USA
UK
GERMAN
DUBAI
CHINA
PAKISTAN
AND
FINALLY
INDIA
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Dear Readers,
1. The poll question was " Is Govt using MSP as a tool to deny correct Grade Pay to Soldiers"
2. The compilation of summary is here for all to read:
a) total votes : 41
b) No. of "ayes" : 40 (97%)
c) No. of "No's" : 1 ( 03%)
d) No. of " Can't say" : 00 ( 0%)
3. The next poll question is in the pipeline for all to consider and vote.
Regards
HARDCORE SOLDIER
1. The poll question was " Is Govt using MSP as a tool to deny correct Grade Pay to Soldiers"
2. The compilation of summary is here for all to read:
a) total votes : 41
b) No. of "ayes" : 40 (97%)
c) No. of "No's" : 1 ( 03%)
d) No. of " Can't say" : 00 ( 0%)
3. The next poll question is in the pipeline for all to consider and vote.
Regards
HARDCORE SOLDIER
Spyders Overrun India
August 26, 2009: The Indian Army has been allowed to buy Israeli air defense systems to protect its most important bases from air attack. Last year, the Indian Air Force finally got the Israeli Spyder anti-aircraft system, after several years of battling the Indian procurement bureaucrats. The Indian Air Force had had originally wanted to buy 24 Israeli Spyder anti-aircraft missile systems, but ended up settling for 18. The army is still negotiating with the bureaucrats and politicians on the size of the order.
Spyder is a 
Each Spyder system has four missile launcher trucks, a radar truck and a missile re-supply truck. Each system costs about $11 million. Spyder radar system has a maximum range of 100 kilometers. The missiles can hit targets as high as 28,000 feet and as low as 65 feet. Deliveries will begin in 2011.
Israel has become the second largest supplier (after Russia) of military equipment to
Biggest India-US war game follows China's largest army exercise
New Delhi: Close on the heels of a high-profile war game launched by the Chinese army, the Indian and US armies and air forces will simultaneously conduct their largest joint drill in October that will feature a variety of armoured vehicles, medium and heavy lift aircraft and helicopters, an official said.
The army element of the exercise will be conducted at Babina in Uttar Pradesh, while the two air forces will engage each other at the Taj Mahal town of Agra.
The US Army will move a fleet of of eight-wheeled Stryker armoured combat vehicles from its Pacific Command headquarters in Hawaii to Babina for operation "Yudh Abhyas" against which will be deployed the Indian Army's T-72 main battle tanks of the 31 Armoured Division that guards India's scorching desert border with Pakistan.
This will be the largest deployment of Strykers, which can withstand rocket-propelled grenades, outside Iraq and Afghanistan. At least 500 American soldiers, mostly drawn from the 2nd Stryker Brigade will participate in the war games.
The aerial element will see the Indian Air Force (IAF) fielding the Il-76, its largest transport aircraft, as also AN-32 medium lift transports and and Mi-17 helicopters. Ranged against them will be US Air Force (USAF) C-17 Globemasters, C-130 J Super Hercules - of which the IAF has ordered six - and C-130 H transport aircraft.
Nearly 200 IAF and 160 USAF personnel will participate in the exercise.
"The exercise is aimed at evaluating the efficacy of joint operations in the realm of tactics, aero-medical aspects and combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions involving medium and heavy lift transport aircraft," an IAF spokesperson said.
China has deployed close to 50,000 troops in its biggest cross-country tactical mobilisation exercise that has sent alarm bells ringing in India as it is being seen as Beijing's efforts to improve its ability to deploy troops in Tibet whenever reinforcements are required.
The army element of the exercise will be conducted at Babina in Uttar Pradesh, while the two air forces will engage each other at the Taj Mahal town of Agra.
The US Army will move a fleet of of eight-wheeled Stryker armoured combat vehicles from its Pacific Command headquarters in Hawaii to Babina for operation "Yudh Abhyas" against which will be deployed the Indian Army's T-72 main battle tanks of the 31 Armoured Division that guards India's scorching desert border with Pakistan.
This will be the largest deployment of Strykers, which can withstand rocket-propelled grenades, outside Iraq and Afghanistan. At least 500 American soldiers, mostly drawn from the 2nd Stryker Brigade will participate in the war games.
The aerial element will see the Indian Air Force (IAF) fielding the Il-76, its largest transport aircraft, as also AN-32 medium lift transports and and Mi-17 helicopters. Ranged against them will be US Air Force (USAF) C-17 Globemasters, C-130 J Super Hercules - of which the IAF has ordered six - and C-130 H transport aircraft.
Nearly 200 IAF and 160 USAF personnel will participate in the exercise.
"The exercise is aimed at evaluating the efficacy of joint operations in the realm of tactics, aero-medical aspects and combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions involving medium and heavy lift transport aircraft," an IAF spokesperson said.
China has deployed close to 50,000 troops in its biggest cross-country tactical mobilisation exercise that has sent alarm bells ringing in India as it is being seen as Beijing's efforts to improve its ability to deploy troops in Tibet whenever reinforcements are required.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM CDA : ARMY OFFICERS
- Orders for second installment of arrears on 6th CPC recommendations have been issued by Govt of India, Ministry of Finance, Deptt of Expenditure F.No. 1/1/2008-IC dated 25 Aug 09.
- Pending receipt of orders for payment from MOD, officers willing to deposit these arrears in DSOP Fund may send their requests for the same immediately, either through Grievance / Feedback on the website or through email at enquiry@cdaopune.org or by FAX on 020-26453446, duly super-scribing “Request for credit of 60% arrears in DSOPF” on the FAX / email.
Retired armed force personnel train for corporate jobs
Kolkata, Aug 25 (IANS) They were earlier men in olive green protecting the country. After bidding farewell to arms, these retired armed forces personnel are honing their skills at India’s premier management institutes to equip themselves for crack civilian jobs in the corporate sector.
The six-month Armed Forces Programme (AFP), started three years ago by B-schools like the Indian Institutes of Management, has been helping the former soldiers increase their job prospects.
“They retire early from armed forces but have long years ahead of them. The course provides them with customised training for corporate jobs,” Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM-C) Director Shekhar Chaudhuri told IANS.
The management schools do not have placement services for the trainees. “But we act as facilitator by letting them use the campus for job interviews,” Chaudhuri said.
The IIMs run the course once a year as per an agreement with the directorate general of resettlement (DGR) under the defence ministry.
Apart from the IIMs, the Xavier Labour Relations Institute in Jamshedpur and the Management Development Institute in Gurgaon also run courses for the just-retired armed forces personnel.
“We have 30 subjects and projects in this course,” retired Captain Manish Srivastava, now studying at IIM-C, told IANS.
The subjects include operations management, cost accounting, marketing, retail marketing and strategic management.
Asked to spell out the experiences which they were likely to encounter in the corporate world as distinct from their defence experiences, another trainee, retired Wing Commander P.M. Srinivasan of the Indian Air Force, said the novelty would lie in the “less hierarchical approach in the business sector”.
“All armed forces personnel are adept at planning and execution. They are also experts in overcoming hurdles by opting for plan B when plan A becomes unworkable.
“But in the corporate world, there is more scope for meetings and discussions. And there is not much of a hierarchy, unlike in the forces,” said Srinivasan.
Ruia Group chairman Pawan Ruia praised the commitment of the ex-defence personnel.
“We find them very focussed and committed to their work. They are very disciplined and now that they are getting trained by management institutions, this will enhance their capabilities,” said Ruia, who was one of the guest lecturers during the course.
Has the recession affected placements?
“Not much,” said Srinivasan.
Last year, around 50 percent of the students were placed by the end of the course and the rest got jobs within a month or two afterwards.
“This year (April-September), there were problems around a month back, as fewer companies were visiting us. But then we started calling up companies, visiting them and informing them about our courses. Now more firms are visiting us,” Col. Jatinder Uppal, placement committee head of the current batch, told IANS.
Uppal said: “We have initiated talks with at least 10-15 companies till date. Around six-seven have already visited us and we expect many more in the coming days.”
Companies like Hindustan National Glass, Simplex Infrastructure, Ruia Group and Larsen & Toubro have made their rounds of IIM-C this year.
“We are hopeful many more companies will come to us at the end of our course in September,” said Srinivasan.
The six-month Armed Forces Programme (AFP), started three years ago by B-schools like the Indian Institutes of Management, has been helping the former soldiers increase their job prospects.
“They retire early from armed forces but have long years ahead of them. The course provides them with customised training for corporate jobs,” Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM-C) Director Shekhar Chaudhuri told IANS.
The management schools do not have placement services for the trainees. “But we act as facilitator by letting them use the campus for job interviews,” Chaudhuri said.
The IIMs run the course once a year as per an agreement with the directorate general of resettlement (DGR) under the defence ministry.
Apart from the IIMs, the Xavier Labour Relations Institute in Jamshedpur and the Management Development Institute in Gurgaon also run courses for the just-retired armed forces personnel.
“We have 30 subjects and projects in this course,” retired Captain Manish Srivastava, now studying at IIM-C, told IANS.
The subjects include operations management, cost accounting, marketing, retail marketing and strategic management.
Asked to spell out the experiences which they were likely to encounter in the corporate world as distinct from their defence experiences, another trainee, retired Wing Commander P.M. Srinivasan of the Indian Air Force, said the novelty would lie in the “less hierarchical approach in the business sector”.
“All armed forces personnel are adept at planning and execution. They are also experts in overcoming hurdles by opting for plan B when plan A becomes unworkable.
“But in the corporate world, there is more scope for meetings and discussions. And there is not much of a hierarchy, unlike in the forces,” said Srinivasan.
Ruia Group chairman Pawan Ruia praised the commitment of the ex-defence personnel.
“We find them very focussed and committed to their work. They are very disciplined and now that they are getting trained by management institutions, this will enhance their capabilities,” said Ruia, who was one of the guest lecturers during the course.
Has the recession affected placements?
“Not much,” said Srinivasan.
Last year, around 50 percent of the students were placed by the end of the course and the rest got jobs within a month or two afterwards.
“This year (April-September), there were problems around a month back, as fewer companies were visiting us. But then we started calling up companies, visiting them and informing them about our courses. Now more firms are visiting us,” Col. Jatinder Uppal, placement committee head of the current batch, told IANS.
Uppal said: “We have initiated talks with at least 10-15 companies till date. Around six-seven have already visited us and we expect many more in the coming days.”
Companies like Hindustan National Glass, Simplex Infrastructure, Ruia Group and Larsen & Toubro have made their rounds of IIM-C this year.
“We are hopeful many more companies will come to us at the end of our course in September,” said Srinivasan.
Not bound to follow fee hike order, say air force schools
New Delhi, Aug 25 (IANS) Two schools run by the Indian Air Force Benevolent Cultural and Educational Society told the Delhi High Court Tuesday that they are not bound to follow its interim order on fee hikes as they do not fall under the ambit of recognised schools of the government.
Replying to a petition before the division bench of Justice A.K. Sikri and Justice Valmiki J. Mehta, the schools submitted that they are run by the Indian Air Force and are unrecognised and unaided schools and, therefore, the order pertaining to the fee hike did not apply to them.
“The school is for the children of air force personnel and a fee hike is necessary to maintain the quality of education and other basic necessities,” the reply stated.
The court had earlier issued a notice to the schools on a petition from the Delhi Abhibhavak Mahasangh (parents’ organisation), filed through counsel Ashok Aggarwal, who contended that the Air Force Nursery School and Air Force Junior School had failed to comply with the court’s May 28 directive to schools on the procedure to be followed for hiking the fees.
The Air Force Nursery School increased its tuition fee from Rs.475 per month to Rs.1,000 in the first week of July, while the Air Force Junior School raised its fee from Rs.435 to RS.1,100 per month, the petitioner had said.
Replying to a petition before the division bench of Justice A.K. Sikri and Justice Valmiki J. Mehta, the schools submitted that they are run by the Indian Air Force and are unrecognised and unaided schools and, therefore, the order pertaining to the fee hike did not apply to them.
“The school is for the children of air force personnel and a fee hike is necessary to maintain the quality of education and other basic necessities,” the reply stated.
The court had earlier issued a notice to the schools on a petition from the Delhi Abhibhavak Mahasangh (parents’ organisation), filed through counsel Ashok Aggarwal, who contended that the Air Force Nursery School and Air Force Junior School had failed to comply with the court’s May 28 directive to schools on the procedure to be followed for hiking the fees.
The Air Force Nursery School increased its tuition fee from Rs.475 per month to Rs.1,000 in the first week of July, while the Air Force Junior School raised its fee from Rs.435 to RS.1,100 per month, the petitioner had said.
Ballard Bunder Gatehouse, Navy’s entry for UNESCO heritage award
Mumbai The Ballard Bunder Gatehouse, part of Naval Dockyard, is among the five entries from the city for the 2009 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation. The Indian Navy has proposed it for the Award. “We have entered it for the UNESCO Heritage Awards after it was restored by the Western Naval Command,” said Vice Admiral N N Kumar, Admiral Superintendent, Naval Dockyards.
The Navy had dedicated the restored building, with a small museum included, to the city in 2005. “It was built in 1920 as a commemorative gateway to the erstwhile Ballard Pier in the altered alignment of the harbour, as envisaged in the development of Ballard Estate conceived by George Wittet, the chief architect (1908-1914) of the Bombay Port Trust,” said Commodore Sanjay Tewari of the Naval Dockyard, who is also writing a book on the history of the dockyard.
The gatehouse, built in neo-classical style with yellow stone masonry, was named after Port Trust founder Colonel JA Ballard. It had been lying neglected since the ‘50s after it was included in the Dockyard and made off-limits for the public.
Some of the sea behind the Gatehouse was reclaimed In the 50s for the use of the Dockyard. After that, it did not function as a gatehouse and became Dockyard property. The Dockyard wall was also built around the entrance at some stage. “This closed the gatehouse from one side and once buildings came up on the reclaimed land behind, the gatehouse was hidden from view for decades. The building was put to various use over the years. The building came up for public view after the sheds were removed,” said Tewari.
“The structure was used as an office space over the years and had accumulated inappropriate modern fixtures. Painting and plasterwork had deteriorated and cracks had appeared in the masonry,” says the UNESCO website.
In 1995, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation declared it a heritage structure after the Heritage Regulations for Greater Mumbai designated the Mumbai Fort Precinct as a listed Heritage Precinct. Historically, the gatehouse was built opposite the Ballard Pier marking the entrance to Bombay. But, according to Tewari, there was no requirement for the short pier once the main Ballard Pier with its Railway Station, known as the Mole Station, came up. “The gatehouse, however, had come up on the main road leading to the new Ballard Pier at the junction of two roads through the Estate.”
“Restoration was done jointly by the Naval Dockyard and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Heritage Conservation Society at a cost of Rs 36 lakh,” he said.
The UNESCO Heritage Committee is likely to send a team to the site in September for assessment.
According to the UNESCO website, entries from 14 Asian countries are vying for the awards. Of them, 14 entries are from India. China and Iran follow with seven entries each. Mumbai alone has four entries apart from the gatehouse — the HSBC Building, Fort, Upadastra House, the YMCA Students Branch built in 1910 as a boys’ hostel and the YWCA Lady Willingdon Hostel built in 1900.
The Navy had dedicated the restored building, with a small museum included, to the city in 2005. “It was built in 1920 as a commemorative gateway to the erstwhile Ballard Pier in the altered alignment of the harbour, as envisaged in the development of Ballard Estate conceived by George Wittet, the chief architect (1908-1914) of the Bombay Port Trust,” said Commodore Sanjay Tewari of the Naval Dockyard, who is also writing a book on the history of the dockyard.
The gatehouse, built in neo-classical style with yellow stone masonry, was named after Port Trust founder Colonel JA Ballard. It had been lying neglected since the ‘50s after it was included in the Dockyard and made off-limits for the public.
Some of the sea behind the Gatehouse was reclaimed In the 50s for the use of the Dockyard. After that, it did not function as a gatehouse and became Dockyard property. The Dockyard wall was also built around the entrance at some stage. “This closed the gatehouse from one side and once buildings came up on the reclaimed land behind, the gatehouse was hidden from view for decades. The building was put to various use over the years. The building came up for public view after the sheds were removed,” said Tewari.
“The structure was used as an office space over the years and had accumulated inappropriate modern fixtures. Painting and plasterwork had deteriorated and cracks had appeared in the masonry,” says the UNESCO website.
In 1995, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation declared it a heritage structure after the Heritage Regulations for Greater Mumbai designated the Mumbai Fort Precinct as a listed Heritage Precinct. Historically, the gatehouse was built opposite the Ballard Pier marking the entrance to Bombay. But, according to Tewari, there was no requirement for the short pier once the main Ballard Pier with its Railway Station, known as the Mole Station, came up. “The gatehouse, however, had come up on the main road leading to the new Ballard Pier at the junction of two roads through the Estate.”
“Restoration was done jointly by the Naval Dockyard and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Heritage Conservation Society at a cost of Rs 36 lakh,” he said.
The UNESCO Heritage Committee is likely to send a team to the site in September for assessment.
According to the UNESCO website, entries from 14 Asian countries are vying for the awards. Of them, 14 entries are from India. China and Iran follow with seven entries each. Mumbai alone has four entries apart from the gatehouse — the HSBC Building, Fort, Upadastra House, the YMCA Students Branch built in 1910 as a boys’ hostel and the YWCA Lady Willingdon Hostel built in 1900.
Specially-abled kids get a feel of equine therapy
Horse riding, often seen as an unique recreational activity, is also known to work wonders for differently abled people for improving their lives through equine therapy.
This therapy is now increasingly being recommended to improve the cognitive, emotional, physical and social skills of people, especially kids with cognitive disability.
This was demonstrated here on Tuesday, by Pushpa Bopaiah, a qualified instructress at the Agaram riding grounds, in the ASC Centre campus. Bopaiah has been training many kids with special needs since 2000 and says about 450 kids have benefited from this facility at the ASC Centre.
"Horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves the rider's body in a manner similar to human gait. While riders with physical disabilities often show improvement in flexibility, balance and muscle strength, those with emotional disabilities display increased confidence, patience and self-esteem which is a result of the unique relationship with the horse" she added. Among the cases that are treatable are autism, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, visual impairments, and even cardiovascular cases.
The ASC Centre and College will be organising a national level Polo tournament at the Agram Riding and Polo Academy (ARPA) from August 31st to 13th September, followed by the regional horse show which will be held from 4th to 6th September as a part of the tournament.
India artillery upgrade stuck, Pak gets howitzers from US
India’s artillery modernisation has been stuck due to scam scares ever since the Bofors scandal but Pakistan has gone ahead, equipping its army with the latest guns that now threaten to give it an edge over the Indian Army.
While India has not received even a single new artillery gun in the last two decades, Pakistan recently received a batch of 67 self-propelled artillery guns from the US using War against Terror funds granted by Washington.
Latest United Nations data reveal that delivery of the M-109 A5 self-propelled artillery guns took place last year. The guns were transferred under the US Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programme that was granted to Pakistan for the fight against militant groups on its border with Afghanistan.
Experts say these M-109 A5 155 mm howitzers give Pakistan a definite conventional edge over the Indian Army that is years away from induction of similar systems. The most modern guns in the Indian Army are the Bofors that were procured in the 1980s.
VAT on BSF canteen items to go: Badal
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal this evening took the salute from second batch of 154 trainee women cops (GD) and 147 male constables at the passing-out parade at Subsidiary Training Centre of the Border Security Force at Kharkan village, 12 km from here.
Badal rued the decreasing number of Punjabi youths in officer ranks of the Indian Army. There was a time when 50 per cent officers in the Army were from Punjab, he said. To reverse the trend, the state government would set up an education-cum-Army training centre at Mohali. After getting education from this centre, the youth could join the Army, Badal said.
Accepting the demand of the Inspector-General, Badal said VAT would not be charged on items in BSF canteen. He also agreed to provide complete equipment of gymnasium at the STC Centre of the BSF at Kharkan.
He was impressed to witness the parade of women cops, who after completing 36 weeks of training, participated in the parade today.
Lauding the BSF for protecting Indian borders and maintaining peace in the country, Badal said the BSF was the pride of the country and known for discipline and dedication.
In a humorous vein the Chief Minister asked Inspector-General, Punjab Frontier, BSF, Himmat Singh to provide physical training to the MLAs so that they could serve people more effectively. Later, Badal told reporters that MPs and MLAs of Punjab would meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh tomorrow in New Delhi to urge him to declare Punjab drought-hit and give suitable relief to farmers.
Referring to the break-up between the BJP and the INLD in Haryana, he said the SAD unit of Haryana would decide on its role in the elections of the state at the appropriate time.
Himmat Singh said newly pass-out women cops would be deployed on border posts for searching and frisking women going beyond fenced gates. Their services, if required, would also be used for internal security duty and counter insurgency performed by the BSF. The deployment of women cops on international border would add a new dimension to border management and role of the BSF.
Badal rued the decreasing number of Punjabi youths in officer ranks of the Indian Army. There was a time when 50 per cent officers in the Army were from Punjab, he said. To reverse the trend, the state government would set up an education-cum-Army training centre at Mohali. After getting education from this centre, the youth could join the Army, Badal said.
Accepting the demand of the Inspector-General, Badal said VAT would not be charged on items in BSF canteen. He also agreed to provide complete equipment of gymnasium at the STC Centre of the BSF at Kharkan.
He was impressed to witness the parade of women cops, who after completing 36 weeks of training, participated in the parade today.
Lauding the BSF for protecting Indian borders and maintaining peace in the country, Badal said the BSF was the pride of the country and known for discipline and dedication.
In a humorous vein the Chief Minister asked Inspector-General, Punjab Frontier, BSF, Himmat Singh to provide physical training to the MLAs so that they could serve people more effectively. Later, Badal told reporters that MPs and MLAs of Punjab would meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh tomorrow in New Delhi to urge him to declare Punjab drought-hit and give suitable relief to farmers.
Referring to the break-up between the BJP and the INLD in Haryana, he said the SAD unit of Haryana would decide on its role in the elections of the state at the appropriate time.
Himmat Singh said newly pass-out women cops would be deployed on border posts for searching and frisking women going beyond fenced gates. Their services, if required, would also be used for internal security duty and counter insurgency performed by the BSF. The deployment of women cops on international border would add a new dimension to border management and role of the BSF.
IIT Delhi teachers go on mass casual leave
Aug. 25: The teachers at Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi (IIT-D) went on a mass casual leave on Tuesday demanding a further revision of the pay scales recently approved by the human resources development ministry. Earlier, the faculty at other IITs too held similar protests.
Though the professors and lecturers of the country’s premier technology institute boycotted classes, all of them were present in the campus, a university official said. However, the professors assembled at 3 pm in the campus and asked the government to consider their demands. Sources said that on Monday night a group of IIT-D professors met HRD minister Kapil Sibal, who gave them a patient hearing. The teachers allege that though the IITs were compared to best institutions, the salary of an assistant professor was less than that of an entry-level lecturer in universities at the current scales.
Though the professors and lecturers of the country’s premier technology institute boycotted classes, all of them were present in the campus, a university official said. However, the professors assembled at 3 pm in the campus and asked the government to consider their demands. Sources said that on Monday night a group of IIT-D professors met HRD minister Kapil Sibal, who gave them a patient hearing. The teachers allege that though the IITs were compared to best institutions, the salary of an assistant professor was less than that of an entry-level lecturer in universities at the current scales.
Bhutan to clear Ulfa, NDFB camps
Aug. 25: Bhutan may launch operation soon to flush out militant camps reported to have been set up by the outlawed Ulfa and NDFB in its fringe areas adjoining Assam.
Disclosing that Bhutan has reiterated its assurances to home minister P. Chidambaram that it will not allow the militant outfits to use its territory against India, an authoritative security sources told this newspaper that Mr Chidambaram apprised his counterpart on the Ulfa and NDFB using Bhutan’s territory by setting up small camps.
Mr Chidambaram was on a goodwill mission to Bhutan on Friday.
Though, they have not been able to set up any full-fledged camp, Ulfa and NDFB rebels are reported to have been imparting training to new recruits in a group of seven or eight in Bhutan woods.
The outlawed militants have suffered a severe setback after Operation Flushout in 2003, after which they were forced to take shelter in Bangladesh and Burma.
The security sources said that Mr Chidambaram succeeded in convincing his counterpart in Bhutan that the Ulfa and NDFB militants, based in Assam, are regrouping and may try to enter Bhutan to set up camps. Bhutan has also agreed to step up vigil along the international border to check the free movement insurgents through the border, adjoining Assam.
Refusing to divulge more details about the nature of operation, security sources said that Bhutan is concerned about its territory and operations may be to sanitize their territory from militant incursion.
According to information, these separatist groups are in close collaboration with anti-national groups of Bhutan like Communist Party of Bhutan (MLM), Bhutan Tiger Force (BTF) and Revolutionary Youth of Bhutan (RYOB).
Joint secretary of law and order bureau Karma T. Namgyal, who was part of the Bhutanese delegation that held parleys with an Indian team at the seventh border coordination development meeting recently had also admitted, "There is information that certain elements within Ulfa and NDFB are trying to spread misunderstanding and antagonism against Bhutan because of the 2003 operations."
"We’ve also received information that Maoist groups like MLM, BTF and RYOB are receiving trainings from Ulfa and NDFB militants in batches," Mr Namgyal was quoted as saying by the state-run daily Kuensel recently.
Disclosing that Bhutan has reiterated its assurances to home minister P. Chidambaram that it will not allow the militant outfits to use its territory against India, an authoritative security sources told this newspaper that Mr Chidambaram apprised his counterpart on the Ulfa and NDFB using Bhutan’s territory by setting up small camps.
Mr Chidambaram was on a goodwill mission to Bhutan on Friday.
Though, they have not been able to set up any full-fledged camp, Ulfa and NDFB rebels are reported to have been imparting training to new recruits in a group of seven or eight in Bhutan woods.
The outlawed militants have suffered a severe setback after Operation Flushout in 2003, after which they were forced to take shelter in Bangladesh and Burma.
The security sources said that Mr Chidambaram succeeded in convincing his counterpart in Bhutan that the Ulfa and NDFB militants, based in Assam, are regrouping and may try to enter Bhutan to set up camps. Bhutan has also agreed to step up vigil along the international border to check the free movement insurgents through the border, adjoining Assam.
Refusing to divulge more details about the nature of operation, security sources said that Bhutan is concerned about its territory and operations may be to sanitize their territory from militant incursion.
According to information, these separatist groups are in close collaboration with anti-national groups of Bhutan like Communist Party of Bhutan (MLM), Bhutan Tiger Force (BTF) and Revolutionary Youth of Bhutan (RYOB).
Joint secretary of law and order bureau Karma T. Namgyal, who was part of the Bhutanese delegation that held parleys with an Indian team at the seventh border coordination development meeting recently had also admitted, "There is information that certain elements within Ulfa and NDFB are trying to spread misunderstanding and antagonism against Bhutan because of the 2003 operations."
"We’ve also received information that Maoist groups like MLM, BTF and RYOB are receiving trainings from Ulfa and NDFB militants in batches," Mr Namgyal was quoted as saying by the state-run daily Kuensel recently.
Navy grounds Sea Harrier fighter jet fleet
The Navy has grounded the entire Sea Harrier fighter jet fleet in the backdrop of one of the aircraft crashing off Goa last week, rendering its lone aircraft carrier INS Viraat without its aerial firepower.
"The Sea Harriers have been grounded following the crash that left a fighter pilot dead," Navy officials said in Delhi on Tuesday.
With the grounding of the 10 Sea Harrier jump jets, INS Viraat, which got afloat at the Cochin Shipyard's dry dock after a 18-month refit a fortnight ago, may have to sail to Gulf of Aden next month without its fighter jets.
"We cannot operate the aircraft till the Board of Inquiry is complete and the reasons for the crash is known. The problems identified by the probe needs to be rectified before the jump jets are airborne again," officials said.
And, the probe could take a long while as the aircraft does not have a flight data recorder and the wreckage needed to be examined minutely to arrive at the reasons for the mishap, they said.
Following a series of crashes since induction, the Navy is now left with just 10 Sea Harriers of the over 20 it had bought in mid-1980s.
"The Sea Harriers have been grounded following the crash that left a fighter pilot dead," Navy officials said in Delhi on Tuesday.
With the grounding of the 10 Sea Harrier jump jets, INS Viraat, which got afloat at the Cochin Shipyard's dry dock after a 18-month refit a fortnight ago, may have to sail to Gulf of Aden next month without its fighter jets.
"We cannot operate the aircraft till the Board of Inquiry is complete and the reasons for the crash is known. The problems identified by the probe needs to be rectified before the jump jets are airborne again," officials said.
And, the probe could take a long while as the aircraft does not have a flight data recorder and the wreckage needed to be examined minutely to arrive at the reasons for the mishap, they said.
Following a series of crashes since induction, the Navy is now left with just 10 Sea Harriers of the over 20 it had bought in mid-1980s.
Indian military band for Kremlin
NEW DELHI: The Indian Military Band is leaving for Moscow on September 1 to participate in the Kremlin Zoria festival, an international military music event to be staged at the historic Red Square next month, army officials said here.
The 40-member band — consisting of pipes and drums under the leadership of Subedar Major Vijay Singh and his deputy Naib Subedar Suresh Kumar — will be among similar contingents from Austria, Britain, Finland, France, Italy, Kazakhstan, Switzerland, and Ukraine. The Indian band is considered the pride of the units and regiments. Ceremonies of state, national days, celebrations of victories and military pageants are set to the beat and rhythm of military music.
The 40-member band — consisting of pipes and drums under the leadership of Subedar Major Vijay Singh and his deputy Naib Subedar Suresh Kumar — will be among similar contingents from Austria, Britain, Finland, France, Italy, Kazakhstan, Switzerland, and Ukraine. The Indian band is considered the pride of the units and regiments. Ceremonies of state, national days, celebrations of victories and military pageants are set to the beat and rhythm of military music.
Coast Guard chief appears before court
CHENNAI: Director-General of the Indian Coast Guard, Vice-Admiral Anil Chopra, on Monday appeared before the Madras High Court in a contempt case against him.
According to Md. Abbas Mohideen of Koyambedu here, he joined the Eastern Command on board CGS Jilabai at Paradeep in August 1993. While working as a Technical Officer in the ship, following a complaint from Commandant in October 1994, he was dismissed from service in April 1995.
According to the Coast Guard, he had failed to discharge his duties properly. He challenged his dismissal and a single judge in March last year quashed the proceedings of the Coast Guard court against him.
Aggrieved, the Defence Ministry, Coast Guard and others preferred an appeal.
A Division Bench in February this year dismissed the appeal and ordered reinstatement of the petitioner with consequential benefit. Contending that the Coast Guard did not comply with the orders, the petitioner preferred the present contempt application. In the meanwhile, the Coast Guard ordered his reinstatement. But, promotions due in 1995 and 2002 were not given to him.
Vice-Admiral Anil Chopra appeared before a Division Bench, comprising Justices F.M. Ibrahim Kalifulla and R.Banumathi. He apologised for not turning up for the previous hearing. He was on national duty following the attack by terrorists in Mumbai. He assured that the court order would be complied with.
According to Md. Abbas Mohideen of Koyambedu here, he joined the Eastern Command on board CGS Jilabai at Paradeep in August 1993. While working as a Technical Officer in the ship, following a complaint from Commandant in October 1994, he was dismissed from service in April 1995.
According to the Coast Guard, he had failed to discharge his duties properly. He challenged his dismissal and a single judge in March last year quashed the proceedings of the Coast Guard court against him.
Aggrieved, the Defence Ministry, Coast Guard and others preferred an appeal.
A Division Bench in February this year dismissed the appeal and ordered reinstatement of the petitioner with consequential benefit. Contending that the Coast Guard did not comply with the orders, the petitioner preferred the present contempt application. In the meanwhile, the Coast Guard ordered his reinstatement. But, promotions due in 1995 and 2002 were not given to him.
Vice-Admiral Anil Chopra appeared before a Division Bench, comprising Justices F.M. Ibrahim Kalifulla and R.Banumathi. He apologised for not turning up for the previous hearing. He was on national duty following the attack by terrorists in Mumbai. He assured that the court order would be complied with.
Army, Yol traders’ dispute reaches Defence Minister
Dispute between the Army authorities and shopkeepers of Yol has reached Union Minister of Defence AK Antony.
According to sources, on petition of the shopkeepers endorsed by the state politicians, the Defence Minister has written to the Chief of Army Staff to look into plausible solution for the problem.
The communication reached the Rising Star Corps authorities here who have stuck to their stand. They maintained that the encroachments on the defence land had to be removed due to security reasons.
The impasse between the Army authorities and certain residents of the Yol area started last year when the Army started raising walls to mark its boundaries.
In this process, many shopkeepers were found to have encroached upon the government land. The Army authorities started the process of evacuating the encroachers from their properties.
However, the shopkeepers had their own logic. They maintained that they had been running shops in the area since long.
Most of their lands had come in the Army area and they were dependent on cantonment for their livelihood.
The shopkeepers alleged that the Army authorities had barred their personnel from buying goods from their shops.
The move is directed at pressurising them to vacate their shops, the shopkeepers alleged. The fact is, however, being denied by the Army authorities.
The residents of Yol have also been at loggerheads with the Army authorities over the alleged blockage of passages to their villages due to walls raised by the Army.
They had also organised protests against this. However, the Army authorities assured them a few passages in the cantonment areas.
Certain villages that also demanded ouster from the Yol cantonment board area were alleging that despite the fact they were carrying agriculture, they were deprived of all schemes floated by state and central government for farmers as on papers they were a part of urban area of the Yol cantonment board.
Now, as the matter of dispute between the locals and the Army authorities of Yol has reached the Union Ministry of Defence what remains to be seen is whether any solution could be found.
According to sources, on petition of the shopkeepers endorsed by the state politicians, the Defence Minister has written to the Chief of Army Staff to look into plausible solution for the problem.
The communication reached the Rising Star Corps authorities here who have stuck to their stand. They maintained that the encroachments on the defence land had to be removed due to security reasons.
The impasse between the Army authorities and certain residents of the Yol area started last year when the Army started raising walls to mark its boundaries.
In this process, many shopkeepers were found to have encroached upon the government land. The Army authorities started the process of evacuating the encroachers from their properties.
However, the shopkeepers had their own logic. They maintained that they had been running shops in the area since long.
Most of their lands had come in the Army area and they were dependent on cantonment for their livelihood.
The shopkeepers alleged that the Army authorities had barred their personnel from buying goods from their shops.
The move is directed at pressurising them to vacate their shops, the shopkeepers alleged. The fact is, however, being denied by the Army authorities.
The residents of Yol have also been at loggerheads with the Army authorities over the alleged blockage of passages to their villages due to walls raised by the Army.
They had also organised protests against this. However, the Army authorities assured them a few passages in the cantonment areas.
Certain villages that also demanded ouster from the Yol cantonment board area were alleging that despite the fact they were carrying agriculture, they were deprived of all schemes floated by state and central government for farmers as on papers they were a part of urban area of the Yol cantonment board.
Now, as the matter of dispute between the locals and the Army authorities of Yol has reached the Union Ministry of Defence what remains to be seen is whether any solution could be found.
Major Honoured
Major Ishwar Singh, who was awarded “Shaurya Chakra” for demonstrating a rare courage of devotion to duty in fighting terrorists at Gail-Mail village in Manipur, has been honoured by his home state of Haryana with a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh.
A cheque of Rs 10 lakh was presented to Major Ishwar Singh by Deputy Commissioner JS Alhawat on behalf of the Haryana government here today.
Hailing from Gandhi Nagar in Karnal, Major Ishwar Singh, who was posted in the artillery unit in Manipur, during routine patrolling noticed some terrorists in Gail-Mail village on June 12, 2007. He opened fire on the terrorists. The terrorist returned the fire and a bullet pierced through his neck, but he did not lose courage and killed another terrorist. He succeeded in killing all four terrorists in the encounter. He was later shifted to the military hospital.
He was awarded the “Shaurya Chakra’ by President Prathibha Patil on Republic Day in 2008 and later the Haryana government honoured him for his act of bravery.
A cheque of Rs 10 lakh was presented to Major Ishwar Singh by Deputy Commissioner JS Alhawat on behalf of the Haryana government here today.
Hailing from Gandhi Nagar in Karnal, Major Ishwar Singh, who was posted in the artillery unit in Manipur, during routine patrolling noticed some terrorists in Gail-Mail village on June 12, 2007. He opened fire on the terrorists. The terrorist returned the fire and a bullet pierced through his neck, but he did not lose courage and killed another terrorist. He succeeded in killing all four terrorists in the encounter. He was later shifted to the military hospital.
He was awarded the “Shaurya Chakra’ by President Prathibha Patil on Republic Day in 2008 and later the Haryana government honoured him for his act of bravery.
Orders for release of pay arrears issued
The Ministry of Finance today issued the much-awaited orders for release of the second installment of arrears arising out of the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations to all Central government employees.
When the pay commission recommendations were implemented in August last year, the government had directed that 40 per cent of the arrears, along with the total tax due, were to be paid in the 2008-09 financial year and the balance to be paid in 2009-10. “It has now been decided that the remaining 60 per cent of arrears may now be paid to the concerned government servants,” orders issued today by the ministry’s Department of Expenditure state.
The first installment has already been paid to the employees. The commission’s recommendations are being implemented with effect from January 1, 2006 and employees were entitled to arrears arising out of the pay difference.
Significantly, in the case of employees who joined the Central government on or after January 1, 2004, arrears would be released only after the individual concerned has deposited his application form with the competent authorities for registration to the New Pension Scheme, the orders state. The ministry had also issued a memorandum in this regard on August 17. As in the case of the first installment of arrears, government servants would be permitted to deposit their arrears in the GPF accounts. Though not mandatory, the ministry has encouraged employees to deposit their arrears in their GPF accounts.
When the pay commission recommendations were implemented in August last year, the government had directed that 40 per cent of the arrears, along with the total tax due, were to be paid in the 2008-09 financial year and the balance to be paid in 2009-10. “It has now been decided that the remaining 60 per cent of arrears may now be paid to the concerned government servants,” orders issued today by the ministry’s Department of Expenditure state.
The first installment has already been paid to the employees. The commission’s recommendations are being implemented with effect from January 1, 2006 and employees were entitled to arrears arising out of the pay difference.
Significantly, in the case of employees who joined the Central government on or after January 1, 2004, arrears would be released only after the individual concerned has deposited his application form with the competent authorities for registration to the New Pension Scheme, the orders state. The ministry had also issued a memorandum in this regard on August 17. As in the case of the first installment of arrears, government servants would be permitted to deposit their arrears in the GPF accounts. Though not mandatory, the ministry has encouraged employees to deposit their arrears in their GPF accounts.
Shooting at Ludhiana
THE shooting incident at Ludhiana railway station involving the death of one person and injuries to two policemen on Tuesday morning is a serious matter. The assailant, Balbir Singh Bhootna, was arrested after a fierce gun battle between him and the police. A proclaimed offender, Balbir is believed to be a Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) activist by the police. He has also been involved in some other firing incidents. On June 30 the Ludhiana police took in custody three persons after the recovery of 32 gelatin sticks and six detonators from their possession. They were part of a module belonging to the Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF). Police investigations revealed that the three were getting different kinds of assistance from Ranjit Singh alias Neeta, a terrorist operating from Pakistan. The KZF had also owned up responsibility for the killing of Baba Niranjan Dass, head of Dera Sach Khand, in Vienna recently.
These are not the only incidents indicating that on occasions attempts are still made to revive terrorism in Punjab. In June 2008 the Punjab police had arrested a woman operative of the KZF on charges of planning to assassinate Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. Four BKI activists were nabbed in Delhi last year for being engaged in a plot to eliminate Dalit godman Piara Singh Bhaniarawale.
These arrests provide enough proof that vestiges of the forces of terrorism in Punjab are trying to raise their head again. They may not be in a position to threaten the peace in the state in a big way today, but the fact that they are getting active again is definitely a cause for concern. There is a need to keep a close watch on the activities of the BKI, the KZF and other terrorist outfits, which had wreaked havoc during those dark days of Punjab terrorism. Terrorist outfits must not be allowed to regroup themselves again at any cost. Vigilance is the price of peace in Punjab.
These are not the only incidents indicating that on occasions attempts are still made to revive terrorism in Punjab. In June 2008 the Punjab police had arrested a woman operative of the KZF on charges of planning to assassinate Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. Four BKI activists were nabbed in Delhi last year for being engaged in a plot to eliminate Dalit godman Piara Singh Bhaniarawale.
These arrests provide enough proof that vestiges of the forces of terrorism in Punjab are trying to raise their head again. They may not be in a position to threaten the peace in the state in a big way today, but the fact that they are getting active again is definitely a cause for concern. There is a need to keep a close watch on the activities of the BKI, the KZF and other terrorist outfits, which had wreaked havoc during those dark days of Punjab terrorism. Terrorist outfits must not be allowed to regroup themselves again at any cost. Vigilance is the price of peace in Punjab.
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