Respected Sir/Madam,
The following report -- released by the United News of India news agency on December 16, 2010 -- is for your kind perusal. I request you to further publicise the issue.
With regards,
Abhi
India has no war memorial even 6 decades after freedom: IESM
Bhopal, Dec 16 (UNI) As the nation observes the anniversary of the 1971 Bangladesh War, the Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM) today described as "a monumental shame" the fact that -- even six decades after Independence -- the country does not have a war memorial in honour of those who made the supreme sacrifice in bitter conflicts since 1947.
"It is a day of rejoicing and jubilation, as also reflection and remembrance. Yet only 1.3 million souls who don the uniform, nearly three million veterans and their families commemorate this day. The rest, comprising over a billion Indians, are not even aware of it, thanks to the Government that has no time to even commend the soldiers for their sacrifices," IESM Vice-Chairman Major-General (Retd) Satbir Singh, Sena Medal, said in a release.
Most nations have days or weeks earmarked for felicitating their soldiers and veterans.
"What do we do in India? Not only we do nothing but also our governments continue to be oblivious to the need and welfare of soldiers. In the name of civilian control of defence forces, which really means control by elected representatives, the bureaucrats continue to ill-treat the military," the veteran alleged.
"Two years back, political leaders stooped to the lowest level possible when they dubbed two conflicts as the Congress war and the Bharatiya Janata Party war. There is a need for people to join in creating ethos and traditions to give due respect and honour to soldiers," the release said.
On Vijay Diwas, the Defence Minister makes an appearance at the India Gate's Amar Jawan Jyoti to lay a wreath 'oblivious' of the fact that he is laying a wreath at a place constructed by the British when India was a colony. An IESM delegation laid a wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti at noon today.
On this day in 1971 the Indian military won resounding victories in all theatres of that war with the crowning glory being the capture of East Pakistan; the birth of Bangladesh and taking more than 93,000 Pakistani soldiers as prisoners of war. At 1631 hrs, Lt-Gen Amir Abdullah Khan Naizi signed the surrender document offered by Indian Lt-Gen Jagjit Singh Arora. He also surrendered his pistol in a symbolic gesture.
This great victory was achieved at a price. A total of 68 officers, 60 junior commissioned officers (JCOs) and 1,293 other ranks sacrificed their lives. As many as 211 officers, 160 JCOs and more than 3,500 other ranks were wounded. The Indian Armed Forces took merely 14 days to liberate Bangladesh, in a lighting campaign to the surprise of the entire world.
Showing posts with label Indo- Pak War 1948. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Indo- Pak War 1948. Show all posts
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
Is military history sacrosanct?
THE TRAGEDY OF INDIA IS THAT OUR POLITICAL LEADERSHIP AND OTHERS ARE SO SCARED OF THE TRUTH THAT TILL DATE NOT A SINGLE OFFICIAL HISTORY OF WARS FOUGHT BY THE INDIAN MILITARY HAS BEEN CLEARED FOR PUBLICATION. THIS IS THE MAIN REASON FOR CONJECTURES IN THE MEDIA.
Military history may not be a `holy cow' but once finalised, it does become sacrosanct and should be interfered with only in the most exceptional circumstances, lest the public loses faith in the objectivity of the military. The old adage that “truth is the first casualty in war“ is fairly accurate, but largely at the individual level.
At the institutional level, the Indian military has an elaborate system in place so that maximum objectivity is ensured, when the final product in the shape of a history is produced.
However, any activity in which human beings are involved is bound to be questioned, either genuinely or for some other reason.
The compilation of military history commences at the unit level, where actions of sub-units and individuals, eyewitness accounts, logs of messages and reports are compiled, giving allowances for the `fog of war' and the fast and furious pace of operations.
In the end, a coherent picture does emerge. Thereafter, at every hierarchical level, the `war diaries' are scrutinised and compared with plans initiated, situation reports of the time and the inputs of the formation commanders and staff. This process goes all the way up to the army headquarters, where the Military Operations (MO) Directorate carries out a thorough oversight and comparison with the plethora of reports generated prior to, during and after the operations.There are thus sufficient checks and balances to ensure objectivity.
There are essentially four types of military histories. The first is the memoirs of individuals who have taken part in the conflict. They describe their experiences and those of their comrades, as also details culled out from operational documents.
Depending on who the author is, there is usually a fair to medium degree of subjectivity in them. The second type of military history is the one written by historians, media persons and others, who did not take part in the operations. Their sources are the media and some interviews conducted by them during or immediately after the conflict, usually the latter. In a large number of cases they tend to be sensational. In professional parlance they are termed `quickies', with `making a quick buck' as their main aim. The third category is scholarly works, mostly commissioned by `think tanks' or quasi-professional institutions. These are usually well researched and fairly objective.
The last category is the official military histories, mostly written by a team of professional persons commissioned by the government and comprising both military and civilian professionals, who are given access to official documents like war diaries, operational orders and instructions, results of post-war evaluations carried out at various levels, as well as independent studies ordered at various echelons of the field Army. These are the only histories that have official authenticity.
The tragedy of India is that our political leadership and others are so scared of the truth that till date not a single official history of wars and conflicts fought by the Indian Military has been cleared for publication. This is the main reason for conjectures, innuendos and inspired comments in the media. It is a great pity as the military has cleared them all for the public domain. As an example, the Henderson Brooks report of the 1962 India-China war, of which I was the custodian as the DGMO, contains no secrets that will jeopardise national security, but it continues to be kept in wraps as it highlights the gross incompetency of the political leadership and the bureaucracy of that time.
Let me now briefly deal with the current controversy, which is a fallout of a judicial judgment, wherein a senior formation commander of the Army who had taken part in the Kargil conflict of 1999 had his military honour restored, when the court ruled that his confidential reports were biased against him.
That judgment was widely welcomed, but the court also ruled that three paragraphs in the official war records relating to the particular operation of the aggrieved officer must be rewritten. The Army is challenging only the latter part of the judgment, pertaining to the rewriting of the records, in the apex court. Their contention is that there was no fudging, falsification or doctoring of the 1999 Kargil war history, as the military history has been finalised after invoking numerous checks and balances. The apex court will no doubt study all aspects before giving its judgment.
Let me end this piece on an irreverent note. It was Voltaire, who said in Jeannot et Colin that “All ancient histories, as one of our wits say, are just fables that have been agreed upon“.
What needs to be noted is that he was referring to `history', not `military history'!
Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd) is a former Vice-Chief of the Indian Army
Courtesy: Hindustan Times, Chandigarh, 15 July 2010
(Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not represent the views either of the Editorial Committee or the Centre for Land Warfare Studies).
Is military history sacrosanct?
Lt Gen Oberoi’s letters on Pay Commission Recommendations
Military history may not be a `holy cow' but once finalised, it does become sacrosanct and should be interfered with only in the most exceptional circumstances, lest the public loses faith in the objectivity of the military. The old adage that “truth is the first casualty in war“ is fairly accurate, but largely at the individual level.
At the institutional level, the Indian military has an elaborate system in place so that maximum objectivity is ensured, when the final product in the shape of a history is produced.
However, any activity in which human beings are involved is bound to be questioned, either genuinely or for some other reason.
The compilation of military history commences at the unit level, where actions of sub-units and individuals, eyewitness accounts, logs of messages and reports are compiled, giving allowances for the `fog of war' and the fast and furious pace of operations.
In the end, a coherent picture does emerge. Thereafter, at every hierarchical level, the `war diaries' are scrutinised and compared with plans initiated, situation reports of the time and the inputs of the formation commanders and staff. This process goes all the way up to the army headquarters, where the Military Operations (MO) Directorate carries out a thorough oversight and comparison with the plethora of reports generated prior to, during and after the operations.There are thus sufficient checks and balances to ensure objectivity.
There are essentially four types of military histories. The first is the memoirs of individuals who have taken part in the conflict. They describe their experiences and those of their comrades, as also details culled out from operational documents.
Depending on who the author is, there is usually a fair to medium degree of subjectivity in them. The second type of military history is the one written by historians, media persons and others, who did not take part in the operations. Their sources are the media and some interviews conducted by them during or immediately after the conflict, usually the latter. In a large number of cases they tend to be sensational. In professional parlance they are termed `quickies', with `making a quick buck' as their main aim. The third category is scholarly works, mostly commissioned by `think tanks' or quasi-professional institutions. These are usually well researched and fairly objective.
The last category is the official military histories, mostly written by a team of professional persons commissioned by the government and comprising both military and civilian professionals, who are given access to official documents like war diaries, operational orders and instructions, results of post-war evaluations carried out at various levels, as well as independent studies ordered at various echelons of the field Army. These are the only histories that have official authenticity.
The tragedy of India is that our political leadership and others are so scared of the truth that till date not a single official history of wars and conflicts fought by the Indian Military has been cleared for publication. This is the main reason for conjectures, innuendos and inspired comments in the media. It is a great pity as the military has cleared them all for the public domain. As an example, the Henderson Brooks report of the 1962 India-China war, of which I was the custodian as the DGMO, contains no secrets that will jeopardise national security, but it continues to be kept in wraps as it highlights the gross incompetency of the political leadership and the bureaucracy of that time.
Let me now briefly deal with the current controversy, which is a fallout of a judicial judgment, wherein a senior formation commander of the Army who had taken part in the Kargil conflict of 1999 had his military honour restored, when the court ruled that his confidential reports were biased against him.
That judgment was widely welcomed, but the court also ruled that three paragraphs in the official war records relating to the particular operation of the aggrieved officer must be rewritten. The Army is challenging only the latter part of the judgment, pertaining to the rewriting of the records, in the apex court. Their contention is that there was no fudging, falsification or doctoring of the 1999 Kargil war history, as the military history has been finalised after invoking numerous checks and balances. The apex court will no doubt study all aspects before giving its judgment.
Let me end this piece on an irreverent note. It was Voltaire, who said in Jeannot et Colin that “All ancient histories, as one of our wits say, are just fables that have been agreed upon“.
What needs to be noted is that he was referring to `history', not `military history'!
Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd) is a former Vice-Chief of the Indian Army
Courtesy: Hindustan Times, Chandigarh, 15 July 2010
(Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not represent the views either of the Editorial Committee or the Centre for Land Warfare Studies).
Is military history sacrosanct?
Lt Gen Oberoi’s letters on Pay Commission Recommendations
Monday, December 28, 2009
Pakistan continues to struggle for survivial
Things do not change
"Pakistan Struggles For Survival - Religious Warfare and Economic Chaos Threaten the Survival of this Nation".
Above was the heading of the Life Magazine article on Pakistan in January, 1948 when Pakistan was just 5 months old!!
Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh, PVSM (Retd)
A few years ago a friend gave me a wonderful gift. A copy of the January 4, 1948 issue of LIFE magazine. This is the issue with a rather unflattering portrait of a clearly ailing ‘Jinnah of Pakistan’ on its cover.
For most part the cover story- with pictures by Margaret Bourke-White- is as unflattering as the picture of Mr. Jinnah on the cover. Margaret Bourke White is an important chronicler of the events of 1947 and beyond in both India and Pakistan. She has strong views on these events, including on the creation of Pakistan and on Mohammad Ali Jinnah. These views, also reflected in the LIFE article, are much discussed and sometimes debated in academic and popular treatise.
What has facinated the readers are the pictures and accounts of everyday life in Pakistan at its birth. How severe were the existential challenges of survival the country faced at that time. How much has changed. And how much has not?
Life in Pakistan at its birth. How much has changed. And how much has not...Click here to read more
"Pakistan Struggles For Survival - Religious Warfare and Economic Chaos Threaten the Survival of this Nation".
Above was the heading of the Life Magazine article on Pakistan in January, 1948 when Pakistan was just 5 months old!!
Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh, PVSM (Retd)
A few years ago a friend gave me a wonderful gift. A copy of the January 4, 1948 issue of LIFE magazine. This is the issue with a rather unflattering portrait of a clearly ailing ‘Jinnah of Pakistan’ on its cover.For most part the cover story- with pictures by Margaret Bourke-White- is as unflattering as the picture of Mr. Jinnah on the cover. Margaret Bourke White is an important chronicler of the events of 1947 and beyond in both India and Pakistan. She has strong views on these events, including on the creation of Pakistan and on Mohammad Ali Jinnah. These views, also reflected in the LIFE article, are much discussed and sometimes debated in academic and popular treatise.
What has facinated the readers are the pictures and accounts of everyday life in Pakistan at its birth. How severe were the existential challenges of survival the country faced at that time. How much has changed. And how much has not?
Life in Pakistan at its birth. How much has changed. And how much has not...Click here to read more
Sunday, December 20, 2009
National Security: Kashmir dispute
Quick guide: Kashmir dispute
Kashmir has been disputed by India and Pakistan since the partition of the subcontinent in 1947.
The two neighbours, now nuclear powers, have twice waged war over Kashmir, which is over 60% Muslim. The mountainous region is divided by a Line of Control, often breached by separatist militants. The Indian side - Jammu and Kashmir state - is home to about nine million people. Some three million live in the northern part administered by Pakistan.
Rival claims
Islamabad said Kashmir should have become part of Pakistan in 1947 because of the province's Muslim majority. But Kashmir wanted to remain independent. In October 1947, Pakistani-backed tribesmen invaded Kashmir.
The maharaja turned to India for help and agreed to sign over some of his powers in return for military support and a UN-supervised referendum or plebiscite.
Line of Control
India reneged on its promise and the plebiscite never happened. The first Indo-Pakistani war started with the October 1947 incursion and the arrival of Indian forces in Kashmir. The conflict ended in January 1949. A ceasefire line - now known as the Line of Control - was agreed and the UN recommended a referendum on accession.
War broke out again in 1965 after a Pakistani offensive across the line. In 1999, fighting between Indian and Pakistani-backed forces in Indian Kashmir led to a new conflict but not full-scale war.
Separatist movement
Since 1989, Kashmir has seen a growing, and often violent, Muslim separatist movement against Indian rule. Some separatists favour independence, others would like Kashmir to be part of Pakistan. India says Pakistan gives the militants logistical and material support - a claim rejected by Islamabad. Years of separatist attacks and cross-border firing between the Indian and Pakistani armies have left tens of thousands of people dead.
Peace talks
In 2004 Pakistan and India embarked on a peace process, but major sticking points remain. Delhi would like the Line of Control to become an international border, while Islamabad would like Muslim-majority areas to become part of Pakistan.
Quick Guide to Kashmir dispute: BBC
Related news
India withdraws 30,000 troops from Kashmir: Army
Kashmir has been disputed by India and Pakistan since the partition of the subcontinent in 1947.
The two neighbours, now nuclear powers, have twice waged war over Kashmir, which is over 60% Muslim. The mountainous region is divided by a Line of Control, often breached by separatist militants. The Indian side - Jammu and Kashmir state - is home to about nine million people. Some three million live in the northern part administered by Pakistan.
Rival claims
Islamabad said Kashmir should have become part of Pakistan in 1947 because of the province's Muslim majority. But Kashmir wanted to remain independent. In October 1947, Pakistani-backed tribesmen invaded Kashmir.
The maharaja turned to India for help and agreed to sign over some of his powers in return for military support and a UN-supervised referendum or plebiscite.
Line of Control
India reneged on its promise and the plebiscite never happened. The first Indo-Pakistani war started with the October 1947 incursion and the arrival of Indian forces in Kashmir. The conflict ended in January 1949. A ceasefire line - now known as the Line of Control - was agreed and the UN recommended a referendum on accession.
War broke out again in 1965 after a Pakistani offensive across the line. In 1999, fighting between Indian and Pakistani-backed forces in Indian Kashmir led to a new conflict but not full-scale war.
Separatist movement
Since 1989, Kashmir has seen a growing, and often violent, Muslim separatist movement against Indian rule. Some separatists favour independence, others would like Kashmir to be part of Pakistan. India says Pakistan gives the militants logistical and material support - a claim rejected by Islamabad. Years of separatist attacks and cross-border firing between the Indian and Pakistani armies have left tens of thousands of people dead.
Peace talks
In 2004 Pakistan and India embarked on a peace process, but major sticking points remain. Delhi would like the Line of Control to become an international border, while Islamabad would like Muslim-majority areas to become part of Pakistan.
Quick Guide to Kashmir dispute: BBC
Related news
India withdraws 30,000 troops from Kashmir: Army
Thursday, December 17, 2009
38 years and still waiting for a war memorial
NDTV Correspondent, Thursday December 17, 2009, New Delhi
Today is the 38th anniversary of India's greatest military victory in 1971, but nearly four decades after India won the war against Pakistan, the country is still debating whether there should be a central war memorial.
Defence minister AK Antony with the three service chiefs on Wednesday commemored India's greatest military triumph but 38 years after the 1971 victory, the military top brass still pays homage at India Gate, built as a tribute to soldiers killed defending the British Raj.
India has fought five major wars since 1947 and yet there's no national war memorial for thousands of martyrs, thanks to squabbling between different ministries.
The Defence ministry mooted the latest proposal for a memorial at India Gate, the Urban Development ministry disagreed, now a group of ministers is supposed to take a final decision.
"I hope this time we will be able to find an ultimate solution and we will be able to finally fulfill the long cherished wishes of our country and our armed forces," said Defence Minister AK Antony.
Army chief, General Deepak Kapoor has personally taken up the matter with ministers and even the PMO during the past two years without any result. "It is a must. The earlier it is done, the better it is for the army and for the country," he said.
Distant places like Jammu and Tawang have built local memorials for fallen soldiers but a central memorial continues to elude the Indian armed forces.
38 years and still waiting for a war memorial
Today is the 38th anniversary of India's greatest military victory in 1971, but nearly four decades after India won the war against Pakistan, the country is still debating whether there should be a central war memorial.
Defence minister AK Antony with the three service chiefs on Wednesday commemored India's greatest military triumph but 38 years after the 1971 victory, the military top brass still pays homage at India Gate, built as a tribute to soldiers killed defending the British Raj.
India has fought five major wars since 1947 and yet there's no national war memorial for thousands of martyrs, thanks to squabbling between different ministries.
The Defence ministry mooted the latest proposal for a memorial at India Gate, the Urban Development ministry disagreed, now a group of ministers is supposed to take a final decision.
"I hope this time we will be able to find an ultimate solution and we will be able to finally fulfill the long cherished wishes of our country and our armed forces," said Defence Minister AK Antony.
Army chief, General Deepak Kapoor has personally taken up the matter with ministers and even the PMO during the past two years without any result. "It is a must. The earlier it is done, the better it is for the army and for the country," he said.
Distant places like Jammu and Tawang have built local memorials for fallen soldiers but a central memorial continues to elude the Indian armed forces.
38 years and still waiting for a war memorial
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
IESM: Kargil Divas
Dear Friends,
Cdr Sharan Ahuja accompanied me to Accenture and assisted initial settling down. Col BK Kailash, a social worker and a Rotarian himself, relieved us and held fort for the latter part. Thanks Kailash. The Blood Donation camp at Accenture went very well. We collected 57 units of blood from eager donors. Pamphlets were distributed and perused by the visitors to the camp. Above photographs tell the story.
Thanks to Kailash. Congratulations IESM!
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi (Retd)
Monday, July 6, 2009
10 years on, Kargil martyr's family still fighting a 'battle'
Sunday, July 05, 2009
10 years on, Kargil martyr's family still fighting a 'battle'
Palampur (Himachal Pradesh): Capt Saurabh Kalia, the first to report Pakistani incursion in Kargil in 1999, was taken captive by the Pakistani troops and a few weeks later his mutilated body was handed over to Indian authorities. Ten years on, the martyr's parents fight a lone battle to highlight war crimes against their son and other Indian soldiers.
N.K. Kalia and his wife Vijaya, who have settled in this town in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, have been waging a war to highlight Pakistani violations of human rights and brutalities committed on their son, Saurabh Kalia, and other soldiers during the Kargil war in 1999.
Saurabh Kalia of 4 Jat Regiment, who was the first army officer to report incursion by the Pakistani army on Indian soil had along with five soldiers - Sepoys Arjun Ram, Bhanwar Lal Bagaria, Bhika Ram, Moola Ram and Naresh Singh gone for a routine patrol of the Bajrang Post in the Kaksar sector when they were taken captive by the Pakistani troops May 15, 1999.
They were barbarically tortured for weeks before being killed. Their mutilated bodies were handed over to Indian authorities June 9, 1999.
"Of course, his supreme sacrifice has made us proud, but what has exhausted, disappointed and dejected us is that the nation for which he has sacrificed his life least bothered to highlight the plight of war crimes at the international fora," N.K. Kalia, 61, a retired senior scientist from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, told IANS.
"We have been shuttling between various government offices and organisations with the hope of highlighting the plight of the war victims. The Indian government has failed to deliver justice as it has forgotten atrocities meted out on six heroes. For days, they were tortured. Their limbs were chopped and bodies burnt," rued Kalia.
"Though the then Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the centre expressed concern over the heinous crime and promised to take up the issue at the international level, in all these years the issue got diluted," he recalled.
"Even today our only demand is that it should keep its promise so that no POWs (prisoners of war) could face Saurabh's fate. Had this happened to any American or Israeli soldier, the culprits would have been brought to justice."
Vijaya, who runs an LPG agency allotted by the Indian Oil Corporation to honour his martyrdom, asked: "Is this the way the government treats its heroes?"
To highlight the plight of the war victims, Saurabh Kalia's father has started an online signature campaign.
"The pain of losing a young son is hard to describe in words. But we feel contended with the fact that many citizens have supported us through online signature campaign. Till date more than 13,000 people have put up their signatures," N.K. Kalia said.
Saurabh Kalia, who was posted in Kargil as his first posting after passing out of the Indian Military Academy, did not even live long enough to receive his first pay packet as an officer.
Today, his photographs, his uniforms, shoes and mementoes are kept in his room, which has been named 'Saurabh Smriti Kaksha' (a museum), in the Kalias' four-bedroom house in the serene hills of Palampur.
The Himachal Pradesh government as a mark of respect has raised 'Saurabh Van Vihar' in a sprawling area of 35 acres here besides renaming a street in the town as Capt Saurabh Kalia Marg. A nursing college in the proposed Vivekanand Medical Research Trust Hospital here is being raised in martyr's memory.
Source: IANS
10 years on, Kargil martyr's family still fighting a 'battle'
Steps taken by the army after the Kargil war
•The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) was created.
•Line of Control (LoC) was refenced to check infiltration from across the border; new surveillance technology was installed all along the 740km of LoC.
•The army decided to keep the troops ready for war by keeping additional formations rotating.
•Clearance was given by the government to allow younger officers to assume command of battalions.
•The army headquarters decided to split the Nagrota based 15 Corps to increase its efficiency. In Leh a complete corps (14 Corps) with three divisions has been installed to guard the border in Kargil.
Steps taken by the army after the Kargil war
10 years on, Kargil martyr's family still fighting a 'battle'
Palampur (Himachal Pradesh): Capt Saurabh Kalia, the first to report Pakistani incursion in Kargil in 1999, was taken captive by the Pakistani troops and a few weeks later his mutilated body was handed over to Indian authorities. Ten years on, the martyr's parents fight a lone battle to highlight war crimes against their son and other Indian soldiers.
N.K. Kalia and his wife Vijaya, who have settled in this town in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, have been waging a war to highlight Pakistani violations of human rights and brutalities committed on their son, Saurabh Kalia, and other soldiers during the Kargil war in 1999.
Saurabh Kalia of 4 Jat Regiment, who was the first army officer to report incursion by the Pakistani army on Indian soil had along with five soldiers - Sepoys Arjun Ram, Bhanwar Lal Bagaria, Bhika Ram, Moola Ram and Naresh Singh gone for a routine patrol of the Bajrang Post in the Kaksar sector when they were taken captive by the Pakistani troops May 15, 1999.
They were barbarically tortured for weeks before being killed. Their mutilated bodies were handed over to Indian authorities June 9, 1999.
"Of course, his supreme sacrifice has made us proud, but what has exhausted, disappointed and dejected us is that the nation for which he has sacrificed his life least bothered to highlight the plight of war crimes at the international fora," N.K. Kalia, 61, a retired senior scientist from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, told IANS.
"We have been shuttling between various government offices and organisations with the hope of highlighting the plight of the war victims. The Indian government has failed to deliver justice as it has forgotten atrocities meted out on six heroes. For days, they were tortured. Their limbs were chopped and bodies burnt," rued Kalia.
"Though the then Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the centre expressed concern over the heinous crime and promised to take up the issue at the international level, in all these years the issue got diluted," he recalled.
"Even today our only demand is that it should keep its promise so that no POWs (prisoners of war) could face Saurabh's fate. Had this happened to any American or Israeli soldier, the culprits would have been brought to justice."
Vijaya, who runs an LPG agency allotted by the Indian Oil Corporation to honour his martyrdom, asked: "Is this the way the government treats its heroes?"
To highlight the plight of the war victims, Saurabh Kalia's father has started an online signature campaign.
"The pain of losing a young son is hard to describe in words. But we feel contended with the fact that many citizens have supported us through online signature campaign. Till date more than 13,000 people have put up their signatures," N.K. Kalia said.
Saurabh Kalia, who was posted in Kargil as his first posting after passing out of the Indian Military Academy, did not even live long enough to receive his first pay packet as an officer.
Today, his photographs, his uniforms, shoes and mementoes are kept in his room, which has been named 'Saurabh Smriti Kaksha' (a museum), in the Kalias' four-bedroom house in the serene hills of Palampur.
The Himachal Pradesh government as a mark of respect has raised 'Saurabh Van Vihar' in a sprawling area of 35 acres here besides renaming a street in the town as Capt Saurabh Kalia Marg. A nursing college in the proposed Vivekanand Medical Research Trust Hospital here is being raised in martyr's memory.
Source: IANS
10 years on, Kargil martyr's family still fighting a 'battle'
Steps taken by the army after the Kargil war
•The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) was created.
•Line of Control (LoC) was refenced to check infiltration from across the border; new surveillance technology was installed all along the 740km of LoC.
•The army decided to keep the troops ready for war by keeping additional formations rotating.
•Clearance was given by the government to allow younger officers to assume command of battalions.
•The army headquarters decided to split the Nagrota based 15 Corps to increase its efficiency. In Leh a complete corps (14 Corps) with three divisions has been installed to guard the border in Kargil.
Steps taken by the army after the Kargil war
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Charting the course of the Indian Armed forces
Sajini Sahadevan Monday, March 16, 2009 14:08 IST
Bangalore: Imagine a chronicle of the last 100 years of a country. It could well be the most fitting mark of respect to those who battle it out for the nation, braving not just the rain of bullets, but the forces of nature as well. Commemorating its hundredth year, Sainik Samachar has been released as a special compilation issue in hardback, making it a collector's piece.
The defence journal started by the Ministry of Defence and Indian Armed Forces in 1909, Sainik Samachar (or Fauji Akhbar, as it was known before independence) has found many loyal readers among laymen. An increase in the number of literate men in the Indian Army led to the magazine being brought out in Urdu. The journal was also printed in many regional languages to cater to its readers from every corner of the
country.
In the special compilation, articles have been reproduced from editions dating back to the 30s and 50s. Articles written in Hindi on World War II have been reproduced in Roman Hindi to bring back the zest of the past. Almost 85 years since the first issue, a majority of pictures have been in black and white. Most stories have been sourced from old issues of Sainik Samachar while certain external written material has been included to shed light on subjects from World War I and II to compensate for the absence of photographs -- that were of too poor a quality to be used -- and certain issues that were lost in bulk.
The book is a chronology of milestones, as the yellowing reproductions of articles remind one of the years fraught with struggles and violence. Cartoons featuring characters from various services and advertisements of brands like Brooke Bond tea bring forth realisation of how times have changed.
Copies of important events from 1914 - 1919, originally published in the Hindi edition of Fauji Akhbar, and press releases stating important events of the time have found a place in the book.
An overseas edition was also launched from Cairo in 1959, for the benefit of troops. A single copy of Sainik Samachar cost one anna in 1909. A hundred years later, it is available at Rs 5, well within the reach of one and all.
The black and white photographs include the 3/8 Punjab Patrol in Italy during WW II; King George V and the the Queen of England being received by the governor general; proceedings of the Delhi Durbar when Delhi was declared the new capital in 1911; students attending classes on seamanship and wireless telegraphy; an aerial view of Pakistani tanks running haphazardly during the Battle of Longewala in Rajasthan; and a photograph of Sonepat, the last serving elephant of the Indian Army who was sold out of service in 1932.
Pieces written by author Mulk Raj Anand, ornithologist Dr Salim Ali and journalist Amita Malik, carried in previous editions make an appearance in the commemorative issue.
It also covers many firsts including India's first nuclear test, the launch of the first satellite Aryabhatta, the first woman general in the Indian Army etc.
The book is a comprehensive record of events that made India proud through her Army, Navy and Air Force.
Charting the course of the Indian Armed forces
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Can we still trust Pakistan?
It is said that when a nation loses sight of its history, it loses its memory and sense of direction, the result is aimless firing. This is a classic case of systematic failure of our foreign policy towards Pakistan. Pakistan’s foreign policy appears to be anchored on a ‘hate India-destroy India’ syndrome and annexing Kashmir is a part of its national agenda. The moot question is whether we can trust Pakistan with its current ‘peace’ initiative. Historically, Pakistan has not proved to be a trustworthy neighbour.
Within eight weeks of the creation of Pakistan, they pushed in hordes of tribesmen in the state of J & K in October 1947. This was the first terror attack in the world history engineered by Pakistan. The tribesmen were fully supported by Pakistan Army regulars with full fire power and logistic support.
This invasion brought misery, rape, death, arson and looting. Hindus and Sikhs were selectively butchered and this agony is difficult to forget and dangerous to remember. In spite of ground realities of Pakistan’s involvement the Pakistan government denied. This was a clear case of a blatant lie by Pakistan’s government. Not only this, the ruler of J & K state had entered into a ‘stand still’ agreement with the Government of Pakistan, Pakistan betrayed and did not honour this agreement. How can Pakistan be trusted at all?
During 1965, Pakistan launched Operation Gibraltar and infiltrated thousands of its regular army troops in guise of tribesmen and started destruction in the state of J & K. Pakistan as usual denied its role. This was another lie as documentary proof of the PoWs confirmed full involvement of the Government of Pakistan. Lal Bahadur Shastri gave a stern warning to Pakistan to stop aggression. Pakistan ignored this warning and Indian forces launched their counter attack along the cease fire line as also the International border which turned the scales in India’s favour.
In Kargil, till date, Pakistan has ashamedly denied its involvement. They have violated the Simla agreement. Incidentally the relevant clause of the Simla agreement reads as under:
“In Jammu and Kashmir, the Line of Control resulting from the cease fire line of December 17, 1971 shall be respected by both sides without prejudice to the recognized position of either side. Neither side shall seek to alter it unilaterally, irrespective of mutual differences and legal interpretations. Both sides further undertake to refrain from the threat or use of force in violation of this line”.
How can India trust such a neighbour? We lost 527 finest officers and men and Rs 6000 crores (Rs 60 billion) to evict the Pakistan army from Kargil who had crossed the line of control in utter disregard to an international agreement.
Terrorism is an industry in Pakistan and it earns maximum foreign exchange to bail out Pakistan’s economy. Billions of dollars worth loans have been waived for Pakistan. They earned billions by establishing terrorism organizations (such as Taliban) and also earned billions in dismantling/ diverting terror organizations (as happened in Afghanistan). But Pakistan denies its involvement in terrorism. Can India forget the terrorist attacks on the Indian Parliament, Red Fort (symbol of our independence), massacres of Amarnath yatris, attack on religious shrines- Akshardham, Raghunath temple and now Mumbai. How can one trust such a country?
It may not be out of place to re- narrate an anecdote when Mr Radhakrishnan as ambassador to Soviet Union met Mr Stalin and spoke a lot about non- violence and the need to live in peace with one’s neighbours. Stalin gave him a patient hearing and replied, “Mr. Ambassador, the Russian peasant is very wise. When he sees a wolf in his backyard, he kills it, he does not try to make friends with him.”
The Indian government can draw its own conclusion about its options in dealing with Pakistan. India must act and demonstrate its power and join hands with USA and Israel against terrorism in general and Pakistan in particular.
Col Indar Pal (Retd)
War Veteran
Within eight weeks of the creation of Pakistan, they pushed in hordes of tribesmen in the state of J & K in October 1947. This was the first terror attack in the world history engineered by Pakistan. The tribesmen were fully supported by Pakistan Army regulars with full fire power and logistic support.
This invasion brought misery, rape, death, arson and looting. Hindus and Sikhs were selectively butchered and this agony is difficult to forget and dangerous to remember. In spite of ground realities of Pakistan’s involvement the Pakistan government denied. This was a clear case of a blatant lie by Pakistan’s government. Not only this, the ruler of J & K state had entered into a ‘stand still’ agreement with the Government of Pakistan, Pakistan betrayed and did not honour this agreement. How can Pakistan be trusted at all?
During 1965, Pakistan launched Operation Gibraltar and infiltrated thousands of its regular army troops in guise of tribesmen and started destruction in the state of J & K. Pakistan as usual denied its role. This was another lie as documentary proof of the PoWs confirmed full involvement of the Government of Pakistan. Lal Bahadur Shastri gave a stern warning to Pakistan to stop aggression. Pakistan ignored this warning and Indian forces launched their counter attack along the cease fire line as also the International border which turned the scales in India’s favour.
In Kargil, till date, Pakistan has ashamedly denied its involvement. They have violated the Simla agreement. Incidentally the relevant clause of the Simla agreement reads as under:
“In Jammu and Kashmir, the Line of Control resulting from the cease fire line of December 17, 1971 shall be respected by both sides without prejudice to the recognized position of either side. Neither side shall seek to alter it unilaterally, irrespective of mutual differences and legal interpretations. Both sides further undertake to refrain from the threat or use of force in violation of this line”.
How can India trust such a neighbour? We lost 527 finest officers and men and Rs 6000 crores (Rs 60 billion) to evict the Pakistan army from Kargil who had crossed the line of control in utter disregard to an international agreement.
Terrorism is an industry in Pakistan and it earns maximum foreign exchange to bail out Pakistan’s economy. Billions of dollars worth loans have been waived for Pakistan. They earned billions by establishing terrorism organizations (such as Taliban) and also earned billions in dismantling/ diverting terror organizations (as happened in Afghanistan). But Pakistan denies its involvement in terrorism. Can India forget the terrorist attacks on the Indian Parliament, Red Fort (symbol of our independence), massacres of Amarnath yatris, attack on religious shrines- Akshardham, Raghunath temple and now Mumbai. How can one trust such a country?
It may not be out of place to re- narrate an anecdote when Mr Radhakrishnan as ambassador to Soviet Union met Mr Stalin and spoke a lot about non- violence and the need to live in peace with one’s neighbours. Stalin gave him a patient hearing and replied, “Mr. Ambassador, the Russian peasant is very wise. When he sees a wolf in his backyard, he kills it, he does not try to make friends with him.”
The Indian government can draw its own conclusion about its options in dealing with Pakistan. India must act and demonstrate its power and join hands with USA and Israel against terrorism in general and Pakistan in particular.
Col Indar Pal (Retd)
War Veteran
Friday, July 11, 2008
Sam Manekshaw: Tribute to the Eternal Soldier
Sam Manekshaw was a soldier of great repute, but he also built a reputation of being no respecter of men lacking integrity. Lt-General A.K. Kalkat, a former army commander in Manekshaw's regiment, remembers a conversation between Manekshaw and a general accused of misusing funds: "Sir, do you know what you are saying?" asked the general. "You are accusing a general of being dishonest." Replied Manekshaw: "Your chief is not only accusing you of being dishonest but also calling you a thief. If I were you I would go home and either shoot myself or resign. I am waiting to see what you will do." The general submitted his resignation.
Sam Manekshaw lives on......
Sam Manekshaw: Tribute to the Eternal Soldier
Comment: Sam Manekshaw's wit and humour alone was enough to accomplish his mission. He hated Court of Inquiries, Court Cases, Procrastinated Bureaucratic Bungling, Career Opportunists and the like. He got rid of corrupt Officers in his own style instantaneously and silently. We need to learn lessons now that so many Officers are under wraps, under media glare, and taking advantage of the loop holes in the legal system.
What the Media has to say, just to recapitulate:
Wallop that WoP: Sam Manekshaw deserved more respect in death By General VP Malik
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw
Time: Sam Manekshaw
If you have to die, do so around Delhi or Mumbai
Indomitable and inimitable Sam Bahadur fades away by Anil Bhat
Saluting Sam Bahadur
Obama woos Indians with Manekshaw message
India's Warrant of Precedence does not include Marshals?
Manekshaw funeral: Antony's face-saving exercise
Top honours for Sam Bahadur's last journey
With his charm, Manekshaw won hearts more than wars
Lone minister represents govt at Manekshaw's funeral
Farewell Sam Bahadur
Saluting Sam
Sam Manekshaw given final salute
I am always ready sweetie, General Manekshaw told Indira
Bahadur Sam A billion people salute their hero
NDTV: Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw dies
We thank all the officers who have kindly sent us the media links and the responses that were generated. In the loss of our legendary hero Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw we have seen the Camaraderie of the Indian Armed Forces. We salute Sam Manekshaw, Eternal Soldier. Please visit: Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw: Tributes from Officers
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Rescue of Dogra Women
Poonch Rajouri Link Up 1948
Despite the resistance created by the Opposing Forces, both Rajouri and Poonch Columns kept advancing steadily. They finally met at the rendezvous and formed into a Bde under Brig Pritam Singh. As planning for the intended attack was underway, 30 very young Dogra girls mostly pregnant, some in advanced stages, appeared suddenly. They were weeping loudly. They complained to the Bde Comdr that Muslims of the area grabbed them from their parents through intimidation and kept them in their houses against their will. They were often beaten and gang raped mercilessly. As Indian troops arrived, the Muslims ran away from their houses, leaving the girls behind. The girls found an opportunity to escape from the captivity and came running to our Column for help. They repeatedly begged the Bde Comdr for reunification with their parents.
Humane Logistics
The Dogra girls created a huge problem for the Bde Comdr. Their reunification with parents was out of question. The Bde Comdr, therefore, decided to evacuate them to Poonch, from where they could be flown by normal Dakota service to Delhi for further necessary resettlement. Under orders from the Bde Comdr a small patch of land was levelled up along side a Stream for a small aircraft to land. A small single engined two seater aircraft called Harvard was retained at Poonch for emergency use. The Bde Comdr ordered the use of that aircraft for evacuation of the girls to Poonch. The Harvard Pilot made three trips and managed to evacuate six girls.
IAF Dakota
Shortly after that, a Dakota started circling over our location. On seeing that, Brig Pritam Singh who was sitting next to me, asked me to order the Dakota Pilot to go away as we did not want him. I got in touch with the Pilot on RT and passed the Comdr’s orders, which he acknowledged immediately. Nevertheless, the Dakota kept circling and started descending by reducing the speed. The Pilot soon landed the Dakota at the levelled ground. He then got out came uphill to meet the Bde Comdr.
Pilot Reprimanded
Brig Pritam Singh was furious at the Pilot for disobedience of his orders. He threatened to take his belt off and put him under arrest. He was so angry with the pilot that he continued with his abusive slurs and outbursts in Punjabi. He said that the Dakota now has to be written off. He asked the pilot if he possessed enough money to pay the cost of the Dakota? The Pilot kept mum, listening very attentively to each of the Bde Comdr’s harsh and unpleasant words with his eyes fixed to the ground.
Permission Granted
When anger of the Bde Comdr subsided somewhat, the Pilot requested his permission to say a few words. On receiving the Comdr’s permission, he said "Sir, I have a family. In case the Dakota crashes while taking off from here, I too shall die and my family too shall suffer. That is the last thing I would like to happen. I have very long service in the Indian Air Force and a lot of experience in flying Dakotas. In case I had the slightest doubt in my mind about taking off, I would never have decided to land. Sir, Please trust me and permit me to take all the remaining girls to Delhi in the Dakota. I am positive that I shall succeed in this mission".
Rescue Mission
After careful consideration , the Bde Comdr agreed to his request. The girls were loaded in the Dakota and the Pilot took a detailed look around surrounding hills. He found a saddle between two hill- tops and decided to fly the Dakota above that saddle. He warmed up the aircraft engine for a long while. As soon as the Dakota got into motion, the Pilot put it into the ’Flying Gear’ and buzzed off through the saddle, leaving us all anxiously waiting and praying for his success. As soon as the Dakota flew past the saddle, the Pilot reported “All Clear“ on the RT. I passed his message to the Bde Comdr who took a sigh of relief. It was later learnt that the Pilot in question was appropriately decorated for this extraordinary deed of bravery in rescuing all the deserted Dogra Women.
Pritam of Poonch by Lt Gen Harwant singh
History Dogra Rule
Lt Col Pritam Singh Jauhal (Retd)
Founding President Indian Ex- Servicemen Society British Columbia
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Remembering Indo Pak skirmish 1948
Shortly after the capture of Chhawa Ridge in 1948, Brig Yadonath Singh (later Maj Gen) Comdr 19 (Indep) Inf Bde moved his Bde Tac HQ from Naushera to Rajouri. There he called a meeting of Lt Col (later Lt Gen) Jagjit Singh Arora CO 1/2 Punjab Regt, Lt Col (later Brig) KS Dhillon CO 4 Kumaon, Maj (later Brig) RP Mittal Offg CO 16 Fd Regt Arty, Maj (later Lt Col) RNR Sawhney, OC 19 (Indep) Inf Bde Sig Coy and myself. I was ordered to take part in the briefing because the sig comns I provided for the Bde in addition to my 16 Fd Regt Arty Regt during Chhawa Operation when Maj Sawhney OC Bde Sig Coy was away on leave, worked extremely well. I was personally selected by the Bde Comdr as Column Sig Offr.
Task
The Bde Comdr said “as per latest intelligence reports, adversaries have set up a large Training Centre at Mendhar between Rajouri and Poonch which I have decided to destroy. To achieve this task, since no rail/ road exists, a Column of 1/2 Punjab Regt and 4 Kumaon Regt with a Signal element, shall move on foot. The Column shall be commanded by Col Dhillon of 4 Kumaon. Adjutant 4 Kumaon shall act as Column Staff Offr and Lt Jauhal shall be the Column Sig Offr. Only guns, sig eqpt and barest min stores shall be carried on mules“. He also added “another Column of 1 Kumaon Regt under local Brig Pritam Singh shall move on foot from Poonch. Both Columns shall rendezvous 5 kilometers South of Mendhar and shall form into a Bde under Brig Pritam Singh. The Bde shall attack and destroy Mendhar Training Centre. On completion of the task, the Bde shall move on foot to Poonch. The Rajouri Column shall have a week’s rest and return on foot to Rajouri”.
Signal Plan
Maj Sawhney and I worked out a sig plan for the Operation. It was decided to establish a wireless net with Control Station at Bde Tac HQ and two outstations with Poonch and Rajouri Columns. The Control Station will be supervised by Maj Sawhney and the outstations shall be the responsibility of Lt Jauhal. The outstations shall carry two 16 feet telegraph poles each for erection of wyndom aerials. During the move of Columns, the Control Station shall remain on listening watch to enable the outstations to clear their ‘Sitreps’ as and when required.
Execution
The Rajouri Column assembled as ordered at the given place, date and time. Its sig comns were working perfectly. The Column was then ordered to move. As soon as its forward elements crossed our own outposts, they came under hostile sniper and machinegun fire. The Punjab Regt, leading the Column cleared the resistance by putting an appropriate attack and the move recommenced. Such skirmishes occurred time and time again during the move. They were immediately dealt with by our Advancing Troops. Whenever, the Column halted for some time for any reason, I ordered my wireless operators to erect the wyndom aerial as per directions given by me using a compass, which I carried all the time. The set was opened and comn established with the Control Station. At my request the Column Staff Offr originated a ‘sitrep’ which was immediately cleared to the Control Station. Incidentally, being an Operator Telegraph Class one during my rank service, I had achieved the Morse Code Sending and Receiving speed of 40 words per minutes. On many occasions I was detailed to send Test messages for Operator Telegraph Class one Reading tests. To help the Column tired signal operators, I transmitted the sitreps myself on the set. As a result of continued resistance by the Opposing Forces, speed of the Column was reduces. Besides, being Summer month it was extremely hot. The most wanted commodity by every person of the Column was cold water to quench his thirst. There being no other water source available, clean water flowing down the mountain streams was used for drinking. Spare water was carried in chhagals by every individual. Despite the resistance created by the Opposing Forces, both Rajouri and Poonch Columns kept advancing steadily. They finally met at the rendezvous and formed into a Bde under Brig Pritam Singh.
Neutralising Mendhar Training Centre
The newly coordinated Bde launched its well planned attack on Mendhar Training Centre and destroyed it completely. Brig Pritam Singh was extremely pleased with two successes. The Bde then moved to Poonch on foot where the Rajouri Column had a week’s rest in Moti Palace and adjoining buildings. On completion of the rest, the Column started its move to Rajouri following the route it had taken for its onward journey. Successfully clearing repeated resistances en route, it finally reached Rajouri on a sunny hot day.
Reliable Communications
I was on my way to see Maj Sawhney to discuss sig comns working for the Operations. On seeing me going past, Brig Yadonath Singh called me. I saluted him smartly and stood waiting to hear him say something. He simply started looking at my face curiously. Scared, I wondered what was next to come? The Brig quickly grabbed me in his arms. I was taken aback and tried to get away from him. He tightened his grip further and squeezed me. Finally he said “I know what you have done for the Column. I was receiving up to the minute information about the Column’s activities on your wireless set. I know it was only made possible by you. I never had such good sig comns in my entire service. Thank you very very much. You look completely tired and you need sleep. Pointing his right hand, he said that is my bed. Go and sleep on it.” I expressed my sincere thanks and gratitude to him for his very kind and warm words. I further said that I shall not sleep on his bed and sleep on the ground which was good enough for me.
Compliments
The next morning, the Bde Comdr called a meeting of Comdrs and expressed his great pleasure for destruction of the Mendhar Training Centre. He further said that he was receiving up to the minute information on the wireless from the Column. For that he specially commended me and my signal team for the excellent communications. I thanked him for his compliments and conveyed the appreciation to all the Signal operators.
Poonch
Lt Col Pritam Singh Jauhal (Retd)
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