Search found 186 matches

by Mandeep
05 Jul 2011 13:19
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: My experiences in covering conflict
Replies: 32
Views: 8720

Re: My experiences in covering conflict

Wonderful article, Vishnu.
by Mandeep
17 Dec 2010 00:06
Forum: The Kargil Archive
Topic: Pakistan Army List of Killed and its Revelations.
Replies: 115
Views: 324098

Re: Pakistan Army List of Killed and its Revelations.

Innocuous sounding explanation for Zulfikar Ahmed's profile by the voice of the ISI, http://ahmedquraishi.com. An erring data entry operator did it ! Too pat by half. Along with the usual loony rants and raves about India, the Indian Army, General VK Singh, etc. Not to be taken seriously at all. The...
by Mandeep
12 Jan 2010 12:37
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: Quick Clot Kits For Jawans - 1st Round Donations Delivered!!
Replies: 347
Views: 81159

Re: Quick Clot Kits For Jawans - 1st Round Donations Delivered!!

The brief I received from the coordinators of the BRF initiative on Quicklot kits was to negotiate and arrange the donation of the equipment to a suitable formation or Regiment/Corps of the IA. After discussions I approached the Jat Regiment through its Colonel of the Regiment and Centre Commandant....
by Mandeep
25 Oct 2009 23:14
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: Quick Clot Kits For Jawans - 1st Round Donations Delivered!!
Replies: 347
Views: 81159

Re: Buying Quick Clot Kits For Our Jawans - A Humble Proposal

Thank you to Pragadeesh and the Brigadier (who's always so kind to me maybe because I'm a fellow Martinian !). We should also think in terms of a future project for the Brigadier's Regiment, the Mahars (most under-rated at one time but they proved themselves innumerable times in battle, definitely a...
by Mandeep
25 Oct 2009 21:02
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: Quick Clot Kits For Jawans - 1st Round Donations Delivered!!
Replies: 347
Views: 81159

Re: Buying Quick Clot Kits For Our Jawans - A Humble Proposal

Update on the cheque presentation to the JRC Fellow BRites the position on the project is that all permissions and approvals having been granted the decks are clear for the presentation of the money so generously raised by the patriots of the BRF for our troops’ welfare. The long delay has arisen be...
by Mandeep
21 Apr 2009 00:05
Forum: History & Current Affairs Archive
Topic: Intelligence & National Security Discussion
Replies: 4621
Views: 1363650

Re: Intelligence & National Security Discussion

So the conversation recorded on 26/11 was not done by RAW? A lot of claims were made in the media about the intercepting capabilities of Indian agencies including the Thuraya sat conversation. I bet the PM under suspicion was Gujral. Wasn't it Morarji Desai ? Seymour Hersh talked about an Indian Ca...
by Mandeep
18 Apr 2009 00:10
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: Quick Clot Kits For Jawans - 1st Round Donations Delivered!!
Replies: 347
Views: 81159

Re: Buying Quick Clot Kits For Our Jawans - A Humble Proposal

An update from my side. I've talked to some Commanding Officers (of infantry and RR battalions). They're more than willing to accept the kits. And pretty grateful too.
by Mandeep
14 Apr 2009 14:31
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: Indian Army Discussion
Replies: 398
Views: 181047

Re: Indian Army Discussion

Apropos SS Mitra's query. During combat and CI ops formation signs are never worn for reasons of OPSEC.The IA is more stringent in observing this than Western armies.However field shoulder titles used to be worn while on CI ops earlier a practice which seems to have faded away over the years. Some R...
by Mandeep
07 Apr 2009 13:09
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: Indian Army Discussion
Replies: 398
Views: 181047

Re: Indian Army Discussion

In the Chhamb-Dewa sector during the 1971 War, the Pakistanis did send an appreciative note along with the body of an Indian JCO of 8 JAKLI.
by Mandeep
01 Apr 2009 13:35
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: Indian Army Discussion
Replies: 398
Views: 181047

Re: Indian Army Discussion

I agree with the Brigadier that those in authority who overlook the needs of frontline fighting troops.That is an ongoing struggle. But I still feel that rather than risk an officious, dog in the manger, obstructive bureaucratic type torpedoing one's best laid plans, one should go ahead and supply w...
by Mandeep
01 Apr 2009 02:15
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: Quick Clot Kits For Jawans - 1st Round Donations Delivered!!
Replies: 347
Views: 81159

Re: Indian Army Discussion

Donating equipment, clothing, facilities, food etc directly to an Army unit isn't a crime. Anyone can do it. In the past I've arranged the donation of among other things solar lanterns to units commanded by my friends. The only condition I laid down was that 75% of the lanterns were for the use of t...
by Mandeep
30 Mar 2009 23:52
Forum: History & Current Affairs Archive
Topic: Intelligence & National Security Discussion
Replies: 4621
Views: 1363650

Re: Intelligence & National Security Discussion

The IB being the specialised agency for security and counter-intelligence within the country provides the same services for Indian missions abroad. Though the agency has been clamouring for a long time to take on the role of counter-terrorism abroad this has been denied to them till now by the GOI.
by Mandeep
30 Mar 2009 12:30
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: Quick Clot Kits For Jawans - 1st Round Donations Delivered!!
Replies: 347
Views: 81159

Re: Indian Army Discussion

I could put Mr Sidhu directly in touch with some COs of inf/RR bns.
by Mandeep
26 Mar 2009 15:14
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: Indian Army Discussion
Replies: 398
Views: 181047

Re: Indian Army Discussion

In terrain like what we have in Kashmir the LOC is bound to be porous. I also feel that the Indian security forces tend to lure in terrorists from POK through various stratagems in order to cause attrition, capture terrorists for the purpose of interrogation, capture weapons and equipment to increas...
by Mandeep
25 Mar 2009 23:07
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: Indian Army Discussion
Replies: 398
Views: 181047

Re: Indian Army Discussion

Ramana, there may well be more to it than meets the eye. But in no case are gallantry awards given for that kind of work.
by Mandeep
25 Mar 2009 21:13
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: Indian Army Discussion
Replies: 398
Views: 181047

Re: Indian Army Discussion

The Brigadier is absolutely right. Gallantry awards should not be cheapened in this way. I know of an officer from the Punjab Police (coincidentally he served in the BSF too) who has 4 Bars to his PPMG ! The rot has also set in to the Armed Forces with the floodgates being opened for politicisation ...
by Mandeep
25 Mar 2009 12:53
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: Indian Army Discussion
Replies: 398
Views: 181047

Re: Indian Army Discussion

Regarding the debate over the awarding of highest gallantry decorations in what we perceive as undeserving cases I did little research. The BSF has some 206 awardees of the President's Police Medal for Gallantry. Now this is the highest award for gallantry for police and para-military forces. The po...
by Mandeep
25 Mar 2009 12:48
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: Indian Army Discussion
Replies: 398
Views: 181047

Re: Indian Army Discussion

I've been advocating for years that soldiers coming home on leave or rejoining their units from the North-East and J&K be transported either through regular IAF flights or chartered commercial flights. Saves so much time and money besides being a great morale booster. I must remind everyone that...
by Mandeep
24 Mar 2009 14:56
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: Indian Army Discussion
Replies: 398
Views: 181047

Re: Indian Army Discussion

The BSF played an important role in occupying positions on the ground and establishing the authority of the Indian State in Srinagar city. This was in places that were hitherto no-go areas for the police and the Indian security forces. We've established that the BSF played an important role in count...
by Mandeep
23 Mar 2009 12:06
Forum: Military Issues & History Forum
Topic: Discussion on Indian Special Forces
Replies: 4246
Views: 1164679

Re: Discussion on Indian Special Forces

Once surprise had been lost in Op Metal (the Army action in the Golden Temple Complex), there was really no point using the SF. They had no special superiority over the normal infantry that necessiated their use.
by Mandeep
21 Mar 2009 11:47
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: Indian Army Discussion
Replies: 398
Views: 181047

Re: Indian Army Discussion

The ICRC doesn't take charge of PsOW. In any case the Pakis boasted to the world how he was 'enjoying Islamic hospitality' !
by Mandeep
21 Mar 2009 11:42
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: Indian Army Discussion
Replies: 398
Views: 181047

Re: Indian Army Discussion

My information is that only 14 Div was moved from the Dir-Bajaur area back to their KLP. There they were held in readiness for an offensive to take back the Swat valley from TTP control which never came. We know the reasons for that. This was posted on Orbat.Com at the time. Earlier 23 and 17 Divs m...
by Mandeep
21 Mar 2009 01:23
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: Indian Army Discussion
Replies: 398
Views: 181047

Re: Indian Army Discussion

An apocryphal story at best !
by Mandeep
20 Mar 2009 11:59
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: Indian Army Discussion
Replies: 398
Views: 181047

Re: Indian Army Discussion

There are very few police officers who are qualified or experienced enough to command the NSG.Those that are have never been posted to the force.There's also a reluctance on the part of junior IPS officers of say the rank of SP to be posted there. They'd much rather serve in the districts. Its only ...
by Mandeep
20 Mar 2009 00:58
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: Indian Army Discussion
Replies: 398
Views: 181047

Re: Indian Army Discussion

Correct, 13 Grenadiers are indeed a plains infantry battalion now. All infantry battalions had brass bands earlier till it became too expensive to maintain them. However 13 Grenadiers which had a major ceremonial role till 1975 have still been able to maintain their's. The Bikaner Ganga Risala had a...
by Mandeep
19 Mar 2009 15:13
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: Indian Army Discussion
Replies: 398
Views: 181047

Re: Indian Army Discussion

Horses are not only used for sports and training of cadets and officers (at the ACC&S, ASC Centre and College and RVC College and Centre) but also for operational roles in controlling animal transport and pack artillery and carrying messages. Mules are used also to carry pack artillery which is ...
by Mandeep
01 Mar 2009 15:18
Forum: Military Issues & History Forum
Topic: Discussion on Indian Special Forces
Replies: 4246
Views: 1164679

Re: Discussion on Indian Special Forces

Ray sir, It goes much deeper than that. He was stripped off his pension benefits by being dismissed one day before his retirement! He tried to go thru the courts but nothing happened. This was no average soldier but a brilliant man in most aspects, a shrewd tactician and great athlete. In the end h...
by Mandeep
01 Mar 2009 15:08
Forum: Military Issues & History Forum
Topic: Discussion on Indian Special Forces
Replies: 4246
Views: 1164679

Re: Discussion on Indian Special Forces

Raja Bose wrote:Mandeep,

Was he discharged from Army on disability ground or is he still serving? He was grievously wounded.
Raina wasn't discharged though he was grievously wounded. AFAIK he's still serving in th Army.
by Mandeep
25 Feb 2009 01:50
Forum: Military Issues & History Forum
Topic: Discussion on Indian Special Forces
Replies: 4246
Views: 1164679

Re: Discussion on Indian Special Forces

Jasbir Pal Singh Raina was from 10 Guards. Awarded the AC.
by Mandeep
06 Jan 2009 23:55
Forum: History & Current Affairs Archive
Topic: Understanding Sikh History-1
Replies: 667
Views: 74033

Re: Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji's Birthday---Congratulations to All

I don't know why people keep mentioning Mizoram/the Mizos in the context of separatism. Separatism is dead and gone in Mizoram. Has been for more than 20 years. The Mizos turned their backs on separatism in 1986 with the signing of the accord with the GOI. And they have never looked back ever since....
by Mandeep
06 Jan 2009 20:38
Forum: History & Current Affairs Archive
Topic: Understanding Sikh History-1
Replies: 667
Views: 74033

Re: Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji's Birthday---Congratulations to All

The whole crux of the problem rests on the question, is the Indic civilisation in danger of being converted ? I'd like a detailed answer with figures please. Are we jumping at imaginary shadows here ?
by Mandeep
06 Jan 2009 19:37
Forum: History & Current Affairs Archive
Topic: Understanding Sikh History-1
Replies: 667
Views: 74033

Re: Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji's Birthday---Congratulations to All

To answer Vikram, Sikhism is not a proselytising religion. While there are Gurdwaras and Sikh preachers everywhere they don't consciously try and convert anyone. Of course if someone is a believer they would be happy to baptise him and welcome him into the fold.
by Mandeep
05 Jan 2009 22:57
Forum: Terrorism Archive
Topic: Indian Response to Terrorism after Mumbai
Replies: 714
Views: 140169

Re: Indian Response to Terrorism after Mumbai

Reacting to Baljeet's post. The toughest stand taken against enemies of the country has always been that of the people of Punjab. And they don't just mouth extremist rhetoric, they're also prepared to make sacrifices in the defence of the country. History records that they've never flinched from mak...
by Mandeep
04 Jan 2009 23:58
Forum: Terrorism Archive
Topic: Indian Response to Terrorism after Mumbai
Replies: 714
Views: 140169

Re: Indian Response to Terrorism after Mumbai

Being born in Lahore doesn't mean that one is an appeaser.The overwhelming majority of people from that part of the country want a tough line to be adopted on the question of Pakistan and its sponsorship of terrorism in India as well as persistent and blatant attempts to harm this country's interest...
by Mandeep
01 Jan 2009 20:18
Forum: History & Current Affairs Archive
Topic: Intelligence & National Security Discussion
Replies: 4621
Views: 1363650

Re: Intelligence & National Security Discussion

The CBI is a most competent professional agency in the task of criminal investigation. I feel the agency should've been upgraded and strengthened as regards quality of personnel, funds, equipment, technology and wherewhithal to take on the investigation of terror crimes and act as the federal crime ...
by Mandeep
31 Dec 2008 01:12
Forum: Strategic & Security Issues Archive
Topic: India to consider sending 120,000 troops to Afghanistan
Replies: 1066
Views: 212428

Re: India to send 120,000 troops to Afghanistan

[ 1 Corps HQ Three Infantry / Mountain Divisions One Armoured Brigade One Artillery Brigade Supply and Logistics Troops. Realistic. I would add another artillery brigade or even a division. Nothing like over-powering fire power to keep the opposition's heads down. Instead of just an armoured brigad...
by Mandeep
31 Dec 2008 01:04
Forum: Strategic & Security Issues Archive
Topic: India to consider sending 120,000 troops to Afghanistan
Replies: 1066
Views: 212428

Re: India to send 120,000 troops to Afghanistan

I feel we should start with a basis of a lower figure than what has been suggested for discussion purposes.In any case what I'm talking about are the combat troops to be deployed in Afghanistan. 80,000 is a realistic figure. There will be a large number of administrative/logistic/medical/transit tro...
by Mandeep
31 Dec 2008 00:24
Forum: Strategic & Security Issues Archive
Topic: India to consider sending 120,000 troops to Afghanistan
Replies: 1066
Views: 212428

Re: India to send 120,000 troops to Afghanistan

Lets pick the brains of our experts. If India agrees to send 80.000 troops what composition should the force have ? Both in terms of what BRites want and what might be a realistic assessment of what the GOI would send. After all ultimately its the GOI with its analysis of all political,military and ...
by Mandeep
30 Dec 2008 20:16
Forum: Strategic & Security Issues Archive
Topic: India to consider sending 120,000 troops to Afghanistan
Replies: 1066
Views: 212428

Re: India to send 120,000 troops to Afghanistan

What does everyone think about the domestic political fallout of any decision to send Indian troops to fight the Taliban and Pakistani-sponsored militias/insurgent groups in Afghanistan ? What for instance will the BJP say ? What about regional parties ? The Commie reaction is pretty much predictabl...