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Initially published as FAUJI
AKHBAR. |
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The journal of |
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Combating White Terror |
Grass in Antarctica, snow in Dubai, Tsunami caused by massive under-sea
quake and now unprecedented snow storms and avalanches in Jammu and Kashmir!
There appears to be enough cause for concern and worry for the meteorologists
to loose their sleep on the sharp changes in weather.
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Jammu and Kashmir witnessed unmatched snow-storm conditions and avalanches in the later half of last month. It was perhaps for the first time in the past about half a century that a disaster of this magnitude had struck the state. More than 250 persons were killed in the catastrophe and the death toll was still rising till the time of going to the press. Hundreds of villages in Poonch, Pehelgam, Ananthnag, Quazi Kund, Kapnar Valley, Kulgam, Baramulla, Naushera, Banihal, Rajouri, Doda and Pulwama areas bore the brunt of the storms, avalanches and landslides. Besides the heavy loss of life, the normal life in the state was thrown into chaos. Immediately after their momentous contribution in the tsunami relief operations, the men-in-uniform launched one of the biggest rescue and relief operation in the state. The defence forces saved the lives of scores of persons by rescuing them from under thick layers of snow. The Forces, usually busy in combating the terrorists in the northern state, started battling with the white terror of snow which engulfed large areas. With their AN-32s, IL-76s, MI-17s and choppers, the Indian Air force ferried thousands of people, including a large number of foreign tourists, trapped in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir. IAF air-dropped more than 50 tonnes of essential supplies, including food and medicines, in the affected areas. It also used its mid-air-re-fuelers to carry petrol and kerosene to various bases in J&K. Several helicopter sorties were conducted to drop food and diesel to people, forces and media personnel who were stranded on the Jammu - Srinagar highway. As the snowfall severed all surface links, the IAF established air links between Chandigarh, Jammu, Srinagar, Leh and Thoise. |
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Army personnel distributed rations, blankets, medicines and pre-cooked food to the affected people. On many occasions, army persons undertook grave risks in relief and rescue operations braving inclement and stormy weather. Personnel of the High Altitude Warfare School, Gulmarg helped in restoration of communication links. “Army has under taken the clearance of major arterial roads leading to Srinagar and other places. We have deployed medical teams for immediate assistance”, said Lt. Gen. Hari Prasad, GOC-in-C of Northern Command.
The Border Roads Organisation, BRO, worked hard in clearing the 294-km Jammu-Srinagar national highway, the only surface link between the Kashmir valley and rest of the country. Thousands of vehicles plying on the Jammu and Kashmir National Highway were stranded for many days.
Several senior political leaders and defence force personnel rushed to the affected areas for on-the-spot assessment of damage and supervision of relief and rescue operations besides having aerial surveys.
Life in the state is getting back to normal slowly, thanks to the men-in-uniform, whose untiring efforts helped in bringing the situation under control much sooner.
-Mohan Chandak
Defence in Parliament |
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The Union Budget for 2005-06 was presented to the parliament by the Finance Minister, Mr. P. Chidambaram on the 28th of February, 2005. In this, the allocation for Defence has been increased by about eight per cent over that of the last year from Rs.77,000 crore to Rs. 83,000 crore. The details are given in Table 1. |
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Table-1:Non-Plan Expenditure for
Defence Services: (net of recoveries and revenue receipts in Rs. Crores)
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Head |
2004-05 |
2004-05 |
2005-06 |
% Change |
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(A) Revenue |
43517 |
43517 |
48625 |
11.74 |
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Total |
77000 |
77000 |
83000 |
7.79 |
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In his speech, Mr. Chidambaram said, “I propose to increase the allocation for Defence in 2005-06 to Rs.83,000 crore, which will include an allocation of Rs.34,375 crore for capital expenditure.” The broad break-up of the expenditure for different services and departments is given in table 2. |
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Table 2: Details of the Defence
Services Expenditure:
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Head |
Amount (in |
As percentage |
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Army |
31242.70 |
37.68 |
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Total |
83000 |
100 |
(*for extinguishing liabilities and modernization of Defence Forces)
In his address to the Parliament on the 25th of February, 2005, the President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam had stressed the importance of modernization in armed forces. He had said, “There has been an increase in the allocation of funds for modernization of the Armed Forces. Modernization projects of the Army, Navy and Air Force are well in hand. A number of new projects for induction of various equipment and weapon systems are in progress. In the Department of Defence Research and Development, three prototypes of the Light Combat Aircraft ‘Tejas’ are undergoing flight-testing and have completed 307 test flights including super-sonic flights. The Integrated Electronic Warfare System ‘Samyukta’ has been successfully evaluated and accepted by the Army. ‘Sangraha’, an electronic warfare system for the Navy, has been accepted and production orders placed. The ‘Nag’ third generation anti-tank missile and ‘Akash’ surface to air missile have undergone successful flight tests. The supersonic cruise missile BrahMos, a joint venture programme with Russia, has been successfully tested for the anti-ship role and is ready for induction. The Main Battle Tank “Arjun” has been successfully inducted into the Army.” The President has also said that a separate Department of Ex-servicemen’s Welfare has been created in the Ministry of Defence for giving a special focus and thrust to ex-servicemen’s welfare. Appreciating the role of the armed forces in the relief, rescue and rehabilitation work in the recent Tsunami disaster, Dr. Kalam said, “The Indian Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Central Paramilitary Forces played a heroic role in providing immediate relief not just to our people but also to the affected people in Sri Lanka, Maldives, Indonesia and Thailand.”
-Mohan Chandak
Army Postal Service: A Soldier’s Messenger |
The telephone, telegram, e-mail, voice-mail, internet chat........
whatever advances technology may bring in the mode of carrying a message from
a person to person, a letter sent by ‘Post’ has its own ‘charm’ even today.
Especially for the Armed Forces, who spend most of their service period away
from their families, a letter is like a tonic that keeps one on high and
motivated all the time. Here comes the role of Army Postal Service which
stands with the jawan both during peacetime and war, carrying the sentiments
of his people to him and from him. In other words, the APS postman soldiers
on like a jawan in the front feelings in discharge of his duty. This unique organisation celebrates its 33rd anniversary on first of this month. On this occasion, Sainik Samachar delves into the rich history of this corps and its multi-role services to the Armed Forces. |
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The origin of Army Postal Service (APS) dates back to 1856 when the first Field Post Office (FPO) accompanied the British Expeditionary forces to Persia. FPOs continued to be requisitioned by the Army from the Department of Posts to accompany Expeditionary Forces till world war I. During world war-II, volunteers from the Department of Posts & Telegraphs (P&T) were drawn as combatants to run the FPOs. In 1947 when Indian troops were rushed to Jammu and Kashmir, a handful of personnel, who remained with the occupation forces in Japan, were sent to provide postal services to the troops. This group germinated into the present Army Postal Service. Initially the organisation was affiliated to Army Service Corps (ASC). in March 1972, APS was formed into a separate corps. |
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APS is a unique organisation in the sense that it is a happy blend of the Department of Posts and Army. APS functions as a part of the countrywide postal setup but administratively it is under Army. Most of the personnel below other ranks (PBORs) and officers in APS are on deputation from the Department of Posts. Though a part of the Army, APS also extends its services to Indian Air Force, Border Roads Organisation, Assam Rifles, Border Security Force, Indo-Tibet Border Police (ITBP), CRPF and Rashtriya Rifles. APS also provides limited cover to the Indian Navy. It also provides services to Indian troops deployed with UN Peacekeeping forces abroad. What Department of Posts is to the civil population, APS is to Army. In addition, it operates Scheduled Despatch Service (SDS) to convey the official mail within the Defence establishments. The corps is known for its high degree of efficiency, promptness of service and commitment in handling the mail of the Armed Forces. With its motto mail milap, the service conveys the sentiments of the soldiers of their near and dear and vice versa. On an average, over 3 lakhs articles are handled every day by APS. Besides, APS handles on an average 4000 telegrams daily. The modernisation plan articulated for APS is in full swing to keep pace with the present age of computerisation. In order to transmit money orders of the troops promptly through satellite, APS has established two V-SAT stations and twentyfour Extended Satellite Money Order Stations. The long term policy envisages that 100 per cent of money orders booked in Field Post Offices will be transmitted over satellite at no extra cost to jawans. Army Postal Service also manages activities like sale of greeting cards, Passport applications, IDBI Principle Mutual Funds, Speed Post, express parcels and e-Post in selected FPOs. Savings Bank operations have completely been automated. Over 4.5 lakh accounts with a deposit of Rs 1600 Cr are being maintained by APS. The facility of delivery of newspapers and periodicals is also available to the troops through FPOs. Postal Life Insurance (PLI) cover
is also provided to the troops through FPOs. PLI facility is fully
computerised. During the current financial year 88,314 troops have opted for
PLI worth Rs 1015.66 Cr so far, which is the highest amount of new PLI business
procured among all postal circles. As on date, |
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Though communication requirement of troops is changing, APS is still
considered to be the most reliable service for the jawans deployed in the
remotest areas of operation, thus living truly upto its motto mail milap.
Fact File1856 - First FPO was set up to accompany the British Expeditionary Force to Persia. 1857 - Camp Post Office with movable columns were organised and run by Army. 1860-61 - Letters of Indian troops were sent “On Her Majesty’s Service” to the Post Master, Hong Kong. 1864-1866 - Two camp post offices were opened for the Right Wing and the Left Wing of the Forces fighting against Bhutanese in the foothills of Duars in North Bengal. March 1867 - “Inter FPO Mail” came into existence during Abyssinian Field Force Campaign which was postage free mail exchanged directly between FPOs without handling by civil personnel. 1882 - For the first time, functioning of regular FPOs was started within India. Three regular FPOs were opened between Sambalpur and Raipur. 1882-83 - Five FPOs operated in Egypt in 1882 it is presumed by historians that the FPOs operated from Base Depot, HQ Contingent, HQ Cavalry Brigade and two Detachments on the Suez Canal. 1885 - First Base Post Office was opened at Suakin and ‘money order’ and ‘parcel post service’ were made available to the troops, as a special case during “Suakin” Campaign. 1894 - Field Service Regulations (Postal) were formulated in 1894, which were revised in 1900 in which it was prescribed that each Division would have three FPOs, two for Division troops and one for Division Headquarters. 1898 - Delivery of parcels was permitted through FPOs. Indian Newspapers were sold through FPOs. 1914-1918 - Army Postal Service accompanied the Indian Army to the First world war. Even after the war was over, APS continued to function overseas till 1923. When the world war ended, the FPOs returned to India and merged back into the mainstream of P&T. 1919-1939 - Postal Manual (War) 1937 was prepared. Administrative responsibility was transferred from P&T to Army. Granting combatant status to APS personnel was the highlight of this period. 1941 - APS took an extensive part in the world war-II. For better management of APS units, a Postal Section was formed in the Quarter Master General’s Branch in March 1941. Later it was expanded into a Directorate. Lt Col GN Naidu became the first Director of Army Postal Services (DAPS). June 1941 - 56 FPO was raised at Secunderabad. It came to be known as 1 Central Base Post Office later. 1945 - APS Record Office was first raised in Bombay. It was later shifted to Nagpur to function in conjuction with the Army P&T Pay and Accounts Office. April 1964 - 2 CBPO was raised in Calcutta. July 1970 - The Philatelic Bureau started functioning in APS. March 1972 - APS became an independent corps. March 1973 - The first APS Reunion was celebrated at APS Centre, Kamptee. 1975 - Chief of Army Staff approved the creation of P&T Administrative Cell. It was carved out of APS Records. 1980 - The second APS Reunion. 1984 - Rank of Director, APS was elevated from the rank of Brigadier to the rank of Major General. 1986 - Automation in APS began 1990 - Computerisation of PLI operations was taken up 1991 - The third APS Reunion was held at APS Centre, Kamptee. 1994 - Location activities were computerised. 1995 - A very Small Aperture Terminal (V SAT) was commissioned at 1 CBPO to send troops’ money orders to various locations in the country through geostationary satellite INSAT-2A. July 1996 - Another V SAT was commissioned at 2 CBPO. January 1997 - The fourth APS Reunion was held. January 2004 - Fifth APS Reunion was held at APS Centre, Kamptee. June 2004 - Maj Gen V Sadasivam took over as the new Additional Director General of APS. inputs : Brig YS Mohan |
Lean, Efficient and
Visible
Eight more Coast Guard stations in different states of the country are to be set up to increase operational efficiency of Indian Coast Guard (ICG). Disclosing this to the media personnel on the occasion of Coast Guard Day, vice Admiral AK Singh, Director General, Coast Guard briefed about the operations of the formation.
Indian Coast Guard completes 28 years of glorious service to the nation with many milestones on record. The ICG can be seen in various roles such as search and rescue operations, combating/controlling oil spills, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, anti-poaching drives and community migration.
The recent tsunami disaster shook the entire nation. Coast Guard swung into action by mobilising its resources in real quick time for relief operations within India and overseas. Despite being a small organisation comprising just seven per cent of Indian Navy or IAF, it made dedicated and untiring efforts while providing succour to the needy. A total of 230 aircraft and heli sorties were undertaken, 23 ships were deployed, 1352 persons were evacuated whereas 365 tons of relief material were distributed. In addition, a total of three ships, three helicopters and two aircraft were deployed in Sri Lanka and Maldives with relief materials.
ICG is the nodal agency for oil spill response in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) under the national oil disaster contingency plan with theDirector General of ICG as its Chairman. At present, the ICG has capability to combat oil pollution upto 10,000 tons (Tier-II) and is in the process of upgrading its capability to more than 10,000 tons (Tier-III). Towards this, three pollution control vessels are being inducted into its fleet, the first of which is likely to be commissioned in September next year.
The Coast Guard is taking all possible measures to safeguard the 7,000-km long coastal line of India from terrorism and sabotage with special focus on the highly sensitive West Coast ringing Maharashtra and Gujarat. The force has started constructing a series of coast guard stations as part of security measures to prevent terrorist activities at sea. The new stations are coming up at Jakhau in Gujarat, Pipavav in Ratnagiri, Beypore in Kerala, Karwar in Karnataka, Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu, Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh, in Pondichery and Andamans. Many of these stations would become operational within a year.
-D Pandurangappa
from New Delhi
Celebrations Through Demos
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On the occasion of Coast Guard’s anniversary, Coast Guard at Vizhinjam Station arranged various demonstrations at Vizhinjam harbour. A fast patrol vessel (FPV) Durgabai Deshmukh, one Chetak helocopter ICG-816 and one interceptor boat C-134 participated in the demonstration witnessed by a large number of schoolchildren and fishermen. Chetak was given the task of searching a man, who had fallen over board from a ship. The helicopter pinpointed the survivor in the water and winched him up into helicopter. Later, he was taken to a safe place and given artificial respiration by the medical team. The methods of giving artificial respiration and first-aid were shown to the fishing community present on the jetty. During the second demonstration, an injured man was lifted from a fishing boat and provided medical aid. The helicopter operations impressed the fishermen and the schoolchildren present at the harbour. |
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Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Inspector General, MS Dangi, Commander, Coast Guard (Kerala & Lakshadweep) said the main aim of the demonstrations was to instill confidence in fishermen and educate them about their own safety at sea and encourage younger generation to opt for maritime forces as their career. The Coast Guard is conducting awareness camps every quarter for the fisher folks to teach them survival techniques and first-aid required to be given during marine casualties, he added.
-P Rajendran
from Thiruvananthapuram
DGX-04 : Services’ Synergy |
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A major Naval exercise,codenamed Defence of Gujarat (DGX) was conducted by Armed Forces to reaffirm preparedness in defending the strategically important Saurashtra coast, ports and vital national assets in Gujarat. The exercise DGX-04 conducted off saurashtra coast, is an annual feature. It saw the participation of a number of Naval ships, Indian Army units and Indian Air Force aircraft. Indian Naval ships from as far away as Andaman and Nicobar Command, Port Blair took part in this multifaceted exercise. Several types of military operations were conducted during the exercise. They included long range deployment of ships and aircraft, anti submarine operations, strikes by aircraft on targets at sea, amphibious landings, submarine operations, manoeuvres by land forces transported by sea, special operations, para dropping of men and material and weapon firing. The exercise culminated with an amphibious operation involving a number of landing ships carrying out beachings on the Saurashtra coast. Amphibious landings are amongst the most complex military operations. They require employment of diverse forces and specialist groups to work in unison and with precision. This involves participation of forces from the three Services in a well orchestrated and planned manner. During the amphibious landings, tanks, troops carrying vehicles and assault craft were offloaded from Naval Landing Ships (LSTs). Helicopters were also employed in bringing troops from Naval ships to the beach in support of the assault. Transport aircraft operating from distant bases dropped paratroopers over designated drop zones. The professional conduct of their actions epitomised the traditional synergy and jointmanship between the different services of Armed Forces in safeguarding the security of the country. The exercise was coordinated by Headquarters, Western Naval Command, Mumbai. While the exercise was closely monitored from various maritime operations centres, Vice Admiral Madanjit Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, Air Marshal SK Jain, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southwestern Air Command, Gandhinagar, Lt Gen Aditya Singh, Commander-in-Chief of Andaman and Nicobar Command, Lt Gen BS Thakur, GOC, 21 Corps witnessed the amphibious operations. |
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-Wg Cdr TK Singha
Naval Notes
The Naval Symphonic Orchestra performed at Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi.
Cdr PG George, Director of Music, Indian Navy conducted the concert. President,
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was the chief guest on the occasion. Defence Minister, Mr
Pranab Mukherjee and Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Arun Prakash also took
part in the programme.
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-PIB (DW)
pix: Fulchand
Behind The Mottos
-Cmde SK Chatterjee (Retd) |
After Independence, a few warships were acquired and some shore training establishments were set up for the newly formed Indian Navy. During this time, a need was felt in accordance with tradition to adopt mottos for these warships and shore establishments. For this purpose, a committee was constituted in Naval Headquarters under the chairmanship of the Chief of Personnel (COP). The committee comprised prominent Sanskrit scholars and Naval officers to recommend suitable mottos to the Ministry for approval and subsequent adoption. This article sheds light on how the mottos were selected and approved by the Defence Ministry. |
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INS Mysore, a 8700-ton colony cruiser was earlier in service with Royal Navy under the name INS Nigeria. This ship was refitted and modernised in British Shipyard, and was commissioned in Indian Navy in UK in August 1957. It was renamed as INS Mysore. The ship came to India and joined the fleet in 1958. The new crest designed for INS Mysore depicted the mythological double-headed eagle called Ganda-Bherunda taken from the Coat of Arms of the then Mysore State. A motto had to be selected for this newly acquired cruiser which would become the flagship of the Indian Navy replacing the then INS Delhi. The selection committee suggested the motto Na bibheti Kadachana which was taken from Taittiriya Upanishad which means “Is never afraid of”. The Committee felt that the motto would be apt for this newly acquired cruiser and recommended for adoption. the Defence Ministry accepted the recommendation and it was adopted by INS Mysore. INS Vikrant was the first aircraft carrier acquired by the Indian Navy. The ship was from the Royal Navy where she was called HMS Hercules. She was acquired in 1957 and after extensive refit and modernisation in British Shipyard, she was commissioned into Indian Navy in UK in March 1961. Vikrant joined the Indian fleet in Bombay in November 1961. The word Vikrant means valiant or powerful, and the crest of the carrier showed a combination of bows and arrows portraying the fighter planes taking off the carrier to strike the enemy. The motto Jayema Sam Yudhi Sprdhah was taken from Rig Veda which means ‘I completely defeat those who dare to fight with me’. INS Hamla is the supply and secretariat School of Indian Navy. The name Hamla means “Attack”. The motto Sradhaban labhate gnanam from Bhagavat Gita, meaning “A devoted person acquires knowledge” is adopted for this training establishment. INS Valsura is the Electrical School of the Indian Navy. Earlier, it was known as HMIS Valsura. Tamil words Vella means sword and Sorrah means fish. This name was given because sword fish is found around the Coast of Saurashtra, and it is said that this fish sometimes grows as long as 20 feet. The crest of the newly started school showed a sword fish placed amidst two crossed torpedoes and a mine. The motto selected for this Torpedo School, HMIS Valsura was Valsura Semper Viret, meaning “Valsura shall always be victorius”. The words were taken from Latin. On India becoming a republic in 1950, the prefix HMIS to Valsura had naturally to be changed. The ship began to be known as INS Valsura. It also became necessary to replace the previous Latin motto Valsura Semper Viret by an appropriate Indian motto. The motto Tasya bhasa sarvamidham bibhati which means “All things in this world are a display of his resplendent radiant power” was suggested. The committee deliberated on the suggestion and felt that this motto would be apt for the Electrical School because it is the electrical power or energy that makes all vital systems, devices, and instruments of the warships work. Moreover, the Electrical School is established to teach the use and application of this electric power. Therefore, the committee recommended its adoption. With the approval of the Ministry, the motto was adopted for INS Valsura. |
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INS Chilka, the Boys Training Establishment of the Indian Navy is located near Lake Chilka on the coast of Orissa. It was commissioned on February 21, 1980. The crest of INS Chilka depicts ‘Konarak Wheel’. The motto adopted is Udyamena hi siddhyanti karyani, meaning ‘It is by effort alone that success is achieved’. This motto was taken from the book Panchatantra, and the committee felt that it was a very apt one for the Boys Training Establishment. Because it would imbibe the truth in the young minds that hard work is the key of success in all activities.
The motto adopted for the Indian Navy is Sam no Varunah. The English
rendering of this well- known motto is ‘Let the Lord of the Seas be propitious
to us’. The source of this motto is Taittiriya Upanishad. This was suggested by
the scholar-statesman and the them Governor General of India, Late Sri
Rajagopalchari, on the request made by Admiral Sir Mark Pizey, the then
Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Navy for an appropriate motto for the Indian
Navy. The suggested motto was adopted for the Indian Navy in March 1952.
Operation Sadbhavana
Helping Medically |
People living in the remote areas of Ladakh region do not have access to
medical facilities. Keeping this in view, Army deployed in this area, conducted
a number of medical camps under operation Sadbhavana last year. Here, we give
glimpses of men in ‘olive green’ providing medicare to the needy.
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pix: Neeharika Naidu
Operation SahyogSamaritans in Assam |
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Indian Army launched operation Sahyog, a welfare programme to provide succour to the people in the remote areas who have been ravaged by insurgent activities in Assam. Army, with its strong presence in almost every corner of the state and with its well-laid command and control structure, is in the right position to reach out to the local public. This operation was launched in April last year. |
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One of the activities under the operation is taking children on excursions to historical and heritage sites in various parts of the country. These tours have been receiving good response from children. Another major activity under Sahyog is conducting medical camps to provide comprehensive health care to the local residents. As Army has the advantage of reaching the remote areas, the medical camps are proving to be a boon to the local residents who are otherwise deprived of medical facilities.
Last year, many areas in Assam were severely affected by one of the worst floods witnessed in recent times. Working hand in hand with the local residents, the soldiers evacuated victims to safer places, assisted civil administration in distribution of rations and provided all possible medical aid. Many bridges which were washed off were reconstructed by Army Engineer teams in record time. Army also extended all assistance in terms of moral and financial support to the affected families.
Insurgency in Assam has been hindering the development of infrastructure facilities in the remote areas of the state. A large number of areas in the state are still groping in darkness. Keeping this in view, Army, under this operation, has provided solar-powered street lights.
Attention ContributorsSainik Samachar is a multi-lingual publication, the pilot edition of which is prepared in English language. Our highly esteemed contributors are requested to: · send news items/features/announcements/articles etc. related to Defence to the Editor-in-Chief in English only and refrain from sending poems/stories; · send the captions of the accompanying photographs in English only; · articles should be typewritten in double-space or neatly handwritten only on one side of a foolscap paper with sufficient margins. (No photocopies please); · not to carry abbreviations for any office, organisation, rank, award, formation, etc. in their material (if used, the abbreviations should be described in full at least once in the item). · send soft copies on CDs only wherever possible. Text of the soft copies should be prepared on Microsoft Word only. Pictures accompanying inputs should be scanned properly in JPEG format with higher resolution (at least 600dpi) to enable proper reproduction; send hard copies of photographs accompanying their contributions without stapling (use gem clips or separate covers); · should send their contact details (name, address, contact numbers, email address etc.) along with a statement that the contribution is original and not published anywhere else; · note that published material would be the property of Sainik Samachar and would not be returned. Contributors sould keep copies of their material with themselves. If they desire to get their unpublished material back, then sufficient postage with self-addressed envelope should accompany the material. · l note that normally no correspondence is entertained about the un-published contributions. · note that Sainik Samachar pays remuneration to its contributors for published material. Editor-in-Chief |
Attention ReadersTo strengthen the tradition of improvements based on the feedback from our esteemed readers, please send your reactions to any of our editions in the form of short and pithy comments in English and address them to the Editor-in-Chief at the earliest. So what are you waiting for? Pick up your pen and share your views with the vast majority of our readers. What is more, a suitable reward also awaits the contribution that is selected as the “Letter of the Fortnight”. Editor-in-Chief |
Bridges of Peace
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Lt Gen Hari Prasad, GOC-in-C Northern Command dedicated the newly constructed Army bridges at Singhpora and Hanzviura towns to the residents of Kashmir at a simple ceremony. Lt Gen Nirbhay Sharma, GOC, 15 Corps and other senior officials of the Army and civil administration were present on the occasion. The Army Commander, in his speech, referred to the bridges as Amanuk Kadal or ‘bridges of peace’. |
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National Highway-1A is the lifeline of the Kashmir Valley. This road has several choke points between Srinagar and Baramulla where the traffic moves at a snail’s pace. The most vulnerable choke points on this stretch are Hanzviura Bridge over Firozpur Nala and Singhpora Bridge over Kanjahom Nala. Keeping this in view, Army and the civil administration decided to clear these bottlenecks and ease the traffic, thereby reducing the inconvenience caused to the commuters.
A 120-ft bailey bridge was constructed by 6 Engineer Regiment at Singhpora in a short period of one month. The task included site clearance, earth filling and construction of approach road and high abutments. The Army Commander thanked GOC, 15 Corps for ensuring speedy completion of the work braving the severe winter.
At Hanzviura the 90-ft bailey bridge was constructed jointly by 6 Engineer Regiment and 53 RCC. With the construction of these two bridges, the travelling time between Srinagar and Baramulla has been considerably reduced.
-Lt Col VK Batra
Air Waves for Armed ForcesTune to Sainiko Ke Liya on Delhi ‘B’, All India Radio between 1815 hrs and 1855 hrs every day on the frequencies : MW 450.5 Metre Band (666 KHz) and SW 61.73 Metre Band (107.1 MHz). In Store *on March 2 : An interview with Indian Navy’s first mountaineer to scale Mt Everest. Armed Forces personnel and their families who are willing to participate in various programmes produced by Broadcasting section of DPR may contact Broadcasting Officer, Room No.25, L-II Block, New Delhi-110001, telephone number 23093764. |
Tagra Raho |
15 Assam Excels in UN Peacekeeping Operation
ROARING RHINOS
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The Lebanon-Israel border witnessed some disturbances on January 9 last when Hizbullah attacked an Israeli patrol in the disputed Shebaa farms. Shebaa farms is an area under dispute between the two countries and is located close to Blue Line, the border of Lebanon and Israel. the incident resulted in death of an Israel Defence Force (IDF) officer and critical injuries to three others. The IDF carried out an immediate retaliation with artillery and mortar shelling and air raids on Lebanese side of Blu Line. An Observer Group Lebanon (OGL) patrol team patrol, that had gone to Bastra farm area for observation from Lebanese side of Blue Line, got trapped in firing, resulting in killing of a French officer, Maj Jean-Louis Valet and wounding of his Swedish colleague. the observer group patrol team was missing thereafter. Fifteen Asaam (INDBATT VII), which has been deployed in Lebanon as part of United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) since December last year was tasked to trace the OGL patrol, Maj KK Bhatacharya along with this Quick Reaction Team (QRT) moved to Bastra farm, when the shelling from IDF side was still in p;rogress. Unmindful of the dangers involved and with firm desire to fulfill the missio on hand, the officer reached Bastra farm travelling 10-12 kms and extricated the OGL patrol members to safety. Col T Sambaiah, Commanding Officer himself brought the medical team to ensure timely evacuation of other casualties. The high level of professional and tactical acuen displayed by 15 Assam while handing the situation impressed everybody. the UNIFIL HQ andothe robservers from various countries were stunned at the way Rhinos tackled the incident. Bernard Emie, French Ambassador to Lebanon, Maj Gen A Pellegrini Force Commander, UNIFIL, Lt Col Mark Ogilive, CO, OGL commended the Indian battalion for its gallant action, Maj Gen A Pellegrini awarded UNIFIL Commanders Appreciation Cards to Maj KK Batacharya, one JCO and eleven other ranks of 15 Assam for their act of bravery and dedication to duty. |
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—Lt Col Gopal Verma
Lest We Forget Heroes Fallen in Flanders |
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Few years back Mr Bill Jenkins, an ex-Marine Commando from Liverpool in England had a jolt from history. He was, in fact, standing in front of the graves of 357 Indian soldiers who died in Greece in the 1914-1918 war. From a gypsy suburb of Thessoloniki, the story of valour from Monistir Road Indian Cemetery perhaps never reached even to the families or relatives of the buried. As a tribute, Bill Jenkins took up his bagpipe and played laments while visiting war monuments and graves of the known and unknown soldiers. |
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If that was an individual effort reported first in Sainik Samachar, here’s a story of a collective care of compassionate citizens for the brave. Today, more than eight decades later since the first World War, in small towns in northern France and in the Flanders region of Belgium, the heroic sacrifices made by innumerable Indian soldiers are honoured and commemorated. Every night at 8’ o clock, whether it rains, hails or snows, the people of Ypres in Belgium play the Last Post in the memory of soldiers from all over the world who had laid down their lives fighting but have not known grave. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which tends to thousands of graves and honours the memories of departed soldiers who fought the War, looks after many Indian graves including 21 graves in an “Indian corner” of the Bedford House Cemetery situated on the road to the town of Lille and in the cemeteries at Zandvoorde in Belgium.
India has always been at the fore-front for bringing peace around the world. While we are today one of the major contributors to the United Nations efforts at peace-keeping around the world, we have had equally commendable performances over the century. Europe, Africa and West Asia have been witness to the deeds of valour of the brave and enterprising Indian soldiers, who, with total disregard to personal comfort, safety and privation have borne the brunt of marauding armies and fought with bravery and grit to alter the shape of history. The Indian Army’s contribution to the Great War from 1914 to 1918 is a saga of valour, sacrifice and human endeavour.
During the first World War, the strength of the Indian Army in Europe rose
sixfold to over 1,40,000 men and it was active from the earliest days, first
seeing action in German colonies in China in August 1914. By the end of October
1914, the Indian Expeditionary Force was in the line on the Western Front,
facing a winter of mud and bitter cold, having arrived just in time to stem the
German onslaught, a feat which would not have been possible without them. The
Indian Corps fought its first great action as a single force at Neuve-Chapelle
in March 1915, and Indian troops further distinguished themselves in the
Ypres-Salient and at Loos, before the two infantry divisions of the force left
for other theatres in November 1915, the two cavalry divisions remaining, close
to 65,000 Indian men died fighting during the first world war that took place
from 1914 to 1918. Where as Indian soldiers fought and died all over the world
during the war-in diverse countries and places such as Turkey, Palestine,
Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq and Iran), Egypt, Sudan, East Africa and West
Europe nearly 90 per cent of the Indian casualties took place in a small area
located around Ypres near the border between Belgium and France.
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The sacrifice of India’s forgotten heroes is significant for more than one reason. More Indians lost their lives than Belgians during the War. For the first time after waves of immigrants had crossed the kala pani to work as indentured labourers in the West Indies and in distant islands in the Pacific Ocean like Fiji during the 19th century, a large number of brave Indians travelled long distances to fight along with other members of the Commonwealth in Europe and other parts of the world, ill-equipped and inadequately dressed for the biting cold. More than a million-and-a-half Indians had enlisted during the first World War. Despite the large number of casualties, the Indian heroes of the War proved that they were no less than any soldier from any other part of the world. The Germans would not have been defeated if it had not been for the tremendous sacrifices made by Indian soldiers. Among the many war memorials in Europe built in memory of those who died fighting in the war between 1914-1918 which has special significance for us in India, are the Indian memorial in Neuve Chappelle in France in honour of 4300 Indian soldiers and the Menin Gate at Ypres in Belgium which has recorded many thousand names. Last year, Lt Gen MG Girish of the Indian Army laid the wreath at Neuve-Chapelle in France, Menin Gate and Indian Memorial Pillar on top of Menin Gate, Ypres in Belgium. The Cultural Secretary of the Flanders-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Hans Vermeerssch, who also leads Rajhans Orchestra, organised memorial concerts at Bethune, Saint Vedastus Church, Saint Eligius Church at Ypres, Zandvoorde at Knokke. Incidentally, since 2002 Mr Hans Vermeersch has been organising series of memorial concerts in honour of the Indian Army. Indian bagpipers from the Punjab Regiment also left a deep and abiding impact on the audience during concerts and during memorial ceremonies. The visits by Indian delegations for the past few years have generated awareness in Flanders and Ypres about the role played by Indian Army during the first World War and has culminated into a cultural and historical understanding between France, Belgium and India. |
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-Sudipta Biswas with
inputs from
Col SK Sakhuja
The Making of Rathore’s Cousins |
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Army started participating in shooting competitions since mid 70s. Army shooting team (AST) was raised in 1977 on the orders of the then Chief of Army Staff at EME Centre, Secunderabad. AST moved to Infantry School, Mhow in 1980 for better training and administration. Young shooters are selected from Army through ‘Young Blood Shooting competitions’, ‘Command Shooting Trials’ and ‘National Combat Forces Shooting Championship’ (NCFSC). |
Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) Shooting Node setup in 1993 at Infantry School,
Mhow was conceived under Mission Olympics project of the Army. Rs 17.16 Cr have
been allotted to AMU Node for purchase of arms, ammunition, equipment, hiring
of foreign coaches, and construction of the shooting node. The foundation stone
for the node was laid by Gen NC Vij, the then Chief of the Army Staff. The
shooting node is designed to have a 50-mtr range of 60 lanes where 60 shooters
can fire at a time, 25-mtr range with five bays, air conditioned indoor range
and two trap and two skeet ranges. The node will also have a health centre,
gymanisum, meditation hall and sports medicine facilities. It will also provide
living accommodation and messes for 250 shooters. The contract has been awarded
to M/s Katira construction Co. Ltd on August 23, last year. The proposed date
of completion of the project is November 22, this year. However, it is planned
that in the first phase the shooting ranges will be completed by May and will
be available to the shooters for practice.
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The construction of shooting node would assist the Army shooters to aim for an Olympic medal. Army has already chalked out a plan for Olympic 2008 to be held in Beijing. The plan includes hiring foreign coaches and sending top shooters abroad for specialised training and competitions. During his visit to AMU, Gen NC Vij (Retd) presented the first Chief of the Army Staff Trophy for the best Army shooter for the year 2004-2005 to Lt Col RVS Rathore, the lone Indian individual Silver medalist in Athens Olympics. The trophy has been instituted by Gen NC Vij (Retd) to be presented to the best Army shooter every year. |
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Army shooters so far won 1034 gold, 896 silver and 836 bronze medals in the national competitions. In the international arena, they won 106 gold, 68 silver and 49 bronze medals.
input: Arun Datta
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Corps of Signals |
Sound Heroes
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The Corps of Signals celebrated its 94th raising day on 15th of last month. In its 94 years of existence, the corps has spectacular achievements in the field of communications. Today, it is in the forefront for implementing niche technologies in the Indian Army. The corps has won many laurels in operations, disaster management, sports and adventure. The corps has to its credit one Ashok Chakra, two Maha Vir Chakra, four Vir Chakra, one Kirti Chakra, four Shourya Chakra, two Arjuna awards and one Padmashri, besides Yudh Seva Medals, Sena Medals and other gallantry medals. The Signals is not only responsible for providing communications, signal intelligence and electronic warfare support to the Indian Army but also provides operational connectivity to the Navy and the Air Force. The Corps of Signals is also responsible for providing communications support to Rashtriya Rifles, Assam Rifles, Border Roads organisation National Security Guard, Andaman and Nicobar Command and HQ Integrated Defence Staff. |
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Cyber security and information security for Army are also the responsibilities of the Corps of Signals. To protect Army networks, the corps has undertaken a major initiative by setting up an Army Cyber Security Establishment at Army Headquarters. Cyber security cells are being formed at all headquarters for carrying out a security audit of Army networks.
The corps is establishing highly robust and secure broadband networks for provision of voice, data and value added services at strategic, operational and tactical levels using state-of-the-art technology and diverse media. Besides using and laying optical fibre in a big way, satellite communications have been given a major fillip in the recent past. The inauguration of Dhruva satellite constellation has revolutionised communication for troops operating in the counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Army Wide Area Network (AWAN) which will be operationalised this year will be the prime service provider for secured messaging and value added services in the Army. This network will revolutionise the method of messaging in the Army. Army Static Switched Communication Network (ASCON) which provides a nationwide connectivity is being enhanced with state-of-the-art technologies to provide a broadband voice and data backbone network. The corps is also establishing a secure mobile cellular network for the field forces.
Self learning through the medium of e-learning and e-assessment has already commenced in the Army. The Corps of Signals has recently established an IT Wing at Military College of Telecommunications Engineering at Mhow for imparting advanced IT and cyber security training to officers of the Army.
To assist the civil administration, the Corps of Signals was the first to provide communications during the recent Tsunami disaster in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Communication detachments were also sent to Sri Lanka and Indonesia for establishment of emergency communication.
The corps has excelled in the field of sports and adventure also. In the recently concluded 6th Raid-de-Himalaya, the Signals team stood first among all participating Army teams in the reliability category. The Army Aero Nodal Centre which is the centre for microlight flying and powered hang gliding is also being managed by signallers on behalf of the Army.
-Lt Col BMR Mehta
A Naval PlatformIndia is probably the only country whose capital is far away from sea. A large number of people has no direct experience of seas and, therefore, there has been little awareness about the maritime activities among the common public. Keeping this in view, Indian Navy assisted in setting up National Maritime Foundation (NMF), a non-government organisation to promote research in maritime matters in addition to generating awareness among people. The Foundation, inaugurated by Defence Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi will also take care of maritime heritage and will strengthen maritime cooperation with other nations. Speaking on the occasion, the Defence Minister said that the Defence Ministry would extend all possible help to the foundation. “A great country like India cannot afford to ignore the maritime interests as it is increasingly becoming evident to all, that more of the country’s advancement lies seaward,” the Minister added. Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Arun Prakash, said that there has been a degree of reticence and inaction on crucial maritime issues due to lack of proper awareness about them. “A time has now come when we ignore the sea only at our peril”, he added. The foundation is headed by Vice Admiral Nayyar (Retd). -R Chidambaranathan |
41 Squadron: Making a Mark |
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When the island of Car Nicobar in the Andaman and Nicobar islands was shaken up by the severe earthquake on December 26 last, the detachment aircrew of 41 Squadron swung into action within no time to carry out rescue operations. The crew rushed towards submerged end of the runway and helped about 40 people, consisting of mainly ladies and children, escape from gushing waters and reach safe places. The crew then searched nearby residential quarters to look for any survivors. The air warriors were stunned with the disaster that took place in front of their eyes. However, nothing stopped them from providing a helping hand to the tsunami victims. |
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Despite losing their men and material, the air warriors took part in the rescue operations undeterred. Keeping the feeling of loss at the back their minds, the warriors rose to the occasion. “Under the leadership of Sqn Ldr Sansare, they worked round-the-clock to co-ordinate various tasks related to relief. As part of operation Madad, the squadron flew over 100 hours and airlifted over 600 people from the tsunami-affected areas”, said Wg Cdr A Katyal, Commanding Officer, 41 Squadron while briefing mediapersons at a press meet held in New Delhi. Air Vice Marshal AK Tiwary and Gp Capt J Chandrasekhar, Commanding Officer, Air HQ Communication Squadron were also present on the occasion.
Fortyone Squadron of the Indian Air Force was raised on March 1, 1958 at Jodhpur with DHC-3 Otter aircraft which had a short take off and landing capability. The squadron was assigned a wide spectrum of tasks like logistic air support, communication, casualty evacuation and aerial photography. After the phasing out of Otters in 1984, the squadron became the first unit to induct Dornier aircraft in the Indian Air Force inventory.
Since June 2000, the squadron has flown over 15000 hours with Dornier aircraft and undertaken a wide range of operations. In August 2003, a new chapter was added to the history of the Squadron when its first Dornier landed in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The unit is maintaining a single aircraft detachment from the small island of Car Nicobar. It is assigned with inter island transportation for providing an important link between islands.
-Sub Maj N Harinath
from New Delhi
Gajraj Corps : Initiatives Impressive |
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Gajraj Corps, deployed in Assam, has time and again used its limited resources to bring a ray of hope in the lives of the local residents who have been ravaged by the meance of militancy. One of the important areas where the corps has made considerable efforts, is in the area of providing vocational training to the youth in order to make them self-sufficient, socially and economically. In this direction, various vocational training camps are being organised by Army at various locations in the state, so as to benefit the unemployed youth directly. |
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As a first step, 7004 EME battalion at Tezpur, under the aegis of Gajraj Corps, conducted a vocational training camp where 55 boys were given training in repair of domestic appliances, carpentry, painting, banner-making, welding, sewing and upholstry, in addition to hands-on training on computers.
The troops of 2 Mountain Division operating under Gajraj Corps have been
organising medical camps in remote areas. One such camp was conducted in
Kachijangaon near Kakopathar in Tinsukia District. A team of three Army
doctors, including a dentist and lady doctor and 10 nursing staff treated the
patients.
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Heavy floods is an annual feature of the state. As usual, troops of the Red Horns Division under Gajraj Corps swung into action to help the flood victims. They rescued more than 3,800 people from drowning. Tens of thousands of food packets were distributed. Medical camps were also conducted during this time. Seventy per cent of the bridges constructed by Army in the entire country during floods last year were in Assam alone. |
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In addition, the corps has also undertaken a plethora of projects for water supply, improvement of roads, construction of vocational training centres and community halls. Notable amongst the water supply projects are the ones taken up at Uttarnikashi, Sanova, Kajalgaon and Darrangamela.
The corps has also set up a computer lab at Kokrajaha and conducted training programmes for women. It also organised a career counselling lecture for the aspirants who desire to choose Army as their career.
Operation Sahyog, another unique operation taken up by the corps has been providing healing touch to the families suffering from the debilitating effects of militancy. The corps has been motivating surrendered militants to take up some profession for livelihood. It has also been providing training to the surrenderees whoever needs it. These efforts have been yielding good results and normalcy is being restored in the state, thanks to Gajraj Corps.
input: Lt Anjali Bhatt
From the File |
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March 4-11, 1956 |
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• Shri GV Mavalankar, Speaker of Lok Sabha, died at his residence in Ahmedabad on February 27, 1956 following an attack of coronary thombosis. He was 68. Government offices, courts and educational and other institutions remained closed and the two Houses of Parliament adjourned after paying homage to the first speaker of the Lok Sabha. • A salute of 21-guns was fired as the plane carrying the Shahanshah and Queen of the Iran landed at Palam on the morning of February 16. The royal guests were received at the airport by the President, Dr Rajendra Prasad; the Vice President, Dr S Radhakrishnan and the Prime Minister, Shri Jawaharlal Nehru. |
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