Indian Army : News and Discussion

[Pranav]

On the contrary, it appears Madhav Nalapat was relating allegations in his article, while at the same time clarifying that he could not personally verify those claims.

Nalapat is quoting sources which he presumably finds credible. Obviously he would not have personal knowledge of the case.

[kunalverma]

On this forum some people had commented on the fact that there had been no public statement of condolence post the avalanches in Sonamarg and Gurez.

Just for the record, there have been 43 casualties due to extreme snow conditions this year. Each individual's family gets a personal letter besides whatever institutional help is possible. It is not the official policy to make any public statement on the issue. After all, each case, be it an individual case or where a large number of men are involved, is equally tragic.

Thought it prudent to put this across. The condition in Gurez was so bad that even the helipad was unserviceable. Despite that, men and dogs from various rescue units were slithered in. The situation in Dawar was critical as avalanches had hit the valley from both sides.

[Surya]

thanks for update Kunal

will ping you this weekend

[Viv S]

On the contrary, it appears Madhav Nalapat was relating allegations in his article, while at the same time clarifying that he could not personally verify those claims.

Nalapat is quoting sources which he presumably finds credible. Obviously he would not have personal knowledge of the case.

Well the fact that he said he couldn't verify any of claims, suggests he didn't trust the sources enough to take the information at face value. And if the news isn't good enough for him to back, no reason for anyone else to treat the third hand news as gospel.

[Pranav]

Well the fact that he said he couldn't verify any of claims, suggests he didn't trust the sources enough to take the information at face value.

Nalapat is not a policeman. He cannot interrogate and bug and wiretap people. Obviously he would have to depend on trustworthy sources. That he cannot personally verify the information is nothing but a statement of fact, there is no need to read anything more into it.

[chackojoseph]

Dagger Infantry Division organises seminar on peace in J&K

[Viv S]

Nalapat is not a policeman. He cannot interrogate and bug and wiretap people. Obviously he would have to depend on trustworthy sources. That he cannot personally verify the information is nothing but a statement of fact, there is no need to read anything more into it.

All journalists use sources. And as long as those sources are trustworthy, they don't post explicit riders stating that the information was unverifiable. If Nalapat felt the need to clarify that point, the obvious inference is that his confidence in the trustworthiness of his source, was questionable.

[Pranav]

All journalists use sources. And as long as those sources are trustworthy, they don't post explicit riders stating that the information was unverifiable. If Nalapat felt the need to clarify that point, the obvious inference is that his confidence in the trustworthiness of his source, was questionable.

That's what you are reading into it, others would see it as a bald statement of fact. If you like you can ask Nalapat whether he regards his source as untrustworthy.

[chackojoseph]

All journalists use sources. And as long as those sources are trustworthy, they don't post explicit riders stating that the information was unverifiable. If Nalapat felt the need to clarify that point, the obvious inference is that his confidence in the trustworthiness of his source, was questionable.

That's what you are reading into it, others would see it as a bald statement of fact. If you like you can ask Nalapat whether he regards his source as untrustworthy.

Viv S is correct.

[chackojoseph]

Don't revoke AFSPA : J&K Gujjar leaders

[chaanakya]

If a Journalist doesnt trust his source or the information the why publish it. To talk something which he himself doesnt believe it goes against journalistic ethics.

These sources claim that Tejinder Singh was very close to a former Chief of Army Staff and that he "knows the incoming Chief of Army Staff,Lt-General Bikramjit Singh, very well". None of these claims could be verified,especially suggestions that a such link "could influence procurement decisions by the Army in the future".

source is anonymous and attempts to link BKS in suggestive manner while at the same time distancing himself is being disingenuous and unfair to BKS.

[jamwal]

Story of a dog who served Indian Army till death.

The Dog's name was Rex.

Rex was a recipient of GOC-in-C Commendation Card for his outstanding & exemplary performance against militants.

The 9A 92 Rex, a golden Labrador was born on 25 February 1993 at RVC Centre & School Meerut. After a year's training, he was posted to 14 Army Dog Unit under Delta Force and assigned the areas adjoining the town of Bhaderwah, to help troops in trailing & tracking militants.

In March 1995, operating with troops of 25 RR in jungles of Badrot, South of Bhaderwah, he tracked a militant injured in an encounter for over 3 km in the thick of militant fire. In a chase that lasted for over four hours, he managed to recover one AK 56 rifles and an haversack containing 92 rounds.

In April 1998, out on a patrol in area Gulgandhar, security forces killed two dreaded militants and badly injured one, who managed to escape. Picking up the scent of his blood, 'Rex' went hot on the trail and moved speedily & stealthily over strenuous undulating mountains. After tracking over 2 km, he succeeded in tracing out the body of the militant in a hideout where he had succumbed to his injuries. Let out on yet another 'trial' with the QRT of CO 25 RR in Daraba near Rajouri, Rex suffered an unfortunate fall and sustained serious intestinal injuries.

He was evacuated to the nearest Army Veterinary Hospital where he developed acute gastroentrities and finally succumbed on 22 September 1999.

[chackojoseph]

source is anonymous and attempts to link BKS in suggestive manner while at the same time distancing himself is being disingenuous and unfair to BKS.

Won't comment on BKS Teji link. Worldwide, the connections sell the arms. India is no stranger to this. Even in normal everyday business, it is referrals, connections etc are source of sales.

What is a rival arms dealer is his source?

One good thing about such accusations are that it makes difficult for the concerned parties to do hanky panky deals.

[Jaybhatt]

Here is another salvo by Sam Rajappa who had earlier written a perceptive and well-researched article in The Statesman.

This one, too, is well-designed and carefully targeted. Clearly, Sam is a credit to the Coorgs. The other Coorg, who has been active in the press, Raj Chengappa, has behaved lamentably - like a true hack, doing the bidding of some hatchet persons behind the scenes.

http://www.theweekendleader.com/Causes/ ... pangs.html

[chackojoseph]

Indian Army averts major fire disaster in Nubra Valley

[VinodTK]

Forgotten : The man who won us Tawang

In 1951, Major Bob Khathing commanded a force of 200 soldiers and re-established India’s sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh, much to the annoyance of Jawaharlal Nehru
:
:

[Yayavar]

Here is another salvo by Sam Rajappa who had earlier written a perceptive and well-researched article in The Statesman.

This one, too, is well-designed and carefully targeted. Clearly, Sam is a credit to the Coorgs. The other Coorg, who has been active in the press, Raj Chengappa, has behaved lamentably - like a true hack, doing the bidding of some hatchet persons behind the scenes.

http://www.theweekendleader.com/Causes/ ... pangs.html

From the above, the following has been pointed out multiple times (though certain 'knowledgeables' on this forum and media continue to ignore it.

A confidential communication dated 1 July, 2011, from Lt-Gen. GM Nair, Military Secretary, to the Defence Secretary, and seen by Defence Minister Antony, categorically states that 10 May, 1951, was taken as the DOB by various Selection Boards for promotion of VK Singh to Brigadier in September 1996, to Major-General in October 2001 and Lt.-General in 2005.

The communal angle for JJ Singh was another wrong perpetrated. It does not smear all other Punjabis and SIkhs. Same way the behaviour of Chengappa should not in any way accrue to Coorg. Chengappa is acting on his own stead.

[ramana]

My Golden Retriever is also named Rex and he was born in May 2005!!!

Will take care off him even more after the famous Rex of IA.

Jaybhatt lets not stereotype people. The British filled us with so many of them its not easy to shake it off without an effort.

[pralay]

Story of a dog who served Indian Army till death.

The Dog's name was Rex.

Rex was a recipient of GOC-in-C Commendation Card for his outstanding & exemplary performance against militants.
.......

looks like someone posted his photo

[nelson]

Nice one by Shiv Aroor.
Who-will-save-the-Indian-Army

[Jaybhatt]

Viv and Ramana : esteemed colleagues.

Neither did I stereotype nor did I cast entire groups / communities in moulds. In fact, by pointing out the
splendid performance of one person and the lamentable conduct of another, I was merely postulating what both of you feel.
And what I feel. That one should not generalise.

So, stop getting hot under your collars.

Cheers.

P.S. Grew up with some superb Coorgs in school in the western metropolis.

[Yayavar]

To avoid any misconception one can avoid reference to origins/communities unless absolutely necessary...good to hear we are on same page otherwise .

[Jaybhatt]

For sameer_shelavale, ramana and all other dog lovers among BR Members

Hopefully, a little change from the usual subjects would be good for all of us.

As we mourn the passing away of Rex, the labrador, a true hero of the Indian Army, please permit me to remind all my confrères about the views of the great and wise French thinker, the Duc de Rochefoucauld : ""The more I see of human beings, the more I love my dogs".

[Kailash]

Sino-India joint Army drill ruled out this year

[Kanson]

Who is Lt-Gen Tejinder Singh?

As I see it, here Nalapat is not trying to prove the links with Arms cartel and the next Chief. He is here mildly making indirect accusation to goad the coming Chief (as well as laments)to rise above all those allegations.

Many times we have seen such script in Indian movies and perhaps it could be a personal experience. Elderly person to younger one, "Beta, I'm hearing those things. I know you are a good boy and I'm not going to blindly believe those things. You have earned a very good name for yourself and family. This is a situation to rise above all those petty things and prove yourself that indeed you are fit for the job and at the same time prove that all those allegations are wrong."

It is the same script that Nalapat is playing here.

He brings to print all those allegations and controversy raging quoting sources and try to say he can't verify all those things - meaning, he doesn't want to, at this time to see the merit of those allegations.
Then, he brings the topic of BKS being close to this UPA Govt but quickly mentions, he is widely believed to have excellent record in counter-insurgency operations( If Nalapat job is to pin the General, he could have used this info in a different way, making hay of all those allegations).
He continues, even Antony who earned the moniker St. Antony for 'displaying' honesty too seems to back you in this rat race and you have been made as next Chief( I see more lamenting here). So rise above all those petty things, and prove yourself the man worth for the job.

Quoting his last para that gives the message.

Sources tracking procurement within the services are,in the words of a senior officer, afraid that "once the new Chief of Army Staff takes office,enquiries initiated by General Singh may get discontinued",thereby enabling officers guilty of graft and worse to escape. Hopefully,such a suspicion will be shown to be unfounded,come June 1,2012,and that the new Chief of Army Staff will continue the house-cleaning initiated by his predecessor. General Bikramjit Singh needs to show that he is in the tradition of those fighting graft,rather than in that of certain predecessors who are known to have done the opposite.

[nelson]

The babus in PCDA Allahabad could not celebrate Golden Jubilee. Shame on them.
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120312/main4.htm

[keshavchandra]

Three NDA cadets to participate in prestigious Competition on Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) for military academies in Italy

Three cadets from the National Defence Academy will participate in the 11th edition of the prestigious Competition on Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) for military academies in Italy later this month, an officer said here Tuesday.

“Scheduled to take place at the International Institute of Humanitarian Law, SanRemo, Italy from 26-30 March 2012, Cadets Yash Sawalkar, Kiran Shashikant Landge and Akshat Joshi will take part in the competition,” the officer from the NDA said.

“The main objective behind the event is to make the cadets aware of the law of armed conflict (also called the law of war) and its application within the context of contemporary conflicts. The event also offers a forum for cadets from across the world to interact,” said Brigadier (Retd) M. B. Anand who has been guiding the cadets on LOAC.


As per the article NDA at present training around 79 cadets from friendly foreign countries. Any insight what are these friendly countries, we are giving training to their cadets?

[Sanku]

As per the article NDA at present training around 79 cadets from friendly foreign countries. Any insight what are these friendly countries, we are giving training to their cadets?

Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangla Desh (some times) smattering of African countries.

[shyamd]

Now rumour going around that VKS made unauthorised troop movements in Delhi to pressure govt. I personally doubt it.

[Jaybhatt]

FALSE RUMOURS ABOUT GEN. V.K. SINGH, COAS - BEING PEDDLED BY VESTED INTERESTS

shyamd : You say that you do not believe in these rumours. Then, why are you circulating them ?

Not logical. In fact, quite improper.

[Surya]

yeah shyamd

this is playing both sides

As it is what you are saying is rumor peddling.

whats your motive here??

[chackojoseph]

Indian Army expert in identifying light weaponry : CEO, Israel Weapon Industries Some praise here

[Pranav]

Corruption campaign upset many: Gen.

March 14, 2012

Chief of Army Staff Gen. V.K. Singh on Tuesday said action would be taken against those (officers) responsible for levelling “fictitious” and baseless allegations against the Army pertaining to unauthorised snooping, even as he maintained that the Army’s campaign against corruption had upset “a lot of people” who are responsible for levelling these allegations.

A senior serving Army officer of the rank of major-general is under the scanner, sources said. “The Army headquarters will take necessary action against some of these people. We don’t hide facts. Such fiction has to be countered. That is why the Army headquarters issued the statement (earlier),” Gen. Singh said.

“I started with a particular thing (campaign against corruption). Unfortunately, that is what is hurting a lot of people. ... People are feeling that all their wrongdoing has been exposed,” said Gen. Singh, pointing to the unearthing of the Adarsh scam. When asked by a reporter about purported land acquisition in Himachal Pradesh, he said that “salacious tarnishing of image” should be avoided and added that there were rules for acquisition of land in Himachal even by people who are not residents of the state.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels ... ny-gen-116

[abhishek_sharma]

Hasnain likely to become India's first Muslim DGMO

[andy B]

Indian Army expert in identifying light weaponry : CEO, Israel Weapon Industries Some praise here

Hmmm yes some praise there saar but sounds more like a sales pitch than anything else...I have to go through this gameplay day in and day out when the sales cowboys go in guns blazing trying to impress the client and then the sdre anal-ysts have to come in with the numbers to actually prove that the product or proposal is good for the client never gets old!

[Roperia]

I apologize in advance if this is not the right place to post it but just heard Pranab da present the union budget for 2012-13 fiscal year. The defense budget hiked from Rs 1,64,415.49 crore in 2011-12 to Rs 1,95,000 crore in 2012-13 - a steep 18.6% increase!!!

[nits]

Here is the TOI Link confirming the hike in Budget...

[alexis]

the higher allocation should take care of the modernisation needs for the forces.

[shyamd]

I think we should be pleased with the hike. Most of the increase will go towards existing liabilities. We deal in dollars, the rupee has fallen by around 12% wrt the dollar. Given that elections are not too far away, a lot were expecting a populist budget. Lets keep in mind that the economy hasn't done too well either (good but not as good as previous years) and fiscal deficit is higher hence why they had to take away excess money. This should be an incentive for MoD to spend the money before December.

[chackojoseph]

6000 youth attend Army recruitment rally in J&K