IESM: Registered under the Society Act

Dear Gp Members

1. Another landmark in our Movement. The Indian Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM) has been duly registered. The Registration Certificate and the Memorandum of Association are being sent as email to individual members.

2. IESM Bank A/C with HDFC Bank has also been opened.

3. All members are requested to inform all veteran organizations and veterans PAN India join the Movement. We also request for voluntary contributions to sustain the Movement logistically. Draft Membership Form is enclosed below for your comments and suggestions please.

With Kind Regards,
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement

LIFE MEMBERSHIP FORM
(Officer Rs .500, JCOs – Rs, 200, OR – Rs.100)

To,
The General Secretary
Indian Ex Servicemen Movement
543, Sector 23, Gurgaon – 122017, Haryana

Through State President……………………..Dist. President……………………Dated………………..

1. No…………………..Rank………………..

Name…………………………………………….

S/o……………………Date of Birth………………. Next of Kin…………

Present Address………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Tele No…………………………………………………………………………………………..

2. Unit/Service/Corps……………………..

Date of Retirement………………………..

PPO No./discharge Book No……………………………………………………………………..

3. I certify that above information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I also hereby undertake to abide by the IESM constitution if enrolled as member.

Signature of the Applicant
Date……………………….

RECEIPT
Received a sum of Rs………………………From No………Rank……………Name…………………….
………………………………….with thanks on account of IESMO Common Membership Fee.

Signature and Stamp Recipient

Rivalry between IB, RAW, MI costing India dear

"Rivalry between the three major intelligence agencies, RAW, IB and MI, has done a lot of damage not only to the agencies but also to the nation."

India is paying a heavy price for differences among its intelligence agencies as they rarely exchange inputs among themselves, say insiders. The Mumbai terror attack is a case in point.

The country has three main intelligence agencies - the Intelligence Bureau (IB) for collection of internal and counter intelligence, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) for external intelligence, and Military Intelligence (MI) that collects military-related inputs.

"Rivalry between the three major intelligence agencies, RAW, IB and MI, has done a lot of damage not only to the agencies but also to the nation. The reluctance to share intelligence is the bane of all agencies, at least in India," Major General (retd) V.K. Singh, who has retired from RAW and has seen the intelligence agencies from close quarters, said.

"The proclivity to take the credit has given rise to the unpardonable trend in every agency of keeping vital intelligence close to its chest until it is disclosed to someone important enough in the political hierarchy, sometimes even the prime minister," Singh said.

Singh in his book, "India's External Intelligence - Secrets of Research and Analysis Wing", noted that rivalry between IB and RAW was perhaps unavoidable in view of their past history and functions.

"An Indian recruited by a foreign militant group is definitely the concern of the IB. When he is taken across the border for training he becomes the interest of RAW. When he re-enters India and carries out strikes against the military installations in Jammu and Kashmir, it becomes the worry of MI.

"Should he be handed over from one agency to the other every time he crosses a border, or should all keep a watch on him together? Should the army and IB be allowed to monitor trans-border radio and satellite links, which strictly fall within the purview of RAW?

"These are the questions that have no clear answers and only add to the blame game between the intelligence agencies," Singh said.
Rivalry between IB, RAW, MI costing India dear: Deccan Herald
Rivalry between IB, RAW, MI costing India dear: Economic Times
Rivalry between IB, RAW, MI costing India dear: Manoramaonline

RAW Scuttles RTI Act
Give details of probe into complaints by ex-official: CIC to RAW
The Central Information Commission has directed the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) to reveal details of any inquiry into complaints by a former official, who has alleged harassment, corruption and other irregularities in the intelligence agency's functioning. The CIC order comes at a time when the agency is facing flak for its lack of action in alerting relevant authorities about the Mumbai attack. Hearing a plea by former RAW official Major General V K Singh, the Commission said, "From the perusal of the documents, we were unable to find what action has been taken." Singh is facing a probe by CBI for allegedly revealing vital details about RAW's working in his book, `India's External Intelligence -- Secrets of Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)', in violation of the Officials Secrets Act.
Give details of probe into complaints by ex-official: CIC to RAW: RTI Blog

SCPC: Fast for Justice Relay at Jantar Mantar, Delhi

Dear All,
1. The relay hunger strike started on 16 Dec 2008 at jantar mantar.
2. Today is the 3rd successful day of the strike and is still continuing. In addition to the relay hunger strike a 68 yrs old Sepoy Sulemain has started the fast unto death at the same location.
3. Various media people have been thronging the place since morning and newspaper editors as far as from Lucknow have also come to the place of the "Fast for Justice" relay rally to give media and news coverage to the IESM.
4. All are requested to visit our ESM at Jantar Mantar and motivate brother service personnel participating on behalf of our fratenity.
Regards
Cdr Sharan Ahuja (Retd)
18 dec 2008

Allow Tatas to take on terrorists

It defies imagination how four gun-toting terrorists could walk freely into one of Mumbai’s imposing landmarks, the Taj Hotel, and play with the lives of the inmates for full three days, before shooting them down en masse.

Were there no security guards, official or private, around to stop the foursome in their tracks? Why did Ratan Tata, one of India’s most resourceful businessmen who owns the hotel, not engage a well-trained private security force to provide fool-proof security to his hotel?

The sad reality is that the government would neither provide security personnel to guard private establishments, nor would allow the managements to deploy well-equipped private security forces to defend their establishments. The CISF’s brief is only to guard public sector establishments.

Soon after the hostage drama ended at Oberoi hotel in Mumbai, chairman of the Oberoi group, P R S Oberoi, told a TV channel that it took nearly a year for him to secure a gun license from the Mumbai police for his personal security guard. If this was the experience of one of the most influential hoteliers, what about lesser mortals? Laws stand in the way of private managements equipping their private security with the most sophisticated weapons like AK-47 freely accessible to the terrorists.

In the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks, India Inc has approached the government for increased terror protection. Private security firms want the government to issue bulk license for firearms. Some private companies have decided to raise their own private security force to strengthen security in their various locations. Some have engaged international risk assessment firms to advise them on bolstering security.

Even as we think of setting up one more investigation agency to tackle terror, the Government has to address the question of easing the regulations on private security forces. Many business leaders and IT majors have volunteered to take charge of the security of their establishments, provided the government removes the legal hurdles. Ratan Tata said he was exploring the possibility of engaging an external agency to provide security to Taj hotel. Mukesh Ambani said he was willing to send his teenage son to the Army for compulsory arms training in defense of the country.

The government’s post-26/11 proposal to extend the services of CISF to private sector won’t go far, given the low motivation and inadequate training of government security personnel. The government should garner the resources and professionalism of the private sector to supplement its anti-terror operations.

While the Army is best left to defend our borders, the government should involve the private sector in a big way to strengthen internal security. More so, when our Tatas and Ambanis are all too willing to take up the challenge.
Allow Tatas to take on terrorists
Taj, Trident flooded with reservation requests

Comment: The private security is truly in a mess. ESM recruited for security services are poorly paid, ill equipped and clad comically. The image of our Jawans have been degraded further by DGR under the MoD.

Combating Terrorists: Jaswant Singh, No regrets for Kandahar swap

NDTV Correspondent
Thursday, December 18, 2008 10:07 PM (New Delhi)
Defending the decision to free terrorists to rescue IC-814 hostages in 1999, senior BJP leader and former External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh on Thursday said that if he faced the same predicament as the Kandahar hijacking he would take the same decision again. In an exclusive interview to NDTV India's Vijai Trivedi, Jaswant Singh, who was External Affairs Minister at the time of the Kandahar crisis, defended the decision. He said he has no regrets.

"Of course, it was the right decision. I will do the same thing if such a situation arises in future. Being tough does not mean letting people die. Or else, the entire society and India should stand up and say that we are willing to accept it if 166 people die," he said.

Singh's comments came under attack by the Congress with its spokesperson Manish Tiwari saying "if Singh does not consider the action taken by the NDA government in succumbing to the blackmail of the terrorists and escorting Masood Azhar and his other colleagues to Kandahar as wrong, then I do not understand as to how India will be able to dispel this perception that it is firm in combating terrorism."

Speaking to Editor-in-Chief of The Indian Express Shekhar Gupta on NDTV's Walk The Talk programme last year, BJP leader L K Advani had claimed he had no idea Jaswant Singh was planning to escort Masood Azhar to Kandahar.

The government accepted the demand to release the following terrorists in exchange for the release of the passengers and crew of flight IC 814.

Maulana Masood Azhar

Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar

Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh
The erstwhile Indian Minister for External Affairs, Jaswant Singh went personally to Kandahar to deliver the prisoners on a platter to the hijackers and receive the passengers back in exchange for a safe passage to the hijackers. To top it all Millions of dollars paid to the terrorists.
Jaswant Singh: No regrets for Kandahar swap
Hijacking description
All five hijackers have been identified
Information on hijacked Indian Airlines Flight IC-814
How Govt lost the IC-814 hijack deal
Comment: Truly an unbecoming conduct to free and accompany terrorists (same bad guys cause of Mumbai mayhem). Very unlike an Armoured Corps officer of the Indian Army. The ESM are ashamed. He would have been a hero had he battled with the terrorists rather than free them and award them millions of Dollars! Coward Politicians make weak Nations! He graciously retired from the army and it is time now for him to retire cowardly from politics.

SCPC: Fast for Justice, Press Release

IESM: Press Note Dated 18 Dec 2008
Dear Members of the Press and Media,
1. Letter addressed to the Defence Minister, Sh. AK Antony is enclosed for your information please. The copy of the letter has also been sent to the President, PM, UPA Chairperson and Leader of the Opposition.

2. The external and internal threats have assumed serious dimensions. Pakistan is bleeding India through the thousand cuts. The latest Terrorist Attack in Mumbai indicates the level and depth of the internal threat to our country. All states have become Border States and no State is an Hinterland. The ordinary citizen is not safe and secure.

3. We, implore you (the media) to play your rightful role to give wide publicity to the seriousness of the situation. The Nation has to be prepared to fight the threats with total victory. The resources in terms of triple M (Men, Material and Minutes (Time) are of paramount importance for such preparations. It is here that the best youth need to be attracted to join the Defence Forces. The Govt, must therefore need to take measures towards this most important aspect of the profession of Arms.

4. We request our worthy members of the media to take up the cause of Defence Forces. Please cover our events extensively. May we request you to kindly carry this letter in your paper/TV Channels. We also request you to visit the site of "Relay Fast For Justice" at Jantar Mantar New Delhi, which commenced with effect from 16 December 2008 the day of “Vijay Diwas” to bring to the notice of the people of India about their grave grievances. Please cover the event as daily bulletin.

With Kind Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement

To
Shri A.K. Antony
Defence Minister
104, South Block
13, Parliament House
New Delhi – 110001
Grave Injustice to The Defence Forces Personnel: 6th CPC
Hon’ble Defence Minister,
1. It was with the sense of deja-vu, dismay and consternation that we read the following statement by you in the Rajya Sabha in reply to a question by Shri Kalraj Mishra:
“Government has not found acceptable the demand of Ex-Servicemen for one rank one pension. The defence personnel have not rejected the recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission”.

2. This statement of yours has sent shock waves and a feeling of frustration amongst Defence Personnel, both serving and retired. You as Defence Minister have apparently washed your hands of the genuine and just demands of the Defence Forces. It is quite evident from your statement that you as Defence Minister have either not forcefully taken up our case with the cabinet or have fallen prey to the shenanigans of the bureaucracy.

3. I would like to bring to your kind notice that the 6th CPC in their recommendations vide Paras 5-1-47 had recommended that the revised pension in no case would be lower than 50% of the sum of the minimum of the pay in the pay band and the grade pay thereon corresponding to the pre revised pay scale from which the pensioner had retired. This proposal was accepted by the Govt in a Memorandum dated 01 September 2008. However, this paragraph was amended by Ministry of Personnel on 03.10.08 to read “pension calculated at 50% of the pay in pay band+grade pay would be calculated (i) at the minimum of the pay in the pay band (irrespective of the pre-revised pay scale) plus the grade pay corresponding to pre-revised pay scale”. The net result being that all officers in Pay Band 4 will be getting the same pension. If this anomaly is removed by cancelling this amendment of the Ministry of Personnel and implementing the original paragraph as accepted by the Govt, the pension anomaly of Maj Gen and Lt Gen would be removed.

4. The above is just one instance where the bureaucracy/ other Ministry have played with the recommendation of 6th CPC in so far as Defence Forces are concerned. That the Defence Ministry has been a mute spectator to such a blatant manipulation speaks poorly of the Ministry. We implore you to take appropriate action even now to rectify these unjust insertions/ deletions.

5. Yesterday, you had made a statement that we shall not go to war with Pakistan over Mumbai Terrorist Attacks. But I want to ask you a question sir, “Do you have a choice? Have you assessed the morale of the Armed Forces in view of the severe bashing that their reputation and status has received at the hands of your Govt and the bureaucracy in the recent past?”

6. Again, on 16 Dec 2008, a large number of retired Defence Personnel had gathered at India Gate to pay homage to their erstwhile colleagues who had laid down their lives defending the safety and honour of their country. We are doing gross injustice to the memory of these brave-hearts by making their colleagues and their family members to live a life of penury and to force them to beg the Govt to pay heed to their just demands. I wish to highlight that since 16th December 2008, a Relay Fast by Ex-Servicemen has commenced at Jantar Mantar to make the public aware of our grave grievances and the apathy and indifference of the present Govt.

7. Sir, it is a well known fact that God and Soldier are remembered only in times of adversity. The difficult times compounded by frequent terrorist attacks and conflicts afflicting the country are no less than a war like situation. It is beyond comprehension, why in this scenario, a soldier is being ignored, slighted and humiliated. Here, I would like to quote what Kautilya told Chandragupta on the Mauryan Soldier.
“My Lord, that the day when the Mauryan soldier has to demand his dues or, worse, plead for them, will neither have arrived overnight nor in vain. It will also bode ill for Magadha. For then, on that day, you, My Lord, you will have lost all moral sanction to be King! It will also be the beginning of the end of the Mauryan Empire!”

8. Immediate remedial actions are required lest we as a nation have to pay a heavy price for this attitude of ours.

With Kind Regards,
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman
Indian Ex Servicemen Movement
Dated 18 Dec 2008

SCPC: Rank Honour and Status Skewed and Degraded

Hut of Remembrance The sublime memorial hut enshrines the sacrifices of all those who laid down their lives for their motherland.

From: Satish Kumar Bahri
Subject: Fw: CPC fall out
To: "Manmohan Singh" manmohan@sansad.nic.in
Date: Wednesday, 17 December, 2008, 4:15 PM

Dear Prime Minister,
I take the liberty of writing to you as it seems the Government is totally unconcerned about the complaints of the Armed Forces regarding the 6th Pay Commission award. You are the head of a strong and prosperous country which has been possible to a large extent, by the initiative taken by you to open up the economy as its finance minister in 1991. Hopefully, the blood shed by the soldiers of this country has played a small part in ensuring that the country could prosper without interference.

Mr Prime Minister, I was in Kharakvasla (wonder if many bureaucrats know about this place) to attend the Diamond Jubilee of a great institution called National Defence Academy. 27 of my Course mates of the First Course were there to bask in the radiance of this Academy. We all paid our respects at the Hut of Remembrance where all the names of cadets who have passed out of the portals of the Academy, and have laid down their lives fighting the Country's external enemies and against insurgents to protect your and our country. Only difference being that we paid for it in blood while the bureaucrats and the police officers were pushing files. If you happen to make a pilgrimage to this place you will find 261 names, including Maj Unnikrishnan's, inscribed in the hallowed Hut.

Mr PM, in addition to these 261 officers there are many others who have laid down their lives, who havent passed out of the NDA ie., Direct Entry, Temporary Commission, Short Service Commission officers in all three services. The civil servants must also remember that a serviceman once having enlisted loses a number of civil liberties, while still remaining civil! He is proceeded against speedily in case of an offence, while a civil servant first of all can use IOUs given by people in position for services rendered by him earlier. In case the prosecuting agency is persistent his friends in the service will not give permission to prosecute him for years so that he can obliterate all evidence in the meantime. Surely servicemen civil servants are as different as Chalk & Cheese and so need to be treated differently.

What irks a soldier are the lies being trotted out like the one quoted click here by Maj Navdeep Singh of the Territorial Army, and a lawyer to boot, to benefit one set of officers at the cost of another. I am personally aware that the two DIGs who attended the NDC course in 1981 with me, had themselves entered their pay as Rs 2150.00 pm ie., Rs 50 less than a Colonel in the College records. Yes they were masquerading by wearing the badges of ranks of a Brigadier. Does an imposter become a rightful owner of a status and pay just because he has been permitted to wear the badges, not entitled to him, for 25 years?

I was also at India Gate on 16 Dec 08 with a lot of retired officers, JCOs and OR to express our anguish to the only God we know, the Unknown Soldier, at the unsympathetic and unreasonable attitude of the Govt headed by you. Mr PM a serviceman is not used to grovelling and he will not. But the anger at the gathering was palpable. I happen to be the same age as you, but have longer experience of dealing with soldiers. I would advise you call the three Chiefs and seek their advice, along with that of ex-servicemen, as to how to defuse the situation.

Please read my above letter and not leave it to a bureaucrat to put up a note to you. You will never get the true picture, in this case at least.

With warm regards and a lot of hope.
Yours sincerely,
Lt Gen SK Bahri (Retd)

IESM: Press Release Mohali

Press Conference by IESM (Pb)Dated: 18 Dec 08.
(at Hotel Haveli, Ph-5 Mohali. 12:30pm)
Great injustice by Unprofessional IAS Babus over War Veterans entitlements & One Rank One Pension

Sir,
1. Sh AK Antony Defence Minister's statement on One Rank One Pension (OROP) in Rajya Sabha on 11 Dec is totally uncalled for and mischievously twisted by Babus just to foil War Veteran's meeting with Prime Minister on OROP. Fact is that OROP case was never rejected by Hon'able Supreme Court in 1982 but it was dropped because it was not backed up by Advocate. Recent verdict of Supreme Court on OROP is being ignored by MOD Babus openly and they always compel our Justice through Courts, like the cases of 4th & 5th pay Commissions anomalies/ mischiefs. Similar cheatings have been/ being again done in 6th Pay Commission. Babus have made ESM community a weaker section of society by depriving our entitlements, perks & relativity since independence.

2. It is also unbecoming of Sh. MMP Raju Hon'able State Min for Defence to read out Babus chit in the House on 16 Dec like the Def Min, just to misguide the Nation. They are un professionals & unconcerned over Defence & war Veterans problems and are fully dependent on strong Babus. All the facts were briefed to Sh AK Antony during our 65 minutes meeting with him on 18 Nov 08. OROP is not financial burden. It may cost 1200- 1500 crores only and not 4-5000 crores as projected by Babus, because it was costing Rs 612 crores only in 2003. No other services can ask for it because our terms, rules & service conditions have been entirely different from others. We worked 24hrsX7 days, where as they work for 8X5 for 165 days & not 281 days yearly like us. Babus just keep creating reasons & misguiding ignorant Politicians to fire from their shoulders w/o having any accountability, correctly stated by Sh MV Moily in his Admn Reforms Committee.

3. It is also wrong to say that Veterans never objected 6th Pay Commission's recommendations. We have been forced to resort to protests from last one year but nothing is reaching MOD ears? MOD's decision Anomalies created by Babus in 4th 5th & 6th Pay commissions are creating problems in Forces rank & file and are also adversely affecting War Veterans & Defence widows. Veterans Pension & OROP was never part of 6th Pay Commission's recommendations. How come, a Sepoy get more Pension than old Havildar, Col get more than Gen and Col to Gen in Pay Band-4 get same Pay. Such anomalies are possible with our un professional & super powered Babus only.

4. Justification & the Truth. OROP is Veterans most genuine & legitimate, 25 year's old pending demand, due to non coop by MOD Babus only. Fact is that 100% direct entry IAS (& 60% cabinet rank Govt servants) are getting OROP where as Defence Force's 1% (Army Commanders rank) is getting OROP. All Govt Judges, MP, MLAs & Freedom Fighters are also getting OROP. We have contributed much more towards the national security at the cost of our early retirement, hard life, long family separations, under bullets, casualties & sacrifices. Therefore, we deserve OROP the most. We hardly got resettlement job and compensation for all these sufferings.

5. More over OROP issue have been accepted many times in the House, by 3 PMs, GOM's Committees, President of India and NDA's Defence Minister himself. It is not understood why Babus are all out to demoralise ESM Community as we have done some crime by serving forces. All problems are adding up regularly, because there is hardly any ESM or serving Officer/ decision maker in the MOD. There could be ISI hand in MOD who is all out to spoil Forces morale & creating disharmony with ESM community. Such situation may be removed to fight the terrorism effectively and attract quality intake in the Forces to make them very strong to take on internal & external challenges.

6. Our HQ IESM at Delhi is already on Relay Hunger Strike wef 16 Dec to 23 Dec and we are also stepping up our agitational approach shortly, if nothing moves positive.

Lt Col SS Sohi, Retd
Organised by: Coord IESM NZ- Pb
Attended by:
President Ex-Servicemen Grievances Cell (NGO).
1. Col Bhag Singh, President Indian ESM League
2. Brig Harwant Singh, Member IESM Exec Committee.
3. Col PIS Phoolka, Chairman ESM Cell SAD Pb.
4. Col RS Dhindsa, Vice President RRD Pb.
5. Lt Col MS Jakhar, Vice President ESM League Haryana.
6. Maj RN Sheoran, ESM League Panchkula.
7. Col KS Grewal, President SEWA Patiala.
8. Brig BS Tejay, ESM Welfare Assn Patiala.
9. Brig PS Toor, ESM Welfare Assn Ludhiana.
10. Capt Reet MP Singh, Secy Gen War Decorated India.
11. Brig K Kant ESM Welfare Organisation Panchkula.
12. Cpl JS Kumbrah, President, AI ESM Org (PBORs)
13. Col AS Bhinder, President AI Defence Brotherhood.
14. Lt Col Angad Singh, Secy IESL (Pb & Chd).
15. Brig HS Ghuman SC, President Def Veteran Core Gp.
16. Brig Nawab Singh, Vice President IESM Pb.
17. Capt Mohinder Singh, President IESL Mohali.
18. Maj SS Dhillon, Gen Secy, IESM Pb.
19. Wg Cdr JM Kaushal, ESM Society Chandigarh.
20. Col RS Kaushal Coord (NR) Poorva Sainik Sewa Parishad.

Police Protection: National Security or VIP terror?

Over 45,000 policemen protect Indian VIPs: Report
New Delhi: As the post-26/11 debate on whether politicians need more security than the public rages on, facts hidden in government figures show how India can be safer if only our VIPs do not turn security into a status symbol.

On paper, threat assessments dictate security cover and the extent of protection. Politics often replaces threat assessments in practice. More than 45,000 policemen protect the pool of VIPs in India that grew at 20 per cent — 12 times faster than the annual population growth rate — between 2004 and 2005. This means more security personnel guard 13,319 VIPs than the number of policemen in any Indian city — Delhi and Mumbai included. This is more than the police strength of all states bar the nine largest.

An estimated Rs 825 crore of taxpayers’ money is spent annually on the salary of the security staff alone, assuming — conservatively —that all on duty are constables earning Rs 15,000 each. The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) headquartered in Delhi had compiled the figures more than a year ago.

Police officers said the actual number of policemen protecting the VIPs — ministers, members of Parliament, state legislators, judges and bureaucrats among others — would be at least twice this figure. In Delhi, more than 14,000 personnel are on VIP duties. The report, Data on Police Organisations in India, only counted about 4,900 security personnel deployed for more than six months as on January 1, 2006.

“A total of 11,012 VIPs were provided police protection for more than six months during the year 2004… It shows an increase of 20.9 per cent over the previous year,” the report said.

“The increase in the VIP protection deployment has strained the limited manpower resources of State Police,” the report said, suggesting that the grounds for providing security were skewed. On paper, threat assessments dictate security cover and the extent of protection. Politics often replaces threat assessments in practice.

Samajwadi Party general secretary Amar Singh’s is the latest example. His threat perception suddenly increased this year to the highest level, Z-Plus, around the same time that the UPA government’s life was hanging in balance after the Left pullout. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati too had got herself home ministry clearance for her car to drive up to the aircraft at the Delhi airport after she extended support to the government more than a year ago. She withdrew support this year, but the privileges continue.

BPR&D said the deployment of police for VIP protection should be rationalised by reviewing it against need-based assessment. According to figures in its report, West Bengal has the most number of VIPs -- 1,999. Assam comes next with 1,610 and Uttar Pradesh, a close third at 1,506. Maharashtra, on the other hand, had reported about 122 VIPs. Terror-torn Jammu and Kashmir, however, has only 170 VIPs.
© Copyright 2008 HT Media Ltd. All rights reserved.
Over 45,000 policemen protect Indian VIPs: Report

Mumbai attacks a diversion tactic: analyst

The Hindu: Atul Aneja
To relieve military pressure on the Afghan border
---------------------------------------------------
Parliament attack was a similar move
Possibility of another attack stressed
---------------------------------------------------
MANAMA: The Mumbai terror attacks are directly linked to the military situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, says Ahmed Rashid, Pakistani writer and security analyst .

In an interview with The Hindu on the sidelines of a security conference in Bahrain, Mr. Rashid said groups behind the attacks wanted to relieve the pressure that was being mounted on them by the Pakistani Army along the western border with Afghanistan.

“I think one of the major reasons of this attack by the Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Al-Qaeda and the Pakistan Taliban — all the groups that are active — was to relieve the pressure on the western border by creating a crisis on the eastern border.”

Mr. Rashid, who authored ‘Taliban: The Story of the Afghan Warlords,’ pointed out that these groups had adopted similar tactics earlier by mounting an attack on the Indian Parliament in December 2001. “This is exactly what they did in 2001-2002 and they were totally victorious. They created a crisis by attacking the Indian Parliament. Pakistan Army was then lining up around Tora Bora in Afghanistan. The moment this crisis happened, the Pakistani Army moved from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) on the Afghan border and headed towards the Indian border. Nobody could touch the Taliban, Al-Qaeda, Afghans and others for the next four years.”
Full Story: Mumbai attacks a diversion tactic: analyst
Pakistan's opposition fears another division

Diplomatic offensive against terror attacks
The point is, the Mumbai terrorists did not get a visa from the Indian high commission in Islamabad, before they set off on from Karachi and landed at Badhwar Park in Mumbai.

The Congress-led government has ruled out a military strike against Pakistan in the aftermath of the Mumbai terror attacks, preferring instead to mount a worldwide diplomatic offensive hoping that this will ensure that Pakistan finds itself between a rock and such a hard place that it is forced to deliver on its anti-terror promises.

This is the essential difference between the India-Pakistan standoff in 2002, after the Lashkar-e-Taiba attack on Parliament on 13 December 2001, and now. Earlier, the Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled coalition ordered that the army be moved to India’s western border where it stood, eyeball-to-eyeball with the Pakistani army for nearly ten months.

To draw a parallel with the Mahabharata, a well-loved Indian epic in which two families fight a war in which both are almost destroyed, the BJP’s action was akin to a warrior pulling out a particularly deadly arrow from his arsenal, placing it against the skein of his bow, then stopping short, yawning, and indefinitely resting under the shade of the nearest tree.
Diplomatic offensive against terror attacks

Sandeep’s parents visit his alma mater

Umesh Dewan
Tribune News Service Dehradun, December 16, 2008

On the occasion of Vijay Diwas, K. Unnikrishnan and Dhanalakshmi, parents of National Security Guard (NSG) Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan who was killed in the Mumbai terror attacks, visited the IMA and laid wreaths at the war memorial in the south block. Dhanalakshmi, mother of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, pays homage to the martyrs at the War Memorial in IMA on Tuesday.

Dhanalakshmi, mother of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, pays homage to the martyrs at the War Memorial in IMA on Tuesday. Tribune photo: Vinod Pundir

“I feel a little nervous in the Indian Military Academy (IMA) as this is the place where he was commissioned into 7 Bihar,” K. Unnikrishnan penned down these words in the visitors book at the war memorial here today.

The visit was a quiet affair as per the instructions of the couple. The IMA Commandant Lt Gen Rajinder Singh Sujlana also laid a wreath at the memorial.

An emotional K. Unnikrishnan, a former ISRO officer, while recalling the memories of his son as an IMA Gentleman Cadet said, “From the beginning, Sandeep was determined to be an

Infantryman. At his passing out parade, Sandeep was so busy in getting his arrears cleared that he even had to skip his lunch at the IMA.”

Later, the parents of Major Sandeep visited the room in which their son stayed during his training here.

IMA Commandant Lt General Rajinder Singh Sujlana said that Major Sandeep was a brave son of the nation. He added that Sandeep was an outstanding officer and has stood by the credo of the IMA which reads, “The safety, honour and welfare of your country comes first, always and every time. The honour, welfare and comfort of the men you command comes next. Your own ease, comfort and safety comes last, always and every time.”

After passing out of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Sandeep joined IMA in July 1998. In the academy, he was a sports lover and was a member of football team. He got commissioned into 7 Bihar on June 12, 1999.

He had extensive exposure to counter insurgency operations having two tenures in Jammu and Kashmir. He also served in high altitude area and was deployed with his unit in Rajasthan during Operation Parakram. He volunteered for elite NSG and joined as member of Special Action Group.
Sandeep’s parents visit his alma mater

Bureaucratic Terror: RTI Act Sabotaged

RTI application to the PIO of Governor's Secretariat Kerala

I had been sending a number of complaints to the Governor of Kerala on a host of issues ranging from service provided by the government being a most essential service and hence strike by government employees being illegal to the case of a minister using his official car with false registration number to removing the CIC for subverting the RTI Act. But none of them elicited even an acknowledgement. Finally I was forced to seek an interview with him and... you guessed it right... there has been not even an acknowledgement to that also. Under the circumstances I have filed an application under the RTI Act. Copy of the same is attached click here for you perusal.

Regards and best wishes
Maj PM Ravindran (Retd)
RTI application to the PIO of Governor's Secretariat

SCPC: Are we heading to be a Banana Republic?

Dear Sir,

I am a regular visitor to your blog site & have been reading with interest about all the protests against the injustices meted out by the 6th. CPC & the earlier ones. Going by the coverages, or the lack of them, in the National media, print or visual, I wonder if all these are worth it. It seems that the media &, through them the public, is unconcerned about these issues. All they are interested in is that in case of wars or terrorist attacks, the Armed Forces should come forward & lay down their lives so that they can live peacefully. At best, you can expect some platitudes like 'brave soldiers', 'heroes', etc. I wonder if this country deserves the quality of our Armed Forces. Perhaps they deserve a Banana Republic type of Armed Forces.

Yours Sincerely,
MB Ghosh

SCPC: Ex-servicemen protest pay, pension issues

New Delhi (PTI): After the government refused to accept their demands over pay and pension, ex-servicemen on Tuesday took out a protest rally and went on an indefinite relay hunger strike at Jantar Mantar here "to protest the shabby treatment" meted out to them.

"Around 700 ex-servicemen including 50 General-rank officers today took out a rally against the government's shabby treatment of veterans and serving personnel. A group of retired officers and jawans have sat on a hunger strike today and we will continue the protest till our demands are met," said Indian Ex-Servicemen League (IESL) Vice-chairman Maj Gen (retired) Satbir Singh here.

The veterans started their protest after paying homage at the Amar Jawan Jyoti to mark the martyrdom of Indian soldiers in 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, observed as Vijay Diwas every year.

"We chose this day to start our protests as we want to highlight the shabby treatment meted out to us by this government," Maj Gen Singh said.

IESL chairman Lt Gen Raj Kadyan (retired) said the Sixth Pay Commission, by rejecting the demand of ex-servicemen for "one rank-one pension" had created a major anomaly that has caused a lot of heartburn among the veterans.

"By rejecting our demand for one rank-one pension, the Sixth Pay Commission has created an unprecedented situation of different ranks, but one pension," he said.

The demand of ex-servicemen, Lt Gen Kadyan said, was not money, but a fight for "justice and equality."

Ex-servicemen are demanding that similarly placed personnel retiring at the same age, with an equal number of years in service and same rank should get on-par pension, irrespective of their date of retirement.
Ex-servicemen protest pay, pension issues

Ex-servicemen for weeding out corrupt politicians

Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 10, 2008
All right thinking people in the country should come forward to weed out corrupt politicians and bureaucrats as the nation is fast sliding towards becoming a “banana republic”.

Stating this to the media here today, Col G.S. Sandhu (retd), chairman of the Majha Ex-Servicemen Human Rights Front, said India was becoming a failed state as there was a complete failure of law and order machinery in the country. He said the recent Mumbai attacks had exposed the chinks in the Intelligence network as Intelligence sleuths in the country had either failed to analyse or not acted upon the information gathered.

He said the statements of politicians in the aftermath of Mumbai attacks had exposed their callous attitude towards the nation and people in particular. Colonel Sandhu said the Congress-led UPA government had failed on every front as more than 25,000 people died in Bihar due to floods in the Kosi river, disturbed conditions in the Kashmir valley and communal riots in Orissa.

Lashing out at the Central government for its failure to remove the anomalies in the Sixth Pay Commission, Sandhu said the defence forces, whose role had always been lauded by the general public besides being the only loyal and democratic bastion of strength, was being systematically destroyed by politicians and bureaucrats.
Ex-servicemen for weeding out corrupt politicians

ESM: Rally at Dehra Dun

VIJAY DIWAS AT DOON VALLEY on 16 Dec 2008

SCPC: The Voice of Veterans Dehra Dun

PRESS NOTE RELEASED ON THE EVE OF VIJAY DIWAS DAY 16 DEC 2008 BY EX-SERVICES LEAGUE DEHRADUN AT KARGIL WAR MEMORIAL GHANDHI PARK DEHRADUN. No One Rank One Pension for veterans. Is this Justice?

Supreme Court had passed a judgement in 1982 on the One Rank One Pension scheme for military veterans and the KP Singh Deo Committee had recommended the same unequivocally in 1984. It was also one of the main planks for protests by veterans earlier this year. However the defence minister has categorically stated its unacceptability in the Rajya Sabha.

Government has not found acceptable the demand of Ex-Servicemen for one rank one pension. This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Kalraj Mishra in Rajya Sabha. The defence personnel have not rejected the recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission, he added. But where is the choice for them? As disciplined soldiers they are not allowed to even comment what to say of rejection. The three chiefs simply drew the attention to some of the anomalies in the 6th CPC and so much hulla-gulla was made as if they had revolted and were made to shut down.

After MUMBAI Terrorist attack, people thought probably Govt. will accept all demands of Defence personnel especially when our leaders talked of towing tough line with Pakistan and destroying the terrorist camps being run there. What a strange thing– at home we are not prepared to rectify mistakes made, even for the welfare of the people, what to talk of security, but want others to take action so that such attacks are not repeated. Why can't we take action to fortify and strengthen ourselves so that others dare not make such ventures. Security being utilized to protect Politicians should be diverted to protect the Country.

By not accepting concept of OROP we are creating more rifts amongst ourselves as no one will like a junior to draw more pay than their senior. The 6th CPC has created wide anomalies which need immediate attention and unless some knowledgeable Defence personnel are put on the job to rectify those anomalies it may weaken our system and lower the morale of the people as every one has to retire one day and face the same situation. How can you attract youngsters to join when they see such disparities which keep on widening day by day. Actually OROP has not been properly understood by the authorities concerned as with minor modifications it can be achieved very easily without much of expenditure as dreaded.

The main cause of resentment is lowering of status of Defence personnel vis-vis their civilian counterparts who were earlier either equal or even lower to them, have now been put above them with a lot of difference in emoluments especially officers of the rank of Lt. colonels, who constitute about 30% of the strength and command the units. It is mainly because they have been put in pay band 3 where as others in band 4 and there is lot of difference in grade pay of both the Bands. It needs immediate correction.

Pension of Generals less than Colonels
1. The pension of colonels retiring from January 1, 2006, is more that that of lieutenant generals who had retired prior to January 1, 1996. The revised pension fixed for a lieutenant general who retired before 1996 is Rs 26,150 per month, while that of a colonel retiring from 2006 onwards is Rs 30,375. It will become worse as the years pass and there will be hardly any difference in pay of colonel and general.
2. The pension of a pre-1996 major fixed at Rs 14,464 is now almost Rs 1,500 lower to that of a lieutenant, the Army's junior most officer. Similarly placed lieutenant colonels would draw Rs 17,063 while recently retiring captains would get Rs 17,865.
3. A havildar retiring before 1996 after having put in about 18 years' service would get Rs 5,008 whereas a post -2006 retiree sepoy, the lowest in the rung, would get Rs 6,860.
4. Following the implementation of the Fifth Pay Commission recommendations in 1998, the pension of some major generals was fixed at rates lower that that of brigadiers. They had moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking higher pension and the court had ruled in their favour. The Supreme Court upheld the HC decision a few months ago. According to informed sources, the ministry of defence is yet to implement the court orders.
5. Pensions for the ranks of Brig, Maj Gen and Lt Gen are all placed at Rs 26150 in MOD letter of 11.Nov.2008 but differs in PCDA Letter of 18 NOV. 2008 to Banks. There is no uniformity in working in different banks and people of same seniority when compare their emoluments feel foxed. All banks be asked to follow same methods of working for arrears and pension. Seniors must get more pension than their juniors.
6. Govt of India, Ministry of Defence, had issued the pension sanction letter for pre-2006 pensioners on 11 November 2008. The said Govt letter covered both PBOR as well as officers.The example given in the letter shows as to how the pension is to be calculated but the tables supplied with that do not show even Grade pay, what to say of MSP and in some cases arrears are being worked out as per charts and causing lot of confusion in banks.
7. They say MSP is a new element and will be given from 1.9.2008. Why so as it is the new name coined for Rank Pay, which was Military Pay, and was being given up to 31.12.2005. It should be given from 1.1.2006 along with arrears as per the working shown in example given in MOD Letter dated 11 Nov 2008.
8. As you may be aware that there was no direct representation of Defence Officers in Pay Commission and data was given only by MOD to the CPC. 6th CPC worked on the same and had to grant lower scales and emoluments. Had the cut in basic pay of officers effected from 1.1.1986, been restored they would have automatically come to a higher status and got what ever was their due and would have brought parity with their counterparts in other civil Depts.
9. Similarly due to non projection of data properly before the 6TH CPC, PBOR have been denied the scales granted even to Police personnel, where as it is well established that the Defence PBOR are much better trained and skilled and face much tougher life and retire much earlier. They at least be given those scales if not more. It happened because there was no representative of Defence personnel in 6TH CPC to put across such anomalies or stress the requirement. Even grouping of Jawans in X and Y and their emoluments are not in order or as it should have been as per their skills as they deal with more sophisticated weapons and equipment and keep on acquiring more qualifications, needing regrouping.
10. Similarly, PBOR used to retire at the maximum of the scale in which they were working at the time of retirement, but it has now been reduced to 50% of the Pay, one was drawing at the time of retirement, taking that they retire at a younger age and can get reemployment. you know how very difficult it is to get a job after retirement especially at lower levels. This decision, based on the wrong data presented to the 6th CPC by MOD, needs to be reversed. The earlier system had brought PBORs very close to the demand of one rank one pension.

The Govt. should constitute a separate Pay commission constituting of mostly experienced defence officers who know the subject well, to rectify the whole system and remove such anomalies so that the present skewed situation could be set right.

Brig K G Behl (Retd)
President Dehradun Ex-Services League

IESL: Protest Rally and Fast for Justice at Jantar Mantar

IESM: Vijay Diwas, India Gate on 16 Dec 2008

SCPC: ESM Pension Anomalies Galore

Dear Friend,

The following case was brought to my notice by an affected officer yesterday.

Lt Col (Unlucky) was a Selection Grade Lt Col, who retired after 25 years and 11 months service in Jun 2007. His pay and pension are governed by PB3

Col (Fortunate) did not make the grade for promotion to Lt Col, but was later granted that rank, gratis. He retired as a Time Scale Col with 26 years and one month service, on the same date as Lt Col (Unlucky). He gets all the benefit of PB4

The difference in their pensions is a whopping amount of over Rs 7000/- per month. It is easy to dismiss this as an 'anomaly'. But I think this word is too mild a word for this obvious injustice. Thomas is good at English. Maybe he will give us a better expression. I think the 'anomalies of this pay commission should be called 'eccentricities' though I think they are more like lunacies!
I would welcome your suggestions.

Maj Gen Surjit Singh (Retd)

Waging war on Bureaucratic and Clerical terror

Adivasis of Pokharighat village, Bhawanipatna block, Kalahandi district in Orissa. They are showing their job cards with forged job entries. More than 90 per cent of NREGA funds in this village have been misappropriated by officials. Pic: Pramod Kumar.
The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) cancerous corruption in Orissa
Waging war on bureaucratic terrorism
The country has elaborate institutions to fulfil the development agenda of a newly independent nation. Lack of accountability has held those institutions back from delivering on that mission. Courts, up to a point, have tried to plug that accountability gap. So has the media on occasions. However, they are not substitutes for systemic accountability.

Citizens Right to information is a demonstration of the willingness of the system to change itself and to hold itself accountable to its mandate of social and economic development. The Prime Minister, who belongs to the generation that won independence for the country, should restore honesty and accountability to the system. The nation deserves nothing less from him.

V Anantha Nageswaran
The author was the regional head of International Banking of Credit Suisse, Asia-Pacific. The views expressed are personal.
Waging war on bureaucratic terrorism

Clerical Terror
If we needed reminding, the carnage in Mumbai proved yet again that South Asia is home to some of the world's deadliest Islamist terrorists. Usually missing from press coverage, though, is any sense of the origin of these movements, which are often assumed to be tied to the grievances of the Arab Middle East and the fate of Jerusalem.

That is a misconception. Historically, the roots of radical Islam belong at least as much in South Asia as in the Middle East. And one individual, wholly unfamiliar to most Westerners, played an indispensable role in founding and shaping that movement. When modern radicals call for sharia law, when they demand an Islamic state active in every sphere of life, when they urge a revolutionary jihad against the infidel world, they are drawing on the ideas of a India-born cleric called Maulana Mawdudi.

Modern Islamism traces its origins to three men born in the opening years of the twentieth century. Two of them are well known in the West: Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini and Egypt's Sayyid Qutb. Both, however, owed an immense intellectual debt to the third man, Syed Abul Ala Mawdudi, known by the honorific "Maulana," which means master. Until his death in 1979, Mawdudi was the critical link between the various theaters of transnational activism, between the Muslim Brotherhood and the Iranian Revolution, between Kashmir and Western Europe. Mawdudi's thinking was South Asian in origin and character, as was the international Islamist movement he inspired--a movement whose flowering we are still watching today.

Mawdudi was born in what is now the state of Maharashtra, in a British-ruled India littered with monuments of a collapsed Muslim power. It was a world marked by the humiliating political failure of the Islamic regimes, the same failure that so influenced Qutb and Khomeini as well. In India, restive under what they saw as infidel domination, Muslims struggled to find a role in a nationalist movement in which Hindus massively outnumbered them. Making matters more difficult for religious Muslims, even the available forms of modernization and anti-imperialism were Western and radically secular as well. As a young journalist in the 1920s, Mawdudi plunged into Western literature and political thought, but he borrowed heavily from these traditions in order to modernize Islamic ideology.

by Philip Jenkins
The roots of jihad in India: CLERICAL TERROR: THE ROOTS OF JIHAD IN INDIA
Bureaucrats must share blame for terror mayhem: experts

IESM: Vijay Diwas and Protest Rally

On 16 Dec, the Vijay Diwas, we in Delhi and the NCR will assemble at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at 1200 hours to pay homage to the martyrs of 1971 War. We have given a paper advertisement inviting all the public to join in. After the above ceremony, we will proceed to the Jantar Mantar venue to hold a rally. This will culminate into a relay fast; 11 ESM will sit on a 24-hour open- ended relay fast. This is to press our demand for OROP that has been recently rejected by the government.

The fast option may not find favour with some of you. It has not been easy for us either- we all have imbibed the same value system. But we have exhausted all other options, including getting arrested by the police. The Parliament is in session till 23 Dec and we wish to display our disapproval of the govt decision in a peaceful but visible manner.

I do not suppose any ESM, or serving soldier, will disagree with the OROP demand. Those who wish to show solidarity with the cause, should please join us for the India Gate function as well as the rally. Those who cannot physically join, for whatever reason, do wish us well. I am attaching a handout that will be issued to the press on 16 Dec. This may be used for distribution to the local media.

Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

An Earnest AppealThere are nearly 23 Lakh Ex Servicemen in India. Over 50% of them were compulsorily retired at 35-40 years of age so that the armed forces can retain their profile of fitness and youth. They were forced to go home on a meagre pension at a stage when their financial commitments were at their peak.

Justice demands that old pensioners should get the same pension as new pensioners, irrespective of the date of their retirement. This is the basis of ‘one rank one pension’ (OROP). The Sixth Pay Commission has in fact moved in reverse. In a retrograde step, the Commission has created an unprecedented situation of ‘Many ranks one pension’. This has led to glaring intra rank as well inter rank disparities with personnel holding senior ranks getting lower pension than their juniors who retired later. See tables below:


Every Ex Serviceman in the country unequivocally supports the demand of OROP. All serving personnel are tomorrow’s pensioners and back the demand. OROP is not a fight for money; the demand is based on justice and equity– equal pension for equal length of service and equal responsibility (rank). The OROP concept is already being followed in case of our legislators, judges and certain senior government employees. Ever since the Sixth Pay Commission report was submitted on 24 Mar 2008, the Ex Servicemen have been knocking at every possible door to get their long- standing OROP demand accepted. Unfortunately, despite promises made in the Congress election manifesto, despite the Congress President herself endorsing the demand publicly in Mohali in 2002 and despite the President including the point in his address to the Opening Session of the Parliament in 2004, the demand has been rejected in a written reply submitted by the Raksha Mantri in the Rajya Sabha on 11 Dec 2008. No reason has been given for the rejection. We once again appeal to the government to reconsider their decision and approve the OROP for defence pensioners.

Today on Vijay Diwas we salute our martyrs who gave their life in the line of duty in the 1971 War. Let us also spare a thought for those veterans who survived the War and are now living in penury.

Lt Gen Raj Kadyan,
Chairman IESM
16 Dec 2008

Vijay Diwas: Indo Pak War 1971

Best remembered for his stand on the Indo-Pak war in 1971, he was a man of conviction. No one can forget how he stood up to Indira Gandhi (then the Prime Minister in 1971) when she had called a cabinet meeting to declare a war on Pakistan in April 1971. In front of the cabinet Sam Bahadur rebuked her giving the reason that in April with the snow melting he could not advocate that risk when even China was a threat, and stood firm. After the cabinet meeting he politely asked Mrs Gandhi “When should I send you my resignation letter?” Rest in Peace Sam Bahadur!

Vijay Diwas (Victory Day) is celebrated in India on 16 December to mark the Indian victory in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. In Bangladesh, this is commemorated as Victory Day. In addition, Kargil Vijay Diwas, sometimes also called Vijay Diwas, is celebrated on July 26 in India with an event held in Drass, giving remembrance to the soldiers who died in the 1999 Kargil War between India And Pakistan. The Indian Armed Forces have a long tradition of valor and courage, in the face of overwhelming odds. Nowhere was this better demonstrated than in the heroic endeavors made by the Indian Armed forces in the liberation of Bangladesh, in 1971.

From the moment the operations were planned it was apparent that speed was going to be the key factor in the Operation for both political and military reasons; yet it was also clear that achieving speed and mobility was going to be the most difficult. The plan succeeded due to close cooperation among the three services and the highest standards of political and military leadership, skill and boldness in execution and consummate logistical management. While the Indian Army advanced in cooperation with freedom fighters of Bangladesh and converged on to Dhaka, the IAF within 48 hours completely pulversied the airfields achieving complete air superiority after the Naval fleet moved in to blockade the Bay of Bengal. Air Force dropping of Army personnel at Tangail and Navy Guarding the Bay of Bengal was a classic example cooperation of the Army, Navy and Air Force. The basic aim of the Western Sector was to maintain a position of offensive defence and hence did not result in a major offensive.

Operations in 1971 saw some of the greatest heroic deeds by our officers and men. As many as four Param Vir Chakras were awarded during the operations which stands testimony to the bravery of the Indian Armed Forces. On the occasion of Vijay Diwas, we salute our brethren who have laid down lives in the service of the nation.

Tomorrow as we celebrate the 37th Anniversary, we salute our officers and men who maintain eternal vigil along the vast international borders encompassing some of the most inhospitable terrains in the world to preserve the integrity of our country.
VIJAY DIWAS

Doctors can rejoice but not Officers of Armed Forces Medical Services

Many readers may not know, a new career progression system known as the Dynamic Assured Career Progression Scheme (DACP) has already been implemented for all Medical / Dental Doctors appointed under the Central Govt.

Under this scheme, following shall be the career progression structure for General Duty Doctors appointed under any Ministry / Department of the Central Govt :

On appointment : Pay Band-3 (Rs 15600-39100) with Grade Pay of Rs 5400 (equal to Lieutenant after the 6th CPC)

After 4 years of total service: Pay Band-3 with Grade Pay of Rs 6600 (equal to Major after the 6th CPC)

After 9 years of total service: Pay Band-3 with Grade Pay of Rs 7600 (equal to Lt Col after the 6th CPC)

After 13 years of total service: Pay Band-4 (Rs 37400-67000) with Grade Pay of Rs 8700 (equal to a full Colonel after 6th CPC)

After 20 years of total service: Pay Band-4 with Grade Pay of Rs 10000 (equal to Maj Gen after 6th CPC)

The following (believe your eyes– this is no joke) shall be the career progression for specialists under any Ministry/ Department of the Central Govt :

On appointment: Pay Band-3 with Grade Pay of Rs 6600 (equal to Major after the 6th CPC)

After 2 years of total service: Pay Band-3 with Grade Pay of Rs 7600 (equal to Lt Col after the 6th CPC)

After 6 years of total service: Pay Band-4 with Grade Pay of Rs 8700 (equal to full Col after the 6th CPC)

After 13 years of total service: Pay Band-4 with Grade Pay of Rs 10000 (equal to Maj Gen after 6th CPC)

While this has already been implemented for all Ministries and Departments of the Central Govt, instructions regarding Army Medical Corps and Army Dental Corps have not yet been issued. There is no reason why this should not be implemented on a non-functional basis (pay progression without rank progression) in the AMC/ ADC too since the DACP Govt of India letter in Para 1 and Para 3 clearly states that it shall be extended to all Medical and Dental Doctors under the Central Govt not just in organised services but also including isolated posts. It is hoped that the office of DG AFMS would have taken note by now.

Readers desirous of having a first hand look at the said Govt of India letter (or those who do not believe their eyes) may do so by clicking here. (Courtesy : Ministry of Health & Family Welfare)

Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh
While some wait, Doctors can rejoice..

SCPC: ESM Protest Rally at Delhi

Press Note Dated: 16 Dec 2008
Dear Members of the Press,

1. The statement of Mr. AK Antony in the Rajya Sabha on 11 Dec 08 is a disturbing development. He has categorically stated that One Rank One Pension (OROP) is unacceptable without giving any reasons. He further stated that the Defence Forces Personnel have not “Rejected” the 6th CPC recommendation. The statement is appended below :-

"Government has not found acceptable the demand of Ex-Servicemen for one rank one pension. This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Kalraj Mishra in Rajya Sabha today. The defence personnel have not rejected the recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission, he added."

2. The RM has given no reasons for non acceptance of OROP demand. How can Lt Gen draw less pension that a Colonel and Havildar draw less pension than a Sepoy. This is clearly in violation of Article 14 of the constitution as also ruled by the Supreme Court while delivering judgment in the case of Maj Gens. The Govt has to answer this not only to the Defence Forces but also to the Nation. As regards Defence Forces Not Rejecting the 6th CPC recommendations, RM seems to have misled the Rajay Sabha and the Nation. We need to know whether there was an option available to the Defence Forces to reject the 6th CPC recommendations. The Chiefs had twice represented to the Govt about the glaring anomalies in the 6th CPC recommendation and these needed to be resolved. The Ex Servicemen have been protesting ever since the 6th CPC recommendation were made public clearly rejecting the recommendations. Under the circumstances, the statement of the RM is totally misleading. We will have to intensify our Movement to get our due Justice.

3. Indian Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM) is organizing “Paying Homage to the Defence Martyrs” on Vijay Diwas (Victory Day of 1971 War) at Amar Jawan Jyoti India Gate from 12 PM to 1 PM on 16 Dec 08. Large number of Defence Veterans and their families are attending the event. You are requested to cover the event in large numbers and express your solidarity to the Defence Services and their Martyrs of having done the great service to the Nation.

4. Indian Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM) is also organizing a “Protest Rally and Relay Fast For Justice” at Jantar Mantar New Delhi from 1 PM onwards on 16 Dec 08. Through you (the media), we invite all citizens who support the cause of Defence Services “Injustice to them” by successive Govts in lowering their status and respect for the past six decades to attend the Rally at Jantar Mantar on 16 Dec 08 at 1 PM and strengthen their resolve for peaceful protest Movement and ask the Govt to accept their genuine demands. The protests are also being organised in major cities of the country. You are requested to kindly cover the event extensively.

With Kind Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement

Making Pakistan Pay the Price

Dear Friends,

I am seriously bothered that India and Pakistan may be at war with each other unless those who are against war speak out. In this connection, I have written an article (titled "MAKING PAKISTAN PAY THE PRICE") in response to an article "TAKE THE WAR TO THE ENEMY" that appeared in Indian Defence Review (IDR) that recommends war. It is about handling terrorism, which is the proximate cause for recommending war according to the IDR. The article has gone to the press media but I am in doubt if it will see the light of day or how many will read it. Hence, if you agree with my point of view and wish to speak out against war as a means to combat terrorism, please circulate the article to your friends. I feel that the issue is urgent and request you to treat it with urgency (of course, providing you agree with the article). The article link "MAKING PAKISTAN PAY THE PRICE" is given below.
DO YOUR BIT TO PREVENT WAR!
Best wishes,
Major General S.G.Vombatkere (Retd)
Former Additional DG in charge of Discipline & Vigilance.
Making Pakistan Pay the Price

Governance: The truth is bitter!

All the direct IAS officers almost 100% retire as Secretaries to government of India/ Special Secretaries/ Chief Secretaries of states and as such get One rank One Pay/ Pension i.e the highest Pay/ Pension available in the government. About 1% direct officers from Army/ Navy/ Air Force get the same pension as 100% IAS officers.

This self serving "I Am Safe" (IAS) service was in charge of all departments of the country/ states/ local governments for the last over six decades and brought the country to a chaotic stage- large scale poverty continues, cities after cities are becoming urban nightmare, Indian Defence is getting weaker, Police and Security Forces remain subservient to IAS officers etc. Since implementation of policies remained in their hands for the last six decades, all the problems which India is facing today are their creation. Till date they remain unaccountable and refuse to own any responsibility for all our ills. For any failure Police/ Defence Services/ Security departments get the blame, Ministers/ Chief Ministers have to resign, but IAS officers play safe and remain unaccountable and refuse to own any responsibility.

India needs strong Defence Forces and Policing and not outdated self serving rusted steel frame of bureaucracy- IAS. The earlier India abolishes this service, only then we will be able ressolve all our major problems.

There is an immediate need to increase defence expenditure to over 4% of GDP and strengthen defence forces through both Capital and Revenue Budget and Defence Ministry should not have a single IAS officer at any level. One Rank One Pay/Pension was agreed by MOS (Defence) in mid 1980s and is being stalled by IAS officers sitting in Min of Finance and Defence. They are prepared to allocate a very large amount on the leaking subsidies, outdated purchses like bullet proof jackets of World Wars 1 and 2 era etc but not on the defence and security of the country. 6th Pay Commission as modified by IAS officers has sent a clear message to defence services "remain subservient to IAS officers". An IAS officer of about six years seniority is far senior/superior than an Army Officer of about 18/20 years seniority. ---Prem Sabhlok

One Rank One Pension for all Ranks
Supreme Court had passed a judgement in 1982 on the One Rank One Pension scheme for military veterans and the KP Singh Deo Committee had recommended the same unequivocally in 1984. It was also one of the main reasons for protests by veterans earlier this year. However the defence minister has categorically stated its unacceptability in the Rajya Sabha today:
"Government has not found acceptable the demand of Ex-Servicemen for one rank one pension. This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Kalraj Mishra in Rajya Sabha today. The defence personnel have not rejected the recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission, he added."[PIB]

Homage to Military Martyrs at Delhi

Sure some of us are working, some in our own business, some are busy golfing and some doing domestic chores. BUT REMEMBER, if YOU don't make it to pay homage to OUR martyrs, then YOU have no business cribbing about the Nation OR the Politicians of having forgotten you and our Field Marshals. Be present at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at 1200 hours IST.

ECHS Constraints: Location of Polyclinic Bhopal

Flow of Patients
I am writing to you as a suggestion in response to ECHS CONSTRAINTS. I am sure my suggestion shall benefit a number of Veterans.

The ECHS clinic at Bhopal is located adjacent to Bhopal Sub Area. The Military Hospital with specialist facilities is away from ECHS clinic by about 12 to 15 km one way. The fundamental criteria of locating the ECHS clinics within the MH setup was to enable the Veterans to seek the specialist opinion after having been refered by the ECHS RMO, and subsequently be able to draw the medicines as prescribed by the Specialist Medical Officer from the ECHS clinic. In this case the veteran has to travel at least 25 to 30 Kms for consulting the specialist and drawal of medicines.

It is rather difficult to understand the reasons of locating the ECHS clinic so far away. The maximum strength of Veterans are located around the EME Centre (Bairagarh) and the MH is within the Centre. Raksha Vihar the single largest colony of Veterans in Bhopal share a common boundary with the centre and MH is just 2 Km away. Though the colony has taken more than the expected time to get fully occupied and the pace is slow nevertheless the colony of veterans will be full within a few years.

What factors forced the local formation to locate ECHS clinic at such an inconveniant place is not known. We understand it was a decision taken by consulting few veterans to whom this arrangement suited. I had also informed the fact to the present MD of ECHS while I met him in his office in May this year in connection with paymet of my bills.

I strongly feel that a relook is required in locating the ECHS at Bhopal MH complex rather than at an isolated place.

Veteran B L Sapru

Declining Discipline in Government Organisations

December 13th, 2008 - 7:58 pm ICT by IANS
New Delhi, Dec 13 (IANS) An Indian Army colonel was arrested Friday night after a lady officer complained he had misbehaved with her, police said Saturday.”The incident took place Friday night. Colonel Sunder Yadav, 52, was with the lady officer, a captain, who is a doctor at base hospital in Delhi cantonment. The victim told us that when Yadav started to misbehave with her, she somehow managed to get out of the car they were in,” a senior police officer said.

The lady officer then called a police control room van and complained of the harassment. Yadav was arrested for misbehaving with the victim but later released on bail, the police officer added. Yadav is a registrar at Army College of Medical Sciences in Delhi Cantonment.
Indian Army colonel arrested for misbehaviour

Four months ago...
RAW woman official attempts suicide over harassment
NEW DELHI: A woman RAW official tried to commit suicide by consuming poison outside the Prime Minister's Office on Tuesday. The incident has brought the country's external intelligence agency under public gaze yet again.

Nisha Bhatia was posted at the training centre of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) in Gurgaon. She had been claiming that she was being sexually harassed by her superiors at RAW.

Bhatia reached the PMO on Tuesday afternoon and demanded to meet an official posted there. However, on being denied entry, she consumed *** poison in front of the office in the high security area. She was immediately rushed to the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital where the doctors did a stomach wash. Her condition was stated to be out of danger.

Bhatia was in the rank of Director in the RAW and posted in the training division.
The Government has already constituted an inquiry into her complaint of sexual harassment by unnamed superiors in the RAW. A Joint Secretary on deputation to RAW is the main accused.

In 2004, RAW was in the news when Rabinder Singh, a Joint Secretary-level officer in RAW, escaped to the US. Later, several allegations were levelled by a former official Maj Gen (Retd) V K Singh about corruption in the agency.
RAW officer tries to kill herself at PMO.

Comment: The heads of the Government Organisations are solely responsible for discipline. Sexual harassment, corruption and crime involves larger issues and needs to investigated from the top to bottom and not the other way around. Whistle blowers need to be protected.

Mumbai Mayhem: More than just Terrorists

The Mumbai Attackers were Commandos Skilled in Urban and Marine Warfare

Despite being badly bruised and battered in the NWFP and FATA, the Pakistan army and its dirty tricks department the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Directorate are continuing to pursue their ruthless agenda to sponsor brutal terrorist operations against soft targets in India.

The modus operandi of the terrorists who were responsible for the dastardly attacks at the Oberoi and Taj Mahal Palace hotels, Nariman House and Leopold Café in Colaba, as well as attacks launched against innocent civilians at the CST terminus and two Mumbai hospitals, clearly reveals that they had been trained in army and navy establishments by the Special Services Group (SSG), Pakistan's Special Forces.

The terrorist operation had the hallmark of a skilfully planned and methodically executed commando strike. All the targets had been carefully reconnoitred and dry runs and rehearsals had been carried out. The terrorists had acquired advanced map reading and sophisticated navigation skills including the use of GPS receivers. They had made and committed to memory detailed sketches of floor plans and entry and exit routes. They had been taught to communicate with each other through hand signs and to make only very short, coded transmissions on their phones or walky-talkies.

Their approach from Karachi to Mumbai by the sea route involved superior maritime skills and had an element of surprise built into it. On reaching closer to Mumbai, they discarded their mother boat so as to avoid accusations of Pakistani culpability and commandeered two fishing trawlers after killing the crew. For the final landing they switched to rubber dinghies so that they could close in with their intended "beach heads" with stealth.

The terrorists chose to land at relatively less frequented sites to remain undetected for as long as possible. They had made elaborate arrangements to acquire new identities and alibis that would not arouse suspicion. They handled adversity with a cool and calm demeanour. When questioned by a staff member of the Taj hotel, they casually replied that they were students. After landing and changing into battle gear, they dispersed to attack different targets and while a few were killed, others managed to re-group and converge on the main targets.

All the terrorists had been given rigorous physical training as they were in excellent physical shape. Mental conditioning ensured that they could withstand the rigours and pressures of being surrounded and being under withering fire for almost three nights rather well. They were resolute in action and aggressive in their orientation. Throughout the operation they exhibited remarkable clarity of thought and action. They showed no remorse or human feelings and ruthlessly executed men and women, the old and the infirm to achieve their nefarious designs.

Above all else, the training imparted to the terrorists by SSG personnel was reflected in the standard of "fire discipline" that they exhibited. Though they had strapped on large quantities of ammunition to their bodies, it would have been utterly inadequate to last three nights of firing had they not been trained to fire extremely selectively and in short bursts of three to four rounds as an AK-47 assault rifle can empty a 30-round magazine in under a minute when fired in the automatic mode. Each short burst was fired for effect, as was every single hand grenade. Considering the number of persons killed by them and those wounded, the terrorist commandos were quite obviously skilled marksmen who could fire from the hip with accuracy.

The minor tactics adopted by the terrorists were measured and succeeded for quite some time in creating the false impression that they were present in each location in large numbers. They went up and down the hotel buildings and fired and threw grenades from different floors, making the NSG and MARCOS commandos cautious and slowing down their operations. They never exposed themselves to Indian snipers who had been deployed all around the buildings under siege.

Finally, the Pakistani commandos put up stiff resistance against well-trained NSG and MARCOS personnel who were fresh and had the advantage of time on their side. The terrorists killed a gallant Major and one NCO of the Indian army and injured others. With the limited weaponry at their disposal, they caused massive collateral damage and left behind scenes of ghastly death and destruction – unbelievable carnage indeed.

The Indian army has faced well-trained Pakistan-sponsored terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir for almost two decades now but these men were much different. There can be no doubt whatsoever that these LeT or perhaps al Qaeda backed terrorists had been trained to the level of Special Forces commandos by the Pakistan military establishment and the ISI for this spectacular high risk mission. Whether or not the Pakistan government was also involved in planning and executing this gruesome tragedy in Mumbai, only time will tell.

Brig Gurmeet Kanwal (Retd)
Director, Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), New Delhi.
Additional Reading
Stop terrorism for better ties: PM tells Pak
No stealth hazards
Tackling Pakistan
Reflections on 26/11 in the Chinese and Pakistani media