsp;

The sources added that the &quot;action&quot;&nbsp;took place in the Rakhchakri area of Rawalkot on the afternoon of December 25.&nbsp;

The ceasefire along the LoC and International Border in Jammu and Kashmir has been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-violated-ceasefire-881-times-along-loc-ib-27216" target="_blank">violated </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-violated-ceasefire-881-times-along-loc-ib-27216">881 times this year.</a>&nbsp;

The four Indian soldiers killed on Saturday included a major, two lance naiks, and a sepoy.&nbsp;

Four Indian Army soldiers had been killed in the ceasefire violation in Keri on Saturday

The Pakistani media reported Monday that India had killed three Pakistani soldiers along the Line of Control. It added that one Pakistani soldier was wounded. India has killed three Pakistan Army soldiers along LOC at Rakhchikri, Rawlakot sector. One Pak soldier is injured: Pakistan media pic.twitter.com/mgy2WkaGWy — ANI (@ANI) December 25, 2017 × Indian Army troops crossed over the Line of Control (PoK) & killed three Pakistani army soldiers, one Pak soldier injured. This was in retaliation to the four Indian Army personnel killed on Saturday? in ceasefire violation by Pakistan: Intelligence Sources — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2017 × ANI reported Tuesday, quoting intelligence sources, that Indian Army troops had crossed over the Line of Control and killed the three soldiers. ANI added that the killings were in retaliation to the four Indian Army personnel killed on Saturday in the ceasefire violation by Pakistan. The Inter-Services Public Relations, the media wing of the Pakistan Armed Forces, said the killings had been caused by a ceasefire violation. “India initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation along LoC at Rakhchikri, Rawlakot sector. Three soldiers embraced shahadat (died). One injured,” it said on its website. The ISPR added that Pakistani troops had given a "strong response" to the attack. Some media outlets however quoted the Indian Army as denying the reports, blaming Pakistan for the ceasefire violation, and saying the Pakistani soldiers may have died in return fire. The three Pakistani soldiers killed, sources said, belonged to the 59 Baloch Regiment, 12 infantry division. They were identified as Sepoy Sajjad, M Usma, and Abdul Rehman. The injured Pakistani soldier was identified as Athzaz Hussain. The sources added that the "action" took place in the Rakhchakri area of Rawalkot on the afternoon of December 25. The ceasefire along the LoC and International Border in Jammu and Kashmir has been violated 881 times this year. The four Indian soldiers killed on Saturday included a major, two lance naiks, and a sepoy.

Indian Army crosses LoC, kills 3 Pakistani soldiers in retaliation for Keri attack: Report

The Indian Army said Sunday that the bodies of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-3-soldiers-killed-in-pakistan-ceasefire-violation-in-keri-27540" target="_blank">four soldiers killed</a> in the ceasefire violation yesterday were not mutilated.&nbsp;

News reports had said the bodies of the soldiers had been mutilated.&nbsp;

The army said Sunday that the injuries suffered had been &quot;due to splinters and gun shot wounds&quot;.&nbsp;

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Death of four army personnel in ceasefire violation by Pakistan, yesterday: Army clarifies &quot;there has been no mutilation of bodies, the injuries suffered are due to splinters and gun shot wounds sustained due to firing by the enemy on the patrol&quot;
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/944798344936792064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Three soldiers and one officer had been killed Saturday in a ceasefire violation blamed on Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Rajouri district.&nbsp;

The officer was identified as Major Prafulla Ambadas Moharkar.

The soldiers as Lance Naik Gurmail Singh, Lance Naik Kuldeep Singh and Sepoy Pargat Singh.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh had condemned Pakistan for the ceasefire violation.

&quot;Pakistan is indulging in such cowardly actions and is being given a befitting response, but it does not desist from such cowardly acts. Pakistan is a terrorist state and it will not be too long before the country is declared a terrorist state by the world. It does not only support terrorism but also provide state sponsorship,&quot; Singh told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.

Major Ambadas&nbsp;hailed from Bhandara district in Maharashtra and is survived by his wife Avoli.

Lance Naik Gurmail Singh&nbsp;belonged to Amritsar district in Punjab and is survived by his wife Kuljit Kaur and a daughter.

Lance Naik Kuldeep Singh belonged to Bhatinda, Punjab and is survived by his wife Jaspreet Kaur and two children.&nbsp;

Sepoy Pargat Singh&nbsp;belonged to Karnal district in Haryana and is survived by his wife Ramanpreet Kaur and a son, the army said.

News reports had said the bodies of the soldiers had been mutilated

The Indian Army said Sunday that the bodies of the four soldiers killed in the ceasefire violation yesterday were not mutilated. News reports had said the bodies of the soldiers had been mutilated. The army said Sunday that the injuries suffered had been "due to splinters and gun shot wounds". Death of four army personnel in ceasefire violation by Pakistan, yesterday: Army clarifies "there has been no mutilation of bodies, the injuries suffered are due to splinters and gun shot wounds sustained due to firing by the enemy on the patrol" — ANI (@ANI) December 24, 2017 × Three soldiers and one officer had been killed Saturday in a ceasefire violation blamed on Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district. The officer was identified as Major Prafulla Ambadas Moharkar. The soldiers as Lance Naik Gurmail Singh, Lance Naik Kuldeep Singh and Sepoy Pargat Singh. Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh had condemned Pakistan for the ceasefire violation. "Pakistan is indulging in such cowardly actions and is being given a befitting response, but it does not desist from such cowardly acts. Pakistan is a terrorist state and it will not be too long before the country is declared a terrorist state by the world. It does not only support terrorism but also provide state sponsorship," Singh told reporters on the sidelines of a function here. Major Ambadas hailed from Bhandara district in Maharashtra and is survived by his wife Avoli. Lance Naik Gurmail Singh belonged to Amritsar district in Punjab and is survived by his wife Kuljit Kaur and a daughter. Lance Naik Kuldeep Singh belonged to Bhatinda, Punjab and is survived by his wife Jaspreet Kaur and two children. Sepoy Pargat Singh belonged to Karnal district in Haryana and is survived by his wife Ramanpreet Kaur and a son, the army said.

Soldiers' bodies were not mutilated, says army

At least four Indian soldiers, including a senior officer, were on Saturday killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan at the Keri (120 Infantry Brigade) Battalion area of Jammu and Kashmir.

Major Moharkar Prafulla Ambadas, 32, Lance Naik Gurmail Singh, 34, and Sepoy Pargat Singh, 30,&nbsp; and Lance Naik Kuldeep Singh were grievously injured during the ceasefire violation and succumbed to their injuries.&nbsp;

One soldier&nbsp;was injured in the firing and is undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital.&nbsp;

The Army, in a statement, said that Indian troops retaliated &quot;strongly and effectively&quot;.

Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh paid rich tributes to the slain soldiers and condemned Pakistan for the ceasefire violation further adding that Pakistan has got isolated at the global stage, especially on the issue of terrorism.

&quot;Pakistan is indulging in such cowardly actions and is being given a befitting response, but it does not desist from such cowardly acts. Pakistan is a terrorist state and it will not be too long before the country is declared a terrorist state by the world. It does not only support terrorism but also provide state sponsorship,&quot; Singh told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.

Major Ambadas&nbsp;belonged to Bhandara district in Maharashtra and is survived by wife Avoli Moharkar, while Lance Naik Gurmail Singh&nbsp;belonged to Amritsar district in Punjab and is survived by wife Kuljit Kaur and a daughter.

Sepoy Pargat Singh&nbsp;belonged to Karnal district in Haryana and is survived by wife Ramanpreet Kaur and a son, the Army said.

&quot;Major Ambadas, Lance Naik Gurmail and Sepoy Pargat were brave and sincere soldiers. The nation will always remain indebted to them for their supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty,&quot; the Army statement said.

(With inputs from PTI)

Deputy CM Nirmal Singh paid tributes to the slain soldiers and condemned Pakistan for the violation

At least four Indian soldiers, including a senior officer, were on Saturday killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan at the Keri (120 Infantry Brigade) Battalion area of Jammu and Kashmir. Major Moharkar Prafulla Ambadas, 32, Lance Naik Gurmail Singh, 34, and Sepoy Pargat Singh, 30, and Lance Naik Kuldeep Singh were grievously injured during the ceasefire violation and succumbed to their injuries. One soldier was injured in the firing and is undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital. The Army, in a statement, said that Indian troops retaliated "strongly and effectively". Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh paid rich tributes to the slain soldiers and condemned Pakistan for the ceasefire violation further adding that Pakistan has got isolated at the global stage, especially on the issue of terrorism. "Pakistan is indulging in such cowardly actions and is being given a befitting response, but it does not desist from such cowardly acts. Pakistan is a terrorist state and it will not be too long before the country is declared a terrorist state by the world. It does not only support terrorism but also provide state sponsorship," Singh told reporters on the sidelines of a function here. Major Ambadas belonged to Bhandara district in Maharashtra and is survived by wife Avoli Moharkar, while Lance Naik Gurmail Singh belonged to Amritsar district in Punjab and is survived by wife Kuljit Kaur and a daughter. Sepoy Pargat Singh belonged to Karnal district in Haryana and is survived by wife Ramanpreet Kaur and a son, the Army said. "Major Ambadas, Lance Naik Gurmail and Sepoy Pargat were brave and sincere soldiers. The nation will always remain indebted to them for their supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty," the Army statement said. (With inputs from PTI)

J&K: 4 soldiers killed in Pakistan ceasefire violation in Keri

A state uses violence against another only as the last resort after all political and diplomatic means have failed &ndash; this is what Sun Tzu meant when he said that &lsquo;To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill.&rsquo; War is a catastrophic event, which puts back development in a country, especially if its economy has not stabilised.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

India, unfortunately, has had four wars inflicted on it by Pakistan and one by China. So, while the 1948 aggression in Jammu and Kashmir was a precursor of things to come from Pakistan, it was the 1962 debacle with China that shook Indian leadership out of its idealist leanings and belief; the harsh nature of geo-politics and the imperative requirement of having a strong military deterrent were driven home. This resulted in an upswing in military preparedness that showed partial results in the 1965 Indo-Pak war but was evident in full measure in the 1971 conflict, where India came out with flying colours and resulted in the birth of Bangladesh.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The most representative visual of the victory is the iconic photograph of the surrender ceremony at Dacca (as Dhaka was then spelled) on 16 December 1971 &ndash; which India celebrates as Vijay Diwas.

&nbsp;

After the influx of ten million refugees from erstwhile East Pakistan, India could not afford to be a bystander to the violence unleashed by the Pakistani Army. So, even as a diplomatic offensive was undertaken by Mrs Indira Gandhi to bring home the horrors of the unfolding genocide, the military was given the quiet go-ahead to prepare for war.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The famous April 1971 cabinet meeting in which the Army Chief General Sam Manekshaw is reported to have told the PM that he needed time to prepare and that if he was pushed to war before the monsoons he could only guarantee a defeat, is the stuff of military folklore.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Another masterstroke, that brought to fore the strategic long-term thinking of the political establishment and their understanding of the intimate link between diplomacy and military affairs, was the signing of the treaty of friendship with the Soviet Union in August &lsquo;71, even as the countdown to resort to military action was underway; the Indo-Soviet treaty ensured that US and China could not intervene on behalf of Pakistan in case of a shooting war.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Thus, with the political, bureaucratic and military leadership gelling together as one cohesive unit it was up to our warriors - the jawan on land, the airman in a cockpit and a naval sailor on board a naval vessel &ndash; to deliver the results. And, did they deliver!

&nbsp;

While the surreptitious support to the Mukti Bahini has now been documented, the real shooting war commenced in November itself. It came into the open when the IAF shot down three Pakistani Sabres on 22 November who were strafing the Indian Army troops on the ground over Boyra in East Pakistan. And it became a full-fledged war on 03 December when Pakistan Air Force (PAF) attempted an Israeli style pre-emptive strike on IAF bases in the West; it failed miserably.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Indian strategy was clear &ndash; holding action on the Western front and a full offensive in the East. While there is some controversy, in the absence of a written government directive to the Armed Forces, about the initial aim in the East (some writers say that capture of Dhaka was not the initial aim), the fact is that as the war progressed, the tactical brilliance of our Army&rsquo;s middle and junior level leadership came to the fore.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Towns and heavy fortifications were bypassed and the drive to Dacca speeded up before international pressure could call a halt to operations. IAF fighters gave close air support to Army formations while the Navy blockaded the ports of East Pakistan. All this while, the Mukti Bahini was a great help in terms of the accurate intelligence that only they could have provided. As Pakistani forces retreated, and their morale depleted, an airstrike by MIG-21s of the IAF on the Governor&rsquo;s house on 14 December (where a meeting called by the Governor was underway) hastened the decision of the Pakistanis to surrender. The rest, as they say, is history. The victory epitomised the decisive leadership exercised by the political, diplomatic and military establishments and the valour of the Indian armed forces.

&nbsp;

I was a Class XI kid, preparing for the entrance exam to the National Defence Academy during the &rsquo;71 war. While there are a multitude of memories of living through black outs and grabbing the morning paper to read reports of the Indian Army&rsquo;s advance and stories of heroism of our jawans, one particular remembrance is of the address of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi beamed live by All India Radio from Parliament; she announced to the world that, &ldquo;Dacca is now the free capital of a free country.&rdquo; It still brings a lump in my throat, as it did that day, 16 December 1971 &ndash; a day we celebrate as Vijay Diwas. Jai Hind!

As the Indian Army raced towards Dacca, the Mukti Bahini was a great help in terms of the accurate intelligence that only they could have provided.

A state uses violence against another only as the last resort after all political and diplomatic means have failed – this is what Sun Tzu meant when he said that ‘To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill.’ War is a catastrophic event, which puts back development in a country, especially if its economy has not stabilised. India, unfortunately, has had four wars inflicted on it by Pakistan and one by China. So, while the 1948 aggression in Jammu and Kashmir was a precursor of things to come from Pakistan, it was the 1962 debacle with China that shook Indian leadership out of its idealist leanings and belief; the harsh nature of geo-politics and the imperative requirement of having a strong military deterrent were driven home. This resulted in an upswing in military preparedness that showed partial results in the 1965 Indo-Pak war but was evident in full measure in the 1971 conflict, where India came out with flying colours and resulted in the birth of Bangladesh. The most representative visual of the victory is the iconic photograph of the surrender ceremony at Dacca (as Dhaka was then spelled) on 16 December 1971 – which India celebrates as Vijay Diwas. After the influx of ten million refugees from erstwhile East Pakistan, India could not afford to be a bystander to the violence unleashed by the Pakistani Army. So, even as a diplomatic offensive was undertaken by Mrs Indira Gandhi to bring home the horrors of the unfolding genocide, the military was given the quiet go-ahead to prepare for war. The famous April 1971 cabinet meeting in which the Army Chief General Sam Manekshaw is reported to have told the PM that he needed time to prepare and that if he was pushed to war before the monsoons he could only guarantee a defeat, is the stuff of military folklore. Another masterstroke, that brought to fore the strategic long-term thinking of the political establishment and their understanding of the intimate link between diplomacy and military affairs, was the signing of the treaty of friendship with the Soviet Union in August ‘71, even as the countdown to resort to military action was underway; the Indo-Soviet treaty ensured that US and China could not intervene on behalf of Pakistan in case of a shooting war. Thus, with the political, bureaucratic and military leadership gelling together as one cohesive unit it was up to our warriors - the jawan on land, the airman in a cockpit and a naval sailor on board a naval vessel – to deliver the results. And, did they deliver! While the surreptitious support to the Mukti Bahini has now been documented, the real shooting war commenced in November itself. It came into the open when the IAF shot down three Pakistani Sabres on 22 November who were strafing the Indian Army troops on the ground over Boyra in East Pakistan. And it became a full-fledged war on 03 December when Pakistan Air Force (PAF) attempted an Israeli style pre-emptive strike on IAF bases in the West; it failed miserably. The Indian strategy was clear – holding action on the Western front and a full offensive in the East. While there is some controversy, in the absence of a written government directive to the Armed Forces, about the initial aim in the East (some writers say that capture of Dhaka was not the initial aim), the fact is that as the war progressed, the tactical brilliance of our Army’s middle and junior level leadership came to the fore. Towns and heavy fortifications were bypassed and the drive to Dacca speeded up before international pressure could call a halt to operations. IAF fighters gave close air support to Army formations while the Navy blockaded the ports of East Pakistan. All this while, the Mukti Bahini was a great help in terms of the accurate intelligence that only they could have provided. As Pakistani forces retreated, and their morale depleted, an airstrike by MIG-21s of the IAF on the Governor’s house on 14 December (where a meeting called by the Governor was underway) hastened the decision of the Pakistanis to surrender. The rest, as they say, is history. The victory epitomised the decisive leadership exercised by the political, diplomatic and military establishments and the valour of the Indian armed forces. I was a Class XI kid, preparing for the entrance exam to the National Defence Academy during the ’71 war. While there are a multitude of memories of living through black outs and grabbing the morning paper to read reports of the Indian Army’s advance and stories of heroism of our jawans, one particular remembrance is of the address of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi beamed live by All India Radio from Parliament; she announced to the world that, “Dacca is now the free capital of a free country.” It still brings a lump in my throat, as it did that day, 16 December 1971 – a day we celebrate as Vijay Diwas. Jai Hind!

Opinion: Vijay Diwas is glorious saga of Indian Army and Mukti Bahini

The most important aspect of Afghanistan is its location. The country is located right between the countries of erstwhile USSR, China, Pakistan and the major oil producing nations in the Middle East. Any country having its presence in Afghanistan is virtually having an eye over entire Asia. Being the largest democracy of the world and a nuclear power nation, India too must have its influence in Afghanistan.

So far, India has provided over US$2 billion in humanitarian and economic aid, making it the largest regional provider of aid for Afghanistan.&nbsp;

India&#39;s rebuilt their air links, power plants and invested heavily in health and education sectors as well as helping to train Afghan civil servants, diplomats and police. Indian teams were sent to Afghanistan to facilitate the same and at a later stage, 2004 onwards, the officials started coming to India for training at Mussouri, Hyderabad and&nbsp;Delhi. India has an important aim behind it.

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OTA plays a crucial role in raising the women officers of the Afghan National Army (WION)
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Initially, after the establishment of democratic government in Afghanistan, the entire top brass of their Army, Civil Servants and Police Officers was made up of warlords, coalition fighters and senior members of various tribes. They were controlling the entire government machinery. To have a strong footprint in the Middle-East and Central Asia, it was inevitable for India to keep harmonious relations with Afghanistan.

Sizable numbers of Afghan National Army Officers are sent to be trained in&nbsp;India&nbsp;either at the&nbsp;Indian Military Academy&nbsp;in&nbsp;Dehradun, the&nbsp;National Defence Academy&nbsp;near&nbsp;Pune&nbsp;or the&nbsp;Officers Training Academy&nbsp;in&nbsp;Chennai. &nbsp;

This year a group of 20 Afghan women officers from their Army and Air Force arrived at OTA Chennai for training along with Indian Army Women Cadets.&nbsp;

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The Afghan woman contingent stands proudly, ready to fight all odds (WION)
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The women army cadet received a training on how to fire AK-47 rifles at the OTA. The Indian Army officers guided them through the entire training process

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Indian Army officers teaching Afghan woman soldiers how to handle, aim and fire an AK-47. (WION)
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Later in the day, the 20 cadets of the Afghan National Army trained them in ambush operations in the simulation room of OTA.&nbsp;

Each of the cadets came to know how many Taliban terrorists they killed while firing at them.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Afghan women being trained in ambush operation in the weapon simulation room of OTA (WION)
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An extensive training session also took place on cybersecurity measures. This is just the beginning but the army officers of the Indian army believed that with some rigorous training, these women cadets will be effective in meeting cybersecurity challenges.&nbsp;

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Woman cadets of the Afghan National Army getting training in cybersecurity breaches (WION)
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Each of these cadets has some gruesome stories to share. They have been attacked upon while going to school.&nbsp;

They can&#39;t wear their uniforms.&nbsp;

Kabul is little better. But the villages continue to be the den of Taliban.

The women of Afghanistan, long oppressed and denied of their basic rights, are now fighting for their rights. And India is turning to be a valuable partner in this effort.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The women of Afghanistan, long oppressed and denied of their basic rights, are now fighting for their rights. And India is turning to be a valuable partner in this effort.

The most important aspect of Afghanistan is its location. The country is located right between the countries of erstwhile USSR, China, Pakistan and the major oil producing nations in the Middle East. Any country having its presence in Afghanistan is virtually having an eye over entire Asia. Being the largest democracy of the world and a nuclear power nation, India too must have its influence in Afghanistan. So far, India has provided over US$2 billion in humanitarian and economic aid, making it the largest regional provider of aid for Afghanistan. India's rebuilt their air links, power plants and invested heavily in health and education sectors as well as helping to train Afghan civil servants, diplomats and police. Indian teams were sent to Afghanistan to facilitate the same and at a later stage, 2004 onwards, the officials started coming to India for training at Mussouri, Hyderabad and Delhi. India has an important aim behind it. OTA plays a crucial role in raising the women officers of the Afghan National Army (WION) × Initially, after the establishment of democratic government in Afghanistan, the entire top brass of their Army, Civil Servants and Police Officers was made up of warlords, coalition fighters and senior members of various tribes. They were controlling the entire government machinery. To have a strong footprint in the Middle-East and Central Asia, it was inevitable for India to keep harmonious relations with Afghanistan. Sizable numbers of Afghan National Army Officers are sent to be trained in India either at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, the National Defence Academy near Pune or the Officers Training Academy in Chennai. This year a group of 20 Afghan women officers from their Army and Air Force arrived at OTA Chennai for training along with Indian Army Women Cadets. The Afghan woman contingent stands proudly, ready to fight all odds (WION) × The women army cadet received a training on how to fire AK-47 rifles at the OTA. The Indian Army officers guided them through the entire training process Indian Army officers teaching Afghan woman soldiers how to handle, aim and fire an AK-47. (WION) × Later in the day, the 20 cadets of the Afghan National Army trained them in ambush operations in the simulation room of OTA. Each of the cadets came to know how many Taliban terrorists they killed while firing at them. Afghan women being trained in ambush operation in the weapon simulation room of OTA (WION) × An extensive training session also took place on cybersecurity measures. This is just the beginning but the army officers of the Indian army believed that with some rigorous training, these women cadets will be effective in meeting cybersecurity challenges. Woman cadets of the Afghan National Army getting training in cybersecurity breaches (WION) × Each of these cadets has some gruesome stories to share. They have been attacked upon while going to school. They can't wear their uniforms. Kabul is little better. But the villages continue to be the den of Taliban. The women of Afghanistan, long oppressed and denied of their basic rights, are now fighting for their rights. And India is turning to be a valuable partner in this effort.

India makes soldiers out of Afghan women to fight Taliban

It was a secluded part of the Officers&#39; Training Academy in Chennai. A military car took us only so far but beyond that, we had to walk through a muddy path to reach a green patch of land, surrounded by a white wall. I am sure no one could see what was going on inside. &nbsp;

On the wall is written: Shoot to Kill, Ek Goli Ek Dushman and HAT.&nbsp;

A red flag fluttered slowly as the jawans went about explaining to us what HAT stands for: Hold, Aim, Trigger press. Trained in this Academy, the soldiers, upon graduation, take up crucial positions in the war against terror in different parts of India. The price for a moment of hesitation is too stiff, and the training ensures that the soldiers are ruthlessly accurate in what they do.&nbsp;

India trains Afghan woman to take on the Taliban

We waited with baited breath as the jawans prepared for the drill shootout. On the ground lay dozens of AK-47. The trr trr trr sound rattled the still humid air of the morning. Unaccustomed to the sound, I startled every time I heard the sound throughout the morning session. Made me wonder, how one can get accustomed to bullets whizzing pasts, ignoring it and go on with their daily lives. &nbsp;

It was no ordinary Monday morning for either us or the officers and instructors of the OTA. Soon in a line, more than a dozen woman in war fatigue and head covered with headscarf walked into the ground. They constitute the core of the women unit of the Afghan National Army.&nbsp;

Led by a lady officer of the Indian Army, the women soldiers slowly walked up the podium, the male officers sat down with them, helping them with the AK-47. A volley of fires started soon. Determined jaws, focused eyes, strong grip, here are the women of Afghanistan getting ready to fight against evil, powerlessness, in a quest for liberty.

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Afghanistan is about to witness a revolt, starting from its kitchen. (WION)
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Each of these women has a story to tell that is gruesome and gritty while their response has been nothing less than gallant. To fight the years of oppression heaped upon them by one of the cruelest and oppressive regimes the world has seen, the Afghan National Army has now taken the decision to send out women from each of the tribes of the country for a training period of 20 days in India.

The Indian government, driven by strategic and humanitarian concerns, has agreed to it. The Afghan women have been flown in from Kabul to the OTA as this is the only military institution in India which trains women. Side by side with Indian women cadet, the Marwahs, Arbiyas and Hasinas of Afghanistan are learning to fire AK-47, fight cyber terror and participate in other military training.&nbsp;

AK-47 in henna painted hands

This is not a mean feat. One needs to keep in mind that these women led a burqa-clad existence through their teens. Their palms are still decorated with Henna, they wear bangles, and gold rings adorn their slender fingers. Pink and purple nail polish shine from their fingernails. They are still, in appearence at least, very different from their Indian counterpart but no less motivated and, perhaps, will be operating in a more challenging position.&nbsp;

The Afghan women come from a country where they cannot wear their military uniform at the fear of being killed, the officers told me repeatedly.&nbsp;

Marwah was sitting at the corner of drill ground, all by herself, when I approached her. She is 24 years old, married to her childhood sweetheart who is now a major in the Afghan army. Marwah is a Pakhtun and comes from region replete with Taliban. Living had become a nightmare for little Marwah. But she and her family courageously fought against all odds.&nbsp;

Marwah went to study law at Wood University, a US-aided institution, which gets regularly attacked by Taliban suicide bombers.&nbsp;

When I asked Marwah why she came to India, pat came the reply, &#39;to kill Taliban&#39;.&nbsp;

The tide is turning against the Taliban

Soon, Marwah&#39;s henna painted hands will hold an AK-47 to defend the rights of women in a war-torn country. While it sounds all heroic to hear Marwah talk about resisting Talibans to save her motherland, how could I forget her deep sigh when she said, I am lucky because in my country, Indian women are free to be lawyers. She wanted to be a lawyer until the Taliban came sword rattling to chop off the nose of any girls going to school.&nbsp;

Marwah&#39;s story is very similar to other women of the Afghan National Army. They are dead against Taliban. They had the support of their family in their fight. They are deeply appreciative of India&#39;s help. They wanted a longer period of training in India. More importantly, they want to go back to Afghanistan and impart whatever they learned in the OTA to other Afghan women. &nbsp;

I witnessed a historic moment in South Asian history as I stood watching these women fire AK-47. In agreeing to equip these women, India has got a chance to leave an indelible mark on the global war against terror. The country&#39;s bigger strategical and political goals may see a fruitful realisation as more and more women (and men) come for training at our shores.&nbsp;

As for Afghanistan, this is a now or never moment. The tide is turning against the Taliban who still occupies 40 per cent of the national territory. But the country is about to witness a revolt starting from its kitchen. It will be, as we say, mother of all battles, led by the mothers of the nation.

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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

When I asked one of the soldiers why she came to India, pat came the reply, 'to kill Taliban'.?

It was a secluded part of the Officers' Training Academy in Chennai. A military car took us only so far but beyond that, we had to walk through a muddy path to reach a green patch of land, surrounded by a white wall. I am sure no one could see what was going on inside. On the wall is written: Shoot to Kill, Ek Goli Ek Dushman and HAT. A red flag fluttered slowly as the jawans went about explaining to us what HAT stands for: Hold, Aim, Trigger press. Trained in this Academy, the soldiers, upon graduation, take up crucial positions in the war against terror in different parts of India. The price for a moment of hesitation is too stiff, and the training ensures that the soldiers are ruthlessly accurate in what they do. India trains Afghan woman to take on the Taliban We waited with baited breath as the jawans prepared for the drill shootout. On the ground lay dozens of AK-47. The trr trr trr sound rattled the still humid air of the morning. Unaccustomed to the sound, I startled every time I heard the sound throughout the morning session. Made me wonder, how one can get accustomed to bullets whizzing pasts, ignoring it and go on with their daily lives. It was no ordinary Monday morning for either us or the officers and instructors of the OTA. Soon in a line, more than a dozen woman in war fatigue and head covered with headscarf walked into the ground. They constitute the core of the women unit of the Afghan National Army. Led by a lady officer of the Indian Army, the women soldiers slowly walked up the podium, the male officers sat down with them, helping them with the AK-47. A volley of fires started soon. Determined jaws, focused eyes, strong grip, here are the women of Afghanistan getting ready to fight against evil, powerlessness, in a quest for liberty. Afghanistan is about to witness a revolt, starting from its kitchen. (WION) × Each of these women has a story to tell that is gruesome and gritty while their response has been nothing less than gallant. To fight the years of oppression heaped upon them by one of the cruelest and oppressive regimes the world has seen, the Afghan National Army has now taken the decision to send out women from each of the tribes of the country for a training period of 20 days in India. The Indian government, driven by strategic and humanitarian concerns, has agreed to it. The Afghan women have been flown in from Kabul to the OTA as this is the only military institution in India which trains women. Side by side with Indian women cadet, the Marwahs, Arbiyas and Hasinas of Afghanistan are learning to fire AK-47, fight cyber terror and participate in other military training. AK-47 in henna painted hands This is not a mean feat. One needs to keep in mind that these women led a burqa-clad existence through their teens. Their palms are still decorated with Henna, they wear bangles, and gold rings adorn their slender fingers. Pink and purple nail polish shine from their fingernails. They are still, in appearence at least, very different from their Indian counterpart but no less motivated and, perhaps, will be operating in a more challenging position. The Afghan women come from a country where they cannot wear their military uniform at the fear of being killed, the officers told me repeatedly. Marwah was sitting at the corner of drill ground, all by herself, when I approached her. She is 24 years old, married to her childhood sweetheart who is now a major in the Afghan army. Marwah is a Pakhtun and comes from region replete with Taliban. Living had become a nightmare for little Marwah. But she and her family courageously fought against all odds. Marwah went to study law at Wood University, a US-aided institution, which gets regularly attacked by Taliban suicide bombers. When I asked Marwah why she came to India, pat came the reply, 'to kill Taliban'. The tide is turning against the Taliban Soon, Marwah's henna painted hands will hold an AK-47 to defend the rights of women in a war-torn country. While it sounds all heroic to hear Marwah talk about resisting Talibans to save her motherland, how could I forget her deep sigh when she said, I am lucky because in my country, Indian women are free to be lawyers. She wanted to be a lawyer until the Taliban came sword rattling to chop off the nose of any girls going to school. Marwah's story is very similar to other women of the Afghan National Army. They are dead against Taliban. They had the support of their family in their fight. They are deeply appreciative of India's help. They wanted a longer period of training in India. More importantly, they want to go back to Afghanistan and impart whatever they learned in the OTA to other Afghan women. I witnessed a historic moment in South Asian history as I stood watching these women fire AK-47. In agreeing to equip these women, India has got a chance to leave an indelible mark on the global war against terror. The country's bigger strategical and political goals may see a fruitful realisation as more and more women (and men) come for training at our shores. As for Afghanistan, this is a now or never moment. The tide is turning against the Taliban who still occupies 40 per cent of the national territory. But the country is about to witness a revolt starting from its kitchen. It will be, as we say, mother of all battles, led by the mothers of the nation. ×

Afghan women soldiers training under Indian Army 'to kill Taliban'

Pervez Musharraf has said that he is banned terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba&#39;s (LeT) &quot;biggest supporter&quot; and that he is aware that they &quot;like&quot; him too.&nbsp;

In an interview with Pakistan&#39;s ARY News, Musharraf said that he is similarly appreciative of&nbsp;LeT co-founder and the man thought to be the&nbsp;mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks Hafiz Saeed.

Musharraf was quoted as saying <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hafiz-saeed-walks-free-vows-to-fight-for-kashmir-cause-24988" target="_blank">Saeed &quot;is involved in Kashmir&quot;</a> and that he &quot;supports&quot; that involvement.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hafiz-saeed-files-petition-in-un-to-remove-terrorist-tag-25302" target="_blank">Hafiz Saeed files petition in UN to get terrorist tag removed</a>

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-should-ensure-hafiz-saeed-is-arrested-us-25045" target="_blank">Pakistan should ensure Hafiz Saeed is </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-should-ensure-hafiz-saeed-is-arrested-us-25045" target="_blank">arrestedl</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-should-ensure-hafiz-saeed-is-arrested-us-25045" target="_blank">, says </a><a class="gr-progress" href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-should-ensure-hafiz-saeed-is-arrested-us-25045" target="_blank">US</a>

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I am the biggest supporter of LeT and I know they like me &amp; JuD also likes me: Pervez Musharraf to Pakistan&#39;s ARY News, also said &#39;yes&#39; on being asked if he likes Hafiz Saeed, added that, &#39;I have met him (Hafiz Saeed)&#39; <a href="https://t.co/txxT58oPoU">pic.twitter.com/txxT58oPoU</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/935710968058822656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Was always in favor of action in Kashmir &amp; of suppressing Indian Army in Kashmir &amp; they are the biggest force (LeT), India got them declared as terrorists by partnering with US. Yes they (LeT) are involved in Kashmir &amp; in Kashmir it is b/w we &amp; India: Musharraf to ARY News <a href="https://t.co/b1fOAyreKl">pic.twitter.com/b1fOAyreKl</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/935712835278999557?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Hafiz Saeed is a&nbsp;United Nations-designated terrorist who was freed from house arrest last week on an order of Lahore high court.

The US also branded Saeed a terrorist and put a $10 million bounty on Saeed&#39;s head after the 2008 Mumbai terror attack. Musharraf claimed Saeed was not involved in the Mumbai terror attack in 2008 because Saeed &quot;himself denied the charges&quot; of being the attacks&#39; mastermind.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-if-pakistan-army-wants-nothing-can-stop-hafiz-saeed-from-being-a-free-man-24881" target="_blank">Opinion: If Pakistan Army wants, Hafiz Saeed will be a free man</a>

Musharraf was declared a fugitive from justice by Pakistan in August this year.

 
&nbsp;

Musharraf also said he was appreciative of the man thought to be the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks -- LeT co-founder Hafeez Saeed

Pervez Musharraf has said that he is banned terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba's (LeT) "biggest supporter" and that he is aware that they "like" him too. In an interview with Pakistan's ARY News, Musharraf said that he is similarly appreciative of LeT co-founder and the man thought to be the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks Hafiz Saeed. Musharraf was quoted as saying Saeed "is involved in Kashmir" and that he "supports" that involvement. Also read: Hafiz Saeed files petition in UN to get terrorist tag removed Also read: Pakistan should ensure Hafiz Saeed is arrestedl, says US I am the biggest supporter of LeT and I know they like me & JuD also likes me: Pervez Musharraf to Pakistan's ARY News, also said 'yes' on being asked if he likes Hafiz Saeed, added that, 'I have met him (Hafiz Saeed)' pic.twitter.com/txxT58oPoU — ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2017 × Was always in favor of action in Kashmir & of suppressing Indian Army in Kashmir & they are the biggest force (LeT), India got them declared as terrorists by partnering with US. Yes they (LeT) are involved in Kashmir & in Kashmir it is b/w we & India: Musharraf to ARY News pic.twitter.com/b1fOAyreKl — ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2017 × Hafiz Saeed is a United Nations-designated terrorist who was freed from house arrest last week on an order of Lahore high court. The US also branded Saeed a terrorist and put a $10 million bounty on Saeed's head after the 2008 Mumbai terror attack. Musharraf claimed Saeed was not involved in the Mumbai terror attack in 2008 because Saeed "himself denied the charges" of being the attacks' mastermind. Opinion: If Pakistan Army wants, Hafiz Saeed will be a free man Musharraf was declared a fugitive from justice by Pakistan in August this year.

I am Lashkar's biggest supporter, I know they like me: Pervez Musharraf

In the backdrop of the 73-day-long Dokalam standoff, the Army has decided to significantly ramp up road infrastructure along the Sino-India border and tasked its Corps of Engineers to vigorously work on it to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/post-doklam-india-china-to-hold-track-two-meeting-23250">ensure swift movement of troops whenever necessary</a>.

Official sources said the Corps of Engineers (CoE) has already initiated a series of steps including placing orders for latest versions of various mountain cutting and road laying machines and equipment besides procuring assault tracks for fast movement of troops.

Th<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/working-with-india-to-take-ties-forward-after-doklam-china-20558">e sources said the Army headquarters ordered over 1,000 dual track mine detectors</a> to enhance Corps of Engineers&#39; mine detection capability.

Over 100 excavators with latest features are also being procured to increase the existing capability of the engineers to lay operational track along mountainous regions in Northern sector

The sources said over 50 short span bridges and a sizeable number of assault tracks for quick movement are also being procured to increase their mobility.

India and China share a 4,000-km-long border. The 237 year-old CoE provides key combat engineering support and maintains connectivity in key border regions for speedy movement of troops and artillery.

As per the plan, the Army engineers will initially lay roads in mountaineous terrains and if necessary they will be further strengthened by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).

In 2005, the Border Road Organisation was asked to construct 73 roads in the strategically important regions along the Sino-India border but there has been huge delay in implementation of the project which has apparently left the Army unhappy.

They said enhancing infrastructure along the sensitive borders is part of the government&#39;s overall strategy to boost combat readiness of the armed forces.

The first company of CoE was raised in 1780 and the organisation celebrated its raising day on November 18.

The Army has been focusing on enhancing infrastructure along the Sino-India border following the Dokalam standoff.

Soon after the face-off ended, Army Chief Gen. Bipin Rawat had expressed serious concern over China&#39;s &quot;muscle flexing&quot; and said these conflicts can expand into an all out war.

Troops of India and China were locked in a 73-day-long standoff in Dokalam since June 16 after the Indian side stopped the building of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army. The face-off ended on August 28.

Recently, the Army has also finalised one of its biggest procurement plans for infantry modernisation under which a large number of light machine guns, battle carbines and assault rifles are being purchased at a cost of nearly Rs 40,000 crore.&nbsp;

The army's corps of engineers has been tasked with the project

In the backdrop of the 73-day-long Dokalam standoff, the Army has decided to significantly ramp up road infrastructure along the Sino-India border and tasked its Corps of Engineers to vigorously work on it to ensure swift movement of troops whenever necessary. Official sources said the Corps of Engineers (CoE) has already initiated a series of steps including placing orders for latest versions of various mountain cutting and road laying machines and equipment besides procuring assault tracks for fast movement of troops. The sources said the Army headquarters ordered over 1,000 dual track mine detectors to enhance Corps of Engineers' mine detection capability. Over 100 excavators with latest features are also being procured to increase the existing capability of the engineers to lay operational track along mountainous regions in Northern sector The sources said over 50 short span bridges and a sizeable number of assault tracks for quick movement are also being procured to increase their mobility. India and China share a 4,000-km-long border. The 237 year-old CoE provides key combat engineering support and maintains connectivity in key border regions for speedy movement of troops and artillery. As per the plan, the Army engineers will initially lay roads in mountaineous terrains and if necessary they will be further strengthened by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). In 2005, the Border Road Organisation was asked to construct 73 roads in the strategically important regions along the Sino-India border but there has been huge delay in implementation of the project which has apparently left the Army unhappy. They said enhancing infrastructure along the sensitive borders is part of the government's overall strategy to boost combat readiness of the armed forces. The first company of CoE was raised in 1780 and the organisation celebrated its raising day on November 18. The Army has been focusing on enhancing infrastructure along the Sino-India border following the Dokalam standoff. Soon after the face-off ended, Army Chief Gen. Bipin Rawat had expressed serious concern over China's "muscle flexing" and said these conflicts can expand into an all out war. Troops of India and China were locked in a 73-day-long standoff in Dokalam since June 16 after the Indian side stopped the building of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army. The face-off ended on August 28. Recently, the Army has also finalised one of its biggest procurement plans for infantry modernisation under which a large number of light machine guns, battle carbines and assault rifles are being purchased at a cost of nearly Rs 40,000 crore.

After Doklam, army starts process of ramping up roads along India-China border

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