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Defence DIVIDENDS
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Intially
published as FAUJI AKHBAR |
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The journal of |
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Indo-Pak Peace Process
Defence Dividends
Sujit Dutta
Few would disagree that a durable peace between
In a marked departure from the language of the past, Gen Pervez Musharraf
during his recent visit explained a set of beliefs and thinking to a group of
editors in
Gen Musharraf has accepted the logic of cross-LoC
synergies in terms of trade, agreed meeting points for divided families,
pilgrimages and cultural relations and an understanding that additional bus
routes would further help create a softborder.
Virtually all the confidence-building measures on
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If all goes well, the two countries
plan to initiate cooperative solutions to common problems in the region. |
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What effect would a long peace with
There are several implications of the new
India-Pakistan posture. Reconciliation, peace-building, cross-border trade and
ties, ending terrorism, and new arrangements for governance that will meet the
political demands of all sections of
In the context of
peace with
an enormous positive impact on the
morale and security of the armed forces on both sides. It will also help cut
down costs of large troop maintenance in the higher reaches of the
In brief, the military would be able to gradually emerge as an entirely new
force with interests spread out across a far larger geo-political ambit than
the straitjacket of focusing principally on the
(The writer is a Senior Fellow at
the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses,
Border Roads Organisation
Creates, Connects and Cares
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Time, climate and militancy – these are challenges to Border Roads Organisation (BRO). However, bullets or blizzards could not stop them from operating a dozer or picking up an axe-shovel. They are the heroes of the nation whose work has been bonding the hearts and minds of the people across borders. The organisation celebrates the 45th raising day on May 7. To mark the occasion, Sainik Samachar brings you a profile of their growth and achievements. |
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Though initially meant for developing a road network in the border areas for the Armed Forces, BRO, over the years, branched out its services to the construction of bridges, airfields, tunnels and airports not only in border areas but also in other parts of the country. Thus, this unique organisation has been playing an important role in socio-economic development of the nation. It was a historic moment in the
infrastructure development of the nation when the seed of BRO was sown in Teen
Murti Bhawan by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the
then Prime Minister in 1960. The small plant sprung with two branches — Tusker
and Beacon — road construction projects for NEFA and Ladakh regions
respectively. The small plant has now become a giant tree as its 13 branches
have not only spread in North–East, North, West and Central parts of the
nation but also reached to |
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General Reserve Engineer Force, popularly known as GREF, is the departmental civil construction force of the BRO. It has its origin in General Reserve Engineering Force of World War II-fame. It was a self-sufficient organisation which took up construction of many important roads and airfields in the North-East region. After the Japanese retreat in September 1944, this force was disbanded. It was re-raised in 1960.
Each BRO project is headed by a Brigadier or equivalent officer. The project comprises task forces which, in turn, have road construction companies under them. The GREF Centre, which is the central organisation for recruitment and training of other ranks, is located at Pune. There are two base workshops and two store depots. BRO is having approximately 35,000 personnel and approximately 90,000 labourers. The labourers are mainly from tribal areas of Jharkhand. BRO is an ideal example of “man and machine mix.” A humane approach is taken in all endeavours of the organisation keeping in view extreme working conditions.
BRO
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BRO Projects |
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Beacon |
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Himank |
Leh |
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Sampark |
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Chetak |
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Hirak |
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Setuk |
Shillong |
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Deepak |
Shimla |
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Pushpak |
Aizwal |
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Sewak |
Dimapur |
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Vartak |
Tezpur |
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Udayak |
Dumduma |
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Dantak |
Simtokha |
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Swastik |
Zaranj |
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Jewels in the Crown • 637.60 mtr-long bridge on NH-52 in Arunachal Pradesh on Noadhing river, the longest bridge constructed by BRO • Construction of Leh, Arkonam and Paro (Bhutan) airfields. In addition, BRO has carried out resurfacing of many airfields including one at Thoise, Leh at an altitude of more than 10,500 ft • Construction and
maintenance of 160 km-long Tamu-Kalemyo-Kalewa road
in • Clearing of
NH-1A when Jammu and Kashmir reeled under unprecedented cold wave in February
this year. Similar operations for the last 40 years in high altitude areas of
Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarnachal and • Resurfacing of the stretch from Uri to Muzaffarabad in record time for the bus link opened on April 7 |
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Though BRO started as a road construction agency in far-flung border areas, it
has now diversified into construction of permanent concrete and steel bridges,
accommodation projects, border fencing, airfields, tunneling works and building
construction works. It has completed 38,740 kms of
road construction and 20,095 mtrs of permanent bridge
construction.
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BRO Today • The 9 km-long Rohtang Tunnel alongwith access roads to its portals and a 292 km-long alternate route to Leh at an approximate cost of Rs 1700 crore • The 219 km-long Delaram-Zaranj road in Afghanistan. • Constructin of a 17.2-km stretch at a cost of Rs 83.88 crore from Pathankot to Jammu under National Highway Development Programme |
At present, BRO has been entrusted with the construction of 3369 kms of strategic and socio-economically important roads in border states of North-East on behalf of North-Eastern
Council and 865 kms of roads for the Department for
Development of North-Eastern Region.
A Beacon for Peace
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The 101-km National Highway No.1A has been the lifeline for the state of Jammu and Kashmir . The road from Srinagar to Baramulla upto Uri is an extension of this Highway. Earlier to Partition, this road passed through the Kaman Post, reached Muzaffarabad and went upto Rawalpindi . In July 1986, Border Roads Organisation ( BRO) took over this road from the State Public Works Department (PWD) to develop it according to the National Highway Double Lane (NHDL) Specifications. By 1998, a major portion of the road was converted to NHDL specifications. As the two countries, India and Pakistan decided to launch a bus service from Srinagar to Muzaffarabad from April 7 this year, the road to Muzaffarabad via Kaman Post gained importance. An initial stretch of 11 kms from Uri was already developed to CI–9 specifications by BRO last year. The remaining six kilometres from Red Bridge to Kaman Post was developed into a CI–9 single one-way black topped road by BRO against all odds. The Red Bridge with a stretch of 11.5 kms had to be repaired to open the road for the bus service. |
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Border Roads left no stones unturned to provide a smooth riding surface from Pakistan to India via Kaman Post – Uri on to Srinagar. Project Beacon of BRO, affectionately called the ‘Beacon of Kashmir’ headed by Brig SS Dasaka, geared itself up to meet this new challenge soon after playing a proactive role in clearing the snow that engulfed the NH–1A in J & K during the unprecedented avalanches. Altogether, twenty dozers, motor graders, compressors and about 100 BRO personnel with 450 labourers toiled day and night on the Uri- Kaman Post road to make it motorable.
The endurance and capability of project Beacon personnel was put to test as the weather played havoc in the region. Their relentless work paid and the formation, cutting, widening and surfacing of the 17-km road from Uri to Kaman Post was all completed in time. With the smooth commencement of bus service between the two countries, project Beacon became a beacon for peace.
-Col RK Sen
Project Dantak
Open to Others
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Bhutan is a beautiful country nestling in the Eastern Himalayas. Its snow-capped peaks, turbulent rivers, hilly terrain and thick forest cover are a toast to the eyes. Bhutan has an area of 46,620 sq km and lies between the parallel ranges of the outer Himalayas in the north and inner Himalayas in the south. Annual rainfall varies between 500 mm to 2,000 mm in the northern region and from 2,000 mm to 5,000 in the south. The mountain spurs run in north-south direction and descend from heights of over 6,000 mtr to the foothills near the Indo-Bhutan border. Until 1960, Bhutan had no motorable roads. It was connected only by footpaths and mule tracks. As development of roads and transport system play a vital role in the economic and social development of the country, primary importance was given to these sectors during the first three Five Year Plans of Bhutan. On request from the Bhutan government, Border Roads Organisation agreed to develop the road network and other infrastructure in the hill country. |
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It was against this background that project Dantak came into being in May 1961 in Bhutan. A humble beginning was made in bamboo huts and thatched roofs. Since then project Dantak has not looked back. It has contributed to the economic growth of Bhutan by not only developing roads and tele-communication networks but also other prestigious projects in the country. Over the years, project Dantak has constructed 1500 km of roads, airfield at Paro and Yangphula, a number of helipads, telecommunication network in Bhutan, Indo-Bhutan microwave link, Bhutan Broadcasting Station, India House Complex, Chukha Hydel Housing Complex and Hydel Sub-stations among others.
The organisation has earned outstanding reputation for its works executed
under extremely difficult terrains and climatic conditions. The Dantak Memorial at Dewothang
stands as a mute testimony to the sacrifice of 605 personnel who laid down
their lives.
Army Commanders Conference
Defence Minister, Mr Pranab
Mukherjee
at the Commanders Conference
Defence Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee has stressed the need to work out the optimum and most cost-effective combinations of technology and manpower as per country’s defence requirements. Addressing the Army Commanders Conference in New Delhi, the Minister said that the most potent challenge faced by the country is not from conventional war but from unconventional threats such as religious fundamentalism, terrorism, insurgency, arms-smuggling, on one hand, and nuclear and missile threats and weapons of mass destruction on the other. “We have to strengthen our border and airspace management, internal security and maritime environment to face these challenges successfully”, the Minister opined.
On defence cooperation with various countries, the Defence Minister said that Russia continues to be India’s major strategic partner. While there has been an expansion in defence cooperation with the US, Israel has also emerged as an important technological partner.
The Defence Minister was of the view that situation in Jammu and Kashmir has shown a perceptible change towards the better. He said the cease-fire along the LoC except for a few violations is generally held. Though the infiltration figures have come down, the security forces have to be alert as the terrorist infrastructure along the LoC remains still intact, the Minister cautioned.
Speaking on modernisation, Mr Mukherjee said that the term means much more than just equipment and technology. “The new technology provides an increased range of options for operations and compels us to change the way we look at the situations. He said the change in security scenario requires constant review so as to assess how Army operates or reacts in a given situation”, he added.
Referring to reorganisation in Army, the Defence Minister said that as a part of stremlining the command and control of western borders, approval has been given for creation of South-Western Command. About AV Singh Committee recommendations, Mr Mukherjee said the main purpose of the report was to achieve better combat effectiveness by bringing down the age profile of the field commanders. The Defence Minister noted that this can be achieved and maintained on a sustained basis only if the entire package of recommendations is implemented. He underlined the need to complete the implementation process soon. The Minister expressed concern that a large part of the Defence budget allocation is being taken up by manpower expenditure. He asked the Army Commanders to think in terms of a small ‘tail’ in the Army.
The Defence Minister noted with satisfaction that the implementation of Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) has been progressing as per schedule. He said all 227 poly-clinics will be operational by March 31 next year. He underlined the need to review the progress of Married Accommodation Project on a regular basis.
The Defence Minister hailed Operation Sadhbhavana and said that the spirit of winning hearts and minds of the people needs to be encouraged in insurgency-affected areas. However, the Minister cautioned, “While dealing with insurgents, we are operating within our own territory and any allegations of human rights violations will not only sully the image of the Army but also reduce our effectiveness in tackling militancy”.
The four-day conference was attended by senior Commanders and Principal Staff Officers at the Headquarters.
-PIB (DW)
The General Comes Home
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It was a momentous event for the Ganpats. The son of Maratha Ligh Infantry, the first ever Chief of the Army Staff in 237 years of its history and Colonel of the Regiment, Gen Joginder Jaswant Singh accompanied by his wife, Mrs Anupama Singh, visited their Regimental Centre for the first time after taking over. The entire Centre was in a festive mood and people were jubilant. They lined up a series of programmes for the General to participate in.
The wreath-laying ceremony and the presentation of Balidan awards by the Army Chief were charged with overwhelming emotions at the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment and Centre, Belgaum. The events were organised in connection with the biennial conference of the Commanding Officers of the battalions of the regiment.
During his four-day visit from April 14 to 17, Army Chief inaugurated the annual general meeting of the Regimental Officers’ Association of the Maratha Light Infantry, participated in a number of get-togethers, interacted with the media, addressed sainik sammelans, launched the second Ex-servicemen (ESM) Help-line in the country and addressed the biennial conference of the Commanding Officers.
On the occasion, the General presented the prestigious Rishi Trophy for the best battalion to 12 Marathas, which bagged maximum number of gallantry awards and unit citations. The trophy was instituted by the parents of late 2/Lt Rishi Malhotara of 8 Marathas who made the supreme sacrifice in 1994 for which he was awarded Kirti Chakra. The General also gave away the best Unit Documentation Trophy to 18 Marathas.
Later, Gen JJ Singh participated in an interactive session with the pesonnel below other ranks (PBORs). He explained to them the welfare measures in the pipeline. Jai Jawan Awas Yojana, a housing scheme, will be implemented in selected six military stations on experimental basis. The wards of those jawans who excelled in sports at division and command levels will be trained in shooting, cross country, tennis and golf at the expense of the Army while taking care of their formal education.
-VK Abdulla
pix : VK Singh
Treasure Trove
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It is a treasure trove of ammunition samples collected from all over the world. An Ammunition Museum, set up at Controllerate of Quality Assurance (CQA) at Kirkee, Pune displays vintage arms and ammunition including those used in World War-I. The museum, housing about 3000 pieces, is one of its kind in the country. The museum was inaugurated by Minister of State for Defence, Mr BK Handique.
The six-decade collection includes ammunition from the US, China, UK, Germany, Japan and India. Small and heavy arms, grenades, anti-personnel and anti-tank mines and rockets find place in the galleries of the museum. A cursory look at the exhibits reminds one of the adage, “necessity is the mother of invention”. Agrees Brig BS Yadav, Controller, Quality Assurance, “During World War-II in desert operations, the shells being fired used to get buried deep in the sand. To solve this, one ingenious brain invented a spear-fitted shell which helped the shell remain on the surface giving minimum lethality”.
The most prized possession of the museum are the land mines, shells and ammunition of Pakistan. These were collected from captured Pakistani bases and abandoned trenches during the three wars between the countries.
Col Prakash Tolani, Joint Controller says, “The museum is to provide glimpses of the evolution of ammunition in the last six decades besides acquainting defence personnel with various models and components of current and past designs for reference and guidance.” Anyone who visits the museum believes him.
-VK Abdulla
A Corps of Civil Jawans
VDC members undergoing arms training
near RS Pura,
In 1994, Gokal Singh and Pannu Ram, natives of Bagankote hamlet in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir, fought a group of terrorists who were armed with lethal weapons and sacrificed their lives, thus sowing the seeds of village defence in the state. Gokal Singh, an ex-serviceman equipped with a 12-bore gun and Pannu Ram despite being not well-equipped to fight the terrorists, gave a valiant fight and killed at least half of the group. The rest of the terrorists fled the scene leaving behind the dead bodies of their comrades. It was an unforgettable incident and unexpected in a remote area where even the security forces take time to reach.
The incident exploded the myth that terrorists are all-powerful and nobody, unless equally armed, could challenge them. The villagers were convinced and had the will to fight terrorists. And thus, began the task of mobilising people.
In a very short span the concept of Village Defence Committees (VCDs) took birth. A State Home Department Order was issued in 1995 for constituting VDCs. The Order enjoined upon District Magistrates and SSP to constitute VDCs in far flung militancy-prone areas. A number of VDCs, each consisting of seven to ten persons drawn from all communities, were constituted in Doda and Udhampur districts and five to seven rifles were issued to each VDC. Since then VDCs are on the agenda of virtually every counter-insurgency meeting held in Jammu and Kashmir.
The VDCs rapidly spread to Kathua, Poonch, Rajouri and Jammu districts. At the outset, operations of the VDCs were largely defensive, restricted to repulsing terrorist attacks with light weapons. The members of the committee also gathered information from special police officers, besides acting as police informers. Due to their resistance to insurgency, VDCs were soon identified as primary terrorist targets. In fact, terrorist attacks on VDCs, which increased, were a warning to Kashmiris that whoever dared to organise their self defence or question the terrorist practices would be silenced.
In order to equip the VDCs to fight the insurgents, the Indian Army took up the task of training villagers in the use of weapons. At present, Army is training the people of Gujjar village, situated in Ranbir Singh Pura area of Jammu. Being near the International Border, this village has witnessed terrorist atrocities. Mainly inhabited by Gujjar and Bakerwal communities the inhabitants of this village sought to be trained in the use of fire arms. When these villagers approached Army authorities, 7 Jat Regiment which looks after this area took up the task of training them. Commanded by Col Rajinder Bhatia, the regiment is under 162 Infantry Brigade.
Seven Jat Regiment is the first in Jammu region to give arms training to Gujjar community. The one-month training includes physical fitness classes, arms handling and practical sessions for ten days each. At present, the VDC consists of five members. These members will be fully equipped in the use of fire arms and in due course will come to the defence of their village. Once this Army exercise bears fruit, the time is not far when VDCs will show the way for fighting terrorism in a most exemplary way in Jammu and Kashmir.
-S Manjula
with
inputs from Shiv Narayan Acharya
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Attention Our readers/contributors/correspondents/PROs/Heads of formations or units can contact us also on edit-ss@nic.in or einc-ss@nic.in (for editorial queries) or bm-ss@nic.in (for business queries) |
Bravo 3 Bs
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Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) Directorate despatched three Army dogs to Car Nicobar islands where 37 Wing, Air Force base suffered massive destruction during Tsunami disaster. The dog squad was placed under the command of 108 Mountain Brigade which is the only amphibious brigade of Army based at Port Blair. Army dogs named Bawa, Badi and Brinda along with their handlers were pressed into service to trace the exact location of the bodies that were lying under huge concrete slabs at the Airbase and also at villages Kakana, Mallacca, Lasti Mus and Chuchukjha. Since the service transport came to a halt following the disaster, only few civil vehicles were available for the movement of rescue teams. In the absence of these vehicles now and then, the rescue teams along with the dogs were required to walk four to five kms to reach the operations site. Initially, there was acute shortage of drinking water in the disaster-struck areas. Therefore, the dog handlers used to carry two bottles of drinking water, which was barely sufficient to quench the thirst of dogs as they were continuously on the job without a break. As a result, it became unavoidable to prevent them from licking dirty sea water. |
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In the areas where the rescue operations were launched, the ground has become slushy due to sea water and there were fallen trees, collapsed buildings and overturned vehicles. To negotiate the way, dogs were often lifted and carried across. At many places, they were required to work on leash as the harness rope used to get entangled in debris. In one such area, Badi was severely injured and was put on analgesics. Nevertheless, Badi was made to operate selectively as situation demanded. One among the dogs developed diarrhoea after it consumed contaminated water. Despite all these hiccups, the role played by the dog squad won the appreciation of the officers of the Integrated Command at Andaman and Nicobar. With this, the capabilities of Army dogs in peacetime operations came to the fore once again.
input :
Maj K Sivaji
Partners in Prescription
Lt Gen JR Bhardwaj exchanging documents of
agreement
with the USUHS representative
In a significant step towards bilateral cooperation on health, Ministry of Defence and the US Department of Defence signed an agreement on medical training and academic cooperation in military medicine in New Delhi. India’s Armed Forces Medical Services and the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences (USUHS) in Bethesda, Maryland, will implement the agreement.
Lt Gen JR Bhardwaj, Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services, penned the agreement, signed in the US by the USUHS President. Representing the USUHS at the signing was Associate Dean, Dr Emmanuel Cassimatis. The agreement will allow the two partners to share military-medical experience, professional knowledge and facilities. The objectives of the agreement are to enhance the preparedness of military-medical personnel, military medical school faculty and staff members to perform future duties and establish long-term bilateral relationships in this area.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Robert O Blake, US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission said: “The collaboration between USUHS and AFMS is an important component of our overall collaboration in health. The benefits from our collaboration inevitably flow back to the citizens of both countries and, indeed, to the global community. The results of our collaborative efforts will also, and without a doubt, add momentum to the overall bilateral relationship between India and the United States.”
Mr Blake said that the US military is substantially engaged with Indian institutions on issues of health. “This is the kind of working level partnership-between physicians and researchers-that enhances real opportunities to make significant advances in combating diseases,” he said, urging the two sides to consider collaboration on infectious diseases, particularly HIV/AIDS.
Mr Blake said US and Indian militaries are working together on medical initiatives. “We are engaged in important collaborative programmes between the United States Pacific Command and the Indian military through our joint bilateral military-to-military HIV/AIDS programme,” he added.
To effectively combat emerging diseases, like avian flu and SARS, and endemic diseases, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, a workforce of public health professional is needed. “This is where I believe the outcome of collaborative efforts in research and public health between India and the United States will provide essential information to our countries,” he opined.
“In the coming years, we will continue our joint work in several high
priority areas including HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis
and on emerging and re-emerging diseases, through targeted support for basic,
applied and operational research,” Mr Blake further
said. These Indo-US collaborative programme in biomedical research and health
will provide answere to the why, when, how, what, and
where of infectious and chronic diseases.
Indian Hospital in Congo
Indian medical contingent in Congo
After its last deployment in Sierra Leone five years ago, a medical team from Directorate General of Medical Services (Army), comprising 16 doctors, five nursing officers and 64 para-medical personnel, has been inducted as part of UN Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC) along with 301 Infantry Brigade Group. The team has been deployed in January this year.
As a part of deployment, the team established a 50-bed hospital with specialists in medicine, surgery, dental surgery, gynaecology and obstetrics, dermatology, psychiatry, ophthalmology, anaesathesiology, radiology, hospital administration and preventive and social medicine. The team also extended aero medical evacuation and forward medical services as and when required.
The Indain hospital has since been visited by several UN dignitaries who acknowledged the yeoman services being rendered to the UN troops and civilian staff as well as local public.
input: Col VC Kapila
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Constructive Calibre The Construction Engineering Company (CEC) of 51 Engineer Regiment has been felicitated in New Delhi after its return from UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE). The CEC was inducted in UNMEE in March 2003. Since its induction, the CEC executed a plethora of operational tasks across the length and breadth of the mission area. In the mission area, CEC faced problems such as under-developed terrain, poor communication system and extreme temperature. Keeping the main supply routes in the mission area open was a major challenge. During the rainy season most of the roads and tracks linking UNMEE localities get cut off due to overflowing streams, drains and rivers. The detachments of CEC worked round-the-clock to ensure that the lines of communication were kept open at all times. The company constructed 14 helipads in the mission area. Among them a helipad at Shiraro team site was constructed in just one night. Ethiopia and Eritrea suffer from severe water crisis with only about 30 per cent of the population having access to safe and clean drinking water. The region has been facing draught-like situation due to erratic rainfall and lack of perennial rivers. As part of the humanitarian aid, CEC constructed a number of check dams to harvest the rain water. In addition, a number of shallow wells have been dug in the remote areas to privide drinking water. The role of CEC in the mission area has been appreciated by both military and civilian agencies including Special Representative of Secretary General (SRSG). In recognition of its meritorious service, the Indian contingent has been awarded two unit citations, two sub-unit citations and 51 Force Commander’s commendation cards. -PIB (DW) |
Indigenouse Aircraft Carrier Steel-Strong
April 11 will be remembered a red-letter day in the Indian Navy's quest for indigenous warship construction and significant milestone in the maritime history of modern India. On this day, the construction of India's largest warship project, the first indigenous aircraft carrier designed by India Navy's Directorate of Naval Design (DND), commenced at the Cochin Shipyard with the steel-cutting by Mr TR Baalu, Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways in the presence of the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Arun Prakash and Chief Minister of Kerala, Mr Oomen Chandy.
This 252 mtr-long ship, displacing over 37,500 tons, will be capable of operating a formidable array of 20 modern fighter aircraft of the MiG-29K, LCA (Navy) and See Harrier Genre and upto to 10 helicopters of different types Its 2.5 acre flight deck, with a maximum width of 58 meters, will enable launch of fighter aircraft using ski-jump for take off and arrester wire for landing on an angled deck. Powered by four LM 2500 gas turbines, generating 80 MW of power, the ship will be able to achieve speeds in excess of 28 knots. Manned by a complement of 1,600 officers and men, she will have an endurance of 7500 nautical miles She will be the first warship to be built with quality steel, developed in India by DRDO and SAIL.
At an impressive ceremony held at the Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL.), the Naval Chief stated that the design and construction of such a ship would mark the 'coming of age' of India's indigenous warship building capabilities. India has now joined an elite club of six other nations which are able to conceptualise and realise an endeavour of such dimensions and complexity. The keel laying is scheduled in October 2007. The ship is expected to enter service in 2012.
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-Cdr
M Nambiar
from
North-East File
Tri-Service Meet
Air Marshal AD Joshi addressing the tri-Service meet
A two-day tri-Service meet was held at Headquarters, Eastern Air Command (EAC) in Upper-Shillong. The conference was hosted by HQ EAC and attended by three Commanders of the Armed Forces from Eastern Region. This annual meet discussed various issues relating to Armed Forces in the region.
Air Marshal AD Joshi, AOC-in-C, EAC, was the host for the conference. the conference was attended by Admiral OP Bansal, FOC-in-C, Eastern Naval Command, Visakhapattnam and Lt Gen Arvind Sharma, GOC-in-C, EAC. Officials from the Armed Forces, Air Marshal FH Major, Deputy Integrated Defence Staff Operations also attended the conference.
Raising Day
Brig PK Vij addressing the sainik
sammelan
Headquarters, Inspector General Assam Rifles (South) celebrated its first anniversary at Mantripukhri. Raised at Kangla near Imphal, the Headquarters moved to Mantripukhri. Maj Gen BS Ghotra was the first Inspector General of the formation.
The formations’ motto Work for Excellence exemplifies its commitment to the task entrusted to it. The Headquarters has taken up numerous projects for the welfare of the local public in Manipur.
A number of recruitment rallies for Assam Rifles, medical camps and education tours for the students of Manipur were conducted under the aegis of Headquarters IGAR(S). On the occasion of the raising day, Brig PK Vij, officiating Inspector General addressed the troops at a special sainik sammelan and urged them to carry out their tasks professionally and establish good relations with the local public.
Study Tour for Farmers
Brig JP Alex flagging off the study tour
Forty Manipuri farmers took part in a tour to study tea plantation across the country. The tour was flagged off by Brig JP Alex, Commander, 27 sector and Col GS Bedi, Commandant, 14 Assam Rifles at Hengbung. The aim of the tour was to acquaint the small tea growers in the state with tea farming techniques. The farmers visited Nilgiris Hills in Tamil Nadu. The tour was sponsored by Tea Board, Ministry of Commerce and coordinated by Krishi vikas Kendra, Hengbung.
Speaking on the occasion, Brig Alex assured all assistance from Assam Rifles towards agricultural and community farming schemes in the area. While exhorting the local youth to form self-help groups, he emphasised the need for maintaining peace in the region which is a key to the development of the region.
Daredevils Display
Maj Gen MKV Panicker
being introduced to the
team members by Capt BS Chandrawat
The Corps of Signals motorcycle display team, popularly known as Daredevils, displayed its skills at Bomdila in Arunachal Pradesh. Bomdila is the district headquarters of West Kameng and is located at a height of 8500 ft.
The show was inaugurated by Maj Gen MKV Panicker, GOC, 5 Mountain Division. Almost three thousand people thronged the venue to watch the scintillating feats of daredevils. Thirtytwo men led by Capt BS Chadrawat kept the audience spellbound by breathtaking feats like chain and scissors, Jimmy and Wheel Barrow. This was the first time that such show was organised in Bomdila.
Seminar on Peace
Brig JP Alex and
organised during the seminar
Fourteen Assam Rifles conducted a seminar on ‘Peace and Development’ at Senapati, Manipur. The seminar was another step towards bringing together people from varied strata of society to chalk out a roadmap for peace.
Speaking on the occasion, Brig JP Alex, Commander, 27 Sector Assam Rifles stressed the need of community living amongst the people. The seminar was also attended by various NGOs.
Annual Day
Tiny-tots of
Appu School celebrated its annual day in Tezpur where Mrs Nandini Bapat, Vice President, AWWA, Gajraj Corps was the chief guest. Tiny-tots presented a spectacular show of fun, frolic and music which was appreciated by the audience.
Appu School runs nursery, kindergarten and UKG classes for the children of all ranks of Gajraj Corps, Air Force, GREF and civilians.
Aid to Tsunami Victims
Wg Cdr MS Bhandari
handing over the cheque to the
Governor of Manipur, Dr SS Sidhu
The staff and students of Sainik School, Imphal donated one lakh rupees to Tsunami victims. Wg Cdr MS Bhandari, Principal, Sainik School handed over the cheque to the Governor of Manipur, Dr SS Sidhu at a solemn function.
The Governor, on the occasion, commended the cadets and the staff. He added that such donations reflect humane approach towards people in need.
Rafting Expedition
Rafting team negotiating the rapids on Siang river
A white water rafting expedition from Tuting to Pasighat on Siang river in Arunachal Pradesh was conducted by 5 Mountain Brigade.
Siang river is the fastest flowing river, with very high turbule and dizzying rapids and highest average depth amongst all the rivers in the Indian subcontinent. Originating from Lake Mansarovar at the feet of Mount Kailash, Siang is known as Tsangpo in Tibet.
Before venturing out, the expedition team was given training at Army Aqua Node Centre at Along, under the guidance of Capt Pankaj Rawat of 17 Kumaon. The expedition was conducted under the aegis of 17 Kumaon. Led by Lt RA yadav of 17 Kumaon, the team comprised one officer, one junior commission officer and 16 other ranks of 5 Mountain Brigade.
The expedition was flagged off by Mr Gegong Apang, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh at Tuting. The team covered a stretch of 374 km in eight days. The expedition was flagged in by Brig VK Pande, officiating GOC, 2 Mountain Division.
Eastern Command Athletics Championship
The winning team with Maj Gen UK Bapat
Eastern Command Athletics Trophy was clinched by 5 Mountain Division in Eastern Command Athletics Championship held at Tezpur Meghana Stadium. The leader of the team received the trophy from chief guest, Maj Gen UK Bapat, Chief of Staff, Gajraj Corps.
Hav Rakesh Kumar of 5 Mountain Division was adjudged the best athlete of the Eastern Command. He won the first position in long jump and triple jump and third position in high jump.
inputs:
Wg Cdr Binoy Chongtham, Lt Col SD Goswami,
Lt Col Narender Singh and Col Anil Shorey
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Modernisation of Defence Communication The country has to be fully abreast of the times for its defence communication needs, said the Defence Secretary, Mr Ajai Vikram Singh while inaugurating a seminar on “Modernisation of Defence Communication : A Perspective” in New Delhi. The seminar was organised by Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), a defence public sector undertaking (PSU). The Defence Secretary also stressed that the Armed Forces and the defence PSUs should interact closely to achieve this objective. Emphasising the need for fast response in the battlefield scenario, he said that Armed Forces could not afford to lag behind as safe and secure communication is a pre-requisite for them. The two-day seminar aimed to bring the officers of the Army, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) scientists, engineers and managers of BEL together with eminent professors of the IITs to exchange ideas and deliberate on the current and future trends in defence communications. Mr Shekhar Dutt, Secretary, Defence Production, said that the future wars would be very short and decisive and defence manufacturers should change their systems in this direction. Unlike yesteryears, defence technologies are driven by advances in R&D in the civilian sector and the defence industry has to make use of these civilian technologies, he added. Lt Gen BS Thakur, Vice Chief of Army Staff, said that deception decides battle whereas electronic deception wins wars. Underlining the importance of defence communication in a battlefield scenario, he pointed out that information was all pervasive. Lt Gen Davinder Singh, Signal-Officer-in-Chief, Army Headquarters said that communication has been at the hub of any war operation, which has become network-centric. He emphasised that technology has a short lifetime and changes in defence communication technology are unavoidable. Mr Y Gopala Rao, Chairman and Managing Director, BEL assured that BEL was keeping itself abreast of the latest developments in defence communication. -PIB (DW) |
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A Surprise in ‘No Man’s Land’ The Uri-Chakhoti-Muzaffarabad bus route reminds me of my days in Uri Sector. During 1940-41 when I was studying in class IV/V, my father, an Army officer, was posted at Chaklala near Rawalpindi (now in Pakistan). I had a classmate, Khan, son of another Army officer, and being neighbours, we were good friends. We studied in a convent school for about two years together. As the second World War progressed, my father was moved out to Middle East (8th Army) and we moved to Meerut Cantt. Time moved on and after my graduation, I followed my forefathers’ footsteps in soldiering and was commissioned from Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehra Dun in June 1952. On one of my familiarisation stints, I was detailed to visit one of our check-posts at Chakothi on Uri-Muzaffarabad road along the ceasefire line (CFL). Like our post, there was a post on Pakistan side with about 200-300 yards as “no man’s land”. With my “solitary pip” I felt very importanat and flaunted my binoculars in looking around. I also noticed some curious movement on Pak side. The JCO incharge in our post, sensing my enthusiasm, arranged a flag meeting, where four of us and a similar number from Pak side moved across in the “no man’s land”. As we came closer, as the prevailing custom, saluted one another. To my surprise, I saw a very familiar face and it was none other than my Rawalpindi classmate, Khan, now a 2/Lieutenant. As we recognised each other we hugged and for a few seconds we were overwhelmed with emotions. Seeing the mood, my colleagues treated us with chai and pakoras. We spent ten to fifteen minutes exchanging notes and remembering our Pindi days. We parted with a promise to meet again. I have no doubt that later during 1965 and 1971 Wars, we both might have fought against each other as true soldiers of our respective armies!! -Maj Gen BB Kumar (Retd) |
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Flight Safety Trophy
Nine (I) Recce and Observation Flight, also known as Satwari Bombers, was the proud recipient of the newly instituted Flight Safety Trophy from Lt Gen Hari Prasad, Army Commander, Northern Command. All flying units of Northern Command are evaluated in terms of their performance and the flight which is adjudged the best is awarded this prestigious trophy. The trophy was presented at the annual Army Aviation conference, held at Command Headquarters Udhampur, under the chairmanship of Lt Gen Balbir Singh, Chief of Staff, HQ Northern Command. -Lt Col RK Chhibber |
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Air Waves for Armed Forces |
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Station |
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Frequencies |
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Delhi B |
Medium Wave |
450.5 Mtr
Band |
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Short Wave |
61.73 Mtr
Band |
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May 4 |
‘Sena Darshan’ : Excerpts from MGO’s press conference. |
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May 6 |
Message of DG, BRO and a variety entertainment programme by BRO personnel |
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May 18 |
‘Sena Darshan’ : Interaction with children from J&K and Sarpanches of Rajouri area. |
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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. Tel : 011-23093764. |
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Mumbai to Goa
Expedition in progress
The College of Military Engineering (CME), Pune conducted a sailing expedition from Mumbai to Goa recently.
The 16-member expedition was led by Capt SB Vachali. This was the first time that an expedition was undertaken by a crew consisting exclusively of officers and Gentlemen Cadets (GC) of the Cadets Training Wing (CTW) with practically no sailing experience in Seabird boats. Capt MK Singh, whose right leg is amputated below the knee, took part in the expedition and performed creditably despite his handicap. A Naval officer from INS Brahamaputra also took part in the expedition.
The expedition was flagged off from the Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre, Mumbai by Vice Admiral Madanjit Singh, FOC-in-C, Western Naval Command.
The team sailed for over four days non-stop covering 250 nautical miles. The return leg from Goa to Mumbai was flagged off by Brig KA Cariappa, Commandant, 2 STC at Verem, Goa. The boats were received by Lt Gen BS Dhaliwal in Mumbai.
Milky Marvel
Timy
Military Farm, Jalandhar Cantt has been in news of late. And the newsmaker is none other than an inmate of this farm, Timy, an eight-year-old cow. One will be surprised to know that Timy’s yield is going high day by day. At present, her yield is 45 litres everyday, a record that surprises everybody. Brig AM Sharma, Commander, Jalandhar Sub Area commended Timy’s care-taker, Mr Nand Lal for this record production.
Military Farm was established at Jalandhar Cantt in 1918 to supply milk to troops in Jalandhar Garrison. It has a good number of Frieswal cows which were bred by crossing Holstein Friesian and Sahiwal breeds.
-Naresh
V Vig
From the FileMay 6 & 13, 1956
• Vice-Admiral SH Carlill, the Chief of the Naval Staff, paid a six-day inspection visit to the Bombay Naval Command recently — his first official visit. Accompanied by Commodore AK Chatterjee, the Commodore-in-Charge, Bombay, he visited the Naval Barracks, the Naval Dockyard, INS Kunjali, INHS Asvini and the Naval Stores the Armament Depot. • A scheme to give military training to civilians in urban areas has been put into operation recently. As an experimental measure, training has been started in the cities of Madras, Lucknow and Ambala. The aim of this scheme is to achieve a measure of discipline and self-reliance among the civilians in urban areas. They will be trained in drill, musketry and digging on Saturdays and Sundays for a period of four hours a day. The instructional staff, which will be drawn from the local Army Units, will impart training to batches of 120 persons at a time in each station. |
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