Jottings

From Today's Papers - 31 Jan 2012

2012-01-31T08:21:00.000+05:30

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120131/nation.htm#17

14 nations to join India in naval exercise

New Delhi, January 30

Aiming to strengthen cooperation among navies in the region, Indian Navy will host 14 of its counterparts from South East Asia, Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region for eighth edition of Milan exercise in Andaman and Nicobar Islands starting Wednesday.

The five-day exercise will see participation of Seychelles and Mauritius for the first time in the event where nine countries including India will field warships. — PTI

http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/UAV-from-3-Idiots-now-part-of-defence-forces/Article1-804371.aspx

UAV from 3 Idiots now part of defence forces

The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) that awed viewers in the Bollywood hit 3 Idiots has been officially inducted into the paramilitary forces. The Border Security Force (BSF) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) are using the drone, titled ‘Netra’, in counter-insurgency

operations.

The autonomous UAV for surveillance and reconnaissance was inducted into the paramilitary forces last month while the army, navy and several state police forces have shown a keen interest in acquiring it, say its makers.

It was developed by Ideaforge Technology Pvt Ltd, a company floated by a group of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Mumbai alumni, and the Pune-based Research and Development Establishment (Engineers) laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

DRDO, after watching the film, tied up with IdeaForge to refine the Netra. It is designed specifically for anti-terrorist and counter-insurgency operations in forested areas. It can be used in hostage situations, border infiltration monitoring, local law enforcement operations, search and rescue operations, disaster management and aerial photography.

“Ten units of Netra have already been taken by the DRDO for research related works in their laboratories like Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) in Manali while less than a dozen have been provided to paramilitary forces,” IdeaForge vice-president (marketing and operations unmanned systems) Amardeep Singh said. “We have given the right of production to IdeaForge and those interested in buying it can get in touch with the company,” Alok Mukherjee, head of DRDO’s robotics division, said.

The company is now working on the next version of Netra in order to increase the flight time from the present 30 minutes per battery charge. It can fly within a radius of 1.5 km at an altitude of around 200 metres.

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/india-rampstiesmyanmar-thailand/463282/

India ramps up ties with Myanmar, Thailand

Jyoti Malhotra / New Delhi Jan 31, 2012, 00:38 IST

The road from Moreh, a town on the Manipur-Myanmar border, to Imphal was used by the Japanese army in 1944 to come right inside the heart of British India’s north-east, even challenging the might of the empire.

For decades thereafter, the Imphal-Moreh road as well as other border roads in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland were pretty much left to their own fate, as India deliberately ignored the development of border infrastructure, fearful of easing an enemy’s passage inside the country once it had broken through the frontier.

But as India revamps its mindset on border areas and begins to look at neighbouring states — such as Myanmar and Bangladesh — as part of a contiguous hinterland that must also participate in India’s economic growth, the first glimmer of a shift in South-East Asia’s balance of power is becoming slowly apparent.

Take the stream of visitors making their way to Delhi recently, in the run-up to India’s commemoration in December 2012 of its “Look-East policy” and its 20-year-old partnership with the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean).

Vietnamese president Truong Tan Sang’s official visit last October was quickly followed by Myanmarese president Thein Sein, also in October. Last week, just as Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, 44, arrived in the capital to attend the Republic Day parade, the first woman head of government in several decades, Myanmar foreign minister Maung Lwin was departing Delhi’s shores.

Interestingly, 2010’s chief guest at the Republic Day ceremonies was South Korean president Lee Myung-bak, while last year’s chief guest was Indonesian president Susilo Yudhoyono, the latter a key member of Asean.

Yingluck, whose closeness to her brother and former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is an open secret, is a businesswoman, as well as married to one. She is expected to follow in Thaksin’s footsteps, which is to promote a CEO-like approach to governance, even though Thaksin, still a billionaire, remains in exile in London and Dubai.

That school of thought clearly struck a chord in Delhi last week, through the official dialogue as well as at her meeting with the industry associations. Annual India-Thailand trade currently touches $7.5 billion, but with Yingluck proposing greater Thai investment in India — in the hotel industry, in the food-and-vegetable cold chain — chances are that both countries will double their target by 2015.

Still, it was Yingluck’s offer to India to invest in an Italian-Thai joint venture that is seeking to build a world-class port and attendant infrastructure in the Dawei special industrial zone on Myanmar’s south-western coast, that has stirred the tea leaves in the region.

Dawei’s geographical location — on the isthmus that separates the Andaman Sea from the Gulf of Thailand — is so compelling that it has the potential to completely transform India’s relationship with Asean as well as East Asia.

Both Chennai and Kolkata are just across the Bay of Bengal, and both countries are already talking in terms of ramping up connectivity across this large lake by introducing ferries to Yangon, as well as Dawei.

As Myanmar emerges from its self-imposed isolation and reaches out to the world, and the world returns the compliment, Dawei could soon become a major stop on the maps of merchant ships.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s recent visit to Yangon and her announcement that the US would soon revoke sanctions on Myanmar (this is expected to happen once democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi participates in the April elections) is both a reaffirmation of the democratic spirit in Myanmar — as well as the US return to challenging China’s rising power in Asia.

In Clinton’s wake, from Pakistan to France, the world is beating a path to Myanmar’s door. Pakistani president Asif Ali Zardari has been the most recent visitor, but dignitaries from France, UK and Australia have travelled both to its interior capital, Naypydaw, as well as paid obeisance to Suu Kyi in Yangon. Interestingly, Myanmar’s parliamentary speaker, Shwe Mann, told his Indian counterpart, Lok Sabha Speaker, Meira Kumar, as well as Indian officials during his visit here in December, that “India’s model of inclusiveness was a model for Myanmar.”

Myanmar’s foreign minister, Maung Lwin, reiterated the message last week, giving Prime Minister Manmohan Singh a detailed account of Myanmar’s “planned and orderly commitment to reform,” both economic and political. Agreements with several dissident ethnic groups have been reached, he said, and discussions with those holding out, such as the Kachins, remain on the cards.

India’s trade and economic figures with Myanmar, at $1.25 billion, are low, especially when compared to Myanmar’s trade relationship with China, touching $4 billion. Myanmar exports natural resources, such as timber, and agricultural products such as kidney beans or ‘rajma’, to India, while India exports machinery, industrial equipment, pharmaceuticals and consumer goods.

Nevertheless, Delhi remains heartened by the fact that only days before Thein Sein came to India last October — he began his visit by paying his respects to Buddha’s shrine in Bodh Gaya — the Myanmarese cancelled a $3.6-billion dam that China was building in their country.

Thailand’s proximity means it is a natural player in Myanmar. Besides the Dawei investment, the Chinese news agency Xinhua reported last week quoting the New Light of Myanmar, four foreign companies were forming a joint venture with three domestic companies to run a special economic zone in Pathein, in the Ayeyawady region, also in south-western Myanmar. Two of the four foreign companies are from Thailand, one from Hong Kong and the fourth from Indonesia.

Indian officials point out that strategic interest in Myanmar, as well as in the greater Asean region, can only be complemented by “greater Indian business interest. Indian companies should take advantage of the fact that India refused to kowtow to US pressure and withdraw from Myanmar. Now as Myanmar opens up, they have to be first off the mark,” one official told Business Standard.

Essar and ONGC Videsh are making money from their 20 per cent stake in an oil block off the Rakhine coast, officials point out, while a detailed project report on building a 1,200-Mw project on the Chhindwin river is almost ready.

Officials say they hope the private sector will make use of India’s $500-million credit announced during Thein Sein’s visit to improve ties with Myanmar.

Delhi’s intention to expand its presence in the region is at last showing on the ground. Finally, 132 km of a beautiful, road from Moreh, the Manipuri border town, and across the border to Mandalay, as well as the last 165-km stretch to Mandalay has been built.

With the Thais also building their share of the stretch from Myanmar, the trilateral highway between India, Myanmar and Thailand could soon put India’s neglected north-east in the heart of Asean’s action.

http://truthdive.com/2012/01/30/Pak-hardliners-openly-spew-anti-India-US-Israel-venom.html

Pak hardliners openly spew anti India, US, Israel venom

Islamabad, Jan 30 (ANI): Various hardliners, including the Pakistan Defence Council (PDC) have warned the government against reopening of NATO supply routes, threatening strikes and sit-ins if the rulers compromised on the issue.

They said that they strongly opposed any compromise over the blood of Pakistan Army and tribal brothers in return for dollars.

Demanding that drone attacks should be stopped immediately, PDC Chairman Maulana Samiul Haq said the government should resort to the path of jehad instead of trying to appease the US by supporting its policies.

Haq said that they wanted peace and stability in the country, but if the US, India, Israel or any other power dared aggression, they would be responded to with full force, adding that the whole nation was united for the defence of Pakistan.

He further said that India, which allegedly was responsible for the killings of tens of thousands of Muslims, should not be given the status of Most Favoured Nation (MFN).

Jamaatud Dawa (JuD) chief Professor Hafiz Muhammad Saeed even went to the extent of saying that all religious parties would stop NATO supplies to US soldiers in Afghanistan by force if the government doesn’t announce a date for quitting the American war on terror.

Saeed further said that the US and India were highly worried because of their defeat in Afghanistan, and therefore they have launched a propaganda campaign against Pakistan.

He said that India begged Washington not leave it alone in Afghanistan but Americans assured New Delhi they would get her declared most favoured nation by Pakistan.

Saeed also said that the “Multani prime minister” is quick to accepting his mistakes like his retreat on Abbottabad operation and a statement in Supreme Court. “I advise him to confess this land was used against Afghanistan.”

“Let’s seek forgiveness from Allah. Let’s accept publicly that the strategic partnership with US was a wrong decision,” he added.

Chairman of the council and chief of JUI-S Maulana Samiul Haq administered oath to the participants, who pledged not to hesitate in sacrificing their lives for the sake of the country and for foiling American, Indian and Israeli conspiracies. (ANI)

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/Maiden-Fauji-Mela-enthralls-audience/articleshow/11682455.cms

Maiden Fauji Mela enthralls audience

GUWAHATI: The first 'Fauji Mela' exposition held by 4th Corps at the historic Darrang College ground in Tezpur on Sunday was opened with a heartrending song by Bhupen Hazarika 'Koto Juwanor Mrityu Hoi', which he wrote while sitting at the Bomdila Club after the Sino-Indian War in 1962.

Defence spokesman Lt Col S S Phogat said the event organised by the 4thCorps headed GOC Lt Gen Shakti Gurung was inaugurated by chief minister Tarun Gogoi. "The exposition was aimed to showcase the strength, organization and capabilities of the Indian army to the people of the state. The finesse of its conduct by the Gajraj Corps made it an event to cherish," the spokesman stated.

The theme of the Fauji Mela was, 'We care for our People'. The role of the army in national integration manifested itself in the event. The chief minister's wife, Dolly Gogoi, also present at the mela which was attended by several senior civil and military dignitaries, including chief secretary NK Das.

The highlight of the mela was a well choreographed display of combat power comprising of combat free fall by commandos, mock attacks, battle drills and a high energy charge by Gorkha soldiers severing the heads of the enemy with their khukris. There was also a captivating display of skills by the army dog unit and delightful trick riding on mules exemplified the cohesiveness of the army jointmanship with the Air Force.

The event was witnessed by over 10,000 spectators, the spokesman added.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/More-Army-resistance-over-AFSPA-than-I-would-have-liked--Omar/905481/

More Army resistance over AFSPA than I would have liked: Omar

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed surprise over “more resistance” from the Army over withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from certain areas of Jammu and Kashmir despite assurances that their interests would be protected.

Maintaining that discussions on partial withdrawal of AFSPA were on, Omar said the Army never had a counter-insurgency role in Srinagar district as it was always the state police and CRPF playing the role. “Unfortunately, there is more resistance than I would have liked from the Army for the reasons I don’t understand. It’s a considered decision that the areas that we are looking at for the removal of AFSPA are the areas where we don’t require the Army to operate.” He said the state was ready to take into consideration rightful concerns of the Army.

“We understand Army has certain concerns regarding their establishment whether it is Badami Bagh (Cantonment area), Sharifabad and Tattu ground (army camps). We are saying those areas... we will keep them out of ambit...,” he said.

‘India’s rights record in 2011 disappointing’

New York: Human rights record of India in 2011 got a thumbs down from a leading global rights group for its “failure” to protect vulnerable communities and rapped the government for custodial killings and police abuses. Human Rights Watch (HRW) also criticised the government for its inaction in repealing the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and for remaining silent on the “gravest abuses” in countries like Syria.

In its World Report 2012, Human Rights Watch assessed progress on human rights during the past year in more than 90 countries. In India’s case, HRW said it has been a “disappointing year for human rights”.

“Custodial killings, police abuses including torture, and failure to implement policies to protect vulnerable communities marred India’s record in 2011 as in the past,” HRW said in its report.

From Today's Papers - 30 Jan 2012

2012-01-30T08:55:00.000+05:30

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120130/main3.htm

Army Chief's Age Row-Part 6

A matter of propriety vs integrity

By Raj Chengappa Editor-in-Chief

Gen VK SinghIf the Government believed that the issue regarding the date of birth of General Vijay Kumar Singh had been settled once he had been appointed as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on 31 March 2010 it would soon be mistaken.

Singh would bring it up again raising serious questions about propriety apart from misuse of office. There was a feeling that the General should have distanced himself from investigations into his age issue because as COAS the two crucial wings involved, the Military Secretary's (MS) Branch and the Adjutant General's (AG) Branch now reported to him. But we are getting ahead of the chronology of events.

After Singh took over as COAS, there was a six month lull on the age issue before it was reopened in the most curious fashion. In October 2010, the Army's Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) got a flurry of queries under the Right To Information (RTI) Act with regard to General V.K. Singh's date of birth.

The RTI route

On 11 October 2010, Lt Col Attar Singh living in Delhi requested information as to whether a Court of Inquiry had been conducted with regard to "the determination of the correct date of birth" of VK Singh, COAS. The MS Branch then directed the query to the AG's branch stating, "it is the official custodian in respect of the information sought." The AG's Branch replied on 29 December 2010 that, "no Court of Inquiry has been conducted" on the subject.

Meanwhile, on 14 October 2010, Attar Singh had sent another RTI query, "seeking information as to the number of instances wherein the MS Branch had effected changes in the date of birth of the serving officers and ranks after two years of their commissioning. "The MS Branch replied on 17 November 2010 that there were five such cases where dates of birth were changed after the statutory period of two years. The point being that Singh's case was not unusual.

Then on 28 October 2010, Dr Kamal Taori, a retired IAS officer, requested information regarding anomalies in Singh's age with regard to his matriculation certificate and the Army records. Taori also wanted to know the age and date of birth of five serving General Officers of the army. There was another similar query by Ravikesh K Sinha, said to be a lawyer, on 12 January 2011.

In the interim, there occurs an apparently unrelated exchange of letters starting 25 November 2010 between the Indian Military Academy (IMA) and the National Defence Academy (NDA) from the Adjutant General's (AG) Branch AAG Manpower Planning, MP, 6 (A) with regard to verification of the documents of Gentleman Cadet's prior to being commissioned to the Army. General Singh cited these documents to bolster his arguments in his subsequent petitions to the Government on the age issue.

On 14 February 2011 in response to Taori's RTI query, Major General Satish Nair, ADG MP, put out an unusually detailed letter to Inder Kumar, Legal Advice (Defence), LA (Def) Ministry of Law and Justice, that concluded, "The documents held with the AG's Branch would lead only to one conclusion that the date of birth in respect of the officer is… 10 May 1951."

Nair then stated, "Before reply to the RTI query to the applicant is given, advice of the LA (Defence) is requested on the above facts and circumstances on the issue whether the date of birth may be informed to the said application as 10 May 1951."

Startlingly, on such a significant matter, Inder Kumar, replies to Nair's letter on the same day i.e. 14 February 2011. It is an extremely detailed reply containing even Supreme Court judgments on the matter. Kumar's opinion concluded: "We are of the view that the DOB recorded in the High School Certificate is having a greater evidentiary value. The PIO may accordingly give a reply to the applicant holding the DOB (Date of Birth) as 10 May 1951."

On 23 February, 2011 an innocuous reply is sent to Taori by Brigadier A.K. Tyagi of the RTI Section giving an annexure that shows that the date of birth of General Singh as per AG records is 10 May 1951 and that of his High School Certificate is also 10 May 1951. Similar information is provided for five other general officers that the RTI petitioner had asked for.

On 25 February 2011, Nair, the ADG, MP, then wrote to Deputy MS (X) ordering that, " The following amendment be made in the records of the COAS by the MS branch with info to all concerned that, "For: 10 May 1950; Read: 10 May 1951. The above amendment is in accordance with advice of LA (Def) and accepted on file by the Ministry of Law."

MS doesn't play ball

There is no immediate reply from the MS Branch. Meanwhile, Brigadier Tyagi writes another letter to Taori, the RTI applicant, on 8 March 2011 offering "additional information" and stating, "In this connection the Date of Birth as record in the HSC (Rajasthan Board) as well other documents of IC 24173 Gen VK Singh COAS is 10 May 1951. There are no averments in this regard. However, there was an omission in one Branch and as advised by LA (Def), Ministry of Law and Justice, necessary correction is being made to correct the omission."

MoD called in

The MS Branch though does not cooperate with the AG Branch and wanted MoD clearance to be obtained on such a significant issue. R. Chandrashekaran, the Deputy MS, in his letter of 16 March 2011 to Nair, the ADG MP, stated, "As per policy…changes in the date of birth in respect of Commissioned Officers are required to be accepted by the Competent Authority in the MoD. It is requested that requisite approval of the Competent Authority to the acceptance of the change in the instant case be obtained and intimated to this Branch to enable relevant records being amended accordingly."

Nair of AG's Branch is back with a detailed reply on 21 March 2011, clarifying that, "the subject case does not pertain to request for change in the date of birth of the said officer but only a correct after a mistake has come to light." He claimed that the "MoD had been informed about the same" and " in light of the facts stated above you may initiate necessary action at your end to correct the anomaly of incorrect entry of the date of birth of the said officer in your records."

Adding to the pressure on the MS Branch is a reply sent by M.D. Paliath, Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Officers), CDA, to the AG's Branch on 30 March 2011 referring to the RTI query and stating that its records from the time of VK Singh's commissioning show the date of birth as 10 May 1951.

MoD gets tough

The MoD was alerted of the matter when the AG's branch sent a communication to its Establishment Branch and clearly looked upon it as transgression of accepted procedure. Subhash Chandra, Joint Secretary (G and Air), in his letter of 29 March 2011 to the Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar, stated, "It must be pointed out that the RTI applicant has sought information. The AG has clearly gone beyond the furnishing of information to getting an issue investigated by the LA( Def), Ministry of Law and proceeding to rectify an omission by another branch. This is most irregular as it involves the date of birth of the COAS and has implication for his tenure."

In the letter Chandra pointed out that Singh at the time of the selection of COAS had accepted his date of birth as 10 May 1950. He stated: "Thus Gen VK Singh's date of birth is a settled matter as far as the Government is concerned. It is surprising that the AG Branch has not taken note of these developments which are in its knowledge… Instead of furnishing facts to the applicant, the AG Branch has empowered itself to change the official date of birth of the COAS as 10 May 1951 on the basis of an RTI application."

On 4 April 2011, the MoD formally sought clarifications from the Army HQ, asking it four telling questions: 1) what is the policy for effecting such corrections and who is the Competent Authority 2). Who approved the correction of dates 3). What was the legal issue referred to the Ministry of Law and Justice? A copy of the reference made to the LA (Def) may be furnished 4). Why was the issue not routed through the Ministry of Defence as per norms?

AG dodges query

To which the AG Branch in its reply of 18 April 2011, claimed that as "it is the custodian of all such records of date of birth, the said Branch is competent to convey to any other Branch in case any correction in error is required." But on the question as to why it bypassed the MoD it blandly stated, "It is our understanding that the office of LA (Def) is an integral part of the MoD and hence clarifications, owing to a legal nature, was referred to it; this is a normal practice in all legal matters related to other cases also. If, however, there are instructions to the contrary the same may please be intimated for our information and necessary action."

Meanwhile, Singh was apparently drumming up support for his case even approaching the Prime Minister's Office. On 21 April 2011, Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar received an unsigned petition from VK Singh that had been submitted to TKA Nair, the then Principal Secretary to the PM, enclosing all the documents of his case including the LA (Def) advice on the matter.

As the matter had turned extremely serious, Chandra in his letter to Pradeep Kumar, Defence Secretary on May 6, 2011, pointed out, "The amendment of the date as a 'technical' correction of an error at this stage by the AG Branch of AHQ on the basis of an RTI application in direct consultation with the Law Ministry without bringing the entire facts to the latter's notice has given rise to a situation where the date of birth is effectively getting changed to 10 May 1951 without the officer himself applying for a change. This issue has implications on the tenure of the officer concerned and the organisation. It also has implications of setting a precedent that may override extant procedures."

Antony acts

Chandra recommended getting the opinion of the Attorney General of India Goolam Vahanvati on the issue. Kumar agreed with Chandra and in his note of 7 May 2011 to Defence Minister AK Antony on the file stated "A decision regarding amendment in the date of birth of the COAS will have implications on the succession plan on the Army. The possibility of those affected by the decision seeking redressal in the court of law cannot be ruled out. Therefore, it is essential that whatever decision the Government takes in this sensitive matter should be defendable in a court of law." Antony gave his approval on 9 May 2011 and the matter was referred to Vahanvati.

On 16 May 2011, Vahanvati in his 22 page reply to the MoD got into great detail with case studies that have been brought out in the previous parts of the series by The Tribune. He takes a serious view of the transgressions by the AG's Branch using an RTI query to change Singh's date of birth and states, "I find the procedure which was adopted completely untenable in law and to put it mildly, strange. Both on facts and in substance the reply to the queries on the RTI application make disturbing reading."

Vahanvati then came down strongly on Army HQ stating: "In my opinion… there is a clear case of estoppels and waiver and this position in law is well settled." The charge of estoppels is serious as, by dictionary definition it is 'a legal principle that bars a party from denying or alleging a certain fact owing to the party's previous conduct, allegation or denial.' Vahanvati concludes, "My answer to the query is that the amendment of the date of birth is not legally tenable and the issue cannot be reopened at this stage on any basis whatsoever."

Raising doubts

Singh though is not waiting for Vahanvati's verdict. On 12 May 2011, he gives a detailed petition to Defence Minister Antony, "seeking justice from the Hon'ble Raksha Mantri based on facts and records," as he is known for his "judicious, dispassionate, unbiased and kind nature." He charges the MoD of trying to "confuse the entire issue" as a "change in his date of birth" when it was one of "reconciliation of wrong records."

Raising doubts over the decision of the MoD to refer it to Attonery General Vahanvati, Singh stated that the " whole process smacks of prejudice and malice as a mere legal advice unilaterally obtained cannot be enough to change the date of birth followed for 41 years." Apart from charging the MoD of sending "tailor-made" queries to ensure his plea is rejected he startles the MoD by stating that he is attaching "advice obtained by my well wishers from two former Chief Justices of India for your perusal."

Odd actions

The MoD waits for Vahanvati to give his opinion before taking up VK Singh's petition to Antony. It is clearly upset with Singh asking for opinion from two former Chief Justices of India without consulting it. Joint Secretary Chandra in his note of 1 June 2011 to the Defence Secretary Kumar pointed out, "It is odd that the Gen Singh and the then DG MP&PS Lt Gen VK Chaturvedi have in a personal matter of the COAS chosen to make a reference to two former Chief Justices of India. Justice G.B. Patnaik has commented that he is unable to comment on the Attorney General's opinion as he has not seen it whereas Justice J.S. Verma had remarked that while he has perused the opinion furnished by the LA (Def) to the AG's Branch, it is true that the Attorney General has taken a different view, it is likely the query for his opinion may not be framed correctly."

Chandra recommended that since two former CJI's have given their opinion they should get another opinion from Vahanvati. Kumar concurred with Chandra and in a note on 7 June 2011 requested Antony to clear the proposal to get a second opinion from Vahanvati which he does on 8 June 2011.

Out of the loop

Vahanvati in his second opinion dated 21 June 2011 pointed out, "The reference by the AG Branch to Justice Verma directly is highly unusual since the proper and well laid down procedures have not been followed. The Ministry of Defence as well as the Law Ministry was kept out of the loop and excluded completely."

He then takes on the query raised to Justice Patnaik by Singh's "well-wishers" that whether "the Central Government could rely on an opinion of the Attorney General of India which was based on tailor made queries." To make his point Vahanvati quoted from the Union Law Secretary's note dated 9 June 2011 in which he stated, " The opinion given by the LA (Def) which has been countersigned by the Additional Secretary cannot be treated as a legal opinion for the purpose of change of date of birth."

The Law Secretary's note also stated that the reference made by the AG's branch to the LA (Def) " did not have any comments or views of the MoD who are the concerned authority for ordering any change in the date of birth of the concerned officer." The note further observed, "Moreover such matters should have been placed for consideration at the highest level in this Ministry. I may point out that it is the consistent practice in this Department that all important matters especially in relation to very senior officers are invariably shown to the Law Secretary and Law Minister. The reply of the Legal Adviser (Defence) may be abrogated for these reasons."

Vahanvati dismisses VK Singh's suggestions that the queries to him by the MoD were "tailor-made" stating, "to impute motives to the MoD is not only unwarranted but in bad taste." He ended by stating that, "taking all aspects into consideration I see no reason to revise my opinion."

A month later, based on Vahanvati's advice and having sought the concurrence of the Defence Minister, Joint Secretary Chandra sends an office memorandum on 21 July 2011 to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) VK Singh, the Adjutant General (AG) and the Military Secretary (MS) that declares the AG's note of February 25, 2011 as, "unauthorised and illegal."

Null and void

Chandra's memo then stated, "The Central Government therefore declares order No 12918/RTI/MP-6(a) dated February 25, 2011 directing to amend the date of birth of Gen VK Singh (IC-24173), COAS to read as 10 May 1951 instead of 10 May 1950 as recorded, as null and void and non est. The officer's official date will continue to be maintained as 10 May 1950 (Tenth May, Nineteen Hundred and Fifty)." This was then issued as a formal Government Order on 22 July 2011.

On 26 August 2011, General Vijay Kumar Singh became the first Chief of Army Staff, to file a statutory complaint with the Union Defence Minister AK Antony seeking redressal of his age issue. On 30 December 2011, the MoD rejected his statutory complaint "by order and in the name of the President," for reasons discussed in The Tribune series. The order stated, "His officially recognised date of birth will continue to remain 10 May 1950. Accordingly there are no grounds for interfering with the impugned Official Memorandum dated July 21, 2011 and the Government order dated July 22, 2011."

Over to Supreme Court

When the Government had admitted Singh's statutory complaint it had held in abeyance its July 22, 2011 Order that his date of birth remain as 10 May 1950 and all the Army branches to conform its records with it. But with its 30 December 2011 order, the hold was lifted. On 23 January 2012, the MoD sent a note to the AG ordering it to reconcile its records. (see front page report)

Meanwhile, on 16 January 2012, in another unprecedented step by a Chief of Army Staff, Singh filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court challenging the Government's order. The first hearing is fixed for February 3, 2012. The highest court of the land will now give its verdict on one of the most contentious and messiest issues concerning the Army Chief that India has seen since Independence.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120130/main2.htm

Ministry takes on Army Chief on age controversy

Orders AG to correct DoB in records

Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 29

With less than five days to go for the Supreme Court to hear a petition filed by Army Chief General VK Singh seeking reconciliation of his date of birth, it has now emerged that the Ministry of Defence, last week, directed the Adjutant-General branch, the record-keeper of the Army, to maintain the General's date of birth (DoB) as May 10, 1950. It says the DoB of May 10, 1951, recorded by the AG branch and claimed by the Army Chief, was "not correct".

The latest order is a follow-up to the rejection of the statutory complaint filed by General VK Singh on the matter. The statutory complaint was rejected by Defence Minister AK Antony on December 30, 2011. The General filed his petition in the Supreme Court on January 18 and it is listed for hearing on February 3.

Sources said the MoD in its latest order of January 23, 2012, has asked the AG to "strictly" comply with its order dated July 21, 2011, and also sought a compliance report, at the earliest. The letter, accessed by The Tribune, says, "Now that the statutory complaint stands disposed and the redressal sought by General VK Singh has not been granted…. Gen VK Singh's officially recognised date of birth will continue to remain May 10, 1950, and that there are no grounds for interfering with the impugned order dated July 21, 2011."

On July 21, 2011, the MoD had decided the issue and fixed May 10, 1950, as the Army Chief's DoB. This order had said that an earlier order dated February 25, 2011, (in which the ADG MP of the AG branch had directed to amend the date of birth of Gen VK Singh, to read as May 10, 1951, instead of May 10, 1950, as recorded) was declared to be null and void and non est.

"In other words, May 10, 1951, maintained as the date of birth of Gen VK Singh by the AG Branch is not correct," The MoD's latest order says and goes on to add that its July 21, 2011, order was "not legally infirm and any apprehension expressed in this behalf has no basis".

In his statutory complaint dated August 26, 2011, General VK Singh had requested the MoD (in para 94 of his complaint) to "reconsider and withdraw" its order dated July 21, 2011, and "decide whether the AG Branch, the official record-keeper of the date of birth, is correctly maintaining his date of birth as May 10, 1951".

The MoD, in its explanation for acting now, says, since the DoB issue was part of the statutory complaint hence it was decided to wait for its disposal.

The MoD has also clarified the contention that no inquiry had been conducted by the Army headquarters nor had the AG's branch been co-opted or kept informed about the same. It cites a January 30, 2008, letter by the then Military Secretary (Lt Gen Avadesh Prakash) which said with the approval of the then Chief (Gen Deepak Kapoor), "a detailed examination in consultation with the AG's branch with regard to verification of date of birth in respect of Lt Gen VK Singh, has been carried out...the date of birth in respect to the officer continues to be maintained as May 10, 1950".

Compliance sought

n The latest order is a follow-up to the rejection of the statutory complaint filed by General VK Singh on the matter. The statutory complaint was rejected by Defence Minister AK Antony on December 30, 2011

n The General filed his petition in the Supreme Court on January 18 and it is listed for hearing on February 3

n The MoD in its latest order of January 23, 2012, has asked the AG to "strictly" comply with its order dated July 21, 2011 and also sought a compliance report at the earliest.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120130/nation.htm#25

12 yrs on, fighter deal ready to be sealed

Ajay Banerjee/TNS

New Delhi, January 29

India's much-delayed effort to upgrade the fighter aircraft fleet of the Indian Air Force is set to fructify soon. At present, a specially-picked team of the Ministry of Defence and the IAF is making final calculations to decide the winner of the $10.4 billion (Rs 54,000 crore) deal - the biggest single defence purchase by New Delhi.

Sources pointed out that it could just be a matter of days before the winner is announced. "It could be in the next 10 days," said an official indicating that the process which began in 2000 is being finalised.

According to the Defence Procurement Procedure, the lowest bidder will be chosen to supply 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA). However, a complex set of calculations is being done to arrive at the lowest bidder. This is to factor in the cost of the life cycle of the plane, maintenance, spares and minute details like operational cost.

Two European fighters - Eurofighter Typhoon and Dasault Rafale - are in the race. The Eurofighter is owned by four partner nations Germany, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom while the Dasault Rafale is a French company.

The announcement will signify an important shift in India's long-term strategy. The winner of the deal will develop fighter aircraft manufacturing capabilities in India. Presently, some Russian-origin Sukhoi-30MKI are assembled here while light combat aircraft Tejas is manufactured in India.

Once the MMRCA deal is through, 18 aircraft will be delivered in fly-away condition while the rest will be made at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The size of the contract could eventually go up to 200 aircraft as there is a provision to increase the order by 50 per cent without any price hike.

In April 2011, the IAF, after testing the original six international bidders on 643 parameters across varied flying conditions like the summer heat of the deserts and extreme cold of Leh in Jammu and Kashmir, down selected four of them.

Among those who lost out in the first round were F-18-A of Boeing, F-16 produced by Lockheed Martin, MiG 35 made by Russia's United Aircraft Corporation and Gripen manufactured by Sweden's SAAB.

Earlier this month, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne told reporters that he was hopeful that in another two-weeks time, one of the two bidders would be chosen.

New Delhi had floated the tender for 126 MMRCAs at an estimated cost of $10.4 billion in August 2007. The IAF had first suggested the need for newer planes in 2000 after the MiG 21s started crashing on a regular basis.

India ordered a new lot of Sukhoi-30 MKI, has upgraded the MiG 29 and now, signed a deal for the upgrade of the French-built Mirage.

biggest single defence purchase

A Rs 54,000-crore deal

Two European fighters out of six left in fray

Winner to supply 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft

18 aircraft to be delivered in fly-away condition; rest to be made at HAL; number can eventually go up to 200

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120130/nation.htm#11

Local innovation repairs T-90's night blindness

Vijay Mohan/TNS

Chandigarh, January 29

A small innovation will go a long way in giving the Army's T-90 main battle tanks the ability to hunt and kill in the dark - and at a fraction of the cost of imported equipment. Army engineers have integrated locally made LCD monitors to replace malfunctioning imported gadgets.

A major problem with the T-90's imported night sight was that its visual video display (VVD) unit was not ruggedised and, hence, defect prone. This resulted in the tank becoming night-blind. This was particularly the case in the hot and dusty environs of the desert.

LCD display units of the requisite size available off-the-shelf commercially have been used to replace the VVDs. According to available information, the TFT screens are available for just about Rs 3,500 as compared to a staggering Rs 25 lakh for the imported units.

The biggest challenge for Army engineers undertaking the project, according to armoured corps officers, was integrating the LCD screens with the sight's sensors and electrical systems as well as physical dimensions.

The T-90 tanks are the Army's latest acquisition and have been inducted into frontline formations. In today's battlefield, the ability to fight at night is crucial and most of the earlier generation tanks with the Army, including the T-72, lacked this capability.

The Army had bought 310 T-90 tanks, some of which were assembled locally at the Heavy Vehicles Factory at Avadi. This was followed by two more contracts in 2006 and 2007 for assembly and licenced manufacture of 330 and 347 upgraded versions of the tank, respectively. The Army has planned to equip 21 regiments with the T-90.

While the T-90 tanks have been in service for about a decade, there have been some reports of malfunctioning or non-availability of certain electronic equipment, including those required for night or adverse weather operations. The non-availability of ammunition for its 125 mm main gun was also an issue some time ago.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120130/nation.htm#14

IAF, BSF are best marching contingents on Republic Day

New Delhi, January 29

The Ministry of Defence today announced that the marching contingents of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Border Security Force (BSF) have been adjudged the best in their respective categories.

Three panels of judges were appointed for assessing the performance of various categories. The IAF has been chosen as the best marching contingent among the three armed forces. Flight Lieutenant Sneha Shekhawat created history as the first women to lead an IAF contingent. BSF has been adjudged the best contingent among all para-military forces. Of the 23 tableaux of states and various Union Ministries, tableau of Ministry of Human Resources Development has been adjudged the best, followed by presentations by Goa and Karnataka.

Among cultural presentations, the best presentation award goes to Government Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya, Hastal, New Delhi, followed by the presentation by the North Central Zone Cultural Centre, Allahabad. Kendriya Vidyalaya, RK Puram, has been given consolation prize, while Central Public Works Department has been selected for special prize. — TNS

http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/indian-army-to-hold-war-games-with-top-powers-171286?pfrom=home-otherstories

Indian Army to hold war games with US, Russia

Read more at:

http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/indian-army-to-hold-war-games-with-top-powers-171286?pfrom=home-otherstories&cp

New Delhi: Top global powers, including US, Russia, France and some of the friendly neighbourhood countries such as Bangladesh, will engage in war games with the Indian Army to learn from India its experience of counter terrorism and urban warfare operations.

Indian Army will hold around 15 exercises this year with friendly foreign countries including the who's who in the global arena, army officials said.

In its immediate neighbourhood, Indian Army will conduct these joint training exercises with Bangladesh and Singapore.

'Bold Kurukshetra' with Singapore army will kick-off the war games in Babina near Jhansi in March. The two sides will field their mechanised forces in the training engagement.

The schedule and nature of exercises with other countries are yet to be decided, but anti-terrorism drills and urban warfare is going to be an important part of all of these war games, officials said.

The army troopers will also engage the American mechanised forces in the deserts of Rajasthan in the exercise 'Yudh Abhyas' which will see the US fielding its tanks there.

The US had participated in exercise 'Yudh Abhyas-2009' with the Indian Army, when it had taken its Stryker infantry armoured vehicles outside of its operational area to a foreign land.

Indian Army had participated in the exercise with its mechanized infantry battalions. Similar exercises have also been planned with the armies of France and Russia.

Last year in October, troops of Indian and French armies had conducted a joint exercise-'Shakti-2000' in the hills of Ranikhet in Uttarakhand.

The fourth round of 'INDRA' series of joint exercise between Indian and Russian armies was also conducted in 2010 in Uttarakhand.

Read more at:

http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/indian-army-to-hold-war-games-with-top-powers-171286?pfrom=home-otherstories&cp

http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/army-chiefs-age-row-govt-stands-firm-wants-records-reconciled-171393?pfrom=home-lateststories

Army chief's age row: Govt stands firm, wants records reconciled

Read more at:

http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/army-chiefs-age-row-govt-stands-firm-wants-records-reconciled-171393?pfrom=home-lateststories&cp

New Delhi: With less than a week to go before a Supreme Court hearing on Army chief General VK Singh's petition against the government's refusal to change his year of birth in its records, there is a fresh setback for him.

The Ministry of Defence has written to the Army's official record keeper, the Adjutant General's branch, asking it to reconcile its records. According to the Army's records, General Singh's year of birth is 1951.

General VK Singh's petition on the age issue is before the Supreme Court and is likely to come up for hearing on February 3. General Singh had taken the matter to the Supreme Court on January 16 - becoming the first serving military chief to drag the government to court - in the hope of establishing that he is correct in claiming that he was born in 1951, not 1950. Documents with the Army reflect both dates.

The government's letter to Army Headquarters says that the May 10, 1951 date recorded as General VK Singh's date of birth by the Adjutant General branch has been found to be incorrect and that his date of birth continues to be May 10, 1950. The letter also says that the Adjutant General's branch must comply with the order without any delay.

The Defence Ministry, it is learnt, is likely to tell the Supreme Court that the records have been corrected and the dispute over the year of birth doesn't exist anymore, therefore the General's plea shouldn't be entertained at all.

The case has reached the Supreme Court and for all purposes, the window for comprise is now closed. The Ministry of Defence will oppose the Army chief's plea tooth and nail in the court, but one thing is clear: Whoever wins this battle, the ultimate loser will be institution of the Chief of Army Staff and long term civil-military relations.

Read more at:

http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/army-chiefs-age-row-govt-stands-firm-wants-records-reconciled-171393?pfrom=home-lateststories&cp

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2012¥01¥30¥story_30-1-2012_pg7_25

Govt warned against reopening of NATO supply routes

MULTAN: Leaders of the Pakistan Defence Council (PDC) on Sunday warned the government against reopening of the NATO supply routes, threatening strikes and sit-ins if the rulers compromised on the issue.

Addressing a public meeting at Multan Sports Ground, the leaders said that they strongly opposed any compromise over the blood of Pakistan Army and tribal brothers in return for dollars. They warned that if NATO supply lines were restored, people from Karachi to Khyber would take to roads and stop the containers forcibly.

PDC Chairman Maulana Samiul Haq in his address demanded that drone attacks should be stopped immediately and policies of former president Pervez Musharraf should be done away with. He said that instead of supporting Americans, they would resort to the path of jehad. Samiul Haq said that they wanted peace and stability in the country but if US, India, Israel or any other power dared aggression, they would be responded to with full force, adding that the whole nation was united for the defence of Pakistan. He said that India, which was responsible for the killings of tens of thousands of Muslims, could not be given the status of Most Favoured Nation.

Jamaatud Dawa chief Professor Hafiz Muhammad Saeed warned against opening of NATO supply lines and said that people present in the meeting with sticks and flags would come out on roads and stop all the containers. He urged that Pakistan must get out of the US-led war and should fight a war to secure freedom of Kashmir.

Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat Pakistan President Maulana Muhammad Ahmad Ludhianvi said that no conspiracy would be allowed against the security of Pakistan. He said that people of Pakistan would fully back the PDC leaders to prevent acts of rulers against the interests of the country. Former ISI DG General (r) Hameed Gul said the common target of US, India and Israel was Pakistan. He regretted that Musharraf and his successors arrested their Muslim brothers and handed them over to Americans. Jamaat-e-Islami chief Munawar Hasan said the rulers were not following their oath and had allowed Americans to strengthen their hold in Pakistan. He said the attack on the GHQ was the handiwork of American and Indian agencies and not of any religious party.

Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad of the Awami Muslim League said that if people would vote for thieves and plunderers, the result would be disasterous. He said the rulers had destroyed Railways, PIA and Pakistan Steel Mills and borrowed much more than the last 60-year borrowings. inp

http://nvonews.com/2012/01/29/indian-army-to-hold-20-war-games-with-friendly-nations/

Indian Army to hold 20 war games with friendly nations

New Delhi, (IANS) In its bid to have greater engagement with foreign militaries, Indian Army will this year hold between 15 to 20 bilateral war games with friendly nations like the US, Russia, France and Britain, apart from neighbours Bangladesh, Myanmar and Nepal, officers said Sunday.

The exercises, mostly focusing on counter-insurgency and anti-terrorism manoeuvres, will help in honing the skills of Indian and other friendly troops in different scenarios, and improve their interoperability, as required under United Nation's multinational joint military efforts for world peace.

Among the first exercises this year will be with Singapore at Babina in Uttar Pradesh, close to Jhansi, this March, officers said.

During the India-Singapore exercise, both sides will pit their mechanised forces and tanks in battle with terrorists in an urban scenario. The exercise is likely to be called "Bold Kurukshetra", officers said.

"Indian Army's counter-insurgency skills are much sought after by global powers due to the five-decade experience that we have gained in the northeastern states and Jammu and Kashmir," the officers said.

With the US, the Indian Army's mechanised infantry forces will hold an exercise, "Yudh Abhyas", in Rajasthan this year, when they will both field their tanks and armoured personnel carrier.

Most other exercises are still in the works and the venues and dates will be finalised soon, officers said. The other nations to join the exercises this year will be Mongolia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Australia, and Central Asian nations.

In 2011 too, India had held 16 military exercises with other friendly nations such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia.

In October 2011, India held its first ever army exercise with French Army called "Shakti-2011″ at Chaubatia in Uttarakhand.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=772605&publicationSubCategoryId=63

8 firms want to join bidding for P174-million Army body armor

http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/NAT-TOP-armys-mission-olympic-winning-a-medal-a-distant-dream-2799854.html

Army's Mission Olympic: Winning a medal a distant dream?

New Delhi: Winning a Gold medal at London Olympics seems to be a distant dream. Thanks to the Indian Army's ambitious sports initiative 'Mission Olympics- Catch them young', that it has so far managed to prepare the aspirants for qualifying marks. The mission was launched in 2001 to groom youngsters into potential Olympic medal winners. More than a decade later, the army's training centre lacks resources and facilities to train the sportspersons. Dailybhaskar takes a look at the status of army's five training centres.

Meerut

Chances are bleak for the 30 riders practicing day night to qualify for the London Olympics. The Army Equestrian Centre at Meerut sans trained horses. The proposal for importing two European warm-blood horses has been pending at the Defence Ministry for years.

Spread at the sprawling campus of 260 acres, Army Equestrian Centre is the only training centre of the world which has the facility for horse racing. However, the international coach visit only thrice a year to give training. According to Col Ahalawat, 60 per cent of winning chances depends upon the horses. "It is a game of techniq and not power. It is the only game where boys and girls can participate together. Unfortunately, India does not have women horse riders," he says.

Mhow

With a target to hit the winning Olympic medal, practice session for shooters is at its peak at the Army Marksmen Unit. With 6 months to go for London Olympics, the hunt for the archery coach is still on. In 2011, the advertisement for posts of shooting coach, physiotherapy, yoga instructor and mental trainer was given, interviews for which will begin in February. Colonel Varuni says, "Searching an international coach is difficult. According to the international standards of shooting, each shooter of every discipline should have a coach. However, AMU only has two coach for the discipline. That accounts to 3 international coaches, 4 Officer Incharge Coach and 6 JCOs giving training to over 170 shooters."

Mumbai

Trainer at the Army Yachting Node (AYN) Lt Col Khare has been giving sailing lessons to the participants who would be struggling to win the medal. Chief Coach Col Notiyal is confident that India will be able to qualify into sailing during London Olympics. However, he feels that in the absence of competition, participants can get the medal-winning training. More so, the boats used for training the sailors cannot be taken to abroad for the event as the government hesitates in bearing the transportation expense. "The participants are not accustomed with the boats provided by the organisers during the foreign events. And so they face difficulty in performing to their capabilities," said Col Notiyal.

Pune

10-year-old Deepak tags himself as a weight lifter. A few years of training and Deepak will be able to qualify for a national/international level competition. As far as training skills are considered, Deepak is confident about his coach Major Srinivas. However, after qualifying into any major qualification, the sportspersons will be shifted to National camp for further training. Such regulations of the sports institute are proving to be setback for the sportspersons. Changing coach before any important event is one the major problems faced by the talented candidates.

Commandant of the Institute Colonel Bishnoi too belives that a changing the coach affects the performance of the sportsperson. The army's 'Mission Olympics - Catch them young' initiative was launched in 2001. The facilities include the Army Sports Institute at Pune, where personnel are trained for athletics, archery, boxing, diving, weightlifting, wrestling and fencing.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysore/India-ready-for-any-challenge-AK-Singh/articleshow/11672472.cms

India ready for any challenge: AK Singh

MADIKERI: India is ready to face any challenge, said southern commander in chief of army Ajay Kumar Singh here. He was addressing the gathering at late Field Marshal Cariappa's 113th birthday celebrations here on Saturday.

Singh asked citizens to be alert of security threats to the country. Singh said that Kodavas are synonymous with the Indian Army. A K Singh also announced the establishment of a new ex-servicemen contributory health scheme to South Kodagu in addition to the running centre in Madikeri; ugradation schemes for army canteen and Rs 45 lakh as initial amount for this. He contributed Rs one lakh to Madikeri ECHS and Rs 2 lakh to the Cariappa forum.

Cariappa's son Nanda Cariappa said that his father is honoured not just by the by the Kodavas, but by the entire country.

B A Cariappa, former servicemen society president presented a traditional " Odikathi" to A K Singh. An Army helicopter showered flowers on the statue of Cariappa at Sudarshan Circle.

From Today's Papers - 29 Jan 2012

2012-01-29T10:03:00.000+05:30

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/army-chief-age-row-general-v-k-singh-plea-against-government/1/171031.html

Age row: Army chief likely to withdraw plea against government, says report

General V.K. Singh will withdraw his petition against the government in the Supreme Court over his age, a report said on Saturday.

The Army chief will withdraw the petition against the government on February 3 when it comes up for hearing in the apex court, it said.

Singh had moved the SC against the government for refusing to consider his date of birth as recorded in matriculation certificate as his official date of birth.

As per the compromise formula, the government will accept Gen Singh's claim that his date of birth is May 10, 1951, the report added.

The government has been maintaining that Gen Singh's date of birth was May 10, 1950 but the army chief has been claiming that it should be May 10, 1951.

The government on January 20 had ruled out any compromise with Gen Singh over his age issue.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=220235

Indian Navy: Running silent, running deep!

Last week, the Indian Navy commissioned a nuclear powered submarine called INS Chakra. The 8,000 ton vessel built by Russia has been taken on lease for a 10 year period, at a cost of almost $1 billion. The new submarine will be added to the fleet of 14 aging Indian submarines. It will be armed with 300 km range Klub-S land attack cruise missiles and advanced torpedoes. The submarine will be based at Visakhapatnam along the Bay of Bengal.

According to the Indian Defense Ministry, INS Chakra "will be deadly hunter-killer of enemy submarines and warships." It will also provide protection to fleets at sea. The vessel is as sophisticated as the latest US submarines as regard its sound effect and capacity to stay under the sea for a very long period.

It is curious that India is arming itself with offensive naval platforms and military assets. To many, this may seem unusual for a country that is committed to world peace. But analysts say this is part of a regional effort against any other hostile mega power, especially in the Asia-Pacific.

To begin with, an alliance of countries, known as the "axis of democracies," is being formed. Here, India is being joined by the US, Japan and Australia.

Let us take a closer look at what is happening around us in the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific.

Last May, Japan and Australia signed the Japan-Australia Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA). It calls for reciprocal provision of goods and services during joint exercises, peace keeping operations, relief activities, etc. This is the second ACSA after the one Japan signed with the USA.

But before that, in April last year, the Japanese defense minister visited India and held the second Japan-India Defense Ministerial meeting. Among other things, it was agreed that joint exercises, staff talks, exchanges in various fields and various levels would take place.

In the meantime, the US is busy putting together the bricks and mortar to form a new security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region.

The concern of the US is mainly the sea "choke points" -- the narrow channels along widely used global sea routes. They are a critical part of the global energy security due to the high volume of oil passing through the narrow straits. Two such "choke points" are the Strait of Hormuz leading out to the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Malacca linking the Indian and the Pacific oceans. On the south eastern end of the Malacca Strait it flows into the South China Sea where the resource rich Spratly islands are contested between China and several members of the Association of South East Asian nations (Asean). In Hormuz, the US directly faces Iran, which is ready to close the Strait if US pressure through economic sanction due to its nuclear programme increases.

Thus, last October, the then US Defense Secretary Gates met with the Japanese defense minister at the Asian Defense Ministers meeting in Hanoi and reiterated that their countries would jointly respond in line with a bilateral security pact towards stability in areas in the East China Sea, covering disputes between China and Japan. It may be mentioned that there is complete inter-operability between the navies of the US and Japan.

Relations between the Indian and Australian navies have grown in strength recently. Australia sees India as her "extended neighbourhood." Naval exchange ship visits and exercises are becoming frequent. Australia has agreed in principle to sell uranium to India in a major policy reversal.

The US has also tied up with India through consolidating a strategic partnership. In October 2011, the US army participated in the latest and the largest of Yudh Abhyas (training for war) games with India. The US has also been joining annual naval exercises named Malabar with India. It has now included Canada, Australia, Japan, and Singapore. In 2007, Malabar naval exercise was held in the Bay of Bengal close to the Bangladesh shores, with more than 25 warships from five nations.

So when India, with more than 700 million poor, is engaged in purchasing and leasing military hardware like the INS Chakra, eyebrows are likely to be raised. The scarce resources of the country could instead have been used to alleviate poverty. India's own society, which is threatened by Maoist insurgency, attacks by terrorists, as well as armed insurrection in the north eastern states, needs priority attention.

By participating in a big power game in the Indian Ocean, India may be putting itself at odds with other countries that do not see eye-to-eye with it on strategic matters. India, it is suggested, should first engage China and quickly demarcate their northern land borders so as to increase mutual trust and reduce the possibility of any conflict with China.

Recently, in the 15th meeting between India and China on the border issue, a "working mechanism for consultation and coordination" only was agreed upon. The process of border demarcation continues to be stalled as there is little confidence between the two. India and China are two large trading partners, but this in no way seems to overcome the distrust that exists between them. India's participation with the US, Australia and Japan to contain China through their navies may acerbate the situation.

In 2011, India had invested over $36 billion in its military. It is rapidly modernising its armed forces and building a missile defense system and nuclear triad delivery systems. The country will be investing more than $112 billion in sophisticated arms and battle platforms before 2016.

So how do India's small neighbours like Bangladesh see these developments?

Bangladesh has since 2009 been undertaking joint military exercises with India to combat terrorism. It has also being testing combat zone tactics together. India is also now thinking of supplying Bangladesh with military equipment. This is in addition to what Bangladesh buys from China, which, ironically is seen as militarily hostile to India.

In spite of all this, Bangladesh as well as other small nations along the Indian littoral, who use the sea lanes for trade and energy supplies, will remain uncomfortable with the Indian navy patrolling the deep seas ever so quietly and inconspicuously. They would also be worried to see a Nato-like force emerge in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific, comprising of the US, Japan, India and Australia, to jointly confront China or other powers.

The acquisition of INS Chakra points towards such a possible development in the future.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-2093282/Imran-counts-days-Pak-army.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Imran counts the days of Pakistan's army while marching towards a better future with India

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-2093282/Imran-counts-days-Pak-army.html#ixzz1koMrEYxk

Pakistan's PM-aspirant Imran Khan, who is drawing massive crowds in his country, has declared that the army's days are over in Pakistan and vowed to have best relations with India.

'The army's days are over. You will soon see a true democracy in Pakistan,'the cricketer-turned-politician said on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) summit in Davos on Saturday.

'Let me assure you that democracy is set to take off in Pakistan. You just wait till the elections. The time has come for a true democracy,' Khan, who also attended the India reception party in Davos on Friday night, said.

Crowd pleaser: Imran Khan has been drawing massive crowds at his political rallies in Pakistan

Khan saw nothing wrong in taking groups like the outlawed Jamat-ud- Dawah (JuD) along in his political journey.

Asked about his association with such extremist group, which has acted as a front of the Lashkar-e- Tayyeba (LeT) that carried out the Mumbai attacks in 2008, Khan drew attention to the US support to the Taliban during the era of Soviet occupation of Afghanistan.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-2093282/Imran-counts-days-Pak-army.html#ixzz1koMuyy71

Is taking along different groups of people with an aim to bring them to the mainstream wrong? What you should understand is that you have to talk to various kinds of people in politics. If I try to bring them (extremists) back to the mainstream, there is nothing wrong in it,' he said.

Continuing with his argument, Khan asked: 'And if you talk about support to the extremists, did America not support the Taliban?'

'Politics requires you to talk to various groups of people and there is certainly nothing wrong if I want to bring them back to the main fold and change their mindset. For that, I would have to talk to them. I can assure you best of the relations with India and these things would never come in the way,' he added.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e- Insaaf party chief's presence in Davos was significant because the summit allowed him a platform to promote his political ambitions.

'The people of Pakistan are waiting for change. They want a democracy of their choice. The democracy is bound to come. There are lots of expectations. They have had it enough and now they desperately want their voice to be heard,' he said.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-2093282/Imran-counts-days-Pak-army.html#ixzz1koMxaG7S

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2012\01\29\story_29-1-2012_pg1_3

Army not a threat to democracy: Gilani

* PM says no state institution, military or people of Pakistan want coup

* ‘Trust deficit’ exists between Pakistan and US

DAVOS: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Saturday said that there was no chance of any military coup in Pakistan, as the army desired democracy and stability in the country.

In an interaction with the media on the fringes of the ongoing annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, Gilani said, “I don’t think there will be a coup in Pakistan ever. There is no threat to democracy.”

Gilani said no state institution, military or the people of Pakistan want a coup and all are in favour of democracy.

The international media was particularly interested in the change in the Pakistan-United States ties following the NATO attack on a border post that killed 24 soldiers.

Gilani said the incident was a “turning point” and that it created a bad taste. He said prior to the attack there had been a number of other incidents that had already strained ties between the two countries to a large extent.

He said the Defence Committee of the Cabinet decided to define new terms of engagements and it was decided to cut off NATO supply lines, get the Shamsi airbase vacated and boycott the Bonn Conference.

The prime minister said that there was “a trust deficit” between Islamabad and Washington as he criticised the resumption of US drone strikes in the tribal areas.

Pakistan is against the “illegal and counter productive” drone strikes along the areas bordering Afghanistan and had conveyed its concerns to the United States in this regard and wished to settle all issues, as a responsible country, and discuss everything diplomatically, he said.

He said parliament would be defining new terms of engagement and hoped the new terms would be more productive and lasting.

When asked about the presence of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, he said, “It was the failure of the intelligence agencies of the whole world.”

Gilani termed Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh a “genuine person” and said he too was desirous of resolving all issues with Pakistan, including the core issue of Kashmir. “We are in the process of normalising trade relations with India which will benefit the people of both the countries,” he said. app

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/NDA-chief-honoured-with-AVSM-for-second-time/articleshow/11667972.cms

NDA chief honoured with AVSM for second time

Commandant of the National Defence Academy, Lt Gen Jatinder Singh, has been awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in recognition of his devotion to duty and distinguished service. The Bar to AVSM means the general officer has bagged the AVSM for the second time.

Singh is a specialist in mechanised and counter insurgency operations and took over as the NDA chief on January 1, 2011. He is an alumnus of the Sainik School, Kazhakootam, and the NDA's 42nd Course and was commissioned in the prestigious 1 Guards (2 Punjab) regiment of the Indian Army on June 13, 1973.

A graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and Higher Command Course (Air), College of Air Warfare, Secunderabad, Singh was awarded the AVSM for the first time in 2008.

Naval engg cadets' triathlon held: The cadets of naval engineering course at INS Shivaji, Lonavla, participated in a triathlon across the ghats of the Sahyadri ranges and the Arabian Sea, to commemorate the 63rd Republic Day and completion of '25 years of excellence in cadets training by INS Shivaji'. The cadets covered a total of 300 km by running, cycling and sailing from January 25 to 26.

Four officers and 72 cadets participated in the triathlon. Of these, 54 cadets and one officer ran a distance of 115 km from INS Shivaji to Mandwa jetty, where they passed the baton to eight cadets and two officers, who had sailed from Mumbai. The last leg of this event was expedition cycling from Mumbai to Lonavla across the Western ghats.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Two-naval-officers-may-be-sacked-for-data-leak/articleshow/11658061.cms

Two naval officers may be sacked for data leak

NEW DELHI: Two of the four naval officers in the dock for allegedly divulging classified information and data on social networking and other websites are likely to be sacked from service.

The Navy HQ here is now examining the report of the Board of Inquiry (BoI), conducted at the Western Naval Command at Mumbai, against the four commander-rank officers (equivalent to Lt-Colonels in Army) from the naval technical branch.

The BoI has recommended stringent action against the four officers, including dismissal from service of two, for posting confidential information and data, including location of warships and their patrolling patterns, on sites like Facebook, as reported by TOI earlier.

"One of the officers, for instance, posted extensive details of his warship while still at sea. But, as yet, no espionage angle has come to light in the case," a source said. The "punishments" recommended by the BoI against the four officers have to be "approved" by higher authorities. Dismissal from service, for instance, has to be approved at the level of the defence ministry.

The armed forces have been regularly issuing directives to their personnel to strictly refrain from putting sensitive information and service-related matters, like location of units or deployment patterns, on social networking sites.

The Army, for instance, in October last year had directed all its officers and personnel to even remove their pictures and information showing their affiliation to the service from their personal profiles on social networking sites.

Instructions are also in place to be extremely careful in the use of computer and digital storage devices after intelligence alerts pointed to an increase in leakage of classified data from defence establishments through the use of pen drives, removable hard disks, CDs, VCDs and the like.

Chinese and Pakistani online espionage agents have also being hacking into Indian computer systems over the last several years. For instance, an Army major's personal computer, on which he had stored around 2,000 classified and sensitive documents, was hacked from Pakistan just last year.

http://business-standard.com/india/news/sreelatha-menon-skillingjawans/463106/

Army partners with industry to churn out skilled ex-servicemen

Sudam Sarode is a retired jawan who took active part in the Indo-Pak war in the 1960s. Today, he lives in Khubgaon village in Wardha, Maharashtra. He is a ‘kisan’ who tills his fields and doubles up as an activist of the Shetkari Sanghatana of Vidarbha. Others who retired more recently in the village are either doing cultivation like him or joining private sector firms as peons, drivers or security guards. The only support from the Army comes in the form of a pension of Rs 8,000 every month, says Sarode.

However, things may be different for jawans retiring a few years from now.

The Army is turning a new leaf on the post-retirement life of its jawans. Since 2009, it has begun enrolling all its jawans in graduation courses through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). This will ensure that when soldiers retire at the age of 35, they are equipped with a degree. About 420,000 jawans have enrolled for a degree under this project called Gyandeep.

The Army has also signed an MoU with Microsoft to equip the jawans with information technology (IT) and English-speaking skills.

Last week at the Army cantonment in Delhi, 22 jawans from across the country received certificates after completion of their month-long course in computers. An excited jawan said he could now talk to his children about emails and internet. Another wanted a computer for practice.

The Army intends to deploy these trained jawans in jobs that require IT skills, said an official.

Microsoft began by training 2,000 master trainers. These in turn run courses round the year at 48 centres of the Army. Microsoft also has its tutors running more advanced courses at ten of these centres, renamed as IT Akademies. And, in the last two years, 17,000 jawans have been certified by Microsoft.

Says a senior official of Microsoft, “IT skills are not merely for post-retirement jobs. IT skills are part of the armoury of the modern soldier.”

This is not the only partnership the Army has forged with the private sector for imparting skills to jawans to prepare them for retirement.

The Army is currently talking to the National Skill Development Corporation as well as industry bodies, Confederation of Indian Industries and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, for similar MoUs with various skilling partners from the industry to provide multiple skills and options to jawans. Vocational training centres are on the anvil for jawans to prepare them for post-retirement jobs.

Not all jawans who got certificates last week were on the verge of retirement. Some had just joined, while others were a few years into their service.

For Microsoft, the project called Kshamata (meaning ability) is only a Corporate Social Responsibility and not a parallel business move, its officials say.

While 50,000 jawans retire each year, Kshamata would take a two or three years at the present rate to train that many soldiers with IT skills.

Says a senior Army official, “Our jawans learn various skills while in service, but these are not converted to civil degrees and, hence, of no use once they retire. So, our package with IGNOU and future agreements are intended to do precisely this — to convert their skills and give additional skills with a view to future relevance, as well.

The Army is also looking for “assured absorption” of the skilled personnel once they retire, and this element is being worked into the MoUs that are being considered with the industry, officials say.

The move would help not just the jawans but the industry too, which is currently facing a crisis of skilled labour. While about three million people are skilled annually, the requirement is estimated to be around 30 million a year, and 300 million in ten years. This also forms the basis for the national skill development policy.

From Today's Papers - 28 Jan 2012

2012-01-28T10:13:00.000+05:30

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120128/main5.htm

Army Chief’s Age Row-Part 5

A matter of Honour vs Propriety

The General gives his ‘word’

By Raj Chengappa Editor-in-Chief

Personal and Confidential:

From: Lt Gen VK Singh, GoC, HQ 2 Corp,

To: Lt Gen PR Gangadharan,

Military Secretary, IHQ of MoD (Army)

Dated 31 Jan 2008.

Dear General,

1. Ref Para 5 and 6 of your letter No 36808/DO/MS-8B dt 21 Jan 08.

2. Date as mentioned is accepted, Regards, Yours’ sincerely, signed VK Singh.

This letter that General Vijay Kumar Singh, Chief of Army Staff, wrote four years ago is being regarded as an important piece of evidence by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) when the General’s writ petition challenging the Union of India order over the matter of his correct date of birth comes up for hearing in the Supreme Court. The letter came after a series of exchanges between the MoD, Gangadharan, the then Military Secretary (MS) and Singh, who was then a Lieutenant General and General Officer Commanding of the 2 Corps stationed in Ambala.

Part 4 of The Tribune series on the messy row over the Army Chief’s age, talked of how Singh acquiesced under pressure to accept his date of birth as 10 Mary 1950 instead of 10 May 1951. This was after Bimal Julka, Joint Secretary (G/Air), MoD, in his letter of 21 January 2008, warned the Army HQ that MoD would reconsider its proposal to promote him as Army Commander if he persisted with “an attitude apparently questionable and not reflective of the qualities expected from any Army Commander.” This came after Singh reopened the issue of his date of birth in December 2007, having remained silent for more than a year after his promotion as Corps Commander.

It was in April 2006 that the MoD, when it received a proposal from Army HQ to promote Singh from a Major General to Lieutenant General, had for the first time pointed out that while his Annual Confidential Records (ACRs) showed 10 May 1951 as his date of birth, in another Army record it was entered as 10 May 1950. With the Army HQ promising the MoD that it would sort out the issue, Singh got his promotion and was posted to the 2 Corps in June 2006.

Soon after, Lt Gen Richard Khare, the then MS, in his letter of 21 August 2006 formally rejected his plea to have his date of birth corrected in the records citing mainly an MoD rule that no such change could be considered after a lapse of two years of an officer being commissioned in the armed forces.

However, with Singh raking up his date of birth issue again, Julka sent out a warning to Army HQ in January 2008 that the MoD would reconsider the proposal to promote him as Army Commander. That triggered a flurry of signals from Army HQ to Singh at Ambala to get him to give a written commitment that he accepted his date of birth as 10 May 1950.

First, PR Gangadharan, the MS, in a letter on 21 January 2008, formally rejected his plea to reconcile his date of birth in the MS record which had it as 10 May 1950 and the AG’s Branch which had it as 10 May 1951. Gangadharan’s six paragraph letter detailed the reasons as to why his request was being turned down with Para 5 stating “In view of the above, we are constrained to maintain your official date of birth as 10 May 1950 and the same may kindly be reflected in all your records/documents. The AG’s Branch is being accordingly intimated to amend the records being maintained by them.” And Para 6 asked Singh to, “Please acknowledge and confirm acceptance.”

After a telephonic conversation with Deepak Kapoor, the then Chief of Army Staff (COAS), who apparently briefed him about the consequences if he remained adamant about having his date of birth changed, Singh signaled on 24 January 2008, “ whatever decision taken in the org. interest is acceptable to me.”

Army HQ was not satisfied with such a vague commitment. So within hours of receiving Singh’s cable, Maj Gen K. Purshotam, the Deputy (MS)X, sent a terse cable stating, “response vide ibid sig. not in conformity with response asked for vide para 5 and 6 of letter dt 21 Jan 2008. If reply not recd by 1000 hrs on 25 Jan 08 action deemed appropriate will be taken.”

While referring to this cable, Singh in his statutory complaint to the MoD, stated that, “This was done as the COAS had ordered me during the course of his discussion to only say/write that I accept the date as desired by MS Branch. He did not want me to write that this acceptance was due to his order to me.”

The MS Branch though was busy defending Singh to prevent the MoD from rejecting his promotion. Gangadharan, the MS wrote to Julka on 25 January 2008 that, “the officer (VK Singh) did not have any malafide intention in continuing to write his date of birth as 10 May 1951.”

And that, “It is the considered view of this HQ that the officer is not blameworthy. He has all the attributes and credentials and deserves to be considered for the appointment of GOC-in-C/HQ as already recommended…this has the approval of COAS."

Julka then called for a detailed inquiry, “to find out the correct date of birth of the officer immediately in consultation with the AG’s Branch.” AG’s Branch came back with an ambiguous reply on 30 January 2008 for the first time indicating that within the AG directorates itself two sets of dates were being maintained. The note by Lt Gen K. R. Rao, DG (MP and PS) in the AG’s Branch, stated that while the Manpower Planning (MP) Directorate had Singh's date of birth as 10 May 1951, the Recruiting Directorate had it as 10 May 1950.

Forcing his hand

The AG's Branch ambiguous reply appears to have been communicated to Singh who wrote a letter on the same day now stating, “in accordance with the discussion of date, I will mention the date of birth as directed.” Gangadharan promptly wrote to Julka informing him that after, “a detailed examination in consultation with AG's branch” he gave reasons why 10 May 1950 should remain as the date of birth and ending that “the officer has now again affirmed that his date of birth would be indicated as 10 May 1950.” He reiterated that Singh had “no malafide intention.”

But apparently Julka in consultation with the then Defence Secretary Vijay Singh was unconvinced with the wordings of Singh's commitment to “mention the date of birth as directed.” That was communicated to Singh by Army HQ. He reluctantly wrote back on 31 January 2008, “Date as mentioned is accepted.” His promotion to the rank of Army Commander was then approved and he was appointed GOC-in-C, Eastern Command on 1 March 2008.

In his statutory complaint to the MoD of 26 August 2011, Singh gives the reasons why he finally acceded, stating, “In the highest traditions of the Indian army, I had no option but to comply with the orders and command of my superior officer as also assurances of my superior officer with the hope that he would bring the issue to a logical and ethical conclusion by accepting facts.”

This would not be the only time that he would put down in writing that he had accepted his date of birth as 1950. It would happen again just before he was appointed as Chief of Army Staff. But not before Singh would revive the issue of having his date of birth “reconciled” in the Army records.

Raising it again

On 1 July, 2008, he wrote a personal letter to Kapoor, stating, “I have mulled over the entire handling of the issue in great detail. I must also confess to my Chief that I have been greatly hurt and pained by the aspersions cast on my integrity and military reputation, which we all jealously guard.” He went into details as to why he thought the verification process with regard to his date of birth was faulty. He ended by stating, “I would humbly request my Chief that necessary justice must be done and the damage to my integrity must be taken care of.”

With Kapoor apparently not responding, on 25 December 2008, he wrote to Lt Gen Avadesh Prakash, the then Military Secretary, stating, “My dear Avadesh, …Please let me know the procedure and methodology followed by MS Branch for verification of date of birth as also how my date of my birth has been determined by MS Branch.”

On 15 January 2009, Prakash gave a detailed reply outlining the procedure and informing why his date had finally been determined as 10 May 1950. Singh was back with another letter on 11 February 2009 punching holes in Prakash’s argument. On 20 March 2009, Singh sent another letter to Prakash enclosing correspondence with the UPSC over correction of his date of birth and stating that his commission was provisional till he submitted his matriculation certificate.

Prakash’s reply of 13 April 2009 is to the point and states “that your commissioning was not provisional for any reason.” He then pointed out, “vied your letter of 31 January 2008, date of birth ie 10 May 1950 has been accepted by you. Therefore, this issue stands closed.”

Quest to become Chief

On August 20, 2009, the MS Branch issued a notice of retirement to Singh informing him that he would retire on 31 May 2010 on attaining the compulsory retirement age for Lieutenant Generals at 60. That age was calculated on the basis of his date of birth being 10 May 1950. MoD pointed out in its order of December 2011 that there is ‘no record to show that this notice was contested” by Singh after that.

By October, with Deepak Kapoor retiring on March 31, 2010, as the senior most ranking Lieutenant General, Singh is in the zone of consideration to succeed him as COAS. His bio-data is forwarded by the Deputy MS, Eastern Command, to the Army HQ on 23 October, 2009 indicating that his date of birth as 10 May, 1950. With MoD clearly upset with Singh raking up the age issue again there are indications that it may come in the way of him being appointed as the next Chief of Army Staff.

On 12 November 2009, Singh suo moto wrote to Deepak Kapoor, stating,

“My dear Chief,

1. I have learnt of some misgivings and doubts being raised on my commitment given on my date of birth as per your directions. You are well aware that I have not gone back on this commitment.

2. In July'08 when I wrote to you to seek justice and elaboration of MS Branch constraints, you had told me that this case is closed and will not be discussed. I have taken your directions in letter and spirit. My subsequent correspondence with the MS Branch has been on the verification process which I wanted to know for my own satisfaction. After the MS wrote saying that this function is of AG Branch, I have treated this issue as closed. I am sure you are well aware of these facts.

3. I once again reiterate my commitment to you stands and any doubt or misgivings need to be dispelled.

With best regards, Your sincerely, Signed VK Singh.”

This would be the second time that Singh would put on record that he regarded the date of birth “issue as closed” even averring that, “ that I have not gone back on this commitment. “ In his statutory complaint to the MoD of August 2011, Singh maintained that, “This letter in no way was an acceptance of any kind and was written as part of culmination of my correspondence with the MS Branch.” A stand he reiterated in his writ petition.

The MoD though in its order of 30 December 2011 rejecting Singh's statutory complaint, pointed out, “The commitment was given not only to the then COAS but separately to the Government through the Defence Secretary by way of a NOO (Not on Original) Endorsement.” Essentially it meant that he had marked a copy to the Defence Secretary without indicating it in his letter to Kapoor.

The MoD further pointed out, “ While processing the selection of the next COAS this ibid letter was placed before the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet and it was mentioned that the complainant had accepted his date of birth as 10 May 1950… the position now to be taken by complainant of distancing himself from this commitment is, therefore, not tenable.”

Three commitments

The MoD then observed, “Thus at three stages ie at the time of his appointment as Corps Commander in 2006, Army Commander in 2008 and COAS in 2009-10, Army HQ confirmed his date of birth as 10 May, 1950. The complainant had also accepted this as his date of birth in 2008 and 2009.”

If the MoD thought the matter would rest after Singh had given his “commitment” it would be mistaken. For not long after he was appointed as Chief of Army Staff on

31 March 2010, General Vijay Kumar Singh would bring the issue of his date of birth on centre-stage again.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120128/nation.htm#11

Naval officers in dock for online posts, face axe

New Delhi, January 27

Being active on social networking sites like Facebook and Orkut has landed four Indian Navy officers in trouble after they gave away critical service information and confidential matters, resulting in an official probe holding them blameworthy and fit to be punished. A Navy Board of Inquiry (BoI) has recommended dismissal of two of the four senior officers indicted by it for allegedly possessing and leaking classified information through networking sites.

The board in its investigations against four Commander-rank officers from the Technical Branch found that information leaked by two of them was sensitive in nature and recommended their dismissal from service. Sources said Naval intelligence personnel had found classified information in one officer's computer which led them to the remaining three officers.

They, however, said the board has ruled out the possibility of an espionage angle in the case.

The Navy had ordered the inquiry against the four officers after it found that they were allegedly possessing classified information on their personal computers. They were also found to be allegedly sharing the information on social networking websites such as Facebook, which could have been seen by foreign nationals also. — PTI

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120128/edit.htm#4

Pakistan’s insecure N-assets

Global community must shed its inertia

by Rajiv Nayan

On January 1 this year, as part of their agreement, India and Pakistan exchanged the lists of their nuclear facilities — an annual exercise going on for some time. Before that, the two countries held a meeting to discuss conventional and nuclear confidence-building measures (CBMs). A section of the media reported that among other issues, the two neighbours discussed the possibility of cooperation on nuclear safety. This could be an issue for the countries which are running nuclear facilities, but for Pakistan, nuclear safety is a marginal issue.

What is the real nuclear issue in Pakistan? The real issue is the security of the Pakistani nuclear assets. These assets are in both military and civil nuclear energy sectors. The international community is talking about ‘fatwa for fissions’. The Pakistani nuclear establishment is expanding its arsenals. The plutonium route has seemingly been added to the existing enriched uranium route. Pakistan is adding facilities for reprocessing and spent fuel generation.

The increase of the Pakistani nuclear stockpile is making the international community anxious. Time and again, official statements from different countries come and reports of different academic centres underscore that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenals are under danger. Some believe and express that Al-Qaida operatives may lay their hands on Pakistan’s nuclear weapons.

As the world is reluctant to believe that the Pakistan authorities did not know about the presence of Osama in Pakistan, it is also not ready to accept that Pakistani nuclear scientists and its army, which is really controlling nuclear weapons, had no connection with Osama’s terror network. A section of the international community does point to the complicity of a section of the Pakistani atomic establishment. For more than a decade, reports are coming about the association of Pakistani scientists and a section of the army with jihadis. Some sympathetic Western writings have also acknowledged that the physics departments and the army of Pakistan are infected.

However, the pre-dominant reaction in the international community after Operation Geronimo is that Pakistan is worrying only about the security of its nuclear arsenals assuming that the Pakistani nuclear establishment would not cooperate with Al-Qaida. It just asks some explanation about the security of its nuclear weapons and materials. One of the US Senators, Robert Casey, said that the entire Osama episode demonstrates an “apparent incompetence” of the Pakistan government. He also said that it “does not inspire confidence in the ability of Pakistan’s governing or security institutions to oversee their nuclear weapons programme.” The same thinking is emanating from the academic community.

A Harvard University scholar, Olli Heinonen, who earlier worked for the International Atomic Energy Agency and with A. Q. Khan and the Pakistani proliferation network for long, gave a statement: “There is very little assurance that nuclear materials and facilities are fully under (Pakistani) government control.” He advocated technology and security assurance to Pakistan but wanted Islamabad to “stop production of fissile material for military purposes, commit to a moratorium on nuclear testing and provide full disclosure of nuclear proliferation activities involving Iran, Libya, North Korea and Syria.”

Pakistani nuclear warheads are dispersed so that any Indian attack does not destroy the complete stockpile. Some reports denote that Pakistani warheads are stored deep inside the country to escape any attack. The Osama episode clearly shows that Al-Qaida can reach everywhere, even deep inside the country. The dispersed nuclear arsenals are not only vulnerable to falling in wrong hands but also making the gathering of intelligence a complicated affair for the US.

Even the supporters of the idea that the Pakistani nuclear stockpile is well protected by the professional Pakistan Army would admit the possibility of Al-Qaida infiltration at the mid-level. Corruption is yet another channel of terrorists’ entry into Pakistan’s nuclear storage. Nuclear materials may be another weak area. The uranium mine at Dera Ghazi Khan has been closed down and other such mines are in jihadi-dominated areas. More importantly, questions about the security of the Pakistani nuclear assets were raised by the country’s former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi also.

Encouraged by Operation Geronimo, some analysts in the US are exploring the possibility of ‘snatch and run’ operation for Pakistani nuclear weapons. Some informal briefings from the defence department indicate that the Pentagon has a plan to undertake this kind of an exercise. It seems the US is not undertaking this exercise because it may not have complete intelligence, though it is being hinted that it may go in for this course in the event of ‘extremists’ coup’.

What the US and the world should do is to come out of inertia, which allowed Osama to live in Pakistan and the Al-Qaida network to operate from the Pakistani soil. The repeated solution in technological, security and financial assistance would not improve the situation as the Osama case demonstrates. Instead, it would further complicate the matter. Pakistan will continue to blackmail the world. The unorthodox US approach demonstrated in capturing Osama should be extended to the nuclear realm as well.

The US needs to wake up and act. So does India. Admittedly, in the last couple of years, the Indian government along with its strategic community has begun to talk about the global danger posed by the Pakistani nuclear weapons stockpile. India may have to go beyond that. The international community is cognizant of the danger from the Pakistan nuclear stockpile. India has to keep it alerted. New Delhi may also have to sharpen its diplomatic skills and reach out to the countries which are still hesitant to take on Pakistan. In international forums, India should side with the Western world to ensure the security of the Pakistani nuclear assets. Apparently, China is scuttling the move to target Pakistan on nuclear security matters.

The Nuclear Security Summit Process is active, and the second summit will take place in Seoul on March 26-27. The IAEA has also developed plans for nuclear security. Both forums are engaging Pakistan, though no one is sure of the efficacy of the two systems. India should not become a captive to its largely archaic Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) philosophy and allow the bailout for Pakistan.

During the Washington NSS, India announced the setting up of a global centre of excellence — the Global Center for Nuclear Energy Partnership. India should take the opportunity and showcase the global centre and engage Pakistan in it as well. However, it should continue to search for a new and innovative mechanism in cooperation with the concerned members of the international community to secure Pakistan’s nuclear assets.

The writer is Senior Research Associate, Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, New Delhi.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/nda-commandant-awarded-bar-to-avsm/904813/

NDA commandant awarded Bar to AVSM

Lt Gen Jatinder Singh, Commandant of National Defence Academy, has been awarded Bar to AVSM (Ati Vishisht Seva Medal) in recognition of his devotion to duty and distinguished service. The award was declared on the eve of the Republic Day.

The General is a specialist in mechanised operations and counter insurgency and took over as the Commandant of NDA on January 1, 2011. He is an alumnus of the Sainik School Kazhakootam, National Defence Academy 42nd Course, Juliet’ Squadron, and was commissioned into the prestigious 1 Guards (2 Punjab) regiment of the Indian Army on June 13, 1973. He is a also a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and Higher Command Course (Air) at College of Air Warfare, Secunderabad. The General was also awarded the Chief of Army Staff Commendation in 2002, the Sena Medal in 2003 and the AVSM in 2008 a press release issued by the NDA said.

http://www.rediff.com/news/column/column-indian-army-kashmir-martyr-soldier-terrorists/20120124.htm

Lieutenant, did you die in vain?

I learnt about your demise from the ticker tape on one of the news channels. It was a big encounter and a very fierce one at that. A feeling of deep sadness enveloped me as I reflected on your youth which had been sacrificed in the Gurez sector in the line of duty.

What does your death mean?

You were too young to die, far too young! For whom and for what did you die then? This question haunted me last night and I will attempt to answer you.

You were probably from a village or a small town of India. You were perhaps the son of an army officer or JCO, or from an urban or rural civilian background. You could not be from one of the big cities where iron has entered the soul of our youth and where the only driving motivator is quest for money in the surreal environment of the corporate world.

Why did you join the army? Of course to get a job. But then that is over simplifying the question. You were possibly motivated by the traditions in your family and clan, you were probably enthused by the sight of your elder brothers, uncles or other men from your community in uniform, you were perhaps enchanted by the cantonment life where you may have spent your growing years.

On your last journey, you would not have got the adulation from the government that a martyred soldier gets in the US. Your name will not be read out in any obituary reference in Parliament, as is done in the UK for all soldiers who fall in combat in the line of duty. Your name will not be etched on any national memorial because we do not have one!

Symbolically you will become the Unknown Soldier for the nation, for whom the flame burns at India Gate, but your name will not be etched there. The names engraved on that monument are of the soldiers who died fighting for the British Indian Army [ Images ] and not those who have made the supreme sacrifice for Independent India! Can it get more ironic?

But do not despair, Lieutenant. Your comrades will do you proud! The senior-most officer would have led the homage that your brother officers will pay you before you left the Valley of Kashmir one last time. Your unit representatives must have escorted your body home. You would have been carried to the funeral pyre draped in the flag for which you died fighting.

The darkened and tearful eyes of your grief-stricken mother and the stoic figure of your father, benumbed by the enormity of this tragedy, will move even the most cynical.

I do not know Lieutenant at what stage of the encounter you fell, mortally wounded. But the fact that you were there on the lonely vigil across the Line of Control [ Images ] in Gurez, is enough to vouch for your valour. Your unit and formation commanders will see to it that you get the gallantry award which you so richly deserve. In due time your father or your mother will be presented the medal and parchment of your gallantry, which will be framed and find pride of place in your home.

Time will dull the bitterness of this tragic parting, which right now is the only feeling that engulfs your parents and siblings in its enormity.

Lieutenant you were lucky. You did not live long enough to get married and leave behind a grieving widow. You did not live long enough to have children. For when they would have come of age you would have seen in them a cynicism towards the army for which you died.

You will not see a young son who thinks his father is a hero and wants to follow his footsteps in joining the army only to be harshly dissuaded by his mother (or father) from following a profession which ranks so low for the youth of our country.

You were lucky not to serve long enough to see the army getting belittled. You did not live long enough to see the utter indifference and disdain for the army. Like you, a large number of valiant soldiers laid down their lives on the rocky heights of Kargil [ Images ], fighting against self-imposed odds. Today it is not even felt fit to publicly commemorate the anniversary of that stupendous military victory in a befitting manner, a war won by the blood of young men.

But do not despair Lieutenant. Your name will be etched for posterity in the annals of your Unit and your Regiment. A silver trophy with your name inscribed on it, will grace the centre table of the Unit mess. You will also find your name in the unit Quarter Guard, where annual homage will also be paid to you. The war memorials at the Formation HQ where you served and your Regimental Centre will proudly display your name for eternity.

If you joined the Army through the NDA, your name will be written in the Hut of Remembrance through which each cadet will pass, paying homage before his Passing Out Parade.

There will be an obituary reference to you from your comrades in the papers, which will be flipped over by most but which will be read in detail by people who have a connect with those who wear or wore the uniform.

As your parents head into the evening of their life, memories of your valour will be their most precious possession. When ever your mother will think of you her eyes will mist over but there will be more stars in them than you ever wore on your shoulders.

Your father may speak quietly about you but no one will miss the swell of pride in his chest. For your siblings you will always remain the real hero, and for that matter even for your community and village. A school or a road may well be named after you and you will become a part of the local folklore.

You died Lieutenant, because when the test came, you decided that you could not let down your family, your clan and your comrades, who always expected, without ever saying so, to do your duty. You, Lieutenant, have done more than your duty and made your memory their hallowed possession.

Lieutenant you did not die in vain!

http://www.rediff.com/news/report/indian-army-draws-loc-on-internet-use-for-officers/20120127.htm

Indian Army draws LoC on internet use for officers

While the world of internet and social networking sites is being increasingly by citizens, companies, or even the governments across the globe, the Indian Armed Forces are bracing against cyber attacks, cyber honey traps after several incidents of possible hacking and honey trapping came to light.

A new policy on use of social networking sites and internet is now being implemented. It is said that cyber-attacks have the ability to cripple a nation's ability to defend itself. In view of this, the Indian Army [ Images ] is actively bracing itself to deal with even the faintest cyber-attack -- direct or indirect.

Very recently it has been found that Facebook and Orkut profiles of several officers were hacked and infused with Trojans.

A preliminary investigation has also revealed that the hackers, suspected to be from Pakistan or China, would 'make friends' with other members on the friend list of the officer whose profile has been originally hacked.

After a chatting with the 'friend' of the officers, via Facebook chat, the hacker (who is pretending to be the officer) suggests that he has found an interesting online application which helps in preparing power point presentations very easily which in turn help in studying and official presentation before the commanders.

The hacker then sends a link. On clicking the link, system of the target officer hangs and the entire data gets wiped out or infused with a virus.

After several such incidents were reported, the officials have been instructed to use internet and social networking sites strictly and only for personal use. A police letter to this effect has been drawn out by the director general of military intelligence with detailed instructions on use of internet.

The letter, accessed by rediff.com, states, "As a policy, use of internet through email and social networks is permitted only for private use, and under no circumstances will the personnel disclose their official identity on the internet in any form whatsoever."

Service personnel have been refrained from uploading any information pertaining to their ranks, units or formations, appointment, place of duty or place of movement, contact numbers, pictures in uniform or with backgrounds depicting any defence establishment.

Officers have also been asked to not comment on matters related to the policies or activities of the Indian Defence Services, Ministry of Defence and the government.

One of the other restrictions is forwarding of chain mails pertaining to the armed forces to avoid addresses being given away by way of bulk mails.

Any groups such as NDA 53, SODE97, DSSC65, formed by any course, batch, or unit have been asked to be deleted with immediate effect.

Use of email IDs which give out any direct or indirect hint of affiliation with the forces have also been banned.

Internet usage and social networking is becoming an intrinsic element of personal lifestyles and is emerging as a major tool for exchange of information.

While in the past, a number of guidelines have been issued on the use of internet and social networking sites, they have not been implemented in the desired manner, leading to a large number of cases of breaches in security of information.

Four commander level officers of the Indian Navy are already facing a full-fledged inquiry for using online networks to share sensitive information such as location of ships, frequency and location of patrolling, nature of ammo on board etc.

While defence personnel are not provided with internet connections in their official establishments, an intranet connection is used by the officers for official communication.