With 28 fresh cases, the COVID-19 tally of the Union Territory of Ladakh has shot up to 5,840, an official bulletin said on Saturday.

Ladakh has so far recorded 68 deaths due to COVID-19, while the number of cured patients has gone up to 4,984 with 82 people being discharged from various hospitals in the last 24 hours, the bulletin released by the Directorate of Health Services said.

Of the new cases, 18 were reported from Leh district and 10 from Kargil district.

The bulletin said 72 patients were discharged in Leh and 10 in Kargil, bringing down the number of active COVID-19 cases in the Union Territory to 788 -- 650 in Leh and 138 in Kargil.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor (LG) Radha Krishna Mathur inaugurated a newly-established RT-PCR laboratory at a hospital designated for treating COVID-19 patients at Kurbathang in Kargil district on Friday.

The laboratory, with a fully automatic Biorad RTPCR machine and an RNA extractor machine, has the capacity to test 96 samples at one go, an official spokesperson said, adding that with three runs every 24 hours, it can conduct 288 tests.

The LG went round different sections of the laboratory, including the storage section, the sample-processing room and the RNA extraction room, and expressed satisfaction on the testing facilities there, the spokesperson said.

"This is one of the highly sophisticated laboratories in the country with biosafety level two, which is presently available only in a few districts in the country, and with the coming up of this laboratory, test facilities and results will now be available to people in a hassle-free manner," the LG said.

With 28 fresh cases, the COVID-19 tally of the Union Territory of Ladakh has shot up to 5,840, an official bulletin said on Saturday. Ladakh has so far recorded 68 deaths due to COVID-19, while the number of cured patients has gone up to 4,984 with 82 people being discharged from various hospitals in the last 24 hours, the bulletin released by the Directorate of Health Services said.

With 28 fresh cases, the COVID-19 tally of the Union Territory of Ladakh has shot up to 5,840, an official bulletin said on Saturday. Ladakh has so far recorded 68 deaths due to COVID-19, while the number of cured patients has gone up to 4,984 with 82 people being discharged from various hospitals in the last 24 hours, the bulletin released by the Directorate of Health Services said. Of the new cases, 18 were reported from Leh district and 10 from Kargil district. The bulletin said 72 patients were discharged in Leh and 10 in Kargil, bringing down the number of active COVID-19 cases in the Union Territory to 788 -- 650 in Leh and 138 in Kargil. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor (LG) Radha Krishna Mathur inaugurated a newly-established RT-PCR laboratory at a hospital designated for treating COVID-19 patients at Kurbathang in Kargil district on Friday. The laboratory, with a fully automatic Biorad RTPCR machine and an RNA extractor machine, has the capacity to test 96 samples at one go, an official spokesperson said, adding that with three runs every 24 hours, it can conduct 288 tests. The LG went round different sections of the laboratory, including the storage section, the sample-processing room and the RNA extraction room, and expressed satisfaction on the testing facilities there, the spokesperson said. "This is one of the highly sophisticated laboratories in the country with biosafety level two, which is presently available only in a few districts in the country, and with the coming up of this laboratory, test facilities and results will now be available to people in a hassle-free manner," the LG said.

Kargil gets first RT-PCR lab, Ladakh records 28 fresh COVID-19 cases

A 24-year-old Indian army man has died in action after he accidentally stepped on an old landmine along the Line of Control (LoC)&nbsp;in Kargil.

The solider has been identified as Dev Bahadur, a resident of Uttarakhand. According to the army, he stepped on an old landmine following which he was given medical attention. Later, he succumbed to his injuries.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianArmy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LtGenYKJoshi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LtGenYKJoshi</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArmyCdrNC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArmyCdrNC</a> and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of Rfn Dev Bahadur; offer deepest condolences to the family. <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adgpi</a><a href="https://twitter.com/SpokespersonMoD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpokespersonMoD</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FireAndFuryCorps?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FireAndFuryCorps</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/foreverinops?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#foreverinops</a> <a href="https://t.co/0mRdgdqwqS">pic.twitter.com/0mRdgdqwqS</a>
— NorthernComd.IA (@NorthernComd_IA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NorthernComd_IA/status/1285130953585684482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Lt Gen Y K Joshi, Army commander northern command and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of Rfn Dev Bahadur; offer deepest condolences to the family. The Indian army has paid tribute to the solider," Indian army's northern command tweeted.&nbsp;

This is a first such incident.

A 24-year-old Indian army man has died in action after he accidentally stepped on an old landmine along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kargil. The solider has been identified as Dev Bahadur, a resident of Uttarakhand.

A 24-year-old Indian army man has died in action after he accidentally stepped on an old landmine along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kargil. The solider has been identified as Dev Bahadur, a resident of Uttarakhand. According to the army, he stepped on an old landmine following which he was given medical attention. Later, he succumbed to his injuries. #IndianArmy #LtGenYKJoshi, #ArmyCdrNC and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of Rfn Dev Bahadur; offer deepest condolences to the family. @adgpi@SpokespersonMoD#FireAndFuryCorps#foreverinops pic.twitter.com/0mRdgdqwqS — NorthernComd.IA (@NorthernComd_IA) July 20, 2020 × "Lt Gen Y K Joshi, Army commander northern command and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of Rfn Dev Bahadur; offer deepest condolences to the family. The Indian army has paid tribute to the solider," Indian army's northern command tweeted. This is a first such incident.

Army pays tribute to soldier after he accidentally stepped on old explosive

At a time when India is engaged with China in the biggest stand-off between two armies in the eastern sector of Ladakh since 1962, Pakistan resorted to heavy shelling on the Line of Control (LoC) on Tuesday in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district.

Pakistan Army is trying to heighten tension along Line of Control (LoC), by targeting villages and forward posts.

"Indian Army is retaliating befittingly", sources said.

Pakistan has been violating the bilateral ceasefire on the LoC in J&amp;K with impunity during the last one month.

This has caused serious hardships to hundreds of border residents whose lives and livelihood are threatened by shells raining from across the LoC.

(With inputs from agencies)

At a time when India is engaged with China in the biggest stand-off between two armies in the eastern sector of Ladakh since 1962, Pakistan resorted to heavy shelling on the Line of Control (LoC) on Tuesday in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district.

At a time when India is engaged with China in the biggest stand-off between two armies in the eastern sector of Ladakh since 1962, Pakistan resorted to heavy shelling on the Line of Control (LoC) on Tuesday in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district. Pakistan Army is trying to heighten tension along Line of Control (LoC), by targeting villages and forward posts. "Indian Army is retaliating befittingly", sources said. Pakistan has been violating the bilateral ceasefire on the LoC in J&K with impunity during the last one month. This has caused serious hardships to hundreds of border residents whose lives and livelihood are threatened by shells raining from across the LoC. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan violates ceasefire on Line of Control in J&K's Kupwara

Indian troops based in high altitude areas like <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-how-brave-indian-soldiers-survive-in-siachen-worlds-highest-battlefield-271189">Siachen </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-how-brave-indian-soldiers-survive-in-siachen-worlds-highest-battlefield-271189">Ladakh </a>are facing critical shortages of high altitude clothing and equipment like snow goggles, boot, jackets and sleeping bags.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cag-refuses-to-share-rafale-audit-cites-breach-of-parliament-190479">Comptroller and Auditor General</a> (CAG) of India has pulled up the army for delays in the procurement saying the delay is forcing troops to use old and recycled versions of equipment endangering the lives of the soldiers.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-how-brave-indian-soldiers-survive-in-siachen-worlds-highest-battlefield-271189">How brave Indian soldiers survive in Siachen world's highest battlefield</a>

The report also says that there was an inadequate special ration for these soldiers which is affecting their calorie intake by 82 per cent.

According to the report, the troops who are deployed at high altitude guarding Indian borders are given old versions of face masks, jackets and sleeping bags.

Watch: WION's exclusive report on Siachen, the world's highest battlefield

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-gets-exclusive-access-at-siachin-glacier-watch-report-271148/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Last year, the ministry of defence had said budget constraints and a sudden increase in authorisation had led to deficiencies in procuring the&nbsp;items.

In a report tabled in both houses of Parliament, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cag-refuses-to-share-rafale-audit-cites-breach-of-parliament-190479">CAG</a> has also questioned the government for the “inordinate delay” in the establishment of the Indian National Defence University, which was recommended by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-145-days-mobile-internet-service-restored-in-kargil-270571">Kargil </a>review committee in 1999.

Indian troops based in high altitude areas like Siachen and Ladakh are facing critical shortages of high altitude clothing and equipment like snow goggles, boot, jackets and sleeping bags.

Indian troops based in high altitude areas like Siachen and Ladakh are facing critical shortages of high altitude clothing and equipment like snow goggles, boot, jackets and sleeping bags. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has pulled up the army for delays in the procurement saying the delay is forcing troops to use old and recycled versions of equipment endangering the lives of the soldiers. Also read: How brave Indian soldiers survive in Siachen world's highest battlefield The report also says that there was an inadequate special ration for these soldiers which is affecting their calorie intake by 82 per cent. According to the report, the troops who are deployed at high altitude guarding Indian borders are given old versions of face masks, jackets and sleeping bags. Watch: WION's exclusive report on Siachen, the world's highest battlefield Last year, the ministry of defence had said budget constraints and a sudden increase in authorisation had led to deficiencies in procuring the items. In a report tabled in both houses of Parliament, the CAG has also questioned the government for the “inordinate delay” in the establishment of the Indian National Defence University, which was recommended by the Kargil review committee in 1999.

Critical shortage of clothing for Indian soldiers in Siachen, Ladakh: CAG

Kargil Star MiG-27 Takes To The Skies For One Last Time. #WION #Gravitas #MiG27 #Kargil

Gravitas: Farewell MiG-27: India bids farewell to Bahadur

The authorities have restored mobile internet service in the Kargil district of Ladakh after it was shut on August 5, when the BJP-led government took a decision to revoke the Jammu and Kashmir's special status and bifurcating state into two union territories.

A local told WION over the phone that the restoration of mobile internet after 145 days has brought joy to the common man and those who depend on the service.&nbsp;

"I checked my phone in the morning and the internet was working. We are getting 4G speed. Although broadband was working, but mobile internet is the need of an hour," said Basharat, a local living in Kargil town.&nbsp;

The services were restored as people are celebrating Losar which is a&nbsp;Ladakhi new year.&nbsp;

After the bifurcation of J&amp;k and abrogation of special status, Kargil had witnessed protests and shutdown for many days which forced authorities to impose restrictions.&nbsp;

As the situation got normal and people started resuming their normal life, the broadband internet was restored. The locals had since been demanding restoration of mobile internet, especially the students.&nbsp;

The authorities had earlier said that the internet service will be restored in a phased manner in the Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh after taking a due assessment of the situation on the ground.&nbsp;

In Kashmir, both broadband and mobile internet continue to remain suspended while as in Jammu, broadband has been restored but mobile internet continues to remain suspended.&nbsp;

The authorities have restored mobile internet service in the Kargil district of Ladakh after it was shut on August 5, when the BJP-led government took a decision to revoke the Jammu and Kashmir's special status and bifurcating state into two union territories.

The authorities have restored mobile internet service in the Kargil district of Ladakh after it was shut on August 5, when the BJP-led government took a decision to revoke the Jammu and Kashmir's special status and bifurcating state into two union territories. A local told WION over the phone that the restoration of mobile internet after 145 days has brought joy to the common man and those who depend on the service. "I checked my phone in the morning and the internet was working. We are getting 4G speed. Although broadband was working, but mobile internet is the need of an hour," said Basharat, a local living in Kargil town. The services were restored as people are celebrating Losar which is a Ladakhi new year. After the bifurcation of J&k and abrogation of special status, Kargil had witnessed protests and shutdown for many days which forced authorities to impose restrictions. As the situation got normal and people started resuming their normal life, the broadband internet was restored. The locals had since been demanding restoration of mobile internet, especially the students. The authorities had earlier said that the internet service will be restored in a phased manner in the Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh after taking a due assessment of the situation on the ground. In Kashmir, both broadband and mobile internet continue to remain suspended while as in Jammu, broadband has been restored but mobile internet continues to remain suspended.

After 145 days, mobile internet service restored in Kargil

The mobile internet services has been restored in Ladakh's Kargil region after 145 days of the abrogation of article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. The services had been suspended to prevent spreading of any fake news and Information that could disturb law and order in the region. #WION #Ladakh #Kargil #India #JammuandKashmir

Mobile internet restored in Ladakh's Kargil after 145 days

As many as 105 new posts have been created for the efficient functioning of Special Correctional Home, Pulwama, District Jail, Kupwara, and District Jail, Kargil.

According to the Department of Information and Public Relations, Jammu and Kashmir administration, 35 posts have been created in Special Correctional Home, Pulwama, District Jail, Kupwara, and District Jail, Kargil each.

The Block Development Council (BDC) elections were held in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, which witnessed a total of 98 per cent voting with cent per cent voting in Srinagar.

Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Shailendra Kumar said that the lowest voting percentage was witnessed at Pulwama and Shopian at 86 and 85 per cent respectively.

As many as 105 new posts have been created for the efficient functioning of Special Correctional Home, Pulwama, District Jail, Kupwara, and District Jail, Kargil.

As many as 105 new posts have been created for the efficient functioning of Special Correctional Home, Pulwama, District Jail, Kupwara, and District Jail, Kargil. According to the Department of Information and Public Relations, Jammu and Kashmir administration, 35 posts have been created in Special Correctional Home, Pulwama, District Jail, Kupwara, and District Jail, Kargil each. The Block Development Council (BDC) elections were held in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, which witnessed a total of 98 per cent voting with cent per cent voting in Srinagar. Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Shailendra Kumar said that the lowest voting percentage was witnessed at Pulwama and Shopian at 86 and 85 per cent respectively.

Jammu Kashmir: 105 posts created in Pulwama, Kupwara and Kargil

Indian Army, PLA 'face-off' at Pangong Tso Lake: Why China eyes Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim & Arunachal Pradesh

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends the Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorative function at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Stadium. Indian Prime Minister said Kargil was a victory of India's discipline and honour. Watch this video to know more.

PM Modi addresses the nation, pays tribute to Kargil bravehearts

Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh on Friday promoted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kargil-war-shepherd-who-informed-indian-army-of-pakistan-infiltration-still-awaits-recognition-238499">Kargil war</a> hero Satpal Singh to the post of Assistant Sub-Inspector from Senior Constable.

Satpal Singh, who joined Punjab Police in 2010 after his discharge from the Army, has been promoted to the new post after the chief minister authorised the DGP to grant the required relaxation in age for the promotion.

Singh, who has been managing traffic as a senior constable in the state police, was given the double promotion after chief minister read a news report about him on Friday morning. 
 
"Within hours of discovering that a hero of the Kargil war was managing traffic as a mere senior constable, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday ordered an immediate double promotion for the Vir Chakra awardee, whose credentials were completely ignored by the erstwhile SAD-BJP government at the time of his recruitment in 2010," read a statement issued by the Punjab government. 
 
"As a special case, Satpal will be recruited as an Assistant Sub Inspector, in relaxation of Rule 12.3 of Punjab Police Rules by the DGP, who has been so authorized by the Chief Minister," the statement added.

Satpal Singh is Vir Chakra awardee who served as an Army captain during the 1965 India-Pakistan war. He was part of India's Operation Vijay and one of the important figures in the Battle of Tiger Hill which took place between India and Pakistan during the Kargil war in 1999. He killed Pakistani army Capt Karnal Sher Khan and three others during close encounters.

Singh had earlier complained that apathy of the government forced him to "salute" people who were junior in rank and position to him. "I am forced to salute people who are junior to me in rank and position. I was not given the appropriate rank by the Punjab police due to which I working as a traffic constable," Singh told news agency ANI.

 
 
(With inputs from ANI)

Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh on Friday promoted Kargil war hero Satpal Singh to the post of Assistant Sub-Inspector from Senior Constable. Satpal Singh, who joined Punjab Police in 2010 after his discharge from the Army, has been promoted to the new post after the chief minister authorised the DGP to grant the required relaxation in age for the promotion.

Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh on Friday promoted Kargil war hero Satpal Singh to the post of Assistant Sub-Inspector from Senior Constable. Satpal Singh, who joined Punjab Police in 2010 after his discharge from the Army, has been promoted to the new post after the chief minister authorised the DGP to grant the required relaxation in age for the promotion. Singh, who has been managing traffic as a senior constable in the state police, was given the double promotion after chief minister read a news report about him on Friday morning. "Within hours of discovering that a hero of the Kargil war was managing traffic as a mere senior constable, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday ordered an immediate double promotion for the Vir Chakra awardee, whose credentials were completely ignored by the erstwhile SAD-BJP government at the time of his recruitment in 2010," read a statement issued by the Punjab government. "As a special case, Satpal will be recruited as an Assistant Sub Inspector, in relaxation of Rule 12.3 of Punjab Police Rules by the DGP, who has been so authorized by the Chief Minister," the statement added. Satpal Singh is Vir Chakra awardee who served as an Army captain during the 1965 India-Pakistan war. He was part of India's Operation Vijay and one of the important figures in the Battle of Tiger Hill which took place between India and Pakistan during the Kargil war in 1999. He killed Pakistani army Capt Karnal Sher Khan and three others during close encounters. Singh had earlier complained that apathy of the government forced him to "salute" people who were junior in rank and position to him. "I am forced to salute people who are junior to me in rank and position. I was not given the appropriate rank by the Punjab police due to which I working as a traffic constable," Singh told news agency ANI. (With inputs from ANI)

Kargil war hero Satpal Singh gets double promotion

Every year, July 26 is marked as Kargil Vijay Diwas. Since that fateful day twenty years ago when we pushed out the Pakistani infiltrators and recaptured the Kargil heights, we commemorate the brave soldiers who triumphed over our enemy. By official counts, some 527 officers and men were martyred in this undeclared war. This year too, led by President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, we mourned our martyrs and celebrated our victory. General Rawat warned Pakistan that if it dared to infiltrate again, it will have to “take back bodies.”&nbsp;

Without sounding a negative note, it is important to observe how practically none of the many experts and dignitaries that were a part of the hundreds of hours of media coverage spoke of how Pakistan gained the Kargil heights in the first place. How were we caught napping? How did we lose so many peaks, if not posts, before we began to retaliate? Was there a failure on our part? If so, who was responsible? It was precisely to answer such questions that the government set up the Kargil Review Committee (KRC) on July &nbsp;29, just three days after the end of the war on July 26. As per its “Terms of Reference,” the KRC was to “to examine the sequence of events and make recommendations for the future.” The chairman of the KRC was the noted security expert, Krishnaswamy Subrahmanyam, Secretary for Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, who also served as director of the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA). His son, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, is our current Minister of External Affairs.&nbsp;

The KRC completed its report on December 15, 1999, after meetings and interviews with over a hundred military and intelligence officers, politicians, diplomats, and journalists. Though parts of the KRC are still classified, there is enough in the public domain to indicate that the Kargil war began with serious lapses on India’s part: “the Pakistani armed intrusion in the Kargil sector came as a complete and total surprise to the Indian Government, Army and intelligence agencies as well as to the J&amp;K State Government and its agencies.” In fact, the KRC found that no individual or agency “was able clearly to assess before the event the possibility of a large scale Pakistani military intrusion.” This despite the fact that such an invasion or incursion had been spoken of in Pakistani defence and political circles for the prior two decades. The KRC concluded that there was a “critical failure in intelligence” in addition to “many grave deficiencies in India’s security management system.”&nbsp;

An anonymous Pakistani soldier’s account, published in Time magazine on July 12, 1999, shows that the systematic infiltration had started by February 1999, possibly earlier. Yet, according to the KRC, it was detected only as late as May 3, some three months later, by “shepherds.” The KRC also admits that by this time there were “around 140 posts and pickets established by regulars of Pakistan Army, over a frontage of 100 km up to a depth of 8 km inside Indian territory over months in 1999.” Even after these facts came to the attention of the top brass of the Indian army were still in a damage control mode, asserting that “the situation was local and would be dealt with locally.”

There are other accounts of the Kargil war in the public domain, such as in former foreign minister, Jaswant Singh’s book, A Call to Honour. His son, Manvendra Singh, then a Territorial Army officer and defence reporter for a leading English daily, recalls that our then Defence Minister, George Fernandes, was himself unaware of “unusual happenings” in the Drass-Kargil sector. Apparently, “local Army formations had kept the Army Headquarters in the dark even as they were discovering the truth about the intrusions in the Drass-Kargil-Batalik sectors.” During a briefing on May 17, after Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee had personally taken charge of the situation, the Director-General Military Operations (DGMO) assured him that the incursions would be cleared in “two or three weeks or so.” In retrospect, it seems clear that Kargil, as Lt General DB Shekatkar conceded, “was the outcome of intelligence failures.”&nbsp;

Yet, thanks to the KRC, many important changes were made to improve our combat readiness in the region and prevent such costly mistakes in the future. Among these, the National Technical Reconnaissance Organisation (NTRO) and Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) are considered positive outcomes. One other sidelight of the conflict, which few care to mention today, is that it was the Bofors howitzer that actually helped dislodge the Pakistanis. The gun was good though its purchase was tainted by the scandal and corruption.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-remembering-kargil-why-prevention-is-better-than-cure-2776138">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Every year, July 26 is marked as Kargil Vijay Diwas. Since that fateful day twenty years ago when we pushed out the Pakistani infiltrators and recaptured the Kargil heights, we commemorate the brave soldiers who triumphed over our enemy.

Every year, July 26 is marked as Kargil Vijay Diwas. Since that fateful day twenty years ago when we pushed out the Pakistani infiltrators and recaptured the Kargil heights, we commemorate the brave soldiers who triumphed over our enemy. By official counts, some 527 officers and men were martyred in this undeclared war. This year too, led by President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, we mourned our martyrs and celebrated our victory. General Rawat warned Pakistan that if it dared to infiltrate again, it will have to “take back bodies.” Without sounding a negative note, it is important to observe how practically none of the many experts and dignitaries that were a part of the hundreds of hours of media coverage spoke of how Pakistan gained the Kargil heights in the first place. How were we caught napping? How did we lose so many peaks, if not posts, before we began to retaliate? Was there a failure on our part? If so, who was responsible? It was precisely to answer such questions that the government set up the Kargil Review Committee (KRC) on July 29, just three days after the end of the war on July 26. As per its “Terms of Reference,” the KRC was to “to examine the sequence of events and make recommendations for the future.” The chairman of the KRC was the noted security expert, Krishnaswamy Subrahmanyam, Secretary for Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, who also served as director of the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA). His son, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, is our current Minister of External Affairs. The KRC completed its report on December 15, 1999, after meetings and interviews with over a hundred military and intelligence officers, politicians, diplomats, and journalists. Though parts of the KRC are still classified, there is enough in the public domain to indicate that the Kargil war began with serious lapses on India’s part: “the Pakistani armed intrusion in the Kargil sector came as a complete and total surprise to the Indian Government, Army and intelligence agencies as well as to the J&K State Government and its agencies.” In fact, the KRC found that no individual or agency “was able clearly to assess before the event the possibility of a large scale Pakistani military intrusion.” This despite the fact that such an invasion or incursion had been spoken of in Pakistani defence and political circles for the prior two decades. The KRC concluded that there was a “critical failure in intelligence” in addition to “many grave deficiencies in India’s security management system.” An anonymous Pakistani soldier’s account, published in Time magazine on July 12, 1999, shows that the systematic infiltration had started by February 1999, possibly earlier. Yet, according to the KRC, it was detected only as late as May 3, some three months later, by “shepherds.” The KRC also admits that by this time there were “around 140 posts and pickets established by regulars of Pakistan Army, over a frontage of 100 km up to a depth of 8 km inside Indian territory over months in 1999.” Even after these facts came to the attention of the top brass of the Indian army were still in a damage control mode, asserting that “the situation was local and would be dealt with locally.” There are other accounts of the Kargil war in the public domain, such as in former foreign minister, Jaswant Singh’s book, A Call to Honour. His son, Manvendra Singh, then a Territorial Army officer and defence reporter for a leading English daily, recalls that our then Defence Minister, George Fernandes, was himself unaware of “unusual happenings” in the Drass-Kargil sector. Apparently, “local Army formations had kept the Army Headquarters in the dark even as they were discovering the truth about the intrusions in the Drass-Kargil-Batalik sectors.” During a briefing on May 17, after Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee had personally taken charge of the situation, the Director-General Military Operations (DGMO) assured him that the incursions would be cleared in “two or three weeks or so.” In retrospect, it seems clear that Kargil, as Lt General DB Shekatkar conceded, “was the outcome of intelligence failures.” Yet, thanks to the KRC, many important changes were made to improve our combat readiness in the region and prevent such costly mistakes in the future. Among these, the National Technical Reconnaissance Organisation (NTRO) and Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) are considered positive outcomes. One other sidelight of the conflict, which few care to mention today, is that it was the Bofors howitzer that actually helped dislodge the Pakistanis. The gun was good though its purchase was tainted by the scandal and corruption. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Remembering Kargil: Why prevention is better than cure

In 1999, Pakistani soldiers entered India disguised as intruders. The battlefield was the Kargil district of Jammu & Kashmir. Kargil is one of the world's highest battlegrounds. IAF also provide air support to the ground forces. Indian Navy blocked the routes to Karachi. When India ended the conflict started by Pakistan.

Kargil: A Story of Victory & Sacrifice

India remembered its fallen soldiers killed in 1999 war with Pakistan in northern Jammu and Kashmir's Kargil on its 20th anniversary on Friday (July 26).

India pays homage to those killed in Kargil war with Pakistan on 20th anniversary

India pays homage to Kargil martyrs on 20th anniversary

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Kargil conflict, we bring you some hard-hitting facts about India's hard-fought victory. Let's hear from the then serving Army Chief - General V.P Malik, Former Ambassador of India to Pakistan - G Parthasarathy and author and adviser on U.S.-India relations- Raymond E. Vickery. All of them relive the experience for us, and talk about the lessons to be learnt from the bloody conflict. WION also tracks and meets the shepherd who first spotted the Pakistani intruders and alerted the Indian army. Take a look at this WION original report.

The Kargil Conflict: 20 hard-hitting facts 20 years later

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

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

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

Kargil Vijay Diwas: Institutional approach is needed in defence preparedness

On May 2, 1999, a man called Tashi Namgyal, a local shepherd living in a small village called Gharkon near mountainous Batalik town of Kargil spotted six men breaking stones and clearing the snow when he was looking for his list Yak. This was unusual for Tashi as he saw no footprints leading to the spot and it was clear that they had come from the other side. The men wore Pathani dress and army uniforms, few of them carried weapons too. &nbsp;

Tashi was the first to report the infiltration in Kargil to the army and it was after his information that a team was sent to scan the area. What the group of 20-25 Indian army men found was surprising...men with arms and ammunition getting ready. On his information, the Indian army moved quickly and minimised the possible damage.&nbsp;

He is upset with the successive governments for failing to recognise his work. He is old now and no longer goes with his cattle. There is no mobile network in his village which is almost 70 kilometres away from Kargil city.&nbsp;

WION's Ieshan Wani travelled to meet him at his village located near a mountain ridge. Here's an excerpt from the interview.&nbsp;

WION: What did you see on that day? How old were you then?

Tashi: I was 30-years-old. I had lost my Yak and was looking for him in the mountains near Garkhun stream. I was carrying my binoculars with me and started scanning the area. While looking for my yak, I saw six people on top. The snow was everywhere and they were removing snow and looking for stones. I halted there for around 10 minutes and rushed back to my village. Army men from three Punjab used to be stationed here. First, I narrated the entire thing to a guard commander by the name Balbindar Singh, this was on May 2, 1999. He replied that the army patrolling party had just come from that area. I insisted them to investigate the matter as this was unusual.

Around 8 in the evening, Balbindar came to my house and asked me to stay home the next morning, as a commanding officer was coming to meet me. After an hour, he came back, asking me to be ready at 5 in the morning, as an army vehicle will come to pick me up.&nbsp;

At 5, I was taken to the Batalik sector where an officer asked me what I saw? I told him again that I saw six people breaking the stones and removing the snow. On this, he replied, we keep getting such reports but if this is true, we will gift you and if the information is wrong, we will see you.&nbsp;

Then they sent 20 to 25 army men with me. I took them to the place where I saw the six men. On spotting them they went through the other area for the ambush. But there Pakistani army and militants were everywhere and ready. Just after eight days of my report, the war started. For three months continuously, the fighting was going on in this area.&nbsp;

WION: You are also a witness to this war. What did you do during that period?

Tashi: I took my kids towards Khalsi village and from this village, artillery was being fired like rain. Many army units came here with a lot of weaponry. For three months, local people helped the army in bringing the weapons. We even took the weapons to high mountains after shifting our families to safety. People volunteered and helped the army. We would just hear blasts for three months.&nbsp;

WION: What has changed in this village?

Tashi: We don't even have a mobile tower, what change will I talk about?

WION: How did you feel after giving your report which proved important for the country?

Tashi: I never got any civil award. My report was 100 per cent accurate. No one even enquires about me. I saved the entire Ladakh through my report. God knows what would've happened, had I not told the army. Modi is a good man, I hope he reads this report and gives me much deserved recognition. No one speaks about me, not even the local ministers. I still wait for the day when I get an award. Even my kids feel sorry for me.&nbsp;

WION: You are the hero of the Kargil war. Has your life changed?

Tashi: A little has but I am illiterate and I feel that's the reason why I couldn't reach anywhere in my life. India is my country, I was born here and will always stand for it. Pakistan was badly defeated and I'm sure there are many dead bodies of Pakistani soldiers in the mountains. They came like rats.&nbsp;

WION: What's your message to the current government?

Tashi: I just want to tell them that my work should be recognised. I am waiting for the day.&nbsp;

On May 2, 1999, a man called Tashi Namgyal, a local shepherd living in a small village called Gharkon near mountainous Batalik town of Kargil spotted six men breaking stones and clearing the snow when he was looking for his list Yak.

On May 2, 1999, a man called Tashi Namgyal, a local shepherd living in a small village called Gharkon near mountainous Batalik town of Kargil spotted six men breaking stones and clearing the snow when he was looking for his list Yak. This was unusual for Tashi as he saw no footprints leading to the spot and it was clear that they had come from the other side. The men wore Pathani dress and army uniforms, few of them carried weapons too. Tashi was the first to report the infiltration in Kargil to the army and it was after his information that a team was sent to scan the area. What the group of 20-25 Indian army men found was surprising...men with arms and ammunition getting ready. On his information, the Indian army moved quickly and minimised the possible damage. He is upset with the successive governments for failing to recognise his work. He is old now and no longer goes with his cattle. There is no mobile network in his village which is almost 70 kilometres away from Kargil city. WION's Ieshan Wani travelled to meet him at his village located near a mountain ridge. Here's an excerpt from the interview. WION: What did you see on that day? How old were you then? Tashi: I was 30-years-old. I had lost my Yak and was looking for him in the mountains near Garkhun stream. I was carrying my binoculars with me and started scanning the area. While looking for my yak, I saw six people on top. The snow was everywhere and they were removing snow and looking for stones. I halted there for around 10 minutes and rushed back to my village. Army men from three Punjab used to be stationed here. First, I narrated the entire thing to a guard commander by the name Balbindar Singh, this was on May 2, 1999. He replied that the army patrolling party had just come from that area. I insisted them to investigate the matter as this was unusual. Around 8 in the evening, Balbindar came to my house and asked me to stay home the next morning, as a commanding officer was coming to meet me. After an hour, he came back, asking me to be ready at 5 in the morning, as an army vehicle will come to pick me up. At 5, I was taken to the Batalik sector where an officer asked me what I saw? I told him again that I saw six people breaking the stones and removing the snow. On this, he replied, we keep getting such reports but if this is true, we will gift you and if the information is wrong, we will see you. Then they sent 20 to 25 army men with me. I took them to the place where I saw the six men. On spotting them they went through the other area for the ambush. But there Pakistani army and militants were everywhere and ready. Just after eight days of my report, the war started. For three months continuously, the fighting was going on in this area. WION: You are also a witness to this war. What did you do during that period? Tashi: I took my kids towards Khalsi village and from this village, artillery was being fired like rain. Many army units came here with a lot of weaponry. For three months, local people helped the army in bringing the weapons. We even took the weapons to high mountains after shifting our families to safety. People volunteered and helped the army. We would just hear blasts for three months. WION: What has changed in this village? Tashi: We don't even have a mobile tower, what change will I talk about? WION: How did you feel after giving your report which proved important for the country? Tashi: I never got any civil award. My report was 100 per cent accurate. No one even enquires about me. I saved the entire Ladakh through my report. God knows what would've happened, had I not told the army. Modi is a good man, I hope he reads this report and gives me much deserved recognition. No one speaks about me, not even the local ministers. I still wait for the day when I get an award. Even my kids feel sorry for me. WION: You are the hero of the Kargil war. Has your life changed? Tashi: A little has but I am illiterate and I feel that's the reason why I couldn't reach anywhere in my life. India is my country, I was born here and will always stand for it. Pakistan was badly defeated and I'm sure there are many dead bodies of Pakistani soldiers in the mountains. They came like rats. WION: What's your message to the current government? Tashi: I just want to tell them that my work should be recognised. I am waiting for the day.

Kargil War: Shepherd who informed Indian army of Pakistan infiltration still awaits recognition

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said his recent visit to Kargil had renewed his confidence and respect for the Indian Army.

Speaking at a function organised by Veterans India here, Singh said, "During my visit to Kargil, I saw the tall peaks which our brave soldiers managed to win back after defeating Pakistani soldiers positioned on them during the Kargil war. I listened to all the stories of how our brave soldiers recaptured Kargil, I heard the names of brave personnel like Captain Vikram Batra who were ready to sacrifice their life for the nation. It made me respect them even more."

The Defence Minister had visited the Kargil War Memorial in Drass on Saturday and paid tributes to soldiers who had laid down their lives in the 1999 war with Pakistan.

Singh was in Jammu and Kashmir for a day-long visit ahead of Kargil Vijay Diwas.

"The courage showed by the Indian Army soldiers in other wars as well to protect the integrity of the nation is unparalleled to that of any other country in my opinion," Singh added.

He said that in his term as Defence Minister of the nation he will try to ensure that the ex-servicemen and serving personnel face no hardships.

"I will try to do whatever I can to ensure there are no questions raised on your honour and dedication and of that of the soldiers serving today," he added.

He also spoke about his decision of going to Siachen immediately after he took charge of his post in the Union Cabinet.

"On the second day of taking charge as Defence Minister, I went on a trip to Siachen after consulting the Army Chief General Bipin Rawat. My reason for undertaking this trip was to understand what it felt like to be a soldier standing on the border before I start taking decisions for their good," he said.

"It helped me make decisions for their welfare, it helped me keep them in the centre before taking any decision for their benefit," Singh added.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said his recent visit to Kargil had renewed his confidence and respect for the Indian Army. Speaking at a function organised by Veterans India here, Singh said, "During my visit to Kargil, I saw the tall peaks which our brave soldiers managed to win back after defeating Pakistani soldiers positioned on them during the Kargil war.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said his recent visit to Kargil had renewed his confidence and respect for the Indian Army. Speaking at a function organised by Veterans India here, Singh said, "During my visit to Kargil, I saw the tall peaks which our brave soldiers managed to win back after defeating Pakistani soldiers positioned on them during the Kargil war. I listened to all the stories of how our brave soldiers recaptured Kargil, I heard the names of brave personnel like Captain Vikram Batra who were ready to sacrifice their life for the nation. It made me respect them even more." The Defence Minister had visited the Kargil War Memorial in Drass on Saturday and paid tributes to soldiers who had laid down their lives in the 1999 war with Pakistan. Singh was in Jammu and Kashmir for a day-long visit ahead of Kargil Vijay Diwas. "The courage showed by the Indian Army soldiers in other wars as well to protect the integrity of the nation is unparalleled to that of any other country in my opinion," Singh added. He said that in his term as Defence Minister of the nation he will try to ensure that the ex-servicemen and serving personnel face no hardships. "I will try to do whatever I can to ensure there are no questions raised on your honour and dedication and of that of the soldiers serving today," he added. He also spoke about his decision of going to Siachen immediately after he took charge of his post in the Union Cabinet. "On the second day of taking charge as Defence Minister, I went on a trip to Siachen after consulting the Army Chief General Bipin Rawat. My reason for undertaking this trip was to understand what it felt like to be a soldier standing on the border before I start taking decisions for their good," he said. "It helped me make decisions for their welfare, it helped me keep them in the centre before taking any decision for their benefit," Singh added.

Kargil visit induced in me new-found respect for Indian Army: Rajnath Singh

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

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

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

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

Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal (ACM) B.S. Dhanoa on Monday paid tribute to Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja who lost his life 20 years back during the Kargil conflict by flying a ‘missing man’ formation in a Mig-21.

IAF Chief Dhanoa leads ‘Missing Man’ formation in Mig-21

Ladakh Parliamentary Constituency is going to polls in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha on May 6 for which 559 polling stations have been set up across the frontier region for the smooth conduct of the electoral exercise.

The Parliamentary Constituency comprises two districts of Leh and Kargil.

The Kargil district consists of two assembly segments Kargil and Zanskar while as Leh district includes Nubra and Leh assembly segments.

The Ladakh Parliamentary Constituency has an electoral strength of 174,618 voters. Out of total voters, 86752 are males, 85064 females, 2799 are service voters and 3 transgender voters.

Kargil assembly segment has a total number of 65,294 voters including 32,895 males, 31,354 females, 1044 service voters (1041 male and 3 females) and 1 transgender. As many as 181 polling stations have been established in this segment.

Zanskar assembly segment constitutes 22,487 voters including 11,162 males, 11051 females and 274 male service voters. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has set up 84 polling stations in Zanskar.

Leh assembly segment has an electoral strength of 72,689 voters including 35728 males, 35746 females, 1214 service voters (1192 males and 22 females) and 1 transgender voter. Around 225 polling stations have been set up in Leh assembly segment for the conduct of polls.

Nubra assembly segment constitutes 14,148 voters including 6,967 male, 6,913 female, 1 transgender voter and 267 service voters (248 males and 19 females). In Nubra assembly segment 69 polling stations have been set up. 
The candidates in fray are Rigzin Spalbar of Indian National Congress (INC), Jamyang Tsering Namgyal of Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and Asgar Ali Karbalai and Sajjad Hussain, both independents.

The ECI has established two polling stations in Leh (Gaik) and Nubra (Washi) segments having seven voters each while as polling station with the highest number of voters (1301) has been set up at Leh (Shynam).&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The highest polling station, Anlay Pho (Changthang), has been set up in Leh district at an altitude of 15,000 feet. The booth is barely 50 metres from the Line of Actual Control (LAC).&nbsp;

The voting timing has been fixed from 7 am to 6 pm.

Ladakh Parliamentary Constituency is going to polls in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha on May 6 for which 559 polling stations have been set up across the frontier region for the smooth conduct of the electoral exercise.

Ladakh Parliamentary Constituency is going to polls in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha on May 6 for which 559 polling stations have been set up across the frontier region for the smooth conduct of the electoral exercise. The Parliamentary Constituency comprises two districts of Leh and Kargil. The Kargil district consists of two assembly segments Kargil and Zanskar while as Leh district includes Nubra and Leh assembly segments. The Ladakh Parliamentary Constituency has an electoral strength of 174,618 voters. Out of total voters, 86752 are males, 85064 females, 2799 are service voters and 3 transgender voters. Kargil assembly segment has a total number of 65,294 voters including 32,895 males, 31,354 females, 1044 service voters (1041 male and 3 females) and 1 transgender. As many as 181 polling stations have been established in this segment. Zanskar assembly segment constitutes 22,487 voters including 11,162 males, 11051 females and 274 male service voters. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has set up 84 polling stations in Zanskar. Leh assembly segment has an electoral strength of 72,689 voters including 35728 males, 35746 females, 1214 service voters (1192 males and 22 females) and 1 transgender voter. Around 225 polling stations have been set up in Leh assembly segment for the conduct of polls. Nubra assembly segment constitutes 14,148 voters including 6,967 male, 6,913 female, 1 transgender voter and 267 service voters (248 males and 19 females). In Nubra assembly segment 69 polling stations have been set up. The candidates in fray are Rigzin Spalbar of Indian National Congress (INC), Jamyang Tsering Namgyal of Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and Asgar Ali Karbalai and Sajjad Hussain, both independents. The ECI has established two polling stations in Leh (Gaik) and Nubra (Washi) segments having seven voters each while as polling station with the highest number of voters (1301) has been set up at Leh (Shynam). The highest polling station, Anlay Pho (Changthang), has been set up in Leh district at an altitude of 15,000 feet. The booth is barely 50 metres from the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The voting timing has been fixed from 7 am to 6 pm.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Around 559 booths set up in Ladakh for fifth phase

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

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

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

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

Kargil to Balakot: When Mirage 2000 pounded Pak positions

Kashmir received its first snowfall of the New Year on Wednesday, breaking a month-long dry spell in the Valley, the meteorological department said.

The snowfall has brought major respite to the residents of Kashmir as the minimum temperature rose by several degrees, except in Gulmarg. Srinagar recorded a 0 degrees Celsius on Tuesday night — an increase of over four degrees from minus 4.2 degrees Celsius on the previous night, the Met department said.

"There was snowfall at most places in Kashmir, particularly in Gulmarg and Pahalgam tourist resorts, traces of snowfall was also witnessed in Srinagar early in the morning," an official said.

Gulmarg received snowfall equivalent to 8.8 mm of rains till 8.30 am, while Kupwara recorded 7.4 mm precipitation. The remaining weather stations recorded downpour between 1.5-2.5 mm during the corresponding period, the official said.

Kargil was the coldest place in Jammu and Kashmir at minus 17.0 degrees Celsius. The night temperature in Leh town in Ladakh region was minus 12.4 degrees Celsius.

On Tuesday night, Qazigund in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 0.3 degrees Celsius, Kokernag town minus 1.4 degrees, Kupwara 0.2 degrees, Pahalgam minus 0.5 degrees and Gulmarg at minus 5.0 degrees Celsius, the official said.

Kashmir is currently under the grip of 'Chillai-Kalan', the 40-day harshest period of winter when the chances of snowfall are most frequent and maximum and the temperature drops considerably. The period ends on January 31.

The weather department has predicted more precipitation in Kashmir over the next three days.

Gulmarg received snowfall equivalent to 8.8 mm of rains till 8.30 am, while Kupwara recorded 7.4 mm precipitation.

Kashmir received its first snowfall of the New Year on Wednesday, breaking a month-long dry spell in the Valley, the meteorological department said. The snowfall has brought major respite to the residents of Kashmir as the minimum temperature rose by several degrees, except in Gulmarg. Srinagar recorded a 0 degrees Celsius on Tuesday night — an increase of over four degrees from minus 4.2 degrees Celsius on the previous night, the Met department said. "There was snowfall at most places in Kashmir, particularly in Gulmarg and Pahalgam tourist resorts, traces of snowfall was also witnessed in Srinagar early in the morning," an official said. Gulmarg received snowfall equivalent to 8.8 mm of rains till 8.30 am, while Kupwara recorded 7.4 mm precipitation. The remaining weather stations recorded downpour between 1.5-2.5 mm during the corresponding period, the official said. Kargil was the coldest place in Jammu and Kashmir at minus 17.0 degrees Celsius. The night temperature in Leh town in Ladakh region was minus 12.4 degrees Celsius. On Tuesday night, Qazigund in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 0.3 degrees Celsius, Kokernag town minus 1.4 degrees, Kupwara 0.2 degrees, Pahalgam minus 0.5 degrees and Gulmarg at minus 5.0 degrees Celsius, the official said. Kashmir is currently under the grip of 'Chillai-Kalan', the 40-day harshest period of winter when the chances of snowfall are most frequent and maximum and the temperature drops considerably. The period ends on January 31. The weather department has predicted more precipitation in Kashmir over the next three days.

Kashmir witnesses first snowfall of 2019, Jammu-Srinagar highway closed

There was a slight respite from the intense cold conditions at most places in Kashmir Valley even as Leh and Kargil in Ladakh region of the state experienced the coldest night of the season, the MET office said on Saturday.

The night temperature rose slightly across the valley, except in Kokernag, providing some relief to residents. However, the mercury went down in Ladakh region of the state, an official of the MET Office here said.

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, which had experienced the coldest December night in nearly three decades on the previous night at minus 7.7 degrees Celsius, saw the mercury rise half-a-degree to settle at a low of minus 7.2 degrees Celsius last night.

However, the official said the night temperature in the city was still over five degrees below normal for this time of the season.

He said Qazigund- the gateway town to the valley - in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 6.2 degrees Celsius, up from minus 6.7 degrees Celsius the previous night.

Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 6 degrees Celsius last night, the official said.

The night temperature in Pahalgam, which serves as one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath yatra in south Kashmir, settled at a low of minus 8.3 degrees Celsius last night up from minus 9.5 degrees Celsius on the previous night.

The official said the ski-resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 7 degrees Celsius, an increase of over two degrees from minus 9.3 degrees Celsius the previous night.

Kokernag town in south Kashmir was the only place in the valley where the night temperature dropped last night. The town registered a low of minus 5.8 degrees Celsius as against minus 5.5 degrees Celsius on the previous night.

The night temperature in Leh town in Ladakh region of the state dropped over two degrees from the previous night's minus 15.1 degrees Celsius to settle at a low of minus 17.5 degrees Celsius last night, the official said.

He said last night was the coldest night of the season so far there and Leh was the coldest recorded place in Jammu and Kashmir.

The nearby Kargil recorded a low of minus 16.7 degrees Celsius, the official said, adding last night was the coldest night of the season so far there.

Kashmir is currently under the grip of 'Chillai-Kalan' the 40-day harshest period of winter when the chances of snowfall are most frequent and maximum and the temperature drops considerably.

'Chillai-Kalan' ends on January 31, but the cold wave continues even after that in Kashmir. The 40-day period is followed by a 20-day long 'Chillai-Khurd' (small cold) and a 10-day long 'Chillai-Bachha' (baby cold).

However, the winter this season has been dry so far, although there was a spell of early snowfall in the valley in first and second week of November.

The intense cold wave has resulted in freezing of some water bodies, including the fringes of the famous Dal Lake here, and residential water supply pipes in most areas of the city and other towns of the valley.

The prolonged dry spell has resulted in an increase in common ailments like cough, cold and other respiratory problems, especially among children and elderly.

The weatherman has predicted light rain or snowfall at isolated places in the valley and Ladakh region on Sunday and at scattered places across the state next week.

There was a slight respite from the intense cold conditions at most places in Kashmir Valley even as Leh and Kargil in Ladakh region of the state experienced the coldest night of the season, the MET office said on Saturday.

There was a slight respite from the intense cold conditions at most places in Kashmir Valley even as Leh and Kargil in Ladakh region of the state experienced the coldest night of the season, the MET office said on Saturday. The night temperature rose slightly across the valley, except in Kokernag, providing some relief to residents. However, the mercury went down in Ladakh region of the state, an official of the MET Office here said. Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, which had experienced the coldest December night in nearly three decades on the previous night at minus 7.7 degrees Celsius, saw the mercury rise half-a-degree to settle at a low of minus 7.2 degrees Celsius last night. However, the official said the night temperature in the city was still over five degrees below normal for this time of the season. He said Qazigund- the gateway town to the valley - in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 6.2 degrees Celsius, up from minus 6.7 degrees Celsius the previous night. Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 6 degrees Celsius last night, the official said. The night temperature in Pahalgam, which serves as one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath yatra in south Kashmir, settled at a low of minus 8.3 degrees Celsius last night up from minus 9.5 degrees Celsius on the previous night. The official said the ski-resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 7 degrees Celsius, an increase of over two degrees from minus 9.3 degrees Celsius the previous night. Kokernag town in south Kashmir was the only place in the valley where the night temperature dropped last night. The town registered a low of minus 5.8 degrees Celsius as against minus 5.5 degrees Celsius on the previous night. The night temperature in Leh town in Ladakh region of the state dropped over two degrees from the previous night's minus 15.1 degrees Celsius to settle at a low of minus 17.5 degrees Celsius last night, the official said. He said last night was the coldest night of the season so far there and Leh was the coldest recorded place in Jammu and Kashmir. The nearby Kargil recorded a low of minus 16.7 degrees Celsius, the official said, adding last night was the coldest night of the season so far there. Kashmir is currently under the grip of 'Chillai-Kalan' the 40-day harshest period of winter when the chances of snowfall are most frequent and maximum and the temperature drops considerably. 'Chillai-Kalan' ends on January 31, but the cold wave continues even after that in Kashmir. The 40-day period is followed by a 20-day long 'Chillai-Khurd' (small cold) and a 10-day long 'Chillai-Bachha' (baby cold). However, the winter this season has been dry so far, although there was a spell of early snowfall in the valley in first and second week of November. The intense cold wave has resulted in freezing of some water bodies, including the fringes of the famous Dal Lake here, and residential water supply pipes in most areas of the city and other towns of the valley. The prolonged dry spell has resulted in an increase in common ailments like cough, cold and other respiratory problems, especially among children and elderly. The weatherman has predicted light rain or snowfall at isolated places in the valley and Ladakh region on Sunday and at scattered places across the state next week.

J&K: Leh, Kargil experience coldest night of season

Upping his ante against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with regards to the controversial Rafale fighter jets deal, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said that even though Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)-made aircraft were used effectively by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to drop bombs during the 1999 Kargil War, the government did not find it competent enough to be part of the Rafale deal.

"During the Kargil War, HAL aircraft dropped bombs on the Pakistan Army. HAL knows how to make aircraft. The talks were confirmed. HAL discussed with France`s Dassault to buy one aircraft for Rs 526 crore. After that, `Chowkidar` became the Prime Minister. Soon after that, Prime Minister Modi visited France along with Anil Ambani. What happens next is that the Rs 526 crore aircraft now gets sold for Rs 1,600 crore. HAL is sidelined and Anil Ambani is made the offset partner. Anil Ambani never made an aircraft. HAL has been making aircraft for the last 70 years," Rahul said while addressing a rally in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh.

The IAF had used MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27, MiG-29, Jaguar and Mirage-2000 aircraft during the Kargil War. The aircraft were assembled by HAL under license production from the manufacturers.

Elaborating on the need for HAL to weigh in to manufacture aircraft, the Gandhi scion said: "The IAF came to UPA government and said that they want 126 fighter jets. The UPA government asked them to look around the world and buy the aircraft they find the best and buy them at the cheapest price. But we told them that the aircraft will be built in India as the youth want jobs and it will be made by HAL. Air Force people said that it`s totally correct."Rahul further said that the then Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar was unaware of all this. "He stood up and said, `I didn`t do this job. I don`t know what happened.` Prime Minister himself changed the contract. The French media asked them what has happened. How come Rs 526 crore became Rs 1,600 crore? Who is this Anil Ambani? How come he got this contract? Our press is a bit hesitant (in asking such questions)," he added.

The Congress chief then went on to say that people of Madhya Pradesh have "made up their minds" to dethrone Shivraj Singh Chouhan`s government. "And in few months 56-inch chowkidar`s government will also be removed. A woman told one of our workers that just like a tava gets bad in 10 years, similarly, Shivraj Singh Chouhan`s government has become like that tava. Now we have to pick up the tava and throw it out. Every Chief Minister in a BJP ruled state is involved in scams, where public money is stolen," he said.

Citing the controversy involving Chouhan`s son Kartikey, he asked: "Shivraj Singh Chouhan immediately filed a defamation case against me when I mistakenly used his son`s name in Panama Papers. But why didn`t he file a defamation case when I took his name in the Vyapam scam, the dumper scandal, and e-tendering?"

The assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh will be held for 230 seats on November 28, and the result will be declared on December 11.&nbsp;

Upping his ante against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with regards to the controversial Rafale fighter jets deal, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said that even though Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)-made aircraft were used effectively by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to drop bombs during the 1999 Kargil War, the government did not find it competent enough to be part of the Rafale deal.

Upping his ante against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with regards to the controversial Rafale fighter jets deal, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said that even though Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)-made aircraft were used effectively by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to drop bombs during the 1999 Kargil War, the government did not find it competent enough to be part of the Rafale deal. "During the Kargil War, HAL aircraft dropped bombs on the Pakistan Army. HAL knows how to make aircraft. The talks were confirmed. HAL discussed with France`s Dassault to buy one aircraft for Rs 526 crore. After that, `Chowkidar` became the Prime Minister. Soon after that, Prime Minister Modi visited France along with Anil Ambani. What happens next is that the Rs 526 crore aircraft now gets sold for Rs 1,600 crore. HAL is sidelined and Anil Ambani is made the offset partner. Anil Ambani never made an aircraft. HAL has been making aircraft for the last 70 years," Rahul said while addressing a rally in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh. The IAF had used MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27, MiG-29, Jaguar and Mirage-2000 aircraft during the Kargil War. The aircraft were assembled by HAL under license production from the manufacturers. Elaborating on the need for HAL to weigh in to manufacture aircraft, the Gandhi scion said: "The IAF came to UPA government and said that they want 126 fighter jets. The UPA government asked them to look around the world and buy the aircraft they find the best and buy them at the cheapest price. But we told them that the aircraft will be built in India as the youth want jobs and it will be made by HAL. Air Force people said that it`s totally correct."Rahul further said that the then Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar was unaware of all this. "He stood up and said, `I didn`t do this job. I don`t know what happened.` Prime Minister himself changed the contract. The French media asked them what has happened. How come Rs 526 crore became Rs 1,600 crore? Who is this Anil Ambani? How come he got this contract? Our press is a bit hesitant (in asking such questions)," he added. The Congress chief then went on to say that people of Madhya Pradesh have "made up their minds" to dethrone Shivraj Singh Chouhan`s government. "And in few months 56-inch chowkidar`s government will also be removed. A woman told one of our workers that just like a tava gets bad in 10 years, similarly, Shivraj Singh Chouhan`s government has become like that tava. Now we have to pick up the tava and throw it out. Every Chief Minister in a BJP ruled state is involved in scams, where public money is stolen," he said. Citing the controversy involving Chouhan`s son Kartikey, he asked: "Shivraj Singh Chouhan immediately filed a defamation case against me when I mistakenly used his son`s name in Panama Papers. But why didn`t he file a defamation case when I took his name in the Vyapam scam, the dumper scandal, and e-tendering?" The assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh will be held for 230 seats on November 28, and the result will be declared on December 11.

HAL-made planes dropped bombs in Kargil, yet govt sidelined it: Rahul Gandhi

Voter turnout in Jammu and Kashmir municipal polls witnessed a significant boost, with Kargil taking over the lead from Rajouri in terms of voter turnout as of 1 pm on Monday.

Voter turnout in Kargil increased from 33 per cent to 73.6 per cent in a span of two hours. While Rajouri recorded 67.7 per cent, Poonch was close with 63.5 per cent. Jammu and Leh recorded voting percentages of 43.4 and 44.2, respectively.

Bandipore recorded the lowest voter turnout of 2.5 per cent, while Anantnag, Budgam and Baramulla, which are heavily infested by militancy, registered voter turnouts of 6.1 per cent, 12 per cent and 3.7 per cent, respectively.

Amid terror threats and boycott calls by separatist groups and the two main regional parties, the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ), polling for the first phase of municipal elections in 422 of the 1,145 wards began on Monday morning.

Unprecedented security arrangements were put in place by the state authorities and the Election Commission to ensure peaceful polls. Also, all candidates have been provided with either cluster security in hotels or individually in the Valley.

According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), a total of 1,283 candidates are contesting in the 422 municipal wards today. This time, a large number of independent candidates are also in the fray.

This municipal election is also witnessing two significant firsts. In a major development, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are being used for the first time in accordance with the rules that have been amended in 2016.

In another first, the ECI is providing voting facilities to Kashmiri migrants by means of postal ballots. Since the migrants continue to be enrolled in their respective assembly constituencies from which the municipal committees or panchayats would derive the rolls, facilities will be provided for them to vote.

The polling, which began at 7 am, will conclude at 4 pm today, and counting of votes will be done on October 20.

In the wake of the polls, mobile internet services have been suspended in South Kashmir, while mobile internet speed has been reduced to 2G in other parts of the Valley.&nbsp;

Voter turnout in Jammu and Kashmir municipal polls witnessed a significant boost, with Kargil taking over the lead from Rajouri in terms of voter turnout as of 1 pm on Monday.

Voter turnout in Jammu and Kashmir municipal polls witnessed a significant boost, with Kargil taking over the lead from Rajouri in terms of voter turnout as of 1 pm on Monday. Voter turnout in Kargil increased from 33 per cent to 73.6 per cent in a span of two hours. While Rajouri recorded 67.7 per cent, Poonch was close with 63.5 per cent. Jammu and Leh recorded voting percentages of 43.4 and 44.2, respectively. Bandipore recorded the lowest voter turnout of 2.5 per cent, while Anantnag, Budgam and Baramulla, which are heavily infested by militancy, registered voter turnouts of 6.1 per cent, 12 per cent and 3.7 per cent, respectively. Amid terror threats and boycott calls by separatist groups and the two main regional parties, the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ), polling for the first phase of municipal elections in 422 of the 1,145 wards began on Monday morning. Unprecedented security arrangements were put in place by the state authorities and the Election Commission to ensure peaceful polls. Also, all candidates have been provided with either cluster security in hotels or individually in the Valley. According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), a total of 1,283 candidates are contesting in the 422 municipal wards today. This time, a large number of independent candidates are also in the fray. This municipal election is also witnessing two significant firsts. In a major development, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are being used for the first time in accordance with the rules that have been amended in 2016. In another first, the ECI is providing voting facilities to Kashmiri migrants by means of postal ballots. Since the migrants continue to be enrolled in their respective assembly constituencies from which the municipal committees or panchayats would derive the rolls, facilities will be provided for them to vote. The polling, which began at 7 am, will conclude at 4 pm today, and counting of votes will be done on October 20. In the wake of the polls, mobile internet services have been suspended in South Kashmir, while mobile internet speed has been reduced to 2G in other parts of the Valley.

J&K municipal polls: Kargil takes lead with 73.6% voter turnout

In any irregular warfare situation, when terrorists are on the run due to security forces' pressure, they will resort to unconventional ways of diluting the forces' effectiveness. In 1999, at the height of Kargil operations, terror groups chose to execute 'Fidayeen' attacks or suicide missions. These forced out of proportion defensive security measures to be taken by the armed forces, thus reducing the ongoing pressure from offensive counter-terror operations. The advent of stone throwing and street turbulence in 2008 was a ploy employed when terrorist numbers plummeted after the LoC fence came into being in 2004 and enabled far more effective counter infiltration.&nbsp;

This created another domain sometimes referred to as "agitational terrorism". The army had raised the Rashtriya Rifles (RR) to fight terrorism and it proved to be one of the most successful military experiments. Remaining one of the most effective arms of the security forces has been the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Its continuity in operations, wealth of experience of its personnel, affinity with the local populace and steadfastness under threat, from time to time, has all through ensured a force multiplication effect. Alongside them are the personnel of the JAK Light Infantry's Territorial Army Home &amp; Hearth units, as also regular soldiers from the JAK LI Regiment whose presence while on leave (2,000-3,000 personnel at any given time) in villages and cities has had a stabilising effect on the environment. Through the height of the militancy, these personnel were never targeted by terrorists, presumably on the premise that it would attract the ire of the army and the JKP. The foreign terrorists (FTs), then in majority, always suspected that much more intense operations would follow if local SF personnel and their families became targets.

The steadfastness of the local soldiers and policemen under trying circumstances within Kashmir's social milieu was one of the hallmarks of our efforts towards countering Pakistani and separatist efforts. It was particularly borne out during the 2008-10 agitation. In 2016, in the wake of Burhan Wani's killing, it was the local militancy which took the upper hand. The first noticeable change was the initiation of the targeting of policemen's homes and forced admission by their families of allegiance to the terrorist cause. From then on, as the local hold over the violent element of the separatist movement was enhanced, the threat to local soldiers on leave and policemen has multiplied manifold. The paralysis and embarrassment of the administration through targeting of local functionaries was earlier witnessed with the killing of 16 sarpanchs and injuring of 30 other elected grassroots leaders over the last few years.

In the interim, in August 2018, the establishment reportedly attempted an intimidation and targeting of the families of a few terrorists leading to a quid pro quo action by terrorists against policemen's families. The standoff eased once both sides stood down but it probably emboldened the local terrorists to renew their threats and execute these with a higher level of intimidation. That translated on September 18, 2018, when Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) issued a warning through an uploaded video recording. It threatened to kill every Kashmiri working for JKP and Indian Army if they didn't resign within four days; failure to resign would lead to the killing of families, as per the threat. The video went viral on social media bringing yet another facet into the ongoing information war which the terrorists are clearly dominating thus far.

Not taking the threat too lightly, the authorities have displayed sensitivity to the sentiments that will be created within ranks of soldiers serving away from the Valley, the TA-H&amp;H and personnel of the JKP who remain the most visible and vulnerable. The Hizbul Mujahideen has given an indication of its intent to do on ground what it has threatened, when it killed three SPOs in Shopian on 21 September 2018. It is obvious that securing all Kashmiri armed forces personnel and families will pose a bigger challenge for the establishment and take away much of the offensive content from the anti-terrorism operations.

A major domain which will be affected will be intelligence, for which the army's dependence is largely on the JKP. In the see-saw battle for domination of the security space in the Valley, the SF have been clearly dominant once the negative situation arising from the trigger effect of the killing of Burhan Wani on 8 July 2016 was stabilised. That domination is now under challenge and answers are not easy. This will have an adverse effect also on the intended strategy of the government to take the proxy war campaign beyond just security related operations. Outreach operations, restoration of political activity at the grassroots and most importantly the successful conduct of the local bodies' polls due over the next two months, will all be adversely affected.

The government needs to act quickly to restore confidence. It is not panic station yet, but clearly there is a dearth of troops in Shopian, in particular, that is affording space and freedom of movement to the terrorists. The only answer is through a strong focused response against the terrorists and their leadership by greater density of troops presence. Once earlier, in 2010, the separatists attempted to cross the limit of tolerance of the establishment by threatening to surround all army camps in the Valley. It was an ill-advised move, against which the army made its intent extremely clear; that it would brook no attempts at intimidation and would unhesitatingly resort to counter violence to defeat such attempts. The separatists then stood down.

However, times have changed. The separatists and terrorists, backed by the deep State across the LoC, have been emboldened many a time in recent years to cross the limits of tolerance and bear consequences in the vain hope that it would create far greater alienation and force the hand of the establishment. If they are targeting the local bodies' polls for cancellation, then the government needs to be even more committed towards their conduct once the announcement has been made.

This is not a juncture when the establishment can display any squeamishness or be forced on the back foot. It is only hoped that better sense will prevail in the thinking of HM who may find that in the battle of wits, the government can accept being on the back foot only temporarily. In the long run, it can remain defensive only at a very negative cost.

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-new-threats-to-forces-in-jk-2666174">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

In any irregular warfare situation, when terrorists are on the run due to security forces' pressure, they will resort to unconventional ways of diluting the forces' effectiveness.

In any irregular warfare situation, when terrorists are on the run due to security forces' pressure, they will resort to unconventional ways of diluting the forces' effectiveness. In 1999, at the height of Kargil operations, terror groups chose to execute 'Fidayeen' attacks or suicide missions. These forced out of proportion defensive security measures to be taken by the armed forces, thus reducing the ongoing pressure from offensive counter-terror operations. The advent of stone throwing and street turbulence in 2008 was a ploy employed when terrorist numbers plummeted after the LoC fence came into being in 2004 and enabled far more effective counter infiltration. This created another domain sometimes referred to as "agitational terrorism". The army had raised the Rashtriya Rifles (RR) to fight terrorism and it proved to be one of the most successful military experiments. Remaining one of the most effective arms of the security forces has been the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Its continuity in operations, wealth of experience of its personnel, affinity with the local populace and steadfastness under threat, from time to time, has all through ensured a force multiplication effect. Alongside them are the personnel of the JAK Light Infantry's Territorial Army Home & Hearth units, as also regular soldiers from the JAK LI Regiment whose presence while on leave (2,000-3,000 personnel at any given time) in villages and cities has had a stabilising effect on the environment. Through the height of the militancy, these personnel were never targeted by terrorists, presumably on the premise that it would attract the ire of the army and the JKP. The foreign terrorists (FTs), then in majority, always suspected that much more intense operations would follow if local SF personnel and their families became targets. The steadfastness of the local soldiers and policemen under trying circumstances within Kashmir's social milieu was one of the hallmarks of our efforts towards countering Pakistani and separatist efforts. It was particularly borne out during the 2008-10 agitation. In 2016, in the wake of Burhan Wani's killing, it was the local militancy which took the upper hand. The first noticeable change was the initiation of the targeting of policemen's homes and forced admission by their families of allegiance to the terrorist cause. From then on, as the local hold over the violent element of the separatist movement was enhanced, the threat to local soldiers on leave and policemen has multiplied manifold. The paralysis and embarrassment of the administration through targeting of local functionaries was earlier witnessed with the killing of 16 sarpanchs and injuring of 30 other elected grassroots leaders over the last few years. In the interim, in August 2018, the establishment reportedly attempted an intimidation and targeting of the families of a few terrorists leading to a quid pro quo action by terrorists against policemen's families. The standoff eased once both sides stood down but it probably emboldened the local terrorists to renew their threats and execute these with a higher level of intimidation. That translated on September 18, 2018, when Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) issued a warning through an uploaded video recording. It threatened to kill every Kashmiri working for JKP and Indian Army if they didn't resign within four days; failure to resign would lead to the killing of families, as per the threat. The video went viral on social media bringing yet another facet into the ongoing information war which the terrorists are clearly dominating thus far. Not taking the threat too lightly, the authorities have displayed sensitivity to the sentiments that will be created within ranks of soldiers serving away from the Valley, the TA-H&H and personnel of the JKP who remain the most visible and vulnerable. The Hizbul Mujahideen has given an indication of its intent to do on ground what it has threatened, when it killed three SPOs in Shopian on 21 September 2018. It is obvious that securing all Kashmiri armed forces personnel and families will pose a bigger challenge for the establishment and take away much of the offensive content from the anti-terrorism operations. A major domain which will be affected will be intelligence, for which the army's dependence is largely on the JKP. In the see-saw battle for domination of the security space in the Valley, the SF have been clearly dominant once the negative situation arising from the trigger effect of the killing of Burhan Wani on 8 July 2016 was stabilised. That domination is now under challenge and answers are not easy. This will have an adverse effect also on the intended strategy of the government to take the proxy war campaign beyond just security related operations. Outreach operations, restoration of political activity at the grassroots and most importantly the successful conduct of the local bodies' polls due over the next two months, will all be adversely affected. The government needs to act quickly to restore confidence. It is not panic station yet, but clearly there is a dearth of troops in Shopian, in particular, that is affording space and freedom of movement to the terrorists. The only answer is through a strong focused response against the terrorists and their leadership by greater density of troops presence. Once earlier, in 2010, the separatists attempted to cross the limit of tolerance of the establishment by threatening to surround all army camps in the Valley. It was an ill-advised move, against which the army made its intent extremely clear; that it would brook no attempts at intimidation and would unhesitatingly resort to counter violence to defeat such attempts. The separatists then stood down. However, times have changed. The separatists and terrorists, backed by the deep State across the LoC, have been emboldened many a time in recent years to cross the limits of tolerance and bear consequences in the vain hope that it would create far greater alienation and force the hand of the establishment. If they are targeting the local bodies' polls for cancellation, then the government needs to be even more committed towards their conduct once the announcement has been made. This is not a juncture when the establishment can display any squeamishness or be forced on the back foot. It is only hoped that better sense will prevail in the thinking of HM who may find that in the battle of wits, the government can accept being on the back foot only temporarily. In the long run, it can remain defensive only at a very negative cost. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: New threats to forces in J&K

Actor Sidharth Malhotra, who is going to essay Captain Vikram Batra in a film, says he is nervous about playing the Kargil martyr on the big screen. 
 
&quot;Movies have a great impact, they live for long. There is a pressure of living up to the idea of what their son has done. That is why we are taking more time to start the film. 
 
&quot;We want to work properly on the story. It is not a fictitious story that I want to jump into it. I hope whenever the film comes out the family is happy and proud,&quot; Sidharth told PTI. 
 
Although nervous, the actor is excited to star in his first biopic, in which has a double role where he will portray both Vikram and his twin, Vishal. 
 
&quot;This is my first biopic and I am super excited for it. He has a brother but the film is predominately about Captain Vikram. We are planning how to cleverly deal with it (double roles). He impacted so many people in the Army. 
 
&quot;I won&#39;t say he is a personality that everybody knows but I felt it was a story that needed to be told. I found his story fascinating,&quot; the actor says. 
 
Sidharth says the shoot for the film is expected to begin this summer. 
 
&quot;I have started training in a way by going to border areas, meeting BSF jawans, seeing their lifestyle, discipline and training. So in my own head the little bit of homework has started by observing people.&quot; 
 
The actor&#39;s other film, Aashiqui 3, is currently in the scripting stage. 
 
&quot;Of course, we all are on board. It is taking time from a writing point of view, the director and producer have to agree on the script. It is a mystery for me as well. It will be a great thing to be working on this film. I have never worked with Bhatts so looking forward to this.&quot; 
 
Sidharth will star opposite Alia Bhatt in the forthcoming movie. 
 
The actor&#39;s name has cropped up for the remake of David Dhawan&#39;s 1998 hit film Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. 
 
This film will be remade by producer Jacky Bhagnani and reportedly it will also star Akshay Kumar.

&quot;This is news to me,&quot; the actor says when asked about reports. 
 
&quot;Nobody has come to me, no one has approached me. I have no clue. Akshay and I are the same height. So it will be &#39;Bade Miyan Bade Miyan&#39;.&quot;

Actor Sidharth Malhotra, who is going to essay Captain Vikram Batra in a film, says he is nervous about playing the Kargil martyr on the big screen.

Actor Sidharth Malhotra, who is going to essay Captain Vikram Batra in a film, says he is nervous about playing the Kargil martyr on the big screen. "Movies have a great impact, they live for long. There is a pressure of living up to the idea of what their son has done. That is why we are taking more time to start the film. "We want to work properly on the story. It is not a fictitious story that I want to jump into it. I hope whenever the film comes out the family is happy and proud," Sidharth told PTI. Although nervous, the actor is excited to star in his first biopic, in which has a double role where he will portray both Vikram and his twin, Vishal. "This is my first biopic and I am super excited for it. He has a brother but the film is predominately about Captain Vikram. We are planning how to cleverly deal with it (double roles). He impacted so many people in the Army. "I won't say he is a personality that everybody knows but I felt it was a story that needed to be told. I found his story fascinating," the actor says. Sidharth says the shoot for the film is expected to begin this summer. "I have started training in a way by going to border areas, meeting BSF jawans, seeing their lifestyle, discipline and training. So in my own head the little bit of homework has started by observing people." The actor's other film, Aashiqui 3, is currently in the scripting stage. "Of course, we all are on board. It is taking time from a writing point of view, the director and producer have to agree on the script. It is a mystery for me as well. It will be a great thing to be working on this film. I have never worked with Bhatts so looking forward to this." Sidharth will star opposite Alia Bhatt in the forthcoming movie. The actor's name has cropped up for the remake of David Dhawan's 1998 hit film Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. This film will be remade by producer Jacky Bhagnani and reportedly it will also star Akshay Kumar. "This is news to me," the actor says when asked about reports. "Nobody has come to me, no one has approached me. I have no clue. Akshay and I are the same height. So it will be 'Bade Miyan Bade Miyan'."

Sidharth Malhotra on playing Capt. Vikram Batra: Super excited for my first biopic

Gurmehar Kaur, who became the focal point of a nationalism debate last year, says her answer to repeated questions about how she survived the vitriol and social media trial and from where she gathered the strength to move on is her new book.

&quot;Small Acts of Freedom&quot; is the story of three generations of single women in a family who have faced the world on their own terms. It has an unusual narrative structure that crisscrosses between the past and the present, spanning 70 years from 1947 to 2017.

From her grandmother who came to India from Lahore after Partition to the whirlwind romance between her parents, from her war martyr father&#39;s state funeral to her experiences since her days of student activism, Gurmehar&#39;s debut is about the fierceness of love, the power of family and the little acts that beget big revolutions.

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Gurmehar writes about the women in her family who fought their own battles, who stood by each other and who kept going.

&quot;I grew up with these women, listening to their stories over and over again and watching them take on the world on their own terms,&quot; she says.

In February 2017, Gurmehar, a 19-year-old English Literature student at Lady Shri Ram College here, joined a peaceful campaign after violent clashes at Delhi University&#39;s Ramjas College.

As part of the campaign, her post (that she is not afraid of the ABVP and all students are with her) made her the target of an onslaught of social media vitriol, including death and rape threats and furious commentary from people ranging from politicians to cricketers, actors to media influencers.

Also back in the spotlight was her April 2016 video campaign for peace, in which she held up a placard saying about her father, a Kargil martyr, &quot;Pakistan did not kill my dad, war killed him.&quot;

Suddenly, she was at the centre of the entire nationalism debate and found herself under fire from innumerable sources online and offline.

Gurmehar says she wants no one to go through what she went through, what her family went through.

&quot;I&#39;ve been trolled, mocked and bullied. I&#39;ve had people call me names. And I&#39;ve been frightened for my life. But I emerged from all of that more determined than ever before to never be silenced,&quot; she writes in the book, published by Penguin.

She says she has been asked different variations of one question over and over again: how did she survive that? What kept her going? What did she hold on to?

&quot;I write this book to answer just that. My story does not start with me. The courage - or resilience or whatever you want to call it - that I was able to display did not come to me overnight. My strength is inherited. I don&#39;t believe that my existence is all about a three-day-long controversy,&quot; Gurmehar says.

'Small Acts of Freedom' is the story of three generations of single women in a family who have faced the world on their own terms

Gurmehar Kaur, who became the focal point of a nationalism debate last year, says her answer to repeated questions about how she survived the vitriol and social media trial and from where she gathered the strength to move on is her new book. "Small Acts of Freedom" is the story of three generations of single women in a family who have faced the world on their own terms. It has an unusual narrative structure that crisscrosses between the past and the present, spanning 70 years from 1947 to 2017. From her grandmother who came to India from Lahore after Partition to the whirlwind romance between her parents, from her war martyr father's state funeral to her experiences since her days of student activism, Gurmehar's debut is about the fierceness of love, the power of family and the little acts that beget big revolutions. The book has an unusual narrative structure that crisscrosses between the past and the present, spanning 70 years from 1947 to 2017 × Gurmehar writes about the women in her family who fought their own battles, who stood by each other and who kept going. "I grew up with these women, listening to their stories over and over again and watching them take on the world on their own terms," she says. In February 2017, Gurmehar, a 19-year-old English Literature student at Lady Shri Ram College here, joined a peaceful campaign after violent clashes at Delhi University's Ramjas College. As part of the campaign, her post (that she is not afraid of the ABVP and all students are with her) made her the target of an onslaught of social media vitriol, including death and rape threats and furious commentary from people ranging from politicians to cricketers, actors to media influencers. Also back in the spotlight was her April 2016 video campaign for peace, in which she held up a placard saying about her father, a Kargil martyr, "Pakistan did not kill my dad, war killed him." Suddenly, she was at the centre of the entire nationalism debate and found herself under fire from innumerable sources online and offline. Gurmehar says she wants no one to go through what she went through, what her family went through. "I've been trolled, mocked and bullied. I've had people call me names. And I've been frightened for my life. But I emerged from all of that more determined than ever before to never be silenced," she writes in the book, published by Penguin. She says she has been asked different variations of one question over and over again: how did she survive that? What kept her going? What did she hold on to? "I write this book to answer just that. My story does not start with me. The courage - or resilience or whatever you want to call it - that I was able to display did not come to me overnight. My strength is inherited. I don't believe that my existence is all about a three-day-long controversy," Gurmehar says.

Gurmehar Kaur writes book, says it answers question she was asked over and over again

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