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India Empowers Army Chief to Deploy Territorial Units Amid Indo-Pak Tensions

May 9, 2025, 3:38 pm

In accordance with increased tensions with Pakistan, the Central Government has authorized the Chief of Army Staff to call up Territorial Army members. This step, taken pursuant to Rule 33 of the Territorial Army Rules, 1948, is directed towards strengthening the Indian Army’s presence in all key command zones.

As per a ministry statement of Defence, the mobilisation will cover personnel from 32 current Territorial Army Infantry Battalions. They will be deployed in critical areas of operation including the Southern, Eastern, Western, Central, Northern, and South Western Commands. Further deployment will also take place to the Andaman and Nicobar Command and the Army Training Command (ARTRAC).

The Territorial Army is a reserve force to the regular Army. It is made up of volunteers who receive military training and are mobilized in times of national emergencies or to support internal security operations.

India-Pakistan tensions have drastically risen after Indian troops launched early Wednesday missile attacks on nine Pakistani terror targets and PoK. Targets included striking the Jaish-e-Mohammad complex at Bahawalpur and the Lashkar-e-Taiba compound at Muridke. These strikes came in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in the killing of 26 civilians.

During the evening of May 7-8, the Indian military effectively intercepted and neutralized Pakistan’s large-scale drone and missile attack against several Indian military facilities in the Northern and Western sectors. Particularly, an Air Defence system based in Lahore was also destroyed.

The Pakistani aggression was a retaliatory action to India’s “Operation Sindoor” of May 7. During this operation, India carried out missile attacks on nine targets in Pakistan and PoK, targeting terrorist infrastructure belonging to outfits such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad. The operation was an immediate response to the April 22 fatal attack in Pahalgam.

Historic Gorkha recruitments faces pause Army remains resilient

January 14, 2025, 6:47 pm

The recruitment of Nepali Gorkhas into the Indian Army is rooted in a centuries-old relationship marked a symbol of strength and trust. The 1947 tripartite agreement formalized the arrangement, ensuring that thousands of Nepali youths would join the ranks of Indian Gorkha regiments, famed for their discipline and combat process.

Nepal’s Tradition disrupted

Nepal Gorkhas have played an important role in the Indian army, serving with distinction in various capacities. Nepal has its strong bond with India. Nepal has expressed its concerns about the implications of the scheme on its citizens leading to a temporary halt in recruitments. In the year 2020 there was the same situation raised for Nepalis battalions. No recuirements took place due to Covid 19 after that Nepal ceased allowing its citizens to join Indian army under the Agneepath scheme .

In a general talk Army Commander Upendra Dwivedi, in a Press Conference said operational preparedness won’t hinder at all. Dwivedi visited Nepal and was conferred the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army, a gesture symbolic of the unique camaraderie between the two armies.

History of Gorkhas in Indian Army

Gorkha was established in 1560 , and initially became known as the Gorkhali Army. It was officially renamed simply to the Nepali Army on 28 May 2008, upon the abolition of the 240-year-old. Almost thousands of Nepalis battalions have served Indian army since 1947.

Gorkhas absence surely affect India with its operational dynamics as well composed army family.

Army Pays Tribute to Four Soldiers Who Lost Lives in Bandipora Road Accident

January 5, 2025, 11:55 pm

The Army on Sunday paid heartfelt tributes to four soldiers who tragically lost their lives in a road accident in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Saturday. The solemn ceremony, held at Srinagar’s Chinar Corps headquarters, saw the General Officer Commanding of the sensitive Chinar Corps, along with officers from the Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Border Security Force (BSF), honoring the fallen soldiers.

Havildar Hari Ram Rewar, Lance Havildar Pawan Kumar, Lance Naik Jitendra Kumar Yadav, and Lance Naik Nitish Kumar were on duty when the vehicle they were traveling in skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge in Bandipora. Two other soldiers sustained injuries in the accident.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Chinar Corps expressed their admiration for the soldiers’ bravery and sacrifice: “Chinar Warriors salute the valour and sacrifice of the brave hearts and express deep gratitude to our brothers from S K Payeen, District Bandipora, for extending help in rescue and recovery efforts.”

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to the families of the deceased, adding, “We stand in solidarity with the bereaved families and are committed to their well-being.” The tragic loss serves as a somber reminder of the risks faced by armed forces personnel in the line of duty, even beyond the battlefield.

Army Vehicle Falls Into Gorge in Bandipora, J&K; 2 Soldiers Dead, 3 Injured

January 4, 2025, 3:26 pm

Tragedy struck in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora district as an Army vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge near the Wular Viewpoint on Saturday. The incident claimed the lives of two soldiers, while three others sustained injuries.

Dr. Masarat Iqbal Wani, Medical Superintendent at the District Hospital Bandipora, confirmed to ANI, “Five injured personnel were brought here. Unfortunately, two were brought dead, and three critically injured soldiers were stabilized and referred to Srinagar for advanced treatment.”

The injured soldiers were provided immediate medical attention before being transferred to Srinagar. Details surrounding the accident are still awaited.

Similar Incident Last Week

This mishap follows another fatal incident just days earlier, where five soldiers lost their lives, and five others, including the driver, sustained serious injuries. The accident occurred when a vehicle in a six-vehicle convoy skidded off the road near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district, plunging into a rivulet. Officials confirmed that the Poonch incident was not related to any terrorist activity.

Adverse Weather Conditions

The Kashmir Valley has been gripped by a severe cold wave, with dense fog and icy conditions prevailing across the region. Weather officials have predicted heavy snowfall over the middle and higher reaches of the valley, issuing a ‘yellow’ alert for Saturday and an ‘orange’ alert for Sunday.

The MeT department warned of potential disruptions in road and air transport, urging residents to exercise caution and avoid non-essential travel during adverse weather conditions.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have advised the public to remain vigilant to ensure safety amidst challenging weather conditions.

1971 Pakistan Surrender Painting Sparks Debate: Army Defends Its Placement

December 17, 2024, 12:03 pm

The Indian Army today responded officially to a public row surrounding the removal of the iconic 1971 Pakistan surrender painting, but defended its new location at the Manekshaw Centre. The Army said that the painting has been installed at what it thinks is the “most befitting place“ in honour of the historic military victory through the signing of the Instrument of Surrender following the 1971 war.

Vijay Diwas Installation Ceremony

The installation occurred on Vijay Diwas, which was to mark the victory of India over Pakistan in the 1971 war. This war was one that gave birth to Bangladesh but, more importantly, firmly placed India as a significant military force in the region. The Army informed that the painting has been installed at the Manekshaw Centre, named after Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, the architect of India‘s victory in the war. General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), attended the ceremony along with the President of the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA), Mrs. Sunita Dwivedi. Seniors, veterans, and dignitaries also graced the occasion.

A Badge of Triumph and Mankind

The Army asserts that the painting is a glorious tribute to one of the Indian Army’s greatest victories, and a reflection of its unwavering desire for justice and humanity. Hence, an institution with such massive pedestrian movement, both within India and across the world was chosen–the Manekshaw Centre.

Previous Row Over Deposition

The controversy over the shifting of the painting starts with Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra raising this issue in Lok Sabha. It was referred to during her Zero Hour reference, where Priyanka raised concerns over the removal of the iconic picture from Army Headquarters. She was shooting a photograph on the ceremony of surrender during which Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh Aurora of Indian Army and Lieutenant General AAK Niazi of Pakistan Army were also found.

At Army HQ’s long-held place for this important and historic painting, Karm Kshetra can be seen now. The fresh painting includes pictures of the mighty Lake Pangong Tso and represents how it strengthens military capabilities on the LAC with China. There’s also a depiction of Chanakya, Garuda and Lord Krishna driving Arjun’s chariot. The convergence between a good use of the present and mythological strength resonated heavily from behind such a great piece of wall-hanging art.

Thal Sena Bhawan Next-Plan Plans

Apart from the installation of the painting, there are plans for a new Thal Sena Bhawan. The facility is slated opposite the Manekshaw Centre on the Delhi Cantonment stretch to house the various arms of the Army Headquarters currently spread all across the city.
Conclusion

The Indian Army has taken a decision to shift the iconic 1971 surrender painting to the Manekshaw Centre, which has elicited mixed reactions. However, the Army is of the opinion that this is the most appropriate location for the painting, both in terms of military history and legacy of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.

Army Granted Authority To Issue Direct Notices For Online Content Removal

October 31, 2024, 5:15 am

New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence has designated a senior army officer — the Additional Directorate General (ADG) of Strategic Communication in the Indian Army — as the “nodal officer” authorized to send notices, including takedown requests, to social media intermediaries regarding illegal content related to the Indian Army and its components under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act.

Prior to this notification, the Indian Army relied on the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to enforce takedowns or block unlawful content pertaining to the army, according to an army source familiar with the matter.

“Through this notification, the ADG (strategic communication) will be able to highlight cases and issue notices directly to intermediaries when we find unlawful content related to the Indian army. Then it is up to the intermediaries to assess what to do with that content,” the person said, requesting anonymity.

Must Read: Drunk driving claims one life while seriously injuring another

The source emphasized that a direct approach is necessary given the immediate impact of much of this content, which can be delayed when routed through MeitY. “For example, if there is a Pakistan-run handle which is proliferating misinformation or disinformation, we should be in a position to issue notices directly to the intermediaries.”

For matters of national security or where the army’s image is at stake, the person added, this new direct route allows the army to flag content to companies more efficiently.

Under Section 79 of the IT Act, intermediaries can claim safe harbour protections against liability for third-party content. However, Section 79(3)(b) stipulates that this protection does not apply if the intermediary fails to remove or disable access when notified by the “appropriate” government or “its agency.”

No new notices have been issued since the October 24 notification, according to a Hindustan Times report.

In February, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, acting on inputs from the Defence Ministry, Intelligence Bureau, and Jammu and Kashmir Police, directed Delhi-based news magazine The Caravan to remove a story alleging civilian abuse, torture, and murder by the Indian Army in Jammu. The order was issued under the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, and the magazine has since challenged it in court.

“Section 79(3)(b) erects a blocking process separate from Section 69A with a much lower threshold for issuing takedown notices and grants power to a much larger swathe of ministries, departments and law enforcement agencies,” Hindustan Times quoted Pavit Singh Katoch, general counsel at Inshorts.

Also Read: BSF recovers 178 drones in 10 months amid surge in narcotics and arms smuggling from Pakistan

BTS Reunion: J-Hope is Back! Watch Jin’s Heartwarming Surprise! | VIDEOS

October 17, 2024, 11:42 am

The moment ARMYs around the world have eagerly awaited has finally arrived. BTS member J-Hope, whose real name is Jung Ho-Seok, has completed his 18 months of mandatory military service in South Korea. He was officially discharged from his military duties, marking a significant milestone in his career.

A Wholesome Welcome

As J-Hope emerged from the gates of his army base in Wonju City, he was greeted with a beautiful bouquet of flowers from his bandmate Jin. Jin, the oldest member of BTS, himself completed his military service in June 2024 and was there to welcome J-Hope back with open arms. In a heartwarming gesture, Jin went down on one knee and held the mic for J-Hope as he delivered his discharge speech.

HAVE A LOOK AT THE VIRAL POST:

Back to the street? pic.twitter.com/q3LSBR1wzU

— 방탄소년단 (@BTS_twt) October 17, 2024

[? PHOTOS] #Jhope official Military Discharge (1)

WELCOME BACK J-HOPE #OurPieceOfPeacelsHere #HOBI_HOMECOMING pic.twitter.com/05UYR8yvdF

— BTS PICS FOLDER ? (@btspicstwt_) October 17, 2024

[? PHOTOS] #Jhope official Military Discharge | #Jin (2)

WELCOME BACK J-HOPE #OurPieceOfPeacelsHere #HOBI_HOMECOMING pic.twitter.com/XdsBsWwbUR

— BTS PICS FOLDER ? (@btspicstwt_) October 17, 2024

Viral Moments Capture the Reunion

Pictures and videos of the touching reunion have quickly gone viral, showcasing the deep bond between the band members. Fans expressed their joy and excitement on social media, celebrating J-Hope’s return and the enduring camaraderie among the BTS members. The remaining members of the group are expected to complete their military service by 2025, paving the way for a much-anticipated reunion.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEOS:

SEOKJIN HELPED HOLD THE MIC FOR HOBI pic.twitter.com/tSp5Z1TTXp

— jin files (@seokjinfile) October 17, 2024

[EXCLUSIVE] #JHOPE is officially discharged from s. military! ??

HOBI IS BACK! pic.twitter.com/mUbw2cvrNw

— BTS Charts Daily (@btschartsdailyc) October 17, 2024

As J-Hope re-enters the spotlight, fans are excited to see what the future holds for him and BTS. With their collective journey and individual experiences, the members continue to inspire millions around the globe. The return of J-Hope is not just a personal triumph but also a joyous occasion for the entire ARMY, who have supported the band throughout their military service.

Our Army is amazing, we are proud of it!

October 8, 2024, 3:15 am

I happened to unexpectedly meet our recently retired Army chief and son of Nagpur General Manoj Pande. As we exchanged pleasantries, he started telling his wife that this is Vijay Darda from Lokmat, who did a lot of work for the soldiers during the Kargil War. He built warm houses for the soldiers too. I humbly folded my hands. I know that there is at least one place in our country before which everyone bows, no matter which party they belong to, which religion, faith or caste they come from! That place is our Armed Forces. By Armed Forces, I mean the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.
The context in which I am writing this column on our Armed Forces today, is the story of the Indian Army. On February 7, 1968, an Indian Air Force cargo plane crashed over Rohtang Pass while travelling from Chandigarh to Leh. There were 102 soldiers on board. Due to the rugged and snow-covered mountains, neither the wreckage nor the soldiers’ bodies could be found immediately. However, the Indian Army did not give up and continued to send search parties to the area intermittently. Between 2003 and 2019, some bodies were found and the wreckage of the plane was discovered too. The Indian Army continued the search for its missing bravehearts. In the last week of September this year, a search team found bodies of four soldiers buried in snow near Dhaka Glacier at an altitude of 16,000 feet. The bodies of these soldiers — Thomas Cherian, Malkhan Singh, Narayan Singh and Munshi Ram — were taken to their respective villages where the last rites were performed.
The significant point is that these soldiers were considered dead after the accident, but the Indian Army always kept the families informed that the search was still on. In fact, one of the Indian Army’s mottos is to “never leave a brother behind”, whether they are injured or have attained martyrdom. We have read and heard instances where soldiers, to reduce weight, threw away their supplies so they could carry the injured or martyred soldiers out of enemy line. Such a spirit is not seen in the armies of any other country. You may remember that Pakistan refused to even claim the bodies of its soldiers killed during the Kargil War. Look at the greatness of the Indian Army, which performed the last rites of the Pakistani soldiers according to their religious customs. Even after the Indian soldiers killed Chinese soldiers in Ladakh, China did not acknowledge their casualties for years. There are hundreds of stories in the world where soldiers abandoned their dead colleagues and moved forward or retreated. But the Indian Army never does that. Another unique aspect of our Army is that our young military officers often lead from the front. After the 1971 India-Pakistan war, when 97,000 Pakistani soldiers had surrendered, Army chief Sam Manekshaw himself ensured their well-being. Pakistani soldiers had even told him then that the conduct of the Indian Army and the indomitable leadership qualities of the young Indian officers were the reasons for India’s victory.
Indeed, the spirit and conduct of the Indian Army are extraordinary. There is a saying in the Army training academies: “Give us youth, and we will give the country a complete person.” I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit and understand the Army. I have travelled from the Himalayas to the desert and the Rann of Kutch and have seen the soldiers standing ready with full spirit and dedication. When I went to Kashmir, the situation was very tensed. Kashmir was burning. Armed military vehicles were in front and behind my car. Senior military officer Ravi Thodge, who was stationed there, explained to me how the Army not only protects our borders but also eliminates terrorists. He further informed how the Army plays an important role in the healthcare, education and sports of the local villagers. I don’t think any Army in the world serves with such dedication. Do you know that one of the Army’s very important mottos is “service before self”! The hands that fire bullets also come together for immediate relief when needed. Operation Rahat, conducted in Uttarakhand in 2013, was the world’s largest relief operation, saving 20,000 people and delivering around four lakh kilos of food to those in need. Our Army serves not only within the country but also abroad.
I went to Shri Tanot Mata Temple on the Rajasthan border, where Pakistan had dropped several bombs, but none exploded. Those bombs are still there. I saw soldiers filled with reverence, regardless of their religion, sect or faith. There is no division on the basis of caste, sect or religion there. For them, the biggest religion is the tricolour. I have travelled to the border areas of the Northeastern states and always admired the Army’s pursuit of excellence in every task. They create comfort even in the wilderness and make barren land clean and tidy. Look at their vehicles on the road — you won’t even find a speck of mud on the tires. When they cook, the food is so delicious that you’ll keep licking your fingers. Only our Indian Army can display such valour, service and even culinary skills. We can learn so much from our Army. We are proud of our Army, who live to uphold the honour of the tricolour!
May our tricolour always fly high!
Jai Hind!

The author is the chairman, Editorial Board of Lokmat Media and former member of Rajya Sabha.

Security Forces Discover Major Weapons Cache in Manipur During Searches

September 23, 2024, 10:35 am

Security forces in Manipur, including the Manipur Police, Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Assam Rifles, have successfully recovered a large cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives during a series of coordinated search operations in the state’s hill and valley districts. These operations are part of ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal weapons and ensure public safety in the region.

Significant Weapons Seized in Thoubal District

In one of the major operations in Thoubal District, security personnel from the Manipur Police and Army conducted a targeted search in the Fungei Ching area, resulting in the seizure of a substantial haul of weapons. Among the items recovered were two 9 mm SMG Carbines with magazines, a 12-Bore Single Barrel Gun, a 9 mm pistol with a magazine, and a .32 pistol with a magazine. The operation also led to the recovery of five HE-36 hand grenades, four arming rings, two tube launchers, eleven rounds of live ammunition, a detonator, two BP iron plates, a bulletproof jacket, tear smoke grenades, stun shells, a tear smoke shell, and a Walkie Talkie Baofeng Radio Set.

Churachandpur District Operations Yield Heavy Artillery

In another operation in Churachandpur District, forces uncovered a diverse range of heavy weapons and explosives from Moavom. The cache included a 5.5 ft rocket, a 3 ft rocket, a large-sized country-made mortar, two medium-sized country-made mortars, four country-made mortar bombs, two pistols with magazines, nine live rounds of ammunition, a single barrel rifle, 6.3 kg of explosive grade-2 material, 17 meters of cortex, and 9 meters of fuse.

Further search operations in Moljol village, also in Churachandpur, led to the discovery of four improvised heavy mortars, three 12-bore RDS, and three improvised mortar bombs, seized with the combined efforts of Manipur Police, ITBP, and Assam Rifles.

Weapons Recovered in Imphal West District

In a separate operation in the Khongnangpokpi hill range of Imphal West District, the Manipur Police recovered two MP5-A3 machine pistols with magazines, an INSAS Excalibur Rifle with a magazine, and 37 live rounds of ammunition, further bolstering the ongoing campaign against illegal arms in the state.

Ensuring Safe Movement and Security

In addition to weapon recovery, security forces ensured the safe movement of 56 and 307 vehicles along NH-37 and NH-2, respectively, by implementing strict security measures and providing security convoys along sensitive routes. A total of 111 checkpoints were established across various districts, including both hill and valley areas, to maintain vigilant security. Despite these stringent measures, no detentions were reported for violations.

Commitment to Peace and Stability

These operations reflect the security forces’ proactive stance in tackling ongoing security challenges in Manipur. Their efforts highlight a strong commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region through targeted action against the proliferation of illegal arms and ensuring the safe movement of essential goods and services.

The recovery of such a significant amount of weaponry underscores the critical role of security forces in safeguarding public safety and reinforcing the rule of law amidst persistent security concerns in Manipur.

Nagaland Killings: Supreme Court Dismisses Criminal Case Against Army Officials

September 17, 2024, 12:10 pm

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed the criminal proceedings against Army personnel implicated in the killing of 13 civilians during a botched operation in Nagaland’s Mon district in December 2021.

In its ruling, the apex court stated, “The proceedings in the impugned FIRs shall stand closed. However, if sanction is granted, it may be taken to its logical conclusion. On disciplinary action, we have said the Armed Forces can do the needful.” This ruling leaves the door open for future prosecution should the necessary government sanction be granted.

Tragic Incident in Nagaland’s Mon District

The tragic incident took place on December 4, 2021, when an Army team, mistaking a group of coal miners for militants, opened fire on a truck in Oting village, killing six civilians. The attack sparked unrest in the area, leading to more violence. Security forces allegedly fired again during the chaos, resulting in the deaths of seven additional civilians.

Impact and Fallout

The killing of these 13 civilians led to widespread outrage across the region and raised concerns over military operations and accountability in insurgency-affected areas. Following the incident, multiple FIRs were filed, leading to the involvement of the Supreme Court in the case. However, with this latest ruling, the proceedings have been quashed, though internal disciplinary action within the Armed Forces may still proceed.

These ruling highlights the ongoing debate about the balance between military operations in insurgency-prone areas and civilian safety. The incident continues to resonate in discussions surrounding security protocols in such regions.

Army Commemorates 100th Birthday Of WWII Veteran Lance Naik

September 8, 2024, 2:16 pm

The 100th birthday of Lance Naik Charan Singh, a World War II veteran from the Royal Indian Army Service Corps, was celebrated on Saturday in his native village of Ramgarh-Dekwala in Punjab’s Ropar district.

Charan Singh enlisted in the Army in 1942 and retired in 1959. He has since lived in his village with his two daughters and four sons.

During the celebration, a team from the Western Command headquarters in Chandimandir, led by Brigadier J.S. Bisht, honored Charan Singh. Brigadier Bisht presented him with a memento from the Army Service Corps and a congratulatory letter from Lt Gen Preet Mohindera Singh, Director General of Supplies and Transport.

Charan Singh’s grandson, Harjeet Singh, shared that Charan Singh had served in Burma and Singapore during World War II and was also a keen photographer, capturing significant moments from his service.

After his military career, Charan Singh was stationed in Lahore during the Partition. He later worked as a storekeeper at the Civil Hospital in Ropar, retiring from that position in 1982.

Understanding Military Theaterisation

September 6, 2024, 2:15 am

Theaterisation is essentially an integration, of different service HQs prosecuting operations in a common front. All that front’s war fighting assets are placed under the command of that one theatre commander, thereby making his operational decisions faster and making him directly accountable for them. Doing so also reduces many duplications that occur if multiple Army/Navy/Air Force HQs in the same front do the same thing in a longer time cycle by coordination via their respective HQs at Delhi.

Is it needed? Yes 110%. As the experience of many battles over centuries have shown, the side which can decide, and act faster will have distinct advantage. This is also Col Boyd’s famous ‘OODA (observe, orient, decide and act) Cycle’. And if we need to at least match the OODA cycle of an adversary who has already made Theatre HQs, then we also need to make Theatre HQs. China has Theatre HQs, and Pakistan is unfortunately an “Army which has a country”, and its Army decides everything.

Who currently controls our military response? Each service (Army, Navy, and Air Force) currently has geographical Command HQs. Army has 6 regional Commands (North, West, South-Western, Southern, Central & Eastern), Navy 3 (Western, Eastern, & Southern) and Air Force 5 (Western, South-Western, Southern, Central & Eastern). While these commands are static HQs, actual military operations are done by the Army’s ‘Corps’, Navy’s ‘Fleets’ and Air Force Squadrons in their respective ‘Bases’, which are grouped under these 14 Regional Command HQs. Actions of/orders to these 14 HQs are currently given by their respective service HQs, who interact with each other for operations through HQ IDS (Integrated Defence Staff) – all at Delhi. Theaterisation threatens no service core competency or war fighting methodology and only leverages these for better outcomes.

Theaterisation envisages placing Corps/Fleet/Base operations under one integrated HQ for that front. In maybe 2-3 fronts, instead of current 14 HQs. Certainly, China and Pakistan fronts, and maybe a third maritime front to integrate all maritime responses against both conventional and non-conventional threats like the Mumbai attack. And at Delhi, coalescing services’ war-fighting branches under HQ IDS.

Will it work? Many countries have this concept in place including USA, UK, and China. Russia too was compelled to do something akin in the middle of the Ukraine conflict. For India, we need to find our own distinct solutions for each front. Do we have a precedence? Yes. The “Kargil Review Committee” (KRC) and “Group of Ministers” (GoM) reports tabled in Parliament in year 2000, felt this need for integration and on acceptance of their recommendations, the Govt on 01 Oct 2001 issued orders for raising HQ IDS and HQ ANC (Andaman & Nicobar Command) as integrated tri-service organisations. Prior that we had tri-service training establishments of NDA (National Defence Academy), DSSC (Defence Services Staff College) and NDC (National Defence College). 23 years of ANC – which also has Coast Guard under it, bear testimony of the viability of the concept of an Integrated HQ. ANC was raised to be under CDS “operational command”, but he was only appointed 18-years later, in Jan 2020.

What has been the ANC experience? Foremost – ‘it works’, and greatly reduces the OODA cycle. But works as envisaged, when under unitary and not committee command. Commander-in-Chief ANC (CINCAN) in an ‘interim arrangement’ prior CDS appointment was under operational control of a committee of three Service Chiefs (Chiefs-of-Staff Committee – COSC). 18 years witnessed hamstrung decision making since authority and accountability were not focussed, and service interests often over-rode ANC recommendations due to conflicts of interest. By way of integration, despite yeoman steps by our first and later CINCANS, it was due to this that reform was slow and a lot more got done towards integration at ANC in three years after the CDS appointment, than in the preceding 18 years. These efforts were greatly aided by the MoD’s visionary decision of Jun 2017 to merge all Army/Navy/Air Force/Coast-Guard lands at ANC under the CINCAN – since they are all Govt lands. This greatly empowered CINCAN’s integrative actions, which now just need CDS approval. Integrated operations, logistics, communications – including a common LAN, land use, infrastructure planning, Station HQ for administrative issues, Messes, sports and CSD facilities and many other such ANC initiatives between 2021-23 are successful examples of how these can be replicated on the mainland too. Something the Hon’ble Prime Minister yet again encouraged the Services to do during the Combined Commanders Conference at Bhopal on 01 April 2023.

Towards this, a lot of integrative work has been done by the CDS and Service Chiefs – away from media glare by keeping their discussions private. Some clarity by the Govt, on allocation of four additional 4-star ranks for the three theatre commanders and the Vice CDS (VCDS) and possible similar integration of all MoD lands -including Coast Guard and its lands, as planning terms of reference, will go a long way in enabling early plan finalisation. Additional aspects are elaborated in an article “3-Elephants of Theaterisation” published on 12 Aug 24 in the Daily Guardian.

There will be turf resistance, but a Govt which has raised ANC and HQ IDS in 2001, merged ANC lands in 2017, appointed a CDS in 2020, and has been encouraging the Services to theaterise for many years now, will certainly have the resolve to make this most transformative military change of independent India. Needed now in National interests, is for other political parties to respect and support this urgent theaterisation need. Because enemies at our borders will not wait for us to first get our act together. And there are no silver medallists in war.

Lt Gen Ajai Singh, a 5th generation soldier, Kargil & Siachen war veteran and former CINCAN authored “Army HQ Reorganisation” post Dokalam (more agile/accountable decision making) & ‘Army Strategic Re-orientation” after Galwan.

Army unveils two mega events to bolster drones and other capabilities

September 5, 2024, 3:35 am

With an aim to bolster its capabilities along with a keen focus on ‘Aatmanirbharta’, the Indian Army on Wednesday unveiled two landmark events; ‘HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2’ and ‘HIMTECH-2024’ designed to harness military technologies for operations in high altitude areas.

Envisaged as an opportunity to the Indian Drone Industry to showcase the capabilities of their drone solutions for high altitude areas, HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2 will take place at Wari La, near Leh on 17-18 September 2024.

This will be followed by HIMTECH-2024 on 20-21 September 2024, an event conceptualised to discuss, demonstrate and discover new avenues for development, incorporation and cross pollination of technology, ideas and innovations with focus on harnessing military technologies for high attitude areas.

Notably, both of these mega events highlights the strong desire of the Indian Army to equip themselves with the latest technology along with a keen focus on ‘indigenousness’ as the deadlock between India and China at LAC continues since the deadly classes in Galwan back in 2020.

Speaking at the curtain raiser of the event at Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi, Major General CS Mann, Additional Director General of the Army Design Bureau, highlighted that the Indian Army is deployed from icy heights of the Siachen Glacier to the rugged Himalayas where its soldiers face unparalleled adversities daily. Talking about the tough conditions the armed personel have to face at mountainous peaks, Maj Gen Mann emphasised that “at such heights and due to strong winds, many a times drone usage results in reduced lift and degraded engine performance.” “These conditions are unique for Indian Army and demand systems that can adequately perform in these conditions.

Since such altitude battlefields are not prevalent anywhere else, tailormade, indigenous solutions are the way forward”, he said.
“If the indigenous industry succeeds here, it also opens vistas for them to international arena and establish India as a credible drone manufacturing hub”, he added.

HIM-DRONE-A-THON-2 is planned to be conducted under actual terrain and environmental conditions at altitude of 4000-5000 meters. The event is open to all indigenous drone manufactures and invites their participation for demonstration of Surveillance drones, Loitering munitions, Logistics Drones, Swarm Drones and drones with specific capabilities / role / payloads ie; Electronic Warfare, Synthetic Aperture Radar, Communication Intelligence and Electronic Intelligence.

As of now more than 25 Drone manufacturing firms have registered for participation in the event. All the firms will be competing in a multifaceted competition at super high-altitude area for proving their suitability and capabilities.

HIMTECH 2024 is being held for the first time in Leh, to highlight and focus on development of technology and system for meeting operational requirements along the Northern Borders and the event is being held in collaboration with FICCI.
On the use of Chinese technology and their spare parts in the Indian defence industry, Major General Bhatti said that there are concerns regarding the use of Chinese technology, especially in the domain of electronic warfare.

“We have seen it in the past how this Chinese technology can be a threat and we are evolving with time and taking bold steps in order to avoid the use of Chinese technology”, he added.

Bangladesh Protest Update: Army Chief Announces Interim Government After PM Sheikh Hasina Resigns

August 5, 2024, 4:07 pm

On Monday, Bangladesh’s army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, announced the formation of an interim government following a dramatic political upheaval. The announcement came after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the capital, Dhaka, in the midst of overwhelming protests that had engulfed the city.

In a televised address to the nation, General Waker-Uz-Zaman confirmed that Sheikh Hasina had stepped down from her position. The resignation was precipitated by intense public demonstrations demanding political change, which led to the prime minister’s abrupt departure from the capital.

The army chief’s statement, delivered on state television, outlined the next steps for the country’s governance. “We will form an interim government,” Waker-Uz-Zaman declared, signaling a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape. The formation of this interim government is expected to stabilize the situation and guide the nation through a transitional period.

The resignation and subsequent flight of the prime minister mark a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s political history. The interim government, as proposed by General Waker-Uz-Zaman, will be tasked with managing the country during this period of uncertainty and preparing for future elections.

This development underscores the deep political unrest in Bangladesh and highlights the critical role of the military in navigating the country through its current crisis. The formation of the interim government is seen as a crucial step toward restoring order and addressing the demands of the protesting populace.

Lt Gen VPS Kaushik Appointed Adjutant General of the Indian Army

August 3, 2024, 5:16 am

Lieutenant General VPS Kaushik has officially taken on the role of Adjutant General of the Indian Army. Before stepping into this prominent position on Friday, he served as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Trishakti Corps. The Additional Directorate General of Public Information announced the transition on X, highlighting Kaushik’s new role.

In related news, Lieutenant General Vinod Nambiar has been appointed as the Director General and Colonel Commandant of Army Aviation. Upon taking up this new role, he honored the nation’s heroes at the National War Memorial (NWM) and urged all personnel in Army Aviation to maintain their dedicated service with unwavering enthusiasm. The announcement was also shared by the Additional Directorate General of Public Information on X.

Wayanad Landslides: Death Toll Rises To 167, Rescue Efforts Continue

July 31, 2024, 9:14 pm

Wayanad Landslides News LIVE Updates: Rescue operations in Wayanad continue this morning following the devastating landslides that claimed over 158 lives and injured about 167 people. The efforts involve units from the army, NDRF, and other emergency services as they search for victims and possible survivors under collapsed roofs and debris from destroyed homes.

The 122 Infantry Battalion of the Territorial Army, stationed at a local school in Meppadi, began their second day of rescue operations.

In addition, several army companies from Thiruvananthapuram and Bengaluru have been deployed to Calicut by road and air, bringing disaster relief specialists, medical teams, ambulances, and other essential equipment.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the mountain district of Wayanad, which has been severely impacted by landslides triggered by incessant rains, as well as all northern districts of Kerala. The red alert indicates that extremely heavy rainfall, exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours, is expected in these regions.

In addition to Wayanad, the red alert covers eight districts. An orange alert, which signifies very heavy rainfall between 11 cm and 20 cm, was issued for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts on Tuesday. A yellow alert, indicating heavy rainfall between 6 cm and 11 cm, is also in place for several regions.

These warnings come as rescue and relief operations continue in the landslide-affected areas.

Captain Anshuman Singh’s Father wants ‘the definition of NOK to be fixed’: urge for revision of NOK rule

July 12, 2024, 2:18 pm

The parents of the late Captain Anshuman Singh, who received the posthumous Kirti Chakra award for his heroic actions, have appealed for changes to the Indian Army’s criteria regarding financial support for families of deceased soldiers. Captain Anshuman Singh tragically lost his life while saving his fellow soldiers from a fire at Siachen in July of last year. Ravi Pratap Singh and Manju Singh, his parents, voiced their concerns in an interview, pointing out that their daughter-in-law, Smriti Singh, no longer lives with them but continues to receive a significant portion of the entitlements after their son’s demise.

Call for NOK Rule Revision

Ravi Pratap Singh expressed his dissatisfaction with the current Next of Kin (NOK) criteria, discussing his discussions with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the matter. He highlighted that Anshuman’s wife, who no longer resides with them and was married to their son for only five months without children, is benefiting from the current system. Ravi Pratap Singh stressed the necessity for a reassessment of the NOK definition, proposing that the dependency of the martyr’s wife who remains within the family should be taken into account.

Manju Singh echoed these sentiments, underlining the significance of amending NOK rules to prevent other parents from encountering similar difficulties.

Understand the Concept of NOK

As per Army regulations, the Next of Kin (NOK) is the designated recipient of the ex-gratia amount in case of an incident involving a serving military personnel. Initially, when an individual joins the Army, the names of their parents or guardians are registered as the NOK. However, upon the marriage of a cadet or officer, the spouse’s name supersedes that of the parents as the designated NOK based on Army guidelines.

Deceased Agniveer’s Family In Ludhiana Yet To Receive Ex-Gratia From Centre, Army

July 5, 2024, 2:12 pm

Rahul Gandhi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had been engaged in a verbal sparring match on the compensation awarded to the family of Ajay Singh, who deceased in a landmine explosion in the Rajouri area of Jammu & Kashmir in January of this year. Rahul Gandhi also paid the Payal subdivision family a visit on May 29 after traveling to Ludhiana for a Lok Sabha election rally.

Gandhi, in the last Lok Sabha session, demanded the end of the Agniveer Army recruiting plan, which was initiated by the national government led by the BJP. He described the system as a “use and throw” one that makes a distinction between temporary recruits and permanent troops. He had claimed that the Center had not given Ajay Singh’s family any compensation. Rajnath Singh, however, called the accusations untrue and stated that the government pays the families of Agniveers who pass away while doing their duties with compensation of Rs 1 crore.

A number of electronic media reporters were chased away by the family of dead Agniveer Ajay Singh (23) in Ramgarh Sardaran village in Payal sub-division of Ludhiana district, claiming that they were bothering them. This led to a high-stakes scene outside his residence. Even after six months since their son’s death, Ajay Singh’s family said on Thursday that they had not got any ex gratia money from the Army or the Centre.

“We have received Rs 98 lakh from insurance cover claim,” said laborer Charanjit Singh Kala, Ajay Singh’s father. This includes an insurance policy (rather than an ex gratia payment) of Rs 48 lakh from the Army. A private bank has also paid out an additional Rs 50 lakh as payment for my son’s insurance coverage. We have received an amount of Rs 1 crore from the Punjab government. However, Rajnath Singh’s assertion that the Center has compensated us with Rs 1 crore is wholly false. Neither the Center nor the Army have yet to provide us with ex gratia payments.

Watch: Over 1200 Tourists Trapped By Landslides In North Sikkim Rescued Safely By Army

June 19, 2024, 5:00 pm

The Army announced on Wednesday that troops from the Trishakti Corps, alongside the civil administration, are conducting a rescue operation in north Sikkim. On Monday, the first day of the operation, sixty-four tourists were rescued and brought to Mangan, the district headquarters.

By Wednesday, several hundred tourists were still stranded, with rescue efforts ongoing, weather permitting. Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Vishnu Lama informed PTI that six helicopters are on standby at Bagdogra airport in neighboring West Bengal. According to an ANI report, tourists are being moved on foot and by vehicles where connectivity remains unaffected by the landslides.

The Indian Army’s signalers assisted BSNL and Airtel in restoring mobile connectivity on Tuesday, as stated by the news agency quoting an Army statement. “Since June 12, the Indian Army installed more than half a dozen telephone booths to facilitate locals and tourists connecting with their relatives,” the statement said, as quoted by ANI.

Additionally, medical teams have set up booths for residents and tourists. Over 115 people have received medical attention so far, including a lifesaving emergency response for a 24-year-old at Lachung suffering from High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. The district administration has assured that it is vigilant and ready to meet the needs of the remaining tourists and address any challenges.

सिक्किम में बारिश-भूस्खलन के चलते फंसे से 1200 से अधिक पर्यटक, सेना ने सुरक्षित निकाला#Sikkim #IndianArmy #RescueOperation #AssamFloods #SikkimRains pic.twitter.com/wPwiq2IY92

— Zee News (@ZeeNews) June 19, 2024

On Tuesday, Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) MP Indra Hang Subba, the state’s sole Lok Sabha MP, held a meeting with Border Roads Organisation (BRO) officials and its General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) to discuss the damage caused by landslides and rains.

Rescued tourists expressed their gratitude towards the state government, Mangan administration, various agencies, and local residents for their care and efforts in ensuring their safety while they were stranded.

Nainital Forest Fire: Uttarakhand CM calls Army to extinguish blaze

April 27, 2024, 2:30 pm

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced on Saturday that the Indian Army and Air Force helicopters are aiding in the containment of forest fires in the state. These fires, which have been burning for over 36 hours, have now reached Nainital and have ravaged several hectares of green cover.

Dhami stated that the situation posed a significant challenge and that all necessary resources were being mobilized to address it. The district administration has also deployed helicopters in the firefighting operations.

“We are facing a major challenge with the forest fires. This is a significant fire, and we are mobilizing all essential resources. We have requested assistance from the Army, and Army helicopters are also helping by spraying water in the affected area,” Dhami told ANI.

“I will be chairing a meeting in Haldwani today. We have already held a meeting in Dehradun regarding this issue. Our goal is to control the fire as quickly as possible,” he added.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed MI-17 helicopters to assist in firefighting efforts, including pulling water from Nainital Lake to extinguish the flames. This operation has temporarily halted boating activities on the lake.

Rahul Anand, Executive Officer of the Nainital Municipal Corporation, explained the safety precautions taken to allow the IAF helicopters to collect water from Nainital Lake.

“We received information that IAF helicopters needed permission to take water from Nainital to extinguish the fire. To facilitate this, we suspended boating on the lake for the day. The fire has been reported in several places in Nainital, including near the Air Force Station in the district,” Anand said.

“The primary objective of deploying helicopters for firefighting was to protect the Air Force Station. The situation is currently under control, and efforts are ongoing,” he added.

IAF choppers are lifting water from the nearby Bhimtal Lake in Nainital and spraying it in the area to contain and extinguish the forest fire, according to officials.

Army chief reviews security in Poonch

December 26, 2023, 12:21 am

Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande on Monday visited the Rajouri-Poonch sector to review the security situation in the area even as a Brigadier has been attached for a Staff Court of Inquiry.

The inquiry is being conducted by the Army to investigate the death of three civilians who were in Army custody after the Dera ki Gali attack in which four troops were killed and the recurrent losses suffered by the force in the area the last few months, Army sources.
The Army Chief visited the area where the recent attacks on security forces have taken place in the Poonch-Rajouri sector.
The Army chief was briefed on the situation by the Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi and other senior officers on the ground and the steps taken to plug the security gaps.

He was briefed by the senior Army brass there about the ongoing counterterrorism operations and steps taken to further strengthen the security grid.
“General Manoj Pande visited the Poonch sector and was given an update on the prevalent security situation.
He interacted with commanders on the ground, exhorted them to conduct the operations in the most professional manner and remain resolute and steadfast against all challenges, Indian Army said on X.

The Poonch-Rajouri sectors are the responsibility of the 16 Corps, which is going to see a routine change in command as the incumbent Lt Gen Sandeep Jain is handing over command to Lt Gen Naveen Sachdev.
The Army Headquarters is also closely watching the situation and keeping track of operations there.
The Army is also likely to take action and give charge to officers who have dealt with situations in areas where multiple attacks on troops have taken place in this sector.
Around two to three major attacks have taken place in the 13 Sector Rashtriya Rifles area in recent times and a change of command is likely.

A visit by high-level defence ministry functionaries is also expected to take place this week where they will be briefed about the situation on the ground and the steps being taken to address the recent increase in activities by Pakistani terrorists in this area.
Indian Army is also further strengthening its preparedness on the Line of Control and the International Border from where these terrorists have been trying to infiltrate into the Indian side from across.

J-K: Search operation in progress at Rajouri terror attack site

December 22, 2023, 12:24 pm

Security officers searched Dera ki Gali, a forest area in the Rajouri district, early on Friday morning after two Army vehicles were ambushed by terrorists with heavy weapons. In Thursday evening’s terror attack, three Army personnel were injured and four were killed. In Thanamandi, Rajouri, two Army vehicles carrying troops were ambushed by the terrorists.

“The terrorist opened fire on two Army vehicles carrying troops as they were being moved to the operational site on December 21 at approximately 3:45 p.m. Our troops responded to the fire right away,” an Army official stated. Terrorists attacked Indian Army troops, and they responded instantly, they said. “A coordinated operation against terrorists that has been going on in the area since last evening was going to be strengthened by the troops. The 48 Rashtriya Rifles area is where the operations are occurring,” Army officials continued.

Said he’d ring back, recalls families of Colonel Manpreet Singh

September 14, 2023, 1:18 pm

Colonel Manpreet Singh, one of three security personnel killed in a battle with terrorists in Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir, in the early hours of Wednesday, spoke to his family for the last time at 6:45 a.m.

Colonel Singh, Major Ashish Dhonack, and Deputy Superintendent Himayun Bhat were seriously injured in a gun fight with terrorists on Wednesday in Anantnag’s Garol district. According to officials, the officers died as a result of their injuries while being treated. Another soldier died, and the whereabouts of another are unknown.

“We last spoke to him (Colonel Singh) at 6:45 am. He said he would speak later. He was a good man. Last year, he was awarded the Sena Medal for his duty. I salute him,” Colonel Singh’s brother-in-law Virender Gill said.

He was the commanding officer of the 19 Rashtriya Rifles. Major Ashish Dhonack, 34, leaves behind his wife and two-year-old daughter in Haryana’s Panipat.

“Last spoke to him on the telephone. He was home one and a half months ago and was supposed to return in October to shift houses,” said Major Dhonack’s uncle.

Himayun Bhat, Deputy Superintendent of J&K Police, died as a result of severe blood loss. He was the son of retired Inspector General of J&K Police Ghulam Hassan Bhat. Mr. Bhat and his wife had only recently had a son.

The bodies of the police officer and two army officials were recovered from the forests of Anantnag’s Kokernag district.

#WATCH | J&K: BYJM workers hold a protest and raise slogans against Pakistan in Jammu over the death of Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish Dhonak and DSP Humayun Bhat during an encounter with terrorists in Anantnag yesterday. pic.twitter.com/TkHzQd82u9

— ANI (@ANI) September 14, 2023

Dilbagh Singh, Director General of J&K Police, and Lt General Rajiv Ghai, commander of the Army’s 15 Corps, were among the top authorities who hurried to the scene to oversee the evacuation of dead.

The army and police launched a coordinated operation late Tuesday night in response to specific intelligence concerning the presence of terrorists.

The troops, commanded by the commanding officer and a deputy superintendent of police from Jammu and Kashmir, came under fire.

In a gun confrontation with terrorists, three officers were badly injured. According to sources, reinforcements were swiftly deployed to the location, but the injured could not be evacuated owing to intense gunfire from the well-entrenched terrorists.

Kent, a six-year-old female Labrador dog from the Army’s canine squad, was killed and three security men were injured in a gunfight in Rajouri the day before. In the previous gunfight, two terrorists were killed.

J-K: Another terrorist killed in encounter in Rajouri

September 13, 2023, 2:29 pm

Officials say one additional terrorist was killed on Wednesday in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district during an engagement between security personnel and militants that began a day ago.

“Second terrorist has been gunned down in the ongoing encounter in Narla area of Rajouri,” Mukesh Singh, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Jammu said.

According to a top police official, one terrorist was shot dead and one Army soldier was killed in the Narla area shootout on Tuesday. In the exchange of fire, three security employees, including a Special Police Officer, were also injured.

“One terrorist neutralised; One Army jawan lost his life, three others including one police SPO injured in the ensuing encounter in Rajouri district,” Mukesh Singh, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Jammu said on Tuesday.

Manipur: 12 cadres of banned extremist group KYKL released after women-led mob stops Army

June 25, 2023, 10:42 am

An official release from the defence PRO stated that after security forces launched a search operation and detained 12 Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) cadres, they were forced to release them to local leaders after a mob of over 1200 people, led by women, surrounded the target area and prevented them from carrying out the operation. The search operation was carried out acting on specific intelligence, in village Itham (06 km East of Andro) in Imphal East district on June 24 morning. The forces seized arms, ammunition and war-like stores. “The area was cordoned before the specific search commenced to avoid inconvenience to the locals. The operation resulted in the apprehension of 12 KYKL cadres along with arms, ammunition and war-like stores,” it read.
It stated that a mob of approximately 1200-1500, led by women and the local leader immediately surrounded the target area and prevented Security Forces from continuing with the operation, despite repeated appeals, to the aggressive mob, as per law. However, it did not yield any positive results.
“Keeping in view the sensitivity of the use of kinetic force against a large irate mob and envisaged casualties due to such action, the officer on the ground made a considerate decision to hand over all 12 cadres to the local leader. Own columns lifted the cordon and left the area with weapons and war-like stores, recovered from insurgents,” it read.
According to the press release, self-styled Lt Col Moirangthem Tamba alias Uttam was positively identified. “He was the mastermind of an ambush on the 6th battalion of the DOGRA case in 2015 and was amongst the apprehended cadres,” it read. A mature choice made by the Operational Commander amid the present disturbance in Manipur demonstrates the humanitarian side of the Indian Army, making every effort to minimise any collateral damage and denying the potential for escalation, according to an official announcement.
In order to bring peace and stability, the Indian Army further pleaded on the people of Manipur to support the Security Forces in upholding the law.

Older military gypsies converted into EVs

April 21, 2023, 3:53 pm

On Friday, Retrofitted Electric Gypsies were showcased at the ongoing Army Commanders Conference in New Delhi.Tadpole projects (startup launched in collaboration of Indian army and IIT-delhi) made older military gypsies into electric vehicles.

Army Commanders’ Conference (ACC) is an apex-level biannual event which is an institutional platform for conceptual level deliberations, culminating in making important policy decisions for the Indian Army. For the first time, the ACC is being conducted in a hybrid format exploiting available technology for secure communication, wherein Army Commanders and other senior functionaries will meet virtually on the first day and then travel to Delhi for balanced physical meetings on matters which require detailed deliberations.Founded in 2020 by Jawaad Khan, the startup incubated under the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Delhi does EV retrofitting.

The start-up does the work, involving the removal of engine and conversion of vehicle into an electric one. It said it adds seven years to the life of the vehicle, two-years warranty on the motor and five-year or three-year warranty on the battery which is extendable up to 5-7 years.

Indian Army patrol continues at last post at 7,200 ft in J&K

January 26, 2023, 1:46 pm

Due to heavy snowfall normal people life is affected in many hill states and in that situation also the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir was seen patrolling for the security of the country at the force’s last post at an altitude of 7,200 feet. “The Indian Army busted two hideouts in Poonch. One hideout has been busted in Ratta Jabara forest and another in Dhoba forest. A large quantity of arms and ammunition have been recovered from these hideouts,” the Indian Army stated.

PM Modi, Defence Minister Singh interact with Agniveers

January 16, 2023, 1:34 pm

Through video-conferencing’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh interacted with Agniveers on Monday.

Earlier on 14 June 2022, the Agnipath scheme was announced for the three services, which will recruit between the ages of 17 and a half years and 21 years for four years and later, it was extended to 23 years.

“We have received 458 candidates for the ‘Agniveer’ training programme. They will undergo 10 weeks of basic training. It’s a well-calibrated output-oriented programme and the Indian Army is working on it. So that the candidates will be a ‘fit for fight’ soldiers. Thereafter they will undergo technical training under 1 EME training centre and others. The technology is infused for both phases in terms of simulators and in terms of equipment. In coming days, these Agniveers will deliver the nation’s interest,” Brig Suresh G, Commandant briefed on 11 January.

Meanwhile, the Training Center of the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (CEME) in Secunderabad, Bharat Bhushan, IIS, and ADG (Media and Communications) visited the place.

“The recruitment process has been completed. The Indian Army alone has recruited 19,000 candidates for Agniveers. The Air Force and Navy have also recruited candidates. The overall target for this financial year is to recruit 46,000 candidates. The army is going to get more youthful, better skilled and more technically capable soldiers,” said Bharat Bhushan Babu, IIS said.

“If some of them rise up to levels required by the Army, they will get a chance to join the army as a regular soldier. It is going to be a game changer,” Babu stated.

J&K: NIA to investigate twin terror attacks in Rajouri; say Amit Shah

January 13, 2023, 5:58 pm

Days after terrorists killed civilians in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri and said National Investigation Agency (NIA) will investigate the twin terror attack. where Shah chaired the security review meeting at Raj Bhavan.

Addressing the media Home Minister Amit Shah said, “I have spoken to all the seven families of the deceased over the phone. I was about to go there myself to meet them but today we could not go there due to the weather. I have listened to their words very carefully and I have also spoken to Lieutenant Governor Manoj ji. The courage of those who lost their lives is an example for the country”.

Home Minister Shah said, in the last one and a half years all incidents that have happened will be investigated.

“Government of India has given the investigation of both incidents which took place over the course of 2 days, to NIA. NIA and Jammu Police will together investigate it. All the incidents that have happened in the last one and a half years will be investigated,” Shah said.

Union Home Minister Amit reached Rajouri on Friday where he was supposed to meet the families of victims but was unable to make it. Shah promised to meet them on his next visit. Home Minister Amit Shah also chaired a high-level meeting in Jammu and Kashmir’s Raj Bhavan.

“A detailed discussion has been held with all the aspects of the security agencies and all kinds of agencies involved in the security of Jammu and Kashmir. Preparations will be made to make a very secure grid in the coming days. Be it BSF, CRPF, Army, or Jammu, and Kashmir Police, all are ready,” Shah stated.

Meanwhile, Home Minister further said, at the meeting the creation of forming 360 security cycle was discussed.

“All aspects ranging from the support system of terrorist groups were discussed. Creating a complete 360 security cycle was discussed. All our information agencies have also been talked to,” Shah said.

Moreover, over the phone Saroj Bala, the Mother of the attack victims talked with Amit Shah and assured him that they will meet her on his next visit.

“Union HM Amit Shah interacted with us over a phone call. He assured us to visit us during his next visit. I lost my both sons during the Dhangri attack and I urged him to provide us justice and a tight answer to their killers,” Saroj Bala said.

Earlier on 1 and 2 January in two separate terrorist attacks, seven civilians were killed including two children in Upper Dangri village in the Rajouri district.

On 1 January gunmen fired indiscriminately on three houses of Hindu residents in which four people were gunned and after that, in a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast two children were killed.

Earlier in the day, J-K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha received the Union Minister Shah at the airport.

However, the visit of the Home Minister Shah comes 12 days after militants killed six civilians including two children at Upper Dhangri village in the Rajouri district.