December 15, 2012 Volume VII, Issue 12 100/- or US $10 Asia Defence News

Asia DefenceAsian News Defence Analyses. Every Month. December 15, 2012 December Volume VII, Issue 12 100/- or US $10 Veer Naris Of 1962

Pak On Tenterhooks Will Change? 1971 Revisited Trial And Terror The Incredible Army Vets Gravity Of “Bangladeshi” Menace HE DOES THIS FOR YOU. AND WE REPORT HIS SACRIFICES.

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Special Reports 24 The Malala Factor: Will Pakistan Change? By Cecil Victor 26 Imran Hits Nail On The Head By Yogendra Bali 7 28 Trial And Terror 31 Periscope On Pakistan: On The Brink Of Another Military Coup ? Cover Story 7 A Grateful Nation Remembers 1962 War Heroes

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8 Armed Forces 33 Communications Have Reduced Strategic Gap : Antony Interview Of The Month 35 And Singapore Review Security Ties 8 The Incredible Army Vets 16 He Developed UID For Army Equines By PN Khera

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18 Paramilitary Forces 38 CRPF Celebrates 73rd Anniversary 1971 Revisited 18 Longewala! By Cecil Victor Neighbours 21 The Never Again War 39 Pak Unlikely To Dump Terror Assets By Cecil Victor

4 ASIA DEFENCE NEWS | December 15, 2012 | A publication of Asia Defence News International (ADNI) Established 1998 Patrons Lt Gen (Retd) M M Lakhera, PVSM, AVSM, VSM Former Governor of Mizoram I Ramamohan Rao Former Principal Information

Editor-in-Chief 41 P N Khera Editorial Advisors Hari Jaisingh And Y C Halan 41 A More Confident Omar Moves Durbar To Jammu Consulting Editor By Ghazunfur Butt Rachna Chhachhi

Executive Editor Yogendra Bali

Contributing Editor Harminder Kaur

Associate Editor Cecil Victor

Bureau Chief, USA 43 K. K. Kapoor, Washington D.C. Bureau Chief, North East Bikash Sarmah, Guwahati North East Special Correspondents 43 Gravity Of “Bangladeshi” Menace By Bikash Sarmah Delhi: H.K. Verma, Sajid Ubaid Lucknow: Naila Kidwai : Manzoor Zahoor Technology Jammu: Ramesh Gupta 46 Microwave Power Module Released Imphal: B.B. Sharma

Photo Credits PTI Photo Service, Roshan Lal, Raj Kumar and Photo Division, Ministry of Defence

Editor, Printer and Publisher Col (Retd) P N Khera, VSM B-4/156, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi - 110029 E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Phone: +91-11-26171754, 46023657

Advertisement Manager 50 Y S Bisht Business Manager Manjeet Singh Soldier-Educationist 47 Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne Praises Dalhousie Circulation Manager Aftab Alam Public School By R S Ratra 50 Making Education A Positive Experience By P N Khera You can get Asia Defence News from Central News Agency Pvt. Ltd. P-23, Connaught Circus, New Delhi – 110001 New Subscriptions not accepted Phone: 011 - 23364448, Fax: 011 - 23626036 upto April 01, 2013 Designed & Printed by Adroit Printers at Twinkle Laminators, CB-74, Ring Road, www.asiadefencenews.com Naraina, New Delhi, Mobile: 9810515750 Editor’s word ______

Pak On Tenterhooks

akistan is on tenterhooks, One, over a plaint filed by a for- television mouthing threats of military wondering which side the mer army officer against the grant intervention. military cat will jump. It of a full three-year extension in ser- Now it remains to be seen who is once again sundered vice to incumbent Chief of Army Staff will plunge Pakistan back into military by a three-way split in its Ashfaq Pervez Kayani. The dictatorship. The General Headquarters body politic with the judiciary at log- retired Colonel is a legal adviser to has been insisting that problems con- Pgerheads with the executive on the one an ex-Servicemen’s organization and cerning military personnel must be dealt hand and with the military on the other. an avowed activist for justice for dis- with exclusively under the Army Act And each of the other two gunning for appeared persons in Pakistan. That by court martial and other due pro- one another. he was beaten up by unknown persons cesses. In the Kayani case the retired To some extent the crisis between is a normal sideshow ordained for per- Colonel who apparently knows military the executive and the judiciary had sons who dare to take on the military law inside out because he has defended ameliorated with the executive agreeing establishment. His plea against the colleagues with a grouse against to write to the Swiss authorities to reopen Kayani extension was first rejected by the establishment has made a point the corruption case against President the Islamabad High Court but later which the Islamabad High Court will Asaf Ali Zardari. It was a confrontation a division bench accepted it for early have to address – that having crossed that cost former Prime Minister Yousaf hearing. So General Kayani has a per- the superannuation age of 60 years the Raza Gilani his job. sonal problem. Army Chief falls outside the purview of With that out of the way the ruling The second, and potentially more the Army Act and it is within the juris- Pakistan People’s Party had hoped that dangerous development, was the order diction of civil courts to pronounce on till the next elections peace would pre- handed down by the Supreme Court in his fate. vail. The Supreme Court belied that the (Retired) Ashgar Khan That is not the only problem Kayani expectation. The judges made it plain case against the former Chief of Army faces. Allegations have surfaced that his that if President Asaf Ali Zardari does Staff General Aslam Beg and the then brother is deeply involved in a financial not relinquish the Co-Chairmanship Director General of the scam. It has been read to be a tit-for- (with son Bilawal) of the PPP he could Inter-Services Intelligence Lt General tat for the expose (allegedly engineered be in contempt of the court and be dis- Asad Durrani for distributing money to by the GHQ) about Chief Justice Ifti- qualified from being President as well. ensure that neither the iconic Benezir kar Chaudhuri’s son’s involvement in the This would have far-reaching conse- Bhutto of the Pakistan People’s Party pharmaceutical import case. So, as they quences for an already unstable political nor Nawaz Sharif of the Pakistan Mus- say in , all of us are naked in this system. lim League were elected in the 1990 hamam (bathtub). It is the burgeoning confrontation elections. Hence the fear evoked by the between the Supreme Court of Pakistan The Supreme Court Chief Justice impugned General Aslam Beg that some and the military establishment that has Iftikar Chaudhuri ordered that both serving, or retired, military personnel evoked open and undisguised threats of the retired military personnel be pros- may decide to throw the bathwater out a repeat of earlier military interventions. ecuted. That put the fat in the fire and of the window. The baby called democ- Here too there are two dimensions. General Aslam Beg was seen on national racy will also go with it

P N Khera

6 ASIA DEFENCE NEWS | December 15, 2012 | ______COVER STORY

A Grateful Nation Remembers 1962 War Army Chief Gen Bikram Singh Interacting with 1962 Heroes War Veterans

A function to honour the Veterans of 1962 War was conducted at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi on November 21, where over 200 Army Veterans and Veer Naris were felicitated. The Army Chief General Bikram Singh addressed the august gathering, lauding the brave action and sacrifices of the martyrs while assuring wholehearted support and continued assistance to the families by the Army. The 88 Veer Naris were paid due respect and honoured by Mrs Bubbles Singh, President, Central AWWA, reports ADN

he next of kin of eminent daughter of (Late) Lt Col Awasthi 1962 to safeguard the nation’s territorial integ- soldiers included, four War Martyr. rity, undeterred by adverse terrain and sisters of Capt Mahavir The event was followed by homage hostile weather conditions. Prasad, 1 SIKH, daugh- to all ranks of the and all An impressive exhibition showcas- ter of Sub Joginder Singh, unsung soldiers who made the supreme ing photographs of troops in gallant PVC, 1 SIKH, son of Brigadier Hoshiyar sacrifice in the line of duty. A narration action and accounts of various bat- TSingh, PVC, 3 Grendiers. Also present of the 1962 war in the form of movie tles were at display. In keeping with was Mrs Niharika Naidu wife of for- clippings highlighted how the Indian the COAS’s Key Result Area of look- mer Vice Chief Lt Gen ML Naidu and troops braved innumerable hardships ing after the Veterans and Veer Naris, kiosks of various welfare schemes and information related to housing schemes, all entitlements to next of kin/ex-Ser- vicemen, placement opportunities and details of resettlement programmes were also made available. In addition, a medical camp was organised having facilities of all major departments viz ENT, Gynae, Surgical, Medical, Oph- thalmology, Dental etc. Specialists of these departments provided their ser- vices and expert advice to exServicemen War veterans and Veer Naris of 1962 war were felicitated by the COAS Gen Bikram Singh and other and their families, next of kin and Veer senior on November 21 at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi Cantt. Naris.

| December 15, 2012 | ASIA DEFENCE NEWS 7 Interview of the Month ______

Lt Gen SS Thakral DG RVS The Incredible Army Vets

n an exclusive interaction with in foaling process, handles dystochia, commitments of an Army Veterinar- Asia Defence News Editor-in- uterine torsions, undertakes supportive ian in olive green, so multifarious, so Chief P N Khera, the Director therapy and neonatal care of newborn demanding and ever challenging. These General of Remount Veter- till early morning only to remain busy are accomplished with utmost diligence, nary Service Lt Gen SS Thakral for the following day. It is a 24x7 com- dedication and professionalism. unfolded the unique achievements of mitment not known to very many within The satisfaction for a RVC officer is Ithe Indian Army Vets in keeping the organization. immense for treating a sick mute ani- fighting fit a famous Corps of four The Army Dog Trainer (ADT) and the mal to health, factoring creation of a legged warriors. Army Dogs are awake guarding the vital new life, achievements of Army dogs High in the indomitable terrain, installations. Another ADT with his dog of apprehending fugitives and war like where the night falls and everyone walks miles and miles for road sanitiza- stores from terrorists, identification of goes to sleep, the veterinary officer in tion, while few more tracker dog teams an IED or mine which otherwise could a forward location, in a remote animal are on terrorist trail leading the combat have killed a number of precious lives, transport detachment gets the report of troops. A veterinary officer undertakes incident free movement of troops on an ailing mule. He is awake the whole surprise inspection of slaughtering pro- roads and tracks, unearthing of hide- night in open bone chilling cold treating cess in an Army abattoir during middle outs of terrorists, winning of medals at the animal under distress. At another of night and then in the wee hours is equestrian events, or feeding of whole- peace location in an ‘Equine Breed- back again to carry out the inspection some healthy ‘foods of animal origin’ to ing Stud’, whole night the Veterinary of carcasses so that these can be issued the troops. Officer Incharge is attending to foal- to the troops in station units well in time The Remount Veterinary Corps ing mares in which invariably happens for the day’s meal. (RVC) is the saviour of horses, mules, during nights only. He aids the mares These are only some of the canines and cattle, the animal force of

8 ASIA DEFENCE NEWS | December 15, 2012 | ______Interview of the Month

Indian Army. It has emerged as a major one of the most armed and organized veterinary institu- dedicated services tion globally. of the Indian Army The Corps has metamorphosed pro- with a glorious his- gressively to an advanced, modernized tory spanning over veterinary phalanx in the Armed Forces 233 years and a in sync with advancements in veterinary scintillating pres- profession as well as dynamics of combat ent. The Corps has logistic support. The Corps is known an enviable track Lt Gen SS Thakral as much for its professional acumen as record of relentless launching the kit for administrative, operational achieve- service in animal developed by CMVL on 29 September ments, equestrian sports development based logistics and 2012 and deliverables, eco-conservation and operational sup- social commitments. port to combat teams. The Corps has set (Meerut), two Equine Breeding Studs The animals bred and trained by RVC soaring benchmarks in highly divergent (Babugarh and Hisar), two Remount are in great demand within the coun- role which involves breeding, rearing, Training School & Depots (Saharanpur try by Air Force, Navy, Central Armed training the animals, their health man- and Hempur) and the Central Military Police Forces, National security agen- agement, treatment, immunization and Veterinary Laboratory (Meerut) are the cies, NDMA, various riding institutes, also tactically employing them for the premier establishments of the Corps universities within country and abroad military purposes. which are vital animal production and by friendly nations in addition to regu- The present day RVC evolved out of training establishments and pillars of lar animal holding units, ASC, PBG, 61 a Board formed in 1794 by the British strength for the organization. Cav, NDA, IMA, OTAs, NCC etc. These for breeding the horses locally to meet The RVC Centre and College at animals have proved their mettle com- their growing demand since the horses Meerut Cantt is the Alma Mater for all mendably. They are the key elements were not easily available. It’s since this RVC personnel. Officers and Soldiers of animal based logistic support and day the Corps has never looked back join here. They get trained and it is from active operations especially in counter- and delivered up to the expectations of here that they retire. This is their home insurgency/counter-terrorism (CI/CT) nation. We were an integral part during away from home. The mandate of the environment. two world as part of British empire Centre is to develop human, equine and The Corps has made a progressive and post Independence RVC continued canine resources for the Services by qualitative and quantitative expansion contributions during various conflicts imparting quality instructions in Vet- multi-dimensionally during past few with our hostile neighbours and also erinary Science, Animal Management years. The significance of RVC in Army in the fight against insurgency and ter- and Equitation Training. The Alma as well as other defence services cumula- rorism inflicted from across the border. mater is also the seat of excellence in tively has intensified. There is increased The Corps has acclaimed achievements canine breeding and training, provid- demand of animals, be it horses, mules during various operations including ing trained working canines as “force or the Army dogs demanding expansion J&K in 1947, NEFA in 1962, Indo-Pak multipliers” of unmatched excellence, of existing infrastructure and capabilities war of 1965 and 1971 and conflict meeting the requirements of the Indian to meet the growing demand. of 1999. Following are some of the excerpts from the interaction with DG RVS Lt TECHNICAL Gen SS Thakral by Editor-in-Chief PN INNOVATIONS Khera: PNK: What Lt Gen SS Thakral are the major RV DGRVS appreciating advanced disease ‘RVC establishments of diagnsostic 233 YEARS YOUNG’ the Corps and their technology during PN Khera: Would contribution in the his visit to Animal you like to throw light development of the Health & Veterinary Laboratories Agency on the history and heritage of the Corps? organization? (AHVLA), Addlestone, Lt Gen SS Thakral, DG RVS: DG RVS: RVC Surrey, UK during Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) is Centre and College 19-21 March 2012

| December 15, 2012 | ASIA DEFENCE NEWS 9 Interview of the Month ______

VETERINARY RVC gives as much emphasis to learn- TRAINING ing the correct technique of molding and FACULTY fitting as it does to study of the foot and Veterinary the hoof. The Farriery Squadron of RVC Training Fac- Centre & College is the only such faculty ulty is the available in the country imparting basic repository and and advanced training in farriery and dispenser of foot care in equines. The hot-shoeing RVC Tableaux knowledge of which became common in the 16th cen- displaying the veterinary sci- tury is the practice followed even today. country’s Canine ence in Army. The complex subject is being upgraded Force during Republic Day Parade 2012 There is no to Officer-oriented at present from the substitute for earlier state of JCOs and ORs intensive. Armed Forces, , Indian professionally competent doctors and Navy and CAPF. As the only one of its their technical assistants for which ANIMAL MANAGEMENT TRAINING kind in the Asia, Dog Training Faculty the continuous veterinary education Equitation and Animal Management of RVC Centre and College provides holds the key. The Veterinary Training Faculty is the oldest of the components support to the NSG and other security Faculty conducts various professional of the establishment with a massive and agencies is a dynamic establishment courses including primary courses, post specific infrastructure including excel- adapting to requirements, new tech- commission courses, refresher courses lent stabling facility, hunter course, nology and challenges. and cadre classification courses for arenas for dressage and show jumping The motto of the Corps, “Pashu Sewa Officers, JCOs and ORs of the Corps as fields and an extensive cross country Asmakam Dharma” is a motivational well as personnel of allied services and track of international standards. RVC drive to every member of the family to friendly foreign countries. The Faculty Centre & College is the node for eques- rise beyond normal call of duty to serve also conducts the only course special- trian sports and horsemanship. As the mute creatures while performing izing in equine treatment, care and per the mandate, it conducts All Arms duty towards nation. This demands a management in the country as post- Course to train RVC personnel as well baptization of civil veterinarians join- graduate National Diploma in Equine as personnel from other Arms and Ser- ing the Army to transform them into Husbandry, Medicine and Surgery vices and officers of friendly foreign a new professional culture with unique (NDEHMS) in collaboration with the countries. The alumni of the All Arms army ethos and values through strin- prestigious Indian Veterinary Research Equitation Course from various Arms gent technical and military bearing. The Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar. The tech- have excelled in various equestrian dis- Centre imparts the Young RVC Officers nical exchange programme with some ciplines globally. massive exposure to veterinary practice of the leading veterinary universities especially equines and canines which is of the country is an added initiative DOG TRAINING FACULTY unparallel not only in the country but undertaken by the Corps in acquiring The Dog Training Faculty which globally, in addition to basic military, up-to-date technical proficiency. was raised in 1961 is today the largest equestrian and canine training. establishment in Asia for an organized FARRIERY breeding and training and a model for SQUADRON Forces across the world. The Faculty is ‘No Sho e developed into three distinct functional No Foot; No wings that is canine breeding complex, Foot No horse’, dog training complex and Army Dog the old adage Trainers’ training section. Breeding is stands true ever. scientific management of studs, bitches The equine foot and pups which is a round the clock care bears the commitment. Modern infrastructure RVC riders with highest signif- for “scenario based training” includes horses assisting children with special icance. The towers for abseiling and slithering, simu- needs at CIMR, training mod- lated training environment for explosive Thiruvananthapuram ule adopted by and mine detection, search and rescue.

10 ASIA DEFENCE NEWS | December 15, 2012 | ______Interview of the Month

Complete automation of documenta- School and tion pertaining to breeding, rearing, Depot each at care, management and training has Saharanpur been implemented and programmes and Hempur at all levels are scientifically planned to for training ensure optimum efficiency. The Faculty horses and Rev Fr Felix CM, conducts basic and advance specialized mules. Both the Central Institute for Mentally Retarded, courses for RVC personnel to train them depots are man- Thiruvananthapuram as Army Dog Trainers. dated to receive updating DGRVS young horses on the progress of EQUINE BREEDING STUDS and mules from Project on Animal Therapy through The Corps has two Equine Breeding Equine Breed- Army horses Studs at Hisar and Babugarh. They are ing Studs to rear the mother establishments for equine young stock to maturity by constant sci- easily and performs to its fullest capacity. production in the Army. They have entific health care, balanced nutrition, earned a unique stature in an orga- training of remounts, train specialist IN ALL TYPES OF TERRAIN nized equestrian breeding which is horses including polo and eventers, train PNK: RVC performs its duties in all unparalleled across the globe. The mules to advanced stage, issue trained types of terrains by providing medical Studs maintain mother stock horses horses and mules to animal holding units care to the animals and their training. (Brood mares of various classes like including PBG, IMA, NDA, OTA, 61 Could you elaborate more on this? Horse Breeding, Mule Breeding (four Cavalry, NCC, ASC, Navy and Air Force DG RVS: RVC is deployed in variety types), Donkey Breeding as well as cor- and other Army training establishments of terrains to extend desired support at responding strength of stallions, horse and also supply trained horses to Police, our borders alongside fighting forma- stallions and donkey stallions and Test- Para Military Forces and friendly neigh- tions and affiliated units. Vast experience ing Ponies of various classes) to produce bouring countries. They also produce earned over decades of deployment has horses, mules and donkeys. The breed- sufficient nutritious equine fodder for assisted us in formulating policies and ing of equines is done most scientifically authorized stock of animals, harvest and procedures to provide effective health involving advanced techniques includ- preserve seeds and fodder for economi- care and management system for our ing Artificial Insemination, Embryo cal farming. The entire responsibility of army animals specific for each region. Transfer Technology. It is 24x7x52 job training equines lies with these Remount The professionally trained and com- demanding high level of knowledge, Training Schools and Depots. The key petent teams are handling these affairs aptitude, professional competence and for confident, good-natured horses lies to ensure timely evacuation of sick commitment at all levels. The care of in the bond between the rider and the and wounded animals and ensuring breeding stock, their health manage- horse. Horses are sensitive creatures and their desired care in recuperation. The ment, pregnant mares, foalings, care their natural instinct is to balk or take Mobile Field Veterinary Hospitals and of lactating mares, new born foals is flight in response to any threatening Advance Field Veterinary Hospitals have a challenging task at these Studs. The situation. Therefore the understand- been modernized to take care of routine foals are weaned from their mothers ing between the horse and rider is the and specialized treatment respectively at 5 months of age and transferred to first step in Remount Training School & Depots for the trust equa- further management, growth to matu- tion. In order rity, training and issue. The agricultural to deepen the operations are integral part of Equine bond of trust, Breeding Studs which is massive and the rider needs vast activity to meet fodder and feed to spend many requirements of breeding stock, work hours grooming Healing Therapy and growing animals at the Studs and his horse and through trained dogs Depots. getting to know of RVC to differently abled and mentally its temperament challenged children TRAINING SCHOOLS AND DEPOTS better so that it at ASHA School, Delhi The Corps has two Remount Training takes orders Cantt.

| December 15, 2012 | ASIA DEFENCE NEWS 11 Interview of the Month ______

syllabus of glaciated terrains of Siachen even during animal train- winters; making them the most useful ing has been Animal Transport for the region. prudently revised MOUNTAIN VANQUISHER: ARMY MULES recently to PNK: What is the relevance of horses cater for and mules in present day high tech war- Lt Gen SS Thakral, high qual- fare and air transport? DG RVS encouraging the budding riders i t y a n d DG RVS: The recent has from Boy’s Sports enhanced proven beyond a doubt that there is Company of RVC user satis- no substitute for pack transportation Centre and College faction. A whenever and wherever the tactical and Meerut Cantt at AEC Award ceremony simulated strategic situation indicates. Regardless mountain- of whether it is dawn or dusk, or the in addition to disease diagnostic capa- ous terrain and war like scenario has inclemency of weather, a mule will carry bilities. The effective veterinary cover is been developed at both the Training a load and practically go any place a sol- also ensured while the animals are on Depots to generate real time effects of dier can except up a ladder and there move or while providing services to for- deployment. Night training facilities is no substitute to them in mountains. ward detachments by means of mobile have also been developed recently in Mules are unquestionably the best and section or by establishing the Vet Aid these RTS&Ds. Such a kind of intense most certain supply line link between posts (VAPs). The essential laboratory training carried out with patience, zeal base and forward posts and Kargil has diagnostic facilities have also been devel- and commitment makes the horses and underlined their importance in the oped in these field veterinary hospitals mules competent and efficient animal Army’s renewed war doctrine. for assisting in ‘on the spot’ disease transport. The requirement of animal transport diagnosis. RVC, in a novel approach, has insti- shall persist till such time the mighty The training of Army animals is a sig- tuted training of Zanskar ponies in, ‘in Himalayas exist. While air supply nificant component of RVC’s mandate. situ’ in high altitude areas where unique through choppers and transport air- The training of Army horses and mules ‘Zanskar Pony Breeding and Training crafts continues to give advantage to the is time and manpower intensive. It is Centre’ (ZPBTC) has been established. organizations, the relevance of mules in carried out with a meticulous approach The training of ponies is extremely real- inhospitable mountainous border with in an organized systematic manner. The istic in native environment including our hostile neighbours is not going to

Healing Through Army Animals: Pet Therapy

“A dog is man’s best friend because he wags his tail are overwhelming and it’s actually helping the school and not his tongue.” in early rehabilitation of children with special needs. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is the planned Similarly earlier, RVC have provided few horses and rid- inclusion of an animal in a treatment plan to help ers to Central Institute of Mental Retardation (CIMR), people with special needs and their spin-off Thiruvanathpuram. RVC extended their support interventions such as equine-assisted psychotherapy, over the years to them. The results were miraculous “cell dog” or prison pet programmes, and reading and the response was magnificent. The students at the interventions using dogs are based on an age-old con- institute were immensely benefited with this unique cept however rarely practiced in our country. RVC has animal therapy. We are still maintaining the association taken this rare philanthropic initiative for the first time with the Institute and extending our support for by providing a dog at ASHA School at Delhi Cantt for their early rehabilitation objective. The effort was the children with special needs. The school is run by well appreciated by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, former AWWA under the aegis of HQ Delhi Area and results during his visit to the Centre.

12 ASIA DEFENCE NEWS | December 15, 2012 | ______Interview of the Month

General Bikram Singh, reduce in near future. Moreover past public health PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, experience strongly warrants to keep by work- SM, VSM, ADC, Chief all our options open to meet variety of ing on ‘one of Army Staff along unforeseen contingencies which do arise health ini- with Brigadier General Shamsuzzaman, and are essential to handle without any tiative’ with Commandant adverse effect on the overall strategy. medical Military The issue gains increased significance fraternity Academy, Maj Gen because of Government’s ‘Look East’ for ensur- Sabbir Hasan, GOC, Bangladesh policy and to strengthen our northern ing health Div after gifting the borders unambiguously. of troops, two horses from It’s not only mules for mountainous capability Indian Army during transport, we are also looking the native development his visit to on animals like ‘yak’ as an effective alter- of RV units 3 October nate to further generate alternatives for through the tactical advantages. We have already modernization in technology, instru- Quarantine Station is being established started ‘Zanskar pony Breeding and mentation, its training and application at Meerut. Training Centre’ (ZPB&TC) in Ladakh at par with global standards. There is a The training of equines has been region to breed and train native Zanskar need to expand or develop additional revised at par with international stan- ponies and have proposed to establish infrastructure to meet requirement dards. This is being further upgraded similar centre for Bhutti ponies. of additional animals and futuris- through intensive new training infra- tic requirements under 12th Five Year structure and coaches. The Corps is also FUTURE ROAD MAP Plan. Exploitation of capabilities of committed to equestrian development; PNK: What is the future road map local animals and their inclusion as provide high quality fully trained partic- for the RVC? Army animals for respective region ipating horses to Army riders. Towards DG RVS: The esteemed RV Corps is also being evaluated. The OIE this, efforts are in hand to import excel- has set professional landmarks during accreditation of Central Military lent trained horses to meet immediate the recent years. It is witnessing criti- Veterinary Laboratory will be achieved requirements as well as world class cal phase of its prospective history. The in phased manner for which action has breeding stock from European studs Corps has immense potential to achieve been initiated. Efforts are also in full for producing future prospective rides. many more horizons. It has a ‘mission’ force to get India placed in European Similarly, the improvement in qual- of high professional competence in Union’s sanitary group to facilitate easy ity of canine stock is on the anvil along all disciplines of veterinary of Army’s movement of Indian horses across the with introduction of new training aids, significance including animal health, border for participation in international development of new discipline like productivity, disease diagnosis, animal events and their training in Europe. assault training, enhanced training and nutrition, fodder production, veterinary Towards this, a world class Equestrian capability development of Army Dog

Lt Gen Munish Sibal AVSM** QMG and Colonel Commandant RVC along with DGRVS visiting Zanskar Ponies Breeding & Training Centre at Partapur DGRVS and other officers and teams after awarding the DGRVS Polo in Leh Sector to ascertain the performance of Zanskar Ponies Cup – 2012 to winning team in

| December 15, 2012 | ASIA DEFENCE NEWS 13 Interview of the Month ______

Humanitarian Veterinary Assistance

“Winning Hearts and Minds of People” Army has been following the pol- icy of providing healing touch to the insurgency affected parts of our coun- try while dealing tough with insurgent groups. RVC teams are playing a cru- cial role in achieving this objective as the life in rural areas are mostly depen- dent upon the animals and providing free veterinary assistance by our vet- erinary officers under the ‘Operation Sadbhvana’ is a big relief for them. It has successfully won the applause of rural folks, administration and local media. Most parts of J&K and some of the areas in North East are covered Humanitarian Veterinary Assistance to the local masses by the RV Teams while being deployed on under the plan. Additionally we have United Nation’s Peacekeeping Mission as part of Indian Battalions undertaken the project to support local administration in capability development. Under in earning the goodwill of local populace in the mission this project we have been able to train local un-employed areas and also in building the confidence of the locals youth in various aspects of animal husbandry, veterinary in the UN Forces. The military components have the first aid, poultry farming in parts of J&K. Further the vast responsibility to create an environment conducive for expertise of RVC in the field of equines and canines the mission to achieve its aim and the Indian Battalions has been readily shared with budding veterinarians of have achieved this critical objective by humanitarian vet Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and aid provided by RVdetachments. Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-Jammu) and Srinagar. Currently RV teams are inducted with Indian Battalions Almost 200 veterinary intern students were imparted at UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and Lebanon ‘hands on training’ for four weeks at the RVC Hospitals at (UNIFIL). The contributions of these RV detachments ear- Udhampur and Srinagar respectively under the scheme. lier in the UN Missions in Somalia, Congo, Ethiopia-Eritrea RV detachments are integral part of most of the UN and Golan Heights in Syria is on record with an ever last- Peacekeeping Missions deployed by Indian Government. ing impressions on UN officials, local administration rural Owing to their larger impact on rural masses, the United populace and the local and international media. The effort Nation’s has overwhelmingly recognized the Indian of Indian Army has now been institutionalized in winning Army’s concept of ‘Healing through Humanitarian Aid’. hearts and minds of the general population overseas, The multifarious activities undertaken by these RV which speaks of RVC’s professional competence and rep- Dets has displayed meaningful and long lasting impact utation internationally.

Trainers at home and abroad. The action The Corps is also committed to tri- through high man management acumen has already been initiated for infusion Services support as the veterinary for officers, JCOs, ORs and civilians, of new germplasm for canine breeding services are not available with Indian meeting their esteem, aspirations stock. The technology for cryo preserva- Navy and Indian Air Force. The RVC and organizational interests through tion of quality semen from proven studs officers are already doing extremely an organized humane approach will has been standardized and will further well in . Above all, the be the main thrust in future. I am be developed. development of quality human resource sanguine that more dynamism and

14 ASIA DEFENCE NEWS | December 15, 2012 | ______Interview of the Month

vitality will be infused in the Corps in the years to follow.

‘THE DOGS WE TRUST’ PNK: What are the contributions of the Army dogs in Field Operations? Tracker Dog Team on the job in snow DG RVS: The Army dogs are doing bound terrain leading an outstanding job in valley (J&K) and to track down the also in our North-Eastern parts where fleeing suspect we are still combating insurgency. These under scenario based training in the field specialized dogs are actively participat- areas of valley (J&K) ing in variety of operations in Army for more than five decades now. There role to un-imaginable success stories, col- overcome ground challenges is an ranges from leading a patrol team to lectively for an organization it takes ongoing phenomenon and we are com- nab a fleeing terrorist, to detection of right procedures and policies, consis- mitted towards it. Devising the means deadly IED, to clearance of mine field, tent training and dedication to perform to deploy the dog team directly at the to capturing the cache of arms and at a superior level cutting across terrain, site of operation in least possible time ammunition, to rescuing an alive per- climate or conditions. by resorting to heliborne slithering or son trapped in an avalanche. We have abseiling is an instant example of it. We witnessed mammoth saga of successful ‘THE STRONG-WILLED DOGS’ are experimenting with large number operations conducted with the help of PNK: What kind of role you see for of canine augmentation techniques trained dogs and some of the recorded the Army dogs in modern Army? and expanding the role of Army dogs incidents are wherein almost failed DG RVS: Despite modernization the in providing the vital tactical advantage. missions were turned into the biggest basic rule of engagement remains the We have designed some innovative success because of timely employment same in any conflict and it’s obligatory techniques of training and employ- of befitting dog. Over the years their on the part of foot soldiers to effectively ment of these silent warriors and on contribution is un-parallel and I see an counter them. I see an expanding role regular basis we put them to test in real everlasting and ever increasing role of of specialized dogs in achieving this time scenario. We must appreciate that dogs due to their super natural poten- very aim of our combat teams. While even as it may be a vital operation for tial which can never be replaced by any the terrorists are trying to avoid being us, it still remains a game for our dog other available tool. Our ‘dog teams’ detected by the specialized Army dogs to retrieve the target. are working day in and out because of using some ingenious means in plan- We are introducing the ‘remote our strong belief that ‘to succeed in a ning their acts of subversion, we have air sampling’ with the help of dogs to deployment, the team has to be well mastered the art of seizing them along further augment the speedy clearance trained and prepared throughout the with their arsenal. Our focus on con- as the resource is still scarce when year 24x7. While individuals have lead stant research and development to compared to the large need and commitments of the organization. We have made our dogs a wonderful tool for collection of vital information by means of overhead camera to relay real time video and images. Such kind of surveillance could be of immense value to plan our intervention drills in variety of situations including the one we faced on 26/11. Our teams are integral part of special operations and we are making the dog to assault in quite a number of situations when he can alone work as a deadly commando utilizing intrinsic aggression and ferociousness of a particular breed of dog.

| December 15, 2012 | ASIA DEFENCE NEWS 15 Interview of the Month ______

He Developed UID For Army DGRVS visiting the Centers of Excellence in UK for professional interaction Equines

Lt Gen SS Thakral assumed the office of DGRVS on 28 September 2011 after a challenging vacuum of 7 months. He had a short span and an enormous mandate at his hand which he has accomplished with unique credibility, perseverance and determination. Born on 15 March 1952 at village Nehla, Hisar, Haryana in a progressive agricultural family and due to his sheer hard work has risen to the highest appointment in Remount Veterinary Corps, says PN Khera

e has a credible track Rabies, Leptospirosis, Anti Fertility Vac- The Zanskar Pony Breeding and record and an array of cine for stray dogs, canine and equine Training Centre established in ‘Leh’ significant appoint- nutrition in collaboration with Depart- Sector by the sole initiative and perse- ments tenanted ment of Bio-technology, Government of verance of Gen Thakral is a unique novel by him including India, ICAR, NII, AIIMS and JALMA. concept which is breeding, rearing and DGRVS, ADGRVS, DDGRVS, JDST He instituted NABL accreditation drive training the equines, the Zanskar ponies, (TO/RV)H at IHQ of MoD (Army), for CMVL by intensive training of offi- ‘in situ’ in high altitude areas (HAA) Brig RVS, HQ in cers, meticulous standardization of lab without any additional cost to the State. addition to command of prestigious procedures, documentation and devel- It has earned its place in Limca Book Central Military Veterinary Laboratory opments. The intensive efforts of CMVL of World Records for being the high- (CMVL), an Advance Field veterinary officers under his stewardship resulted est stud farm. The animals produced Hospital and twice the Mobile Field Vet- in NABL accreditation as per interna- and trained at this establishment have erinary Hospitals. He served at ground tional standard ISO:17025 to the Lab in proved rugged, reliable, robust and dis- level as an established equine breeder, the year 2009 being the first and only in ease resistant carrying more weight than microbiologist scientist and a referral the country. It is with pride that NABL General Service mules. The demand for veterinary clinician, excelling over the accreditation is being maintained and Zanskar Ponies is overwhelming neces- challenges and mandate of each appoint- revalidated year after year since then. sitating expansion of the existing setup ment with innovative approach setting As of now, no other veterinary lab in and establishing an additional Centre in new standards and targets for self and the country has reached even the ini- HAA within Northern Command as well others at every occasion. tial status. With General’s intensive as similar organization in Eastern Com- He upgraded CMVL to a highly sustained efforts, CMVL has now been mand and . advanced bio-technological laboratory approved for OIE accreditation under The General with his visionary profes- by introduction of advanced technology Twinning Programme with the global sional prowess and constant monitoring and instrumentation concurrently insti- laboratory in Belfast (UK) and Atlanta has delivered highest record productiv- tuting applied research specific to Army’s (US) for Leptospirosis and Rabies ity of equines during past three years. requirements and significance includ- respectively by World Animal Health This was accompanied with a new breed- ing Tuberculosis, Canine Adeno Virus, Organization (OIE). ing and training doctrine for optimal

16 ASIA DEFENCE NEWS | December 15, 2012 | ______Interview of the Month

efficiency in procedures and techniques with enhanced specification standards with the objectivity of user satisfaction and enhanced operational proficiency of Army animals. He instituted drive to convert the barren saline lands at Equine Breeding Studs and Remount Training School and Depots of the Corps to pro- ductive land leading to their greening Mrs Sarla Thakral and additional agriculture fodder pro- the first lady of RVC duction for Army animals. (center), during her The General Officer also developed interaction with other Unique Identification Number (UID) ladies at Equine Breeding Stud, for Army equines which is in the pro- Babugarh cess of implementation in the form of microchip in the body of animal for life- associated stray dog population control with the European Union for estab- time identification with establishment of are the main thrust areas towards this lishing Veterinary protocol of Indian customized software development and objective. participating horses. data management. The General has also introduced Lt Gen SS Thakral is a simple, cor- The General has enhanced the philanthropic drive for animal aided dial officer with pleasing demeanor. He capability development of Remount therapeutics for treatment of mentally is ever accessible and receptive to his Veterinary units in field and peace with retarded children and grown-ups. The officers, JCOs, ORs towards their well technology upgradation, instrumenta- General is constantly engaged with being and maintains perfect harmony at tion through DGAFMS office, ACSFP Central Institute of Mental Retarda- all levels for a stress free working envi- and other resources. Concurrently, tion, Thiruvananthapuram over years ronment, organizational development professional upgradation of all ranks where the animal therapy has proven and augment efficiency of the prevail- has also been instituted by their of immense help. Now the General ing system. training and exposure at various has instituted pets therapy for children Colleges and Universities. The entry with special needs at Asha School, Delhi INSPIRING COUPLE level education level of JCO and ORs Cantt where it has delivered highly posi- Mrs Sarla Thakral the lady behind the (Dressers, Lab Assistants) has also been tive response. success of Lt Gen SS Thakral is an MA in upgraded to 10+2 (Science) instead of The General has reorganized vet- history and possesses a strong acumen of matriculation previously for high end erinary services and control in field bondage and welfare for the families of objectivity. The entry level education formations for better functioning, better RVC fraternity. She is ever understand- standard for Army Dog Trainers (ADTs) coordination and effective health man- ing, compassionate to the problems and is also in the process of revision to meet agement of Army animals. The General grievances of one and all in the Corps. requirements of dual trade, as Army Dog has also made productive contribution With her constant touch with the fam- Trainers as well as treating Dressers in for animal health programme for the ilies, assertive and adept management case of emergencies. country during 12th Five Year Plan as of activities in the Corps units, she has The General is presently striving to Member of Working Group on Animal given a new dimension to the develop- improve the service conditions of ADTs Health and Climate Change of Planning ment of Army Welfare Centres in RVC to provide them peace tenures as cur- Commission, Govt of India. establishments. rently 80 per cent of vacancies are in Lt Gen SS Thakral has been con- She has been the key force behind field and on an average each ADT is ferred with the Fellowship of National the success of Lt Gen SS Thakral required to serve in Field/HAA areas Academy of Veterinary Sciences for his having been the General’s biggest for 7-8 years at a stretch. He is com- outstanding contribution, innovation strength and inspiration in most of mitted to veterinary public health and and applied research. He has also been turbulent periods through a span of ‘one health initiative’ in sync with Army conferred Chief of Army Staff Commen- 34 years of married life. They are an Medical Services for control of zoonoses dation Card twice. As Vice President inspiring couple for the officers and men and ensures health of troops. The con- (Veterinary) of Equestrian Federation of the Corps. They are blessed with two trol of Tuberculosis, Bird Flu, Rabies and of India (EFI), he is currently engaged sons who are well settled.

| December 15, 2012 | ASIA DEFENCE NEWS 17 1971 Revisited ______

Air Marshal (Retd) M S Bawa interacting with Cecil Victor Longewala!

It is December once more. And in the wintry chill, Indians have reason to feel the undying warmth of an unprecedented victory over an implacable enemy. On 3 December 1971 Pakistan launched air attacks at dusk on nine Indian forward airstrips in the hope of crippling the Indian Air Force. On 4 December the Indian Navy struck harbour. That same night the Pakistan Chief of Army Staff Gen launched a tank attack in the Barmer sector to capture Jaisalmer and take prisoners to be used as bargaining chips for Indian victories in other sectors, particularly the just created Bangladesh. One man stood between Pakistan Army Chief’s self-described “Yahya Khan’s Unique Plan” and his gameplan of reducing the magnitude of India’s victory and trying to wrest something from the jaws of defeat at the negotiating table. Cecil Victor met Air Marshal (Retd) M.S. Bawa to understand how with just four Hunter ground attack aircraft he could stop a regiment of 45 Pakistani tanks. Asia Defence News came away with some nuggets about how to read an enemy’s mind and prepare the battlefield to nullify his intentions. With the likelihood of India having to face a “two-front war” simultaneously with Pakistan and China in the looming “next round” India needs to understand the implications of what Air Marshal Bawa has to say:

t 2:30 on the morning and incendiary rounds and rocket pods tanks strapped to the turrets to enable of 5 December then loaded. The first pair of Hunters flown the Pakistani regiment to reach Jaisalmer Wing by Sq Ldr D.K Das and Flt Lt R Gosain became their flaming cenotaphs. They M.S Bawa CO of Jais- arrived over Longewala at about 7 am were beacons for follow-on attacks on almer airbase received to discover a huge number of tanks dot- tanks either trapped in desert sands or a call from Divisional Hq that Pakistani ting the desert below. From the control circling at high speed to raise dust to Atanks had crossed the border opposite centre at Jaisalmer Bawa told the pair hide their positions. the Longewala outpost manned by an to hit the first Pakistani tank closest to under-strength 23 Punjab “Alfa” Com- the Longewala post with just 60 meters CONTROVERSY CLEARED pany. Being the dead of night and an separating the two. There was jubilation among the inherent inability to strike at night the The first mission took a toll of two troops of the 23 Punjab contingent led Hunters were made ready for attack tanks destroyed and seven damaged. by Major (later) Brigadier Kuldip Singh after dawn. The onboard cannons were Only those that were up in smoke were Chandpuri. But the defence of Longe- primed with belts of high-explosive, ball counted as “kills”, the additional fuel wala became enmeshed in controversy

18 ASIA DEFENCE NEWS | December 15, 2012 | ______1971 Revisited

generated largely a chunk of Indian territory and a sizeable troops should not seek to strike in depth. by the fictional- number of captives. His “Yahya Khan’s Instead they should concentrate on cap- ized account of Unique Plan” was to use the darkness turing Pakistani vital points and vital the event in the of just one night to surprise India with areas within reach that are amenable movie “Border” a thrust into Jaisalmer which is just 140 to quick replenishment and reinforce- by J.P. Dutta. Air km from the Indo-Pak border. It was a ment under an air superiority cover so Marshal Bawa strategic target because it lay at the junc- that there is something more tangible in has a letter from tion of road and rail links and its airbase hand than a stalemate. Chandpuri that Air Marshal M S Bawa could have been used to bring in more Air Marshal Bawa says Army Hq PVSM, AVSM, VM attempts to put troops and replenishments. This he had accepted his logic and plans were the record straight. (See photo) to do because he too was hampered by changed accordingly in 1969 – two an absence of aircraft that could strike years before war broke out over Bangla- at night. So he had to finish the mission desh in 1971. That timeframe, based on in one night. weather patterns and logistical possibili- He failed because he did not realize ties appears to have also been adopted that his tanks and the accompanying by Army Chief while mechanized infantry would become preparing for the assault of Pakistan’s bogged down in the desert sand. Their eastern wing which he liberated in just attack on Longewala was rendered 14 days with 93,000 prisoners of war in haphazard because of mistakes in navi- the kitty. gation and target acquisition made by the section commanders who had not AIR COVER A MUST reconnoitred the battlespace before In both the Pakistan and China con- launching the attack from the oper- texts Air Marshal Bawa insisted that the ational administrative base set up at Indian Air Force should be integral to Ghabbar about 10 km from the border. ground operations in both attack and The delays caused by this oversight led defence. to a whole tank regiment being stranded He recalled that former Chief of Army ‘Border’ a fictionalised version says miles away from its objective. In daylight Staff General Krishnaswami Sundarji Brigadier Chandpuri they were sitting ducks because, even Even as the first mission expended after desperate calls for air cover over its weapons and headed for home base radio (recorded for posterity by Indi- the second mission was on its way to ans) the was unable He suggested that Indian pick off the panicked Pakistani tanks. troops should not seek This is how it went on through 5th and to strike in depth. Instead 6th December. With aircraft, some rid- dled with anti-aircraft bullets from the they should concentrate Pakistani tank air defence guns but still on capturing vital points functional, being swiftly refueled and and vital areas within rearmed, pilots changed and sent back to hunt and destroy the Pakistani col- reach that are amenable to umn. A total of 25 tanks were destroyed quick replenishment and Jaisalmer emblem honours Hunter pilots and 20 damaged. reinforcement under an air to send help. YAHYA’S ‘UNIQUE PLAN’ FAILED Here is a nugget Air Marshal Bawa superiority cover so that Asked why any military commander revealed: In his study of battles fought in there is something more should launch such a disastrous mis- India since the Mahabharat he saw that tangible in hand than a sion Air Marshal Bawa explained that they did not last more than two weeks Pakistan Chief of Army Staff General given various factors affecting warfare stalemate as happened in Yahya Khan had hoped to wrest conces- over the ages. He made a presentation 1965 sions at the bargaining table by grabbing to his seniors suggesting that Indian

| December 15, 2012 | ASIA DEFENCE NEWS 19 1971 Revisited ______

out a battlefield in immersed himself the Himalayas with in social work. Chinese in view. He He is patron of brought in the Chi- an organization nese nuke factor and known as AAN gas warfare capa- (acronym for bilities and plans to Army, Air force deliver a Division at and Navy) which Bagdogra in Assam takes up environ- Young Wing and air strikes in the mental and health Commander M S Bawa western sector. So issues with civic impressed were the authorities. The most recent being the held two major military exercises -- referees that they suggested a presenta- scare created by the epidemic of dengue in 1986 and tion for the Prime Minister. fever. There was one death in Safdarjang Operation Chequerboard a few months Air Marshal Bawa explained that his Enclave where he lives. He indulged later – had put to the test airland battle two-week paradigm is based on the himself with writing Urdu poetry and concepts to see how they can be imple- nation’s ability to maintain military playing golf. mented on the ground. In the plains and operations on foreign acquired arms and deserts territory Operation Brasstacks munitions. It has been reconfirmed dur- TAILSCRIPT tested the synergy that can be attained ing Kargil that the nation had to rush After the smashing success of between the IAF and the Indian Army. around to buy ammunition. That is why Operation Chequerboard too extended he has suggested that India should aspire this cooperation in mountain warfare for greater indigenization if it is to be where the lack or absence of infrastruc- able to sustain a war with China and ture on the Indian side often results in Pakistan over a period of time. Till that delays in maintaining troops already is attained the war plans must be geared at battle-stations in the north-eastern to achieve national objectives within as Himalayas. short a timeframe as possible. An indig- enous military-industrial complex with TWO-WEEK PARADIGM greater participation by the private sec- Indian soldiers doing Bhangara atop a captured Pakistani tank in Longewala The two-week paradigm enunciated tor should help raise the potential to by Air Marshal Bawa was reinforced fight wars over sustained periods. the Longewala battle the Jaisalmer when he acted as the Devil’s Surro- airbase received its full complement gate during the war-gaming Ops Room IN CIVVY STREET of 14 aircraft and it went rampaging in Operation Chequerboard setting Post retirement Air Marshal Bawa has across central Pakistan picking off targets of opportunity like north-south rail lifeline and the road network. Sui gasfield 240 kms from Jaisalmer that supplies gas for the Punjab industries was hit. But there were some targets that Bawa’s air warriors deliberately allowed to escape into Pakistan so that they could go home and tell the tales of hor- ror they had to face at Indian hands. One of them was an officer named Hussain Mohammad Ershad. A Bengali, he was repatriated by Pakistan to Bangladesh after the . Lt General A devastated Ershad became President of Bangladesh Pakistani tank in 1983.

20 ASIA DEFENCE NEWS | December 15, 2012 | ______1971 Revisited

The Never Again War It was a never again war for both India and Pakistan Celebrated as Vijay Diwas on December 16 every year, the day the great 14-day war concluded, it created military history. Never before such a great military surrender was witnessed as that of the Pak Eastern Army’s surrender in Dhaka. More then 93,000 Pak soldiers surrendered in that great defeat in the military history of the world. Never before had a short war resulted in the emergence of a new independent nation. The 1971 war resulted in the emergence of an independent Bangladesh. Led by Army Chief Sam Manekshaw, Air Chief PC Lal and Navy Chief Admiral S.M. Nanda, the in a rare strategic synergy inflicted blow after blow on Pak military, recalls Asia Defence News

he Indian Army could Defence News issues to have easily marched into ensure that lessons of 1971 Lahore and Sialkot if the are not forgotten by both war continued another the victor and the van- week. But ceasefire was quished and bring home called on December 16 suddenly. to them that truth shall TOn the Western Front the Army led always prevail. by Lieut Gen KP Candeth covered itself with glory and the Eastern Army led By Celebrating A Saga Of Strategy, Lt Gen J S Arora received the abject sur- Lt Gen AAK Niazi render of the Pak Army Commander Gallantry, Leadership surrendered with Lt Gen AAK Niazi. The Indian Navy’s And Morale 93000 Pakistani night attack on Karachi on 4 December This issue of Asia soldiers to Lt Gen JS Arora (Left) on led Pakistanis to wonder if “qayyamat” Defence News is dedi- December 16, 1971 (doomsday) had come to visit them. It cated to the brave soldiers was to remain an unforgettable lesson of and martyrs of the Indian surrendered to Lt Gen Jagjit Singh defeat and disgrace to militarists of Paki- Armed Forces, who gallantly fought Aurora GoC-in-C stan. For Indian Army, Air Force, Navy and were instrumental in victory in the on 16 December 1971 at Dacca. it was maximum victory with minimum 1971 Indo-Pak war. It is also a tribute It was a victory of gallantry, leader- use of force. to the Eastern Army Command which ship and morale. The Pak prisoners of war in a long played a pivotal role in achieving this stretch of open air prisons on the outsets unprecedented victory in the annals of A Mechanism That Won The War of Meerut in Uttar Pradesh and Jabal- world military history in which 93,000 The 1971 confrontation between pur in Madhya Pradesh saw the defeated well armed, able bodied, well garrisoned one of the strongest Prime Ministers treated with dignity and respect a soldier Pakistani soldiers led by Lieut Gen of India, and one of the deserved, even in defeat. They were all AAK Niazi, GoC-in-C strongest Army Chiefs of the country returned safe to Pakistan as also hun- Sam Manekshaw, who later become a dreds of square miles of Pak territory Field Marshal, and who actually won the seized during the war along the inter- glorious victory for India in the Bangla- national border. No territory seized desh War. That legendary confrontation by India in Jammu and Kashmir was was recalled by ‘Sam Bahadur’ in his K returned on the logic that the whole of M Cariappa Memorial lecture in New the former princely state was an integral Delhi in 1995. part of India. This is what Sam said: “There is a On Vijay Divas this year we pres- very thin line between being dismissed ent some excerpts from previous Asia The largest surrender in recent times and becoming a Field Marshal. In 1971,

| December 15, 2012 | ASIA DEFENCE NEWS 21 1971 Revisited ______

Air Force would not Simultaneously, Pakistan launches be able to provide ground attacks at a number of points support because of in the western sector. Pakistani Army climatic conditions. shells Indian positions in Sulaimanke, “Now Prime Min- Khemkaran, and other sectors. ister, give me your An emergency meeting of the Cabi- orders. The grim net is held at night immediately on the Prime Minister with Prime Minister’s return from Calcutta. her teeth clenched The President proclaims a State of said, ‘The Cabinet Emergency. will meet again at At 11:50 p.m. the Indian Air Force Indira Gandhi and four o’clock.’ goes into action with retaliatory attacks Manekshaw The Cabinet on Pakistani airfields hitting a number members started of Pakistani aircraft on the ground and when Pakistan cracked down in East walking out. I being the junior most was setting on fire petrol tanks. Pakistan, hundreds and thousands of the last to go and as I was leaving, she refugees started pouring into India, said, ‘Chief, will you stay back?’ into West Bengal, Assam and Tripura. I turned around and said, ‘Prime Min- Pakistan makes a formal Declaration The Prime Minister held a Cabi- ister, before you open your mouth, may of War with India. net meeting in her office. I was then I send you my resignation on grounds In a daring night attack, a Western summoned. of health, mental or physical?’ Fleet Missile Boat Task Force of the A very angry, grim-faced Prime Min- She said, ‘Everything you told me is Indian Navy sends to the bottom of the ister read out telegrams from the Chief true?’ sea two Pakistani , “Khaibar” Ministers of West Bengal, Assam and ‘Yes! It is my job to tell you the truth,’ and “Shahjahan”. The Task Force also Tripura. I responded. ‘And it is my job to fight, bombards Karachi harbour installations. She then turned around to me and it is my job to fight to win and I have to December 4 has been celebrated as Navy said, ‘What are you doing about it?’ And tell you the truth.’ Day ever since. I said, ‘Nothing, it’s got nothing to do She smiled at me and said, ‘All right Pakistani troops in great strength, with me. You didn’t consult me when Sam, you know what I want?’ I said, ‘Yes, supported by armour and artillery, you allowed the BSF, the CRP and RAW I know what you want!’” launch an attach in the Chhamb sec- to encourage the Pakistanis to revolt. Manekshaw apparently had his way tor. India inflicts heavy casualties on Now that you are in trouble, you come as the Bangladesh war took place seven the enemy. to me. I have a long nose. I know what’s months later, giving the armed forces In the Ferozepur sector, one Pakistani happening.’ ample time for preparations. brigade, supported by air, armour and She said, ‘I want you to enter Paki- artillery, attacks Indian territory near stan. And I responded, that means war!’ The Unprovoked Attack Hussainiwala, The attack is repulsed She said, ‘I do not mind if it is war.’ On the evening of December 3, with heavy casualties to the enemy. I said ‘Are you prepared? I am cer- 1971 the sudden unprovoked attack by In the eastern sector, Indian troops tainly not. This is the end of April. The the Pak Air Force on a wide range of move into Bangladesh at several points Himalayan passes are opening and there Indian civil and military targets made and, in concert with the , can be an attack from China.’ the Indian Armed Forces swing into liberate many areas. I turned around to the Prime Minis- action in what was christened Operation Western and Eastern Fleets of the ter and said that the rains were about to Cactus Lily. It was to inflict a crushing Indian Navy go into action. start in East Pakistan and when it rains defeat on the invader and create mili- there, it pours and the whole country- tary history. We present below a diary December 5 side is flooded. of events in that war. In concert with the Mukti Bahini, The snows are melting, the rivers Indian trops liberate more areas in would become like oceans. December 3 Bangladesh. All my movement would be confined Pakistani Air Force launches pre- Pakistan launches a major infantry to roads.” meditated pre-emptive air strikes at 5:45 attack, supported by armour, at Longe- Manekshaw told Gandhi that the p.m. on a number of Indian airfields. wala with the intention of attacking

22 ASIA DEFENCE NEWS | December 15, 2012 | ______1971 Revisited

Jaisalmer and capturing territory and December 8 enlargement east of Munnawar Tawi personnel to countervail Indian mil- river. Severe fighting rages in this sector. itary/political gains in other places In the Kutch sector, Virawah, 16 km, along the western sector, The attack is north of Nagarparkar, is captured. repulsed with close air support with just four Hunters launched two at a time December 11 throughout the day. In Bengladesh, the Mukti Bahini, Pakistani attack Ranian in Amritsar in concert with Indian troops, liber- sector with two battalions. The attack is ates Hili, Mymensingh, Kushitia and repulsed with heavy losses to the enemy. Noakhali. In the Chhamb sector, another Pak- Gen Manekshaw After intense fighting in the Chhamb istani attack is repulsed with heavy sector, our troops repulse the enemy casualties. General S. H. F. J. Manekshaw, back to the west of Munnawar Tawi. Pakistani attack on Kasba area near Chief of the Army Staff calls on Poonch is repulsed. officers and men of the Pakistani December 12 In another operation in the Bay of occupation forces in Bangladesh to Indian paratroopers are dropped in Bengal, the Navy knocks out enemy surrender immediately to the Indian sizeable strength to mount an assault submarine PNS Ghazi as it lay in wait Army in view of the hopeless position on Dacca. outside Vishakhapatnam harbour for in which they are situated. prime target INS Vikrant. In the Chhamb sector, Pakistani December 13 Meanwhile Vikrant’s aircraft launch troops mount a fierce attack with an Dacca is surrounded by our troops. round-the-clock air attacks on Chit- additional brigade supported by addi- tagong and Cox’s Bazar. tional armour and air cover, Indian December 14 troops hold the ground and inflict mas- Bogra is liberated. Brig. Khader, Com- December 6 sive casualties. mander 93 Pak Infantry Brigade, along The Prime minister announces India’s Indian troops, acting in concert with with two Lt. Cols. and one Major, sur- recognition of the “Gana Prajatantri the Mukti Bahini, liberate Comilla and render near Dacca. Bangladesh” in Parliament. Brahmanbaria. Haripur petroleum and gas refinery Pakistani breaks off diplomatic rela- in Bangladesh is captured intact. tions with India. December 9 On the night of December 5/6, In statement in Parliament, the December 15 approximately two brigades of Paki- Defence Minister announces that Pak- Lt. Gen A. A. K. Niazi, Commander stani troops, supported by an armored istan’s largest submarine, US-built of the West Pakistani occupation forces regiment attack Indian positions twice “Ghazi” was sunk off in Dacca, asks the Indian Army Chief in the Chhamb sector. Both attacks are on the night of December 3/4. for a cease-fire, In reply, Gen. Manek- repulsed. In Bangladesh, Indian troops, acting shaw directs him to surrender with the In Bangladesh, Indian troops, acting in concert with the Mukti Bahini, liber- men under his command by 9 a. m. on in concert with the Mukti Bahini, liber- ate Chandpur and Daudkandi. December 16. ate more areas. A two-pronged attack is made on Indian Naval craft pound military Naya Chor. December 16 targets at Khulna, Chalna and Mangla In a second daring operation, a Task Lt Gen. Niazi signs the Instrument ports; attack Chittagong airfields and Force of the Western Naval Fleet suc- of Surrender on behalf of the Pakistani military installations in surrounding cess fully bombards the entire Makran Eastern Command. areas. coastline from Gwadar to Karachi and The Prime Minister announces Chhamb is evacuated in the night. sets ablaze the vital fuel installations in unilateral cease-fire on the western Karachi harbour. front with effect from 8 p.m. on December 7 December 17. Jessore city is liberated. December 10 Indian troops are landed in Sylhet by Laksham is liberated December 17 helicopters. Sylhet and Maulvibazar are In the Chhamb sector, the enemy Cease-fire becomes effective in the liberated. makes a determined attack to gain western sector also.

| December 15, 2012 | ASIA DEFENCE NEWS 23 SPECIAL REPORTS ______

The guts and tenacity of purpose of one brave teenaged girl from what even Pakistanis describe as “a backward tribal belt” in A Pakistani woman, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has holds a poster of 14-year-old schoolgirl captured the imagination of Malala Yousufzai, who the world. Hopefully it will was shot on October 13 by the Taliban bring cataclysmic change for speaking out in support of education in Pakistani society in which for women, during Malala Yousufzai was born, a candlelight vigil in Pakistan says Cecil Victor

The Malala Factor: Will Pakistan Change?

hat Malala Prophet Muhammad. Hence she had said the “Holy Quran and the teach- Yousufzai was to be eliminated. ings of the Holy Prophet Mohammand yearning to Two young assassins were sent to gun (PBUH) stressed the need of education achieve was her and her classmates down. Which of both men and women.” the hadith of they did. A bullet entered Malala’s skull Quoting a hadith he added: ‘…It Prophet Muhammad, may peace be and left her at the doorstep of death. This has been enjoined upon men as well Wupon him, that enjoined that men and was clearly not to the liking of Allah the as women to acquire knowledge…’ women acquire knowledge. In practical Merciful and He decided to send the Unfortunately the Taliban terrorists terms it meant attending an assem- world a message through Malala of an were carrying out terrorism and blood- bly where people learned or acquired Islamic society in the modern world. shed in the name of Islam and they knowledge about certain subjects—a Will Pakistan pay heed to the will of are using cruel tactics to stop the stu- school. Her father, an educationist at the Allah? dents, particularly girls, from acquiring grassroots level, had by example taught There are stirrings. An NGO in knowledge.” her to seek knowledge in the face of Pakistan has decided to set up sixteen adversity. And that she did with a deter- “Malala Schools” in the four provinces of REASONS FOR DOING NOTHING mination that amazed the world in Swat Pakistan where girls will receive educa- Strangely, Asaf Ali Zardari head of the a part of Pakistan where the Taliban had tion. The Muttahida Quami Movement dominant political party in Pakistan, the been blowing up schools of both boys has announced that it will hold a referen- Pakistan People’s Party, gave two reasons and girls with mindless ferocity. dum on November 8 to have a consensus for doing nothing after the Malala shoot- on whether the people of Pakistan want ing. One was the mushroom growth of ANTI-TALIBANISM SYMBOL a secular Pakistan of the kind that Qaid- madrassas in his country and the sec- She became the symbol of opposition e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah had ond an absence of “consensus” among to the kind of society that the Taliban envisioned or the rule of Taliban in the the political parties of Pakistan about was trying to establish in areas under country. A spokesman for this politi- sending the Army into north Waziristan its control – a society that did not con- cal entity that was created to safeguard to deal with the Taliban and establishing form to the eclecticism that lies at the the interests of Muslims who chose to the rule of law. He feared a “blowback” heart of Islam and the teachings of migrate to a Pakistan of Jinnah’s making from the Islamist jihadi fundamentalists

24 ASIA DEFENCE NEWS | December 15, 2012 | ______SPECIAL REPORTS

which, he said, no one would be able to Inter-Services Intelligence to create control. This attitude of the Head of State Islamist political entities to undermine draws attention to an appalling trait that the political ethos underscores how a permeates Pakistan of today. Talibanised Pakistan Army has grown If there is a problem with the prolif- roots in the Pakistani society. eration of madrassas the ruling coalition It needs to be recalled that attempts should at least try to stop the growth of to de-Islamise the curriculum came a such institutions. The hesitation on its cropper against popular resentment part could well be because the funding and madrassas flourished to the extent comes from Saudi Arabia. that Lal Masjid in the heart of Islam- Asif Ali Zardari The seeds of Islamic fundamentalism abad where boys and girls were fed of the Saudi Arabian variety known as jihadi rhetoric became a power cen- grow up to be the kind of terrorists that Wahabism were planted by military dic- tre in itself and the Government of shot and wounded Malala Yousufzai. tator Ziaul Haq in the school curriculum Pakistan had to use the army to end The led by and in the military barracks. Replacing the state of affairs in 2007 and try the Pakistan People’s Party does not want the madrassas with Government run and nip a particularly violent form of to take a stand even though its iconic schools with modernized curriculum Wahabism. Prime Minister was a woman who also can stem the rot. Dealing with a Taliban- fell to terrorist bullets. ised military establishment is Pakistan’s PAKISTAN DUALITY It remains to be seen if the Malala real problem. There is, thus, a duality existing in factor creates a strong enough ground- The recent ruling of the Pakistan Pakistan –one group of Talibanised fun- swell against the Taliban to sweep Supreme Court in the petition moved damentalists want no education and a it away. by Air Marshal Ashgar Khan against second group is injecting Islamic jihadi Some Pakistanis are beginning to the use of funds by the Pakistan Army fundamentalism into little children who think the unthinkable. Sobhanallah!

“Victory India - A Key To Quality Military Leadership” The Chief of the Air Staff and Chairman COSC Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne released a book titled “Victory India - A Key to Quality Military Leadership” by Colonel Vinay B Dalvi (Retd) at the Air Headquarters on 20 November, reports ADN The book is a collection of well written contribu- tory articles by military experts including Admiral , General Arun Chopra, Gautam Banerjee, Air Marshal TS Randhawa and other renowned professors, technologist, sports medi- cine specialists and psychologists. The book focuses on the process of identification, selection and training of our dynamic youth to mould them into inspiring effec- tive quality military leaders. Colonel Vinay B Dalvi in his 37 years of distinguished service has had tenures in all sectors and commands of Chief of the Air Staff and Chairman COSC Air Chief Marshal the Indian Army including Instructional Training at Indian NAK Browne releasing the book tilted “Victory India - A Key to Military Academy, National Defence Academy and Offi- Quality Military Leadership” by Col Vinay B Dalvi (Retd) at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan) New Delhi on 20 November 2012 cers Training Academy.

| December 15, 2012 | ASIA DEFENCE NEWS 25 SPECIAL REPORTS ______

Former cricketer and chairman of the Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI) party Imran Khan gestures during the World Economic Forum summit in Gurgaon on November 7 Imran Hits Nail On The Head Pakistan cricket idol turned activist for justice has hit the nail on the head like none ever before. In a never before statement by any Pak Leaders, he has said that resolution of Indo- Pak issues do not lie in military or militancy solutions, says Yogendra Bali

ccording to newspaper welcome, the Kashmir issue must also mind would have to contend with the reports Imran Khan, progress on a parallel line. ever active triangle of conflict with the the Pathan that he is, Administration, Legislative and Judi- literally spoke out his SOLUTION IS VITAL ciary ever at war with one another. mind at an economic A solution to the issue was “vital,” he The Pak military, among the unelected summit in Gurgaon, near New Delhi. said. “Trade, connections, along with institutions, considers itself directly con- AHe suggested the cricket and vommerce cricket matches, will help. At the same cerned with the past, present and future route to improving Indo-Pak ties. time, we should develop some sort of a of the nation, overriding democratic and An agency report in the Hindu said, road map to resolve the Kashmir issue, elective institutions. No wonder sparks that Pakistani cricketer-turned-politi- which is vital.” began to fly after Pak Army Chief Ishfaq cian Imran Khan said that time was up Stressing the need for a “new relation- Parvez Kayani’s ‘Nation Interact’ speech for trying to resolve the issues plagu- ship,” Mr. Khan said: “No more trying recently. It set parameters for the suitable ing the India-Pakistan relations through to resolve our problems through mili- functioning of the triangle of conflict. “militancy and militarily,” but said that tancy and military but through politics. According to Anita Joshua reports unless the Kashmir issue was resolved, It should be two-pronged. One to nor- Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Ashfaq there would “always be a possibility” of malise, open up relationships with trade Parvez Kayani set the cat among the attacks similar to 26/11. on one side, and then start a dialogue pigeons with a speech that sought to stem At a World Economic Forum meet- on Kashmir.” the criticism faced by the country’s mili- ing, Mr. Khan, Chief of Tehreek-e-Insaf, tary and to define boundaries for state said that if his party came to power, he PAK MADE PROBLEM institutions, though he refrained from would not allow terrorism against India But Imran Khan’s sensible solution naming any institution in particular. to originate from his country. While to Pak-made problems in not an easy Since his speech came at a time when improvement in the bilateral trade was thing. Any such change of heart and the Army is under the Supreme Court’s

26 ASIA DEFENCE NEWS | December 15, 2012 | ______SPECIAL REPORTS

COAS Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry scanner for its role in politics — a fact Addressing a group of officers at the DON’T UNDERMINE INSTITUTIONS established by the Asghar Khan case in General Headquarters, General Kayani In an indication that recent inves- which the then COAS and Director- said: “No individual or institution has tigations into the role of some retired General of Inter-Services Intelligence the monopoly to decide what is right or Generals in different scams was play- were found guilty of having tried to pre- wrong in defining the ultimate national ing on his mind (including charges vent from being elected interest.” against his own brother) , General Kay- in 1990 — the consensus was that his The Army has often been criticised ani said: “While individual mistakes words were directed against the Supreme for defining national interest and tailor- might have been made by all of us in Court. ing state policy to further that cause. In the country, these should be best left to fact, many of the problems facing Paki- the due process of law. As we all are striv- ‘NOT MISSILES AND TANKS’ stan today are attributed to the narrow ing for the rule of law, the fundamental With Chief Justice Iftikhar Muham- definition of national interest through a principle — that no one is guilty until mad Chaudhry asserting elsewhere security prism. proven — should not be forgotten. Let that national security could no lon- us not pre-judge anyone, be it a civil- ger be defined in terms of number of ‘RIGHT WAY FORWARD’ ian or a military person and extend it, missiles and tanks in a country’s pos- Further, General Kayani said: “We all unnecessarily, to undermine respective session, speculation was rife that the two agree that strengthening the institutions, institutions.” unelected institutions were on a collision ensuring the rule of law and working The COAS’ remarks left course. Add to this President Asif Ali within the well defined bounds of the Pakistan’s “chattering classes” Zardari describing the assaults on Parlia- constitution is the right way forward. wondering with author Mohammad ment as “the dying kicks of an old order”. Weakening of the institutions and try- Hanif tweeting: “Did General Kayani ing to assume more than one’s due role just mumble a threat?” Former Prime will set us back.” Minister Nawaz Sharif’s daughter Stating that the Armed Forces Maryam Nawaz Sharif said: “The first Imran Khan said a solution to draw their “strength from the time I see hope. Extra-constitutional the issue was “vital,” he said. bedrock of the public support”, the powers on defence. Augurs well for “Trade, connections, along COAS added: “Therefore, any effort a strong, democratic Pakistan.” which wittingly or unwittingly draws Politicians — the daily target of attack with cricket matches, will a wedge between the people and the from the courts and the media — did help. At the same time, we armed forces of Pakistan undermines not miss the opportunity to point out should develop some sort the larger national interest. While con- that the Army was bristling with anger structive criticism is well understood, over criticism for coming from some of a road map to resolve the conspiracy theories based on rumours individuals while the political class was Kashmir issue, which is vital” which create doubts about the very being vilified in toto for the misdeeds of intent are unacceptable.” some individuals.

| December 15, 2012 | ASIA DEFENCE NEWS 27 SPECIAL REPORTS ______

Trial And Victims feel solace after Kasab’s execution Terror

he hanging of Ajmal and Islamabad must face the threat with can be judged from excerpts from a Kasab, the Pakistani ter- resolute strength and not dilly dally in bunch of editorials. Readers are wel- rorist after being held tackling terrorism. Their patience and come to send their reactions to join the guilty of mass mur- tolerance need not be misconstrued as debate which is going on and shall go der in in 2008 weakness. They have the resources. They on. The editorial comments are selected may evoke an angry retort against both must summon the will power. Time has from The Indian Express, The Hindu, TIndian and Pakistani establishments come that the doctrine of minimum use The Hindustan Times and The Pioneer. from the extremists but both New Delhi of force be given some rest while going We would only like to suggest that spe- in for counter ter- cial fast track courts be set up in India, rorism. Pakistan Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh to needs to face it not bring terrorists to book with speed and for India’s sake but in accordance with law. Here is what the for its own sake. editorials convey: Pleading ignorance about training Process And Punishment camps for terror- That the punishment of Ajmal Kasab, ists and who funds the face of the Mumbai terror attacks, terrorism would caught on CCTV spraying bullets, took fool none. They are a full four years, has provoked anger open secrets. Surely and frustration. There is no denying, know alls who claim however, that Kasab’s trial scrupulously to guide the destiny followed due process. He was charged of Pakistan cannot with murder and waging war against be ignorant about India, and the case took a year in the the terror world special court, with full consideration which thrives under given to his shifting statements. After their very nose, feel the trial court’s verdict in May 2010, analysts. Kasab appealed to the Bombay High Some of the early Court, which upheld the death sen- Indian media reac- tence in 2011. The case then went to tions to the Kasab the Supreme Court, which stayed the hanging and its high court’s order to re-examine it, until Mumbai attack possible after effects August 29 this year, when it confirmed

28 ASIA DEFENCE NEWS | December 15, 2012 | ______SPECIAL REPORTS

the death sentence. Kasab appealed to the president for clemency, the petition was shot down on November 5 and two weeks later, he was hanged in Pune’s Yer- wada Jail. As Kasab exhausted each of his legal options, the case framed the crimi- nal justice system’s respect for the rights of the accused. It is unseemly that the denouement should be received with a jingoistic glee, with some, like Gandhian activist Anna Hazare, regretting that Kasab was not given a public hanging. What is a sombre moment of closure, even if partial, for All India Anti Terrorist the monstrous attacks of 26/11, after a Front Chairman M S difficult legal process, should not be con- Bitta pays tributes to verted into an opportunity to chant for the victims of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks blood, or for political point-scoring. The on its 4th anniversary death penalty is a grim responsibility. As long as capital punishment exists in the of our republic, justice. does not apply to Kasab whose guilt is statute book, the government must fol- The arguments against the death pen- proven well beyond even unreasonable low due procedure with utter sobriety. It alty are well known. There are pragmatic doubt. The most compelling argument, must not contribute to, or cede space for, ones — in this case, that Kasab could however, is this: The application of the a petty politics to surround these cases. have provided valuable testimony in death penalty is, as the Supreme Court (The Indian Express) future trials of yet-to-be-arrested 26/11 itself acknowledged earlier this week, perpetrators. There are moral and tech- increasingly arbitrary. Capital pun- The Hangman’s Justice nical ones; even in the , ishment has become, as the medieval For many years now, The Hindu has with its highly-functional criminal jus- philosopher Maimonides many centu- opposed the death penalty on prin- tice system, new forensic techniques ries ago warned it would, a matter of ciple — often in the face of intense have shown dozens of innocent men “the judge’s caprice”. It is also simply not public disapproval. We oppose it for were executed, though this argument true that capital punishment is integral ordinary killers and mass murderers, communal pogromists as well as ter- rorists like Muhammad Ajmal Amir Kasab. Ever since that traumatic night we now denote by the veiled abbrevia- tion 26/11, Kasab has justifiably been the face of evil for millions of Indians. He took part in a monstrous plot against the people of India and Mumbai, killed innocent people with abandon, and showed no remorse for his actions. It is no surprise, therefore, that his execution Wednesday morning has been greeted with approval across the country. No loss of human life, however despicable the individual might have been, ought to Police personnel be a reason for celebration. Instead, this paying tributes to the victims of 26/11 should be a time of national reflection: Mumbai terror attacks reflection about crime, about punish- on its 4th anniversary, ment and about that cherished bedrock at Police Memorial

| December 15, 2012 | ASIA DEFENCE NEWS 29 SPECIAL REPORTS ______

killers wreaked havoc on the streets of Mumbai, could not have come a day sooner. The lone Pakistani terrorist to have been arrested, prosecuted and convicted for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, Kasab was hanged at Yerawada Jail in Pune at 7.30am on Wednesday. The hanging was kept a secret until after Kasab had breathed his last, but as news of the execution became public India heaved a collective sigh of relief. To a certain extent, the death of the man, known as the ‘butcher of Mumbai’, offers a sense of closure to the friends and families of School students those who lost their loved ones in the paying homage mindless violence of 26/11. It also serves to fighting terrorists. The absence of the 5. The government did well to execute as a healing aid to this nation that was death penalty in, say, France and the him swiftly and with secrecy to prevent held hostage at that time for three whole United Kingdom has not made these two any untoward incident. The govern- days as terrorists from across the border nations softer in their ability to combat ment has also carried out the letter and went on a killing spree. Yet, having said terror than the U.S. The grief of 26/11 spirit of the law by informing Pakistan in this, it must also be mentioned in no was personal for many in this newspa- advance as well as Kasab’s family. uncertain terms that justice is yet to be per; like others, members of staff grieve True to type, Pakistan being in denial served to the victims of 26/11. After all, for lost friends. Yet, the horror of 26/11 mode has refused to accept his body for all the symbolic value that the exe- ought not stop us from dispassionately which is now buried in Pune’s Yerawada cution of Kasab holds, the fact remains debating the need for the death penalty. jail where the execution took place. In that this horribly misguided 25-year- (The Hindu) fact, now a spat has broken out between old was a mere cog inside a gargantuan India and Pakistan on whether or not terror machinery. Of course, that does A Positive Step Towards Closure India’s note intimating the execution had not in anyway diminish the gravity The chilling image of a murderous been acknowledged. But Kasab was only of his crime and make him any less young man mowing down innocent a pawn in the greater game of proxy ter- responsible for his actions. But, it does people in Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shiv- ror that Pakistan has been playing all underline the importance of relentlessly aji railway terminus will forever haunt these years. The shadowy handlers who pursuing the 26/11 case until those who India. That horror will diminish just a controlled the whole grisly operation masterminded the attack, such as Jam- little with the hanging of the lone sur- from Pakistan are still around. Pakistan’s mat-ud-Dawa’ah chief Hafiz Saeed, are viving attacker of the November 26, insistence that it had no knowledge of also brought to book. There is a possibil- 2008, massacre on Tuesday in a move the operation and that it was carried ity that Ajmal Kasab’s execution will be that has been fervently welcomed all out by non-state actors does not wash. presented by the Government — which around. Coming as it does days before Those who masterminded the carnage has been lackadaisical in its counter-ter- the fourth anniversary of the attack, it were very much on Pakistani soil and rorism efforts, to say the least — as an will bring the families of those who lost could not have carried out an act of such excuse to effectively close the case. This loved ones one step closer to closure, magnitude without some form of official must not be allowed. Instead, the hang- though the scars of that day can never complicity. ing should strengthen public pressure really heal. The terrorist was afforded (The Hindustan Times) on the Union Government to demand all the legal assistance that he required greater accountability from Pakistan until the Supreme Court upheld the Just Deserts For Kasab whom the Congress-led UPA regime death sentence in 2010. It was on the But long way to go before there’s jus- seems to have let off the hook for all recommendation of the home ministry tice for 26/11 practical purposes. that President Pranab Mukherjee finally The execution of Ajmal Kasab, almost (The Pioneer) rejected his clemency plea on November four years after he and his gang of What do you say ?

30 ASIA DEFENCE NEWS | December 15, 2012 | ______SPECIAL REPORTS

Periscope On Pakistan On The Brink Of Another

Military Coup ? Asif Ali Zardari

Recently the former Chief of Army Staff General Aslam Beg minced no words when he said it bluntly that if, as the Supreme Court ordered, he and the former Director General of the Inter-Services Intelligence should be punished for interfering with the 1990 elections the country should be ready for another military coup. Current Chief of Staff General Ashfaq Kayani himself is under a cloud in the Islamabad High Court for the three-year extension he has received at the hands of a quaking civilian government. With the apex court taking a very stern view of the alleged corruption indulged in by General Kayani’s brother (what looks to be in retaliation for the manner in which the military appears involved in exposing Chief Justice Iftikar Chaudhury’s son in an alleged scam in the import of basic medicinal drugs) it appears there is a three-way conflict which could invite military intervention, feel Pak analysts, reports ADNI Bureau

ajam Sethi in Friday written a letter to the Swiss authori- JUDGMENT AND RESPONSE Times wrote that, ties to reopen the money laundering If the judgments against Mr Zardari most Pakistanis are case against Mr Asif Zardari, thereby are a forgone conclusion, so too is his apprehensive that successfully defusing a confrontation expected response. He will not accept the general elections with the court that led to the ouster them lying down. They will be chal- scheduled early next year may be post- of one prime minister for contempt lenged in appeals and review appeals Nponed on one pretext or another. This of court. But now the judges are mak- and resisted politically until the bitter anxiety flows generally from a running ing two new demands of Mr Zardari: end. Therefore the crisis will continue conflict between the Supreme Court give up co-chairmanship of the PPP to make headlines and create tensions in and the Zardari government but spe- if you want to remain president; and the run up to the elections. Mr Zardari cifically from acute tensions between stop being a partisan president, or has to rally the party for the elections the Supreme Court (SC) and General else you will be held in contempt and he cannot do so sitting in the Presi- Headquarters (GHQ). of court and disqualified from being dency, especially since there is no other The Zardari government has finally president. leader in the PPP who can perform this

| December 15, 2012 | ASIA DEFENCE NEWS 31 SPECIAL REPORTS ______

role in his absence. Bilawal Bhutto is a him to resign and face an inquiry into It provoked the Rawalpindi Bar Asso- poor substitute because he cannot speak his brother’s business deals. Since the ciation to denounce the general in vile Urdu properly and Mr Zardari is keen members of this Bar are known to be language, which further complicates to protect him from the heat and dust of staunch supporters of the Chief Jus- the relations between the army and the battle before he is ready for it. tice, the impression has been created judiciary. But it is the friction between the SC that their salvo is motivated. The same Judges in Pakistan tend to be expan- and GHQ that is more troubling. This day, however, Col Inamur Rahim, the sive. In their judgments, they offer started with the SC’s severe strictures petitioner in the case in the Islamabad opinions and comments on exter- against the Frontier Corps’ alleged High Court challenging the army chief’s nal issues relating to governance and human rights “excesses” in Balochistan, extension, was beaten up by unknown the social order. These commentaries spilled over into the Asghar Khan ISI assailants, creating the impression that and strictures, which have no binding case in which a former army chief and someone doesn’t like the petition and effect, get mixed up with the essence DGISI were adjudged guilty of wrong wants it withdrawn. The next day, the of the court’s holdings and directives. doing in 1990 and is now primed for Chief Justice cancelled all case hear- This operational style leads to ambigu- detonation in the Islamabad High Court ings, ordered a full court in attendance, ity, even confusion, and in my view, it which is about to decide whether a dragged the media into the courtroom should be avoided. petition (objecting to the 3 year ser- and held forth on the SC’s populist vice extension granted to Gen Kayani achievements to date. If ever there was ARMY ANGUISH last year) aimed at unseating the army a political statement emanating from the “The army’s anguish over public chief, General Ashfaq Kayani, is main- SC, this was it. All that is now required is criticism of some of its officers tainable or not. If the court decides it for General Kayani to call a Corps Com- deserves sympathetic consideration. It is worth hearing and wants to proceed manders meeting and do something to is indeed making sacrifices. Thousands with the arguments, the judges will be stop the erosion of his personal authority of its officers and men have laid down able to dangle the Sword of Damocles and his institution’s credibility. their lives in safeguarding the nation’s over the army chief’s head. frontiers and vital interests. Some THE OPTIONS wrongdoing takes place in all institutions PRECIPITOUS SITUATION The options are clear. Will the Islam- and the army should not be expected This is a precipitous situation. No abad High Court throw out the petition to be wholly free of them. Institutions army chief can retain his authority in against General Kayani? If not, what where wrongdoing does take place such debilitating and uncertain circum- then? General Kayani can resign; or are chastised. The army cannot be an stances. Indeed, if history is any guide, compel the Chief Justice to resign. If exception to this rule. one ought to recall the course adopted the first is not an option and the sec- I am inclined to endorse the ancient by General Pervez Musharraf when ond won’t work, what then? Greek maxim that excess even of virtue he too faced a threat from the Iftikhar Anwar Syed in Daily Times, “The is to be avoided. Ideological extremism is Chaudhry-led SC. In November 2007, Supreme Court has instructed the gov- particularly subversive of society’s good the SC was about to adjudge a petition ernment to prosecute General Aslam order. In the Islamic as well as secular praying for the disqualification of Pres- Beg, the former army chief and Gen- ethic, moderation is recommended ident Musharraf from being President eral Asad Durrani, the former ISI head, as the wiser course of action. Militant because he had contested and won the for their interference in the election extremists such as the Taliban and al job while still being army chief when of 1990. In addition, it has asked the Qaeda are working to destroy the ongo- General Musharraf launched a mini- FIA to investigate the conduct of three ing political and social order in Pakistan. coup by declaring an extraordinary state retired lieutenant generals who are It is in our enlightened self-interest to of emergency and sacked the judges. The alleged to have misused public funds combat and defeat these movements. rest, as they say, is history. when they were holding civilian posts. It should be noted that extremism is a In this context, three recent devel- These actions have anguished the army, state of mind cultivated by preachers opments suggest the crisis is rapidly which, in its own reckoning, is fighting and other ideologues. Their influence deepening. On a Wednesday, the Islam- a war. The thought that the sacrifices it may decline with the spread of educa- abad High Court Bar Association, has made for the country are not duly tion, which enables people to begin to in association with the District Bar, appreciated irritates it. These concerns understand that ground realities may be passed a unanimous resolution attack- were implicit in a statement that Gen- seen from a variety of perspectives, all of ing the army chief by name and asking eral Kayani issued a couple of weeks ago. which may be efficacious.

32 ASIA DEFENCE NEWS | December 15, 2012 | ______armed forces

Communications Have Reduced Strategic Gap : Antony Defence Minister Mr AK Antony has said, as the tactical domain is extremely fragile, with rapid mobility in a hostile and dynamic environment, modern day communication tools have reduced the gap between strategic, operational and tactical domains. Inaugurating the two-day International Seminar and Exposition Defcom India-2012 in New Delhi on November 8, he said the single biggest challenge facing societies and nations is the vulnerability of communication and network devices to attacks, or threats in the electronic, cyber as well as the physical domain, reports ADN

r Antony said Mr Antony said that various commit- standards. He said that while there are that over the last tees and joint interest groups have been challenges in realizing the objective, the few years, some formed in an effort to build futuristic army, industry and academia should progress has been and indigenous solutions to communi- indeed look at the emerging opportu- made in develop- cation challenges. However, he said this nities in the ICTEC domain. ing a Tactical Communication System. is only a starting point and a lot more General Singh said the Tactical Com- MIt is an ideal opportunity for the Indian needs to be done. Initiatives taken today munications Network has to be dynamic industry and Research & Development will surely empower the nation further and resilient with multiple redundan- (R&D) organisations to come forward in the field of information technology, cies. While the transition to the TCS and provide latest solutions to the communication, electronics and cyber environment will be gradual, it is impor- challenges being faced in tactical com- security, the minister said. tant that the soldier in the battlespace munication. The traditional knowledge Chief of Army Staff General Bikram does not have to deal with multiple and wisdom inherent in Indian culture, Singh, in his address, said that the communication devices. Instead, what as well as software skills must be blended guiding objective is to achieve self-reli- is required is multiple RF equipped with manufacturing abilities to get the ance and technical sovereignty in TCS devices. Due efforts are needed to cre- best results, he added. through indigenization of designs and ate a mobile communications umbrella

| December 15, 2012 | ASIA DEFENCE NEWS 33 armed forces ______

service pro- technological capabilities needed to vider, he said support the modernization of the that major suc- army’s tactical communications cesses have been environment. Underlining the need for achieved in the further simplification of the defence development of acquisition procedures, he said that TCS over the both domestic and global firms last one year. look to play a greater role in the There is focused modernization endeavour and building attention on of military technology capabilities. He Network For added that a collaborative approach will Spectrum (NFS) deliver the desired results. among others. Mr Banerjee highlighted the need for L t . setting up a defence electronics com- for the entire force, he said, adding that Gen. Kochchar said the way mission for enhancing the country’s the overall aim should be to develop reli- forward lies in migrating to the IP defence electronics capabilities. He said able, mobile, high-speed convergence network. On a broader plane, he said that India’s IT and automobile industry networks that are inter-operable with that as ‘off-the-shelf’ technologies experiences could be replicated in the even legacy systems and function in a are not readily available in the TCS defence environment. joint services environment. space, the aim is to develop an Indian Lt. Gen. P P S Bhandari, Chairman, Lt. Gen. SP Kochchar, Signal Offi- model that also ensures India’s CII Defence Electronic Committee also cer-in-Chief, in his address, said that technical sovereignty. addressed the gathering. the challenge of developing TCS lies in Mr Chandrajit Banerjee, Direc- The Defcom-2012 was organized communication reaching the war fighter. tor General, Confederation of Indian jointly by the Integrated HQ of Minis- Stating that the Corp of Signals is the Industry (CII), in his welcome address, try of Defence (Army), Corp of Signals second largest network provider in the said that Indian industry sees a major and Confederation of Indian Industry country and the third largest telecom role in building the manufacturing and (CII).

Lamp Lighting Ceremony Of 57th Batch Of Probationer Nurses Lt. Gen. AS Narula, Commandant Army Hospital (R&R) inaugurated Lamp lighting ceremony of 57th batch of Probationer Nurses, School of Nursing held at Ayurvigyan Auditorium, Army Hospital (Referral & Research)in New Delhi on November 21, reports ADN At the ceremony, 15 young nursing students donned the probationer nurses uniform to begin their training. Prizes were also distributed to meritorious students of previous batches. Maj Gen HJ Bhullar, Addl DGMNS emphasized that the human touch is most important in their profession. She said that in the nursing profession all should develop positive attitude, empathetic outlook and human touch Lamp lighting ceremony and yet keep pace with advances in medical technology. In an impressive ceremony the light of knowledge was She observed that a right blend of head, heart and hand passed from one student to another and the pledge was is the way to become a successful nursing professional. administered to the new inductees.

34 ASIA DEFENCE NEWS | December 15, 2012 | ______armed forces

India And Singapore Review Security

Visit of Singapore Ties Defence Minister

India and Singapore have agreed to further enhance the bilateral defence relationship in the mutual interest of both countries as it would contribute to regional peace and stability. The Defence Minister Mr AK Antony and the visiting Minister of Defence of Singapore Dr. Ng Eng Hen, after the bilateral delegation level talks here on November 21, expressed satisfaction over the wide ranging comprehensive defence exchanges between both the countries, reports ADN oth the Ministers also Plus framework in promoting dialogue issues and common security concerns. agreed that the on-going and consensus in the region. Defence The Singapore Defence Minister, who interactions between the Minister reiterated India’s commit- was on a three-day visit to India, was defence establishments ment to remain constructively engaged accompanied by the High Commis- of the two countries, in activities under the ADMM Plus sioner of Singapore in India, Ms. Karen including through regular joint mili- framework. Tan and other officials of the Singa- Btary training and exercises, had been Both Ministers noted the commonali- pore Ministry of Defence and Armed useful. They also agreed to continue ties in the security concerns of India and Forces. The Indian delegation included such interactions. Singapore and acknowledged that there Defence Secretary and CISC as well as They also exchanged views on the was scope for both countries to continue other senior officers of the Ministry of global and regional security scenario. to work together for regional peace and Defence and Armed Forces. In the context of the security situation stability. To this end, it was decided that Prior to the meeting, the Singapore in the Asia Pacific region, both Ministers there should be regular meetings at the Defence Minister laid a wreath at the acknowledged the role of the ASEAN level of both Defence Ministers to facil- Amar Jawan Jyoti. He was also accorded Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) itate exchanges of views on important a ceremonial Guard of Honour.

Mr Jitendra Prasad Raksha Rajya Mantri inaugurated an International Seminar on Maintenance Repair and Overhaul in Land Systems-A 21st Century Perspective for the Arming on December 3, 2012 at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt seen with him is Army Chief Gen Bikram Singh

| December 15, 2012 | ASIA DEFENCE NEWS 35 armed forces ______

Lt Gen Naresh Chandra Marwah Is Chief Of Integrated Defence Staff Lt Gen Naresh Chandra Marwah, has taken over as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) from SPS Cheema. The General in his career spanning over 39 years has held various coveted Command, staff and instructional appointments. The General Officer has a vast opera- tional experience, stretching to almost two decades across the entire spectrum of conflict. Prior to moving to Delhi the General Officer has been Commander-in-Chief of the unique and prestigious Tri-Services Andaman & Nicobar Command (CINCAN) since 1 January 2011.

Lieutenant General Parnaik Takes Over As DGBR Lieutenant General AT Parnaik has taken over as the 22nd Director General Border Roads (DGBR) on November 30. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, the General Offi- cer has also graduated from College of Military Engineering, Defence Services Staff College, Army War College and National Defence College. Lt. Gen Parnaik was commissioned into Corps of Engineers on 22 December 1974 and has held various staff, instructional and command appointments. Some of his important assignments include Commanding Offi- cer of an Engineer Regiment, Colonel Administration of an Infantry Division, Instructor at College of Military Engineering and the Centre for United Nations Peace keeping and Lt Gen Parnaik Group Testing Officer at Services Selection Board.

Air Marshal S Sukumar Is Deputy Chief Of Air Staff

Air Marshal S Sukumar AVSM VM has taken over as the Deputy Chief of Air Staff at Air headquarters Vayu Bhawan on 1 December. He was commissioned in the Fly- ing Branch on 29 December 1976. The Air Marshal is a qualified flying instructor and an experimental test pilot. He has flown over 4000 hours on 25 types of aircraft and has flown all types of MIG aircraft in IAF inventory including. MIG-21, MIG-23, MIG- 25, MIG-27, MIG-29, Jaguar, Mirage and SU-30, AN-32, AVRO, trainer aircraft - Kiran, MK-I, MK-II, HT-2 and HPT-32. He is one of the few pilots who has also flown F-16, F-18 and the Alpha Jet. Air Marshal S Sukumar

36 ASIA DEFENCE NEWS | December 15, 2012 | ______armed forces

Army Chief Visits Army Chief Gen Bikram Singh, paid a two day visit to the (ARTRAC) at on 6 and 7 November. The Chief was briefed on the training aspects of the Indian Army by GOC-in-C ARTRAC Lt Gen K Surendra Nath. During his visit, the General interacted with officers of ARTRAC and exhorted the think tank of the Indian Army to dedicate its efforts towards integration technology with training and maintaining the highest traditions of the elite Army, reports ADN The Chief of Army staff highlighted the oper- ational and management challenges facing the Indian Army of tomorrow. He commended the efforts of ARTRAC being the fountainhead of institutionalised training in preparing the Indian Army soldier of 21st century. He also appreciated the role being played by ARTRAC in the transformation of the Indian Army for Army Chief Gen Bikram Singh is being received by GOC-in-C future conflicts. ARTRAC Lt Gen K Surendra Nath at Shimla

NCC Celebrates 64th Anniversary National Cadet Corps (NCC), the largest uniformed youth organisation in the world raised in 1948, celebrated its 64th anniversary on 24 November with traditional fervour, reports Asia Defence News

At Headquarters level the raising day function was marked by paying homage at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate to the martyrs of the Indian Defence Forces who made the supreme sacrifice. Wreaths were laid on behalf of 17 Directorates of the NCC throughout the country, Cadets, Associated NCC Officers and the three Services. Defence Secretary Mr Shashi Kant Sharma, the Chief Guest, along with DG NCC Lt Gen PS Bhalla, laid wreath on behalf of the entire NCC fraternity. The NCC raising day is also celebrated in all state Cap- itals, where cadets participate in march past, cultural activities and social development programmes. NCC has always been at the forefront of contribution Chief guest Mr. Shashi Kant Sharma along with Lt Gen PS Bhalla towards social causes and community development activ- at Amar Jawan Jyoti ities. The cadets in the past have done the nation and the the fields of sports and adventure and have won laurels in organisation proud by their remarkable achievements in the National Shooting and Equestrian competitions.

| December 15, 2012 | ASIA DEFENCE NEWS 37 PARAmilitary forces ______

CRPF Celebrates

Mr Sushil Kumar 73rd Shinde, Union Home Minister inspecting the 73rd Anniversary Parade Anniversary

CRPF celebrated the 73rd Anniversary at Group Centre, CRPF, Gurgaon, on November 1 in a grand function. Mr Sushil Kumar Shinde, Union Home Minister was the Chief Guest and took the salute. Smart turnout and effortless movement of parade contingents of 11 Sectors from across the country and 1 Mahila contingent, kept the spectators glued to their seats, reports ADN pecial demonstration of rifle a great degree of sensitivity, patience The Home Minister announced that drill by Mahilas and “Thang and maturity will have to be exhibited his ministry will send a proposal to Ta” – a form of Manipuri in dealing with the general public and the cabinet to accord a status to retired martial arts, kept the spec- extend them a helping hand. He also said Central Armed Police Forces Personnel, tators spell bound. that last few years have also seen CRPF which will be similar to that of “ex-Ser- Speaking on the occasion, Mr Sushil being deployed for UN Peacekeep- vicemen” SKumar Shinde, Union Home Min- ing Missions and conflict resolution at Mr Pranay Sahay, DG CRPF said that ister congratulated the officers, men trouble spots around the world like Sri CRPF is an Armed Police Force of high- and women of the Force and said that Lanka, Haiti, Kosovo and Liberia. Mr est standard. The jawans are working the biggest challenge before it today Shinde said that CRPF took the initia- under most hostile conditions to keep was countering the spread of naxal- tive to break the gender barrier in 1987 the security and integrity of the country ism. While we should be firm, decisive by having its Mahila Bns. Which have intact. He also said that till now Force and unrelenting in dealing with the done commendable job in all areas of has won 1233 gallantry medals and 2462 armed component of the adversary, its deployment. distinguished and meritorious service medals. Three personnel were awarded President’s Police Medal for Gallantry, including one posthu- mously. Twelve officers and men were awarded President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service. 50 Bn., 76 Bn. and 32 Bn. won the Best Opera- tional Battalion trophies in the Left Wing Extremism, Jammu & Kashmir and North Eastern theatres of action respectively. Group Centre Pinjore The Home Minister was adjudged the Best Group centre. presenting President’s Police Medal for Central Training College Neemuch was Gallantry to Widow of awarded the Best Innovative Training Late A. Anandan, 2 I-C Institution trophy.

38 ASIA DEFENCE NEWS | December 15, 2012 | ______NEIGHBOURS

Pak Unlikely To Dump Terror Ajmal Kasab’s execution may dispel the impression of a Assets weak government

India must stop trying to clutch at straws in the wind in its expectations that Pakistan will stop the Lashkar-e-Toiba from training more terrorists for strikes against India or help in the apprehension and prosecution of those involved in the Mumbai attack. Pakistan has a well- oiled criminal investigation/judicial system that is tailored to allow the terrorist masterminds to roam freely and continue their activities, says Cecil Victor

ny hopes raised by the launch station in Karachi going scot-free Punjabi Taliban. The Punjab governor apparently damaging if the Anti-Terrorism Court refuses to was killed by a Sunni jihadi terrorist who admission by sleuths accept second-hand evidence and hear- was deputed to his personal bodyguard of the Criminal Inves- say that the CID has presented in court. contingent. Lawyers of Lahore sprinkled tigation Department in rose petals on him when he appeared in the Anti-Terrorism Court in Rawalpindi BAD INVESTIGATION court. That should give an idea of how Athat it has “evidence” of training camps Instead of providing hard evidence of deeply infiltrated is the criminal justice and facilities provided by the Lashkar- direct involvement the CID has created a system by Islamic jihadi fundamental- e-Toiba to those who struck Mumbai format based on hearsay from witnesses ists in Pakistan’s body politic. on 26/11 are likely to be dashed dur- who could very easily rescind their If confirmation of that were needed ing cross-examination by lawyers for the statements in court. Something similar there is the example of Ms Sherry defendants led by arch-terrorist Zakiur happened in the trial of the other terror- Rehman of the ruling Pakistan People’s Rehman Lakhvi who was in the control ist mastermind Hafeez Saeed who heads Party who withdrew her amendment room in Karachi and in constant touch the Jamaatud Dawa, ostensibly a char- to the Blasphemy Law under threat of with the terrorists during the attack on itable organization but a front for the death from the Islamists. Her leader, Mumbai. banned Lashkar-e-Toiba. The investiga- the Asaf Ali Shoddy investigation techniques tors made out a poor case against Saeed Zardari toed the Pakistan Army line could see Lakhvi and others directly which could not stand scrutiny in the that unless there is a national consen- involved in the process of training court and the man now roams freely in sus (which Chief of Army Staff Ashfaq including marine warfare, indoctrina- Lahore spewing jihadi poison at India. Kayani knows cannot happen because of tion and provision of weapons to those Incidentally, Lahore has become the hub the deep penetration of the jihadi cul- involved in the attack on Mumbai from a of what has come to be known as the ture in Pakistan) no military action can

| December 15, 2012 | ASIA DEFENCE NEWS 39 NEIGHBOURS ______

to make it mandatory for the accused to give his voice print to enable the courts to come to a fair decision about his involvement. India has asked for the voice print of Zakiur Rahman Lakhvi for matching with the recordings of communications between the Karachi terrorist control room and the men who had been dispatched to Mumbai on 26/11.

STRAW IN THE WIND This is one of the straws in the wind India need not clutch. Somewhat belat- edly it had decided to match the voice from the control room with recorded hate speeches of the masterminds to audiences in Pakistan. India should build its body of evidence indepen- Mumbai attack 26 November, 2008 dent of assistance from Pakistan and prepare a case that will stand up to scru- be taken against the Taliban in North country for the widespread jihadi cul- tiny in the UN-created Criminal Court Waziristan to avenge the attempted mur- ture instead of promising and executing at The Hague. For this it should take der of the now world-revered teenager a crackdown on these Saudi Arabia- the help of the US which has gathered Malala Yousafzai for defying the ban on financed cradles of terrorism. immense evidence from the interroga- education of girls imposed by the Tali- tion of David Coleman Headley who ban. Shockingly, Zardari pointed to the GENERALS FOUND GUILTY prepared the ground for the attack by mushroom growth of madrassas in his Almost simultaneously, following doing a reconnaissance of Mumbai at the Supreme Court finding former the behest of the Pakistan Army Inter- Pakistan Army Chief of Staff General Services Intelligence. One will have to see what Aslam Beg and the former head of the India has been pursuing the case infamous Pakistan Army Inter-Services through diplomatic channels (and dubi- tack Interior Minister Intelligence chief General Asad Dur- ous self-appointed Track-II conduits) Rahman Malik takes when rani guilty of undermining the political to try and get access to Afghanistan he visits Delhi (his visit has structure by distributing cash to indi- through the Attari-Wagah border check- viduals and Islamist parties to ensure post so as to bolster its position after the been cancelled by India and that two mainstream parties Pakistan withdrawal of NATO forces. Pakistan is a clear message has been People’s Party and the Pakistan Muslim too clever to allow that to happen in a sent to Pakistan with the League would not be able to form the hurry. One will have to see what tack Government after the elections in 1980. Interior Minister Rahman Malik takes hanging of the lone survivor By trying to impose the jurisdiction of when he visits Delhi (his visit has been Ajmal Kasab). Pakistan has the Army Act in the case General Kay- cancelled by India and a clear message been trying to put terrorism ani is protecting his predecessors from has been sent to Pakistan with the hang- the harsh punishments a civil court can ing of the lone survivor Ajmal Kasab). on the back burner and is impose in the case. Pakistan has been trying to put terror- providing very little quid pro Little wonder that Interior ism on the back burner and is providing quo to ensure peace and Minister Rahman Malik is in the habit very little quid pro quo to ensure peace of rejecting all evidence produced by and prosperity to reign between the two prosperity to reign between India in the Mumbai case. Prior to his countries. the two countries scheduled visit to India it is said that the Pakistan wants to relish its terrorist Pakistan government will change the law cake to the full.

40 ASIA DEFENCE NEWS | December 15, 2012 | ______Jammu And Kashmir

With the approach of winter, the Durbar has moved to Jammu from Srinagar. There is no doubt that the ‘Durbar’ that has arrived in the winter capital has seen a more confident Omar Abdullah than in the earlier years, says Ghazunfur Butt Omar Abdullah A More Confident Omar Moves Durbar To Jammu

irstly, the government has National Conference Congress coalition while Kasab’s hanging has given a sense conducted successfully can take credit for taking another step of justice to the relatives of the victims elections to four seats of ahead in consolidating democracy in the of the 26/11 attack in Mumbai, the the Legislative Council state. This has happened in spite of the terrorist organisations in Pakistan, par- to be filled by Panchayat threat by Syed Salahuddin. ticularly the Lashkar-e-Tayebba and the members. The Hurriyat faction led by There was also apprehension in the Jamaat-ud-Dawa, have treated Kasab as FSyed Ali Geelani had issued a boycott state that the hanging of the 26/11 a hero and turned his execution as an call. Earlier, militants had killed ten Pan- terrorist Ajmal Kasab would have an asset. Already threats have been heard chayat members, and forced 600 of them impact on the security situation in the that a terrorist organization in Pakistan to resign. state. The hanging of Kasab has been would take revenge against India. The Government had cancelled the followed by demands for the execution Hafiz Saeed, according to reports, elections to the Block Councils after of Afzal Guru, who was one among the has been visiting Okra and adjoining announcing them. A final decision is perpetrators behind the attack on Par- districts, and has raised millions of yet to be announced on the question of liament in December 2001. rupees. The killing of Kasab is being providing reservations. It was presumed Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar used to motivate many more young men that the state government would cancel Shinde has confirmed that he has and turn them into Jehadis to fight India the holding of Legislative Council elec- received the file on Afzal Guru and and now the Americans too. tions too. would take a decision soon. The events during the last few months The State Government decided to go While Shinde took a decisive step to have proved that while the security situ- ahead with the polls. About 37 candi- hang Kasab under strict secrecy, and ation in the state has improved steadily, dates were in the fray for four MLC seats. has been urged to do the same with there have been regular attempts to dis- While the ruling coalition, the PDP and Afzal Guru, some doubts have surfaced turb peace in the state. Infiltration has the Panthers Party contested all four following his statement that the Gov- increased. These attempts are continu- seats; the BJP contested two seats from ernment has received communications ing even though people on both sides of Jammu and one from Kashmir. suggesting the abolition of the death the want more facilities One must compliment the Jammu penalty. to visit each other. and Kashmir police and other security Will it be unreasonable to expect that Unfortunately, there are reports that personnel for ensuring that there were the hanging of Guru will be postponed the trade across the Line of Control has no disturbances at the 77 polling stations till a ‘final decision’ is taken on the death slowed down and very few trucks have in the state. penalty in the country? moved from Salamabad in Uri to Muzaf- At the end of the election process, the Another cause for concern is that farabad in PoK. The number of trucks

| December 15, 2012 | ASIA DEFENCE NEWS 41 Jammu And Kashmir ______

addressed the Hindustran Times Lead- ership Summit in Delhi on November 16. He questioned President Musharraf on Pakistan intentions to solve the Kash- mir issue. Panchs and At the same time Omar Abdul- Sarpanchs from lah recalled that he has been frank in various Panchayats wait in a queue his interaction with Delhi. While he to cast their votes thanked the for during the election the assistance that the state has received, for Members of he has been consistent in stating that Legislative Council (MLC) at RS Pura Kashmir is a political issue for which a political solution should be found. has got reduced from 200 to 300 in a Do the disturbances indicate a weak- He mentioned he had been frank on month to 15 to 30. ening of the Sufi culture of the Valley? the question of the phased withdrawal Finally, what is more worrying are the Or, are there attempts at disturbing the of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act sectarian clashes in the , peace and harmony in the State? As of from some areas. which have forced the administration to now the state administration has been The state, as well as rest of the coun- order the imposition of curfew. Kash- able to establish peace in the state. try, would welcome the arrival of a more mir has been known for its Sufi culture That Omar Abdullah has emerged a confident Chief Minister in Jammu and and tolerance. stronger person was evident when he Kashmir.

42 ASIA DEFENCE NEWS | December 15, 2012 | ______nORTH eAST

Activists of All Assam Students Union (AASU) hold banners and flags. AASU began a campaign against illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in Assam, who they believed were changing their state’s demographics and gaining political influence Gravity Of “Bangladeshi” Menace Two important national seminars in New Delhi harp on the threat posed by illegal Bangladeshis to the whole of the Northeast and try to arrive at a road map to defeat the design therein, writes Bikash Sarmah

he focus is back on the of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) RN Ravi, should declare the influx as a national issue of illegal immigra- former Governor of Assam Lt Gen problem and work out a comprehensive tion from Bangladesh to (retd) SK Sinha, former GOC of the solution that should deal with displaced Assam as well as the rest Tezpur-based 4 Corps Lt Gen (retd) people and illegal immigrants. of the strategically impor- DB Shekatkar and BJP Rajya Sabha MP Harping on the factors that delayed tant Northeast. It was not for nothing Chandan Mitra who is well introduced the process of updating the National Tthat a national seminar on ‘‘Conflict to the Assam situation vis-à-vis illegal Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam, in Bodoland, Issue of Influx and Land influx from Bangladesh. GK Pillai said that there had been politi- alienation in Assam: Problems and Per- The seminar, presided over by emi- cal compulsions and that vested interests spectives’’ was organized by the All Bodo nent journalist Sanjoy Hazarika, was also had delayed the process. Referring to Students’ Union (ABSU) at the Mavlan- addressed by All Assam Students’ Union the aborted NRC update pilot project kar Hall in New Delhi on November 8. (AASU) adviser Dr Samujjal Bhattacha- launched in the State, he said that there The speakers expressed great concern rya and ABSU president Pramod Bodo. was violence at two places. over the unabated illegal influx from the Dwelling on the recent clashes neighbouring country. ILLEGAL INFLUX between the Bodos and the Muslims of Some of the speakers were senior pol- The day-long seminar observed that /East Pakistan/Bangladesh icy-makers who were directly involved the Centre had been dilly-dallying on ancestry in the Bodoland Territorial in Assam’s affairs. The participants arriving at a solution of the problem of Council (BTC) area, the former Home included former Union Home Secre- illegal influx from Bangladesh to Assam. Secretary said that there had been ques- tary GK Pillai, former Special Director It concluded on the note that the Centre tions that seeds of conflict were sown by

| December 15, 2012 | ASIA DEFENCE NEWS 43 NORTH EAST ______

not be viewed as a mere problem and that it must be reckoned as a serious concern for the State. ‘‘Due to the rap- idly increasing immigrant population, the pressure on land, water and forest has grown tremendously,’’ he added. He also pointed to the acts of keeping the foreigners issue alive in the State by different political parties for garnering votes. He said that those parties had never taken a holistic approach to solve the problem permanently. NDFB rebels in The ABSU has exhorted the govern- their hideout at an undisclosed location ment, both at the Centre and in the State, and intellectuals that (1) the issue of over-representation given to the Bodos stakeholder, including the non-Bodos of illegal influx should be considered as a and why the National Democratic Front the present BTC area, were taken into national problem, (2) the government of Bodoland (NDFB) was not made part confidence. should take immediate steps to resolve of the Bodoland Accord of 2003, which On the other hand, RN Ravi, who is all impending political problems to led to the formation of the BTC. The for- quite vocal and well aware of the real- ensure protection of land and other civil mer Home Secretary clarified that every ity pertaining to the illegal Bangladeshis rights, (3) the government should effec- settled in Assam, questioned the inten- tively implement the existing land law tion of the Congress-led government, — Chapter X, Assam Land and Revenue Both the Centre and the both at the Centre and in the State, to Regulation Act, 1886 — for protecting resolve the problem. He said that the tribal belts and blocks from encroach- State governments of the Assam Accord — meant primarily to ment (mainly by illegal immigrants from Northeast must take the provide constitutional safeguards to Bangladesh ), (4) the update of the NRC issue very seriously, resort the indigenous people of Assam endan- must be completed as early as possible, gered by the undeterred flow of aliens (5) elements promoting hatred among to an informed discussion from Bangladesh to the State — was different communities (in relation to the to formulate a pragmatic ‘‘designed to fail’’ and that there was issue of illegal influx from Bangladesh) strategy to solve the complete lack of honesty on the part of must be identified and dealt with firmly, the government. and (6) an effective long-term initiative problem and defeat the Other speakers aired similar views. must be taken for communal harmony greater Islamic nation-state There was unanimity in that the in the region. design as well as the Islamic unchecked illegal influx from Bangla- desh to Assam is a very serious problem MULTIPLE CRISES terror plans under way, and with both political and internal security At another seminar organized by the jettison vote-bank politics dimensions. Hence the call to declare the Institute of Conflict Management in once and for all to salvage issue as a national problem. New Delhi on ‘‘The Multiple Crises of the Northeast’’ after the ABSU seminar, the imperilled indigenous SEPARATE COMMISSION demographic changes in the Northeast people of the Northeast who What Pramod Bodo said must merit due to illegal immigration from Ban- are going to lose their very deep attention and further deliberation. gladesh and the question of regional He demanded that a separate commis- identity was touched upon by almost identity in their homeland sion be established under the Ministry all the speakers. Former Punjab DGP in the not-too-distant future of Home Affairs to deal with issues like KPS Gill, who had served extensively in if the problem remains land rights, illegal influx, and extremism Assam, has said that all communities in and conflicts affecting the northeastern Assam except illegal immigrants from unresolved region of the country. He said that the Bangladesh are under threat. ‘‘Assam is issue of influx from Bangladesh could a tragedy waiting to happen. In Assam,

44 ASIA DEFENCE NEWS | December 15, 2012 | ______nORTH eAST

all communities are under threat except illegal Bangladeshis should be deprived illegal migrants. Identity (of the local of the political and economic spaces Not many in the mainland population) has to be protected. How- they enjoy at present, are especially of the country were aware ever, both the State and the Centre have significant. of the design in the making failed to do this,’’ he said. Gill has also blamed the local people, whom he called ROGUE ISI DESIGN vis-à-vis illegal immigration victims, for the sale of their land at cheap Not many in the mainland of the from Bangladesh to rates to migrants and then the sudden country were aware of the design in the Assam. Islamic fanatics in realization that the sold land has to be making vis-à-vis illegal immigration reclaimed, leading to violent clashes. from Bangladesh to Assam. Islamic Bangladesh, of whom there Veteran Manipuri journalist Pra- fanatics in Bangladesh, of whom there was no deficit at all in that dip Phanjoubam argued in favour of was no deficit at all in that country, and country, and the rogue Inter- regional identity, saying that the time the rogue Inter-Services Intelligence of the nation-state philosophy is over (ISI) of Pakistan have long wanted to Services Intelligence (ISI) of and it has to be replaced by region-state get Assam annexed to Bangladesh for Pakistan have long wanted philosophy. the making of a greater Islamic nation in to get Assam annexed to Quoting eminent lawyer Fali S the subcontinent and to finish the unfin- Nariman, he said that in relation to ished agenda of Partition. Bangladesh for the making its northeastern region, the country The threat has become far graver in of a greater Islamic nation is still carrying the insecurity of 1947 recent times because of the sprouting of in the subcontinent and to — Partition. Islamic terror outfits in Assam, such as Eminent retired IAS officer Madan the Muslim United Liberation Tigers of finish the unfinished agenda Bezbaruah, who had served in Mizoram Assam (MULTA), some of whose cad- of Partition and Assam in the heyday of militancy, res have been either nabbed or killed in drove home the point that illegal immi- encounters with security forces. These gration from Bangladesh is a reality home-grown terror outfits would obvi- radicalization) in the State. Such organi- and that the immigrants are occupying ously be looking for the poverty-stricken zations would naturally forge alliances both land and politics. ‘‘It is unrealis- illegal Bangladeshis in Assam to recruit with groups like the MULTA. The equa- tic to think they can be sent back. They them so that the outfits’ cadre strength tions, therefore, are really dangerous should be identified, however, and made and potency could grow and so that the — not just for Assam, not just for the sure they do not usurp economic and Bangladeshis could also earn their live- rest of the Northeast, but for the coun- political space,’’ he said. lihood without much hardship as petty try as a whole. That two very important and thought- labourers working at very low rates in Both the Centre and the State gov- provoking national seminars were held construction works etc. Such outfits ernments of the Northeast must take in New Delhi on the issue of illegal could also have links with some leaders the issue very seriously, resort to an immigration from Bangladesh points and members of some mainstream orga- informed discussion to formulate a to the gravity of the menace. Almost nizations operating to promote Islamic pragmatic strategy to solve the problem all speakers — distinguished person- values. and defeat the greater Islamic nation- alities well introduced to the problem Not just that. Islamic terror organiza- state design as well as the Islamic terror — spoke on the imperative to work out tions operating from Bangladesh, such plans under way, and jettison vote-bank a solution of the problem to save the as the Harkat-ul Jihad Islami (HuJI), politics once and for all to salvage the identity of the indigenous people of the and the Bangladesh wing of the Paki- imperilled indigenous people of the Northeast, especially Assam where the stan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) that Northeast who are going to lose their problem is more serious and which hap- had reportedly floated its Bangladesh very identity in their homeland in the pens to be the best living space for illegal arm about a couple of years ago, might not-too-distant future if the problem Bangladeshis. very well be in the business of launch- remains unresolved. Pramod Bodo’s take on the matter as ing their wings, sleeper cells, modules The question, in the ultimate analy- stated, especially his demand that the etc in Assam by exploiting the huge sis, is whether politics of the cheap and Assam Land and Revenue Regulation presence of illegal Bangladeshis (all of anti-national kind would allow all that Act, 1886 be implemented effectively, whom are virtually Bengali-speaking, to happen. And this question is itself a and Madan Bezbaruah’s call that the poverty-stricken Muslims given easily to huge tragedy!

| December 15, 2012 | ASIA DEFENCE NEWS 45 Technology ______

Handing over of Microwave Power Microwave Module - Left to Right: Dr. SP Dash, Director, DLRL, Dr. KD Nayak, CC R&D, Dr. VK Power Saraswat, SA to RM, Mr SK Sharma Director BEL (B’lore Module complex), Mr Anil Kumar, CMD, BEL, Dr. Lalithkumar, Director, MTRDC Released

he future and Development Centre (MTRDC), a Module (MPM) developed by warfare will DRDO Laboratory at Bharat Electron- MTRDC. This compact RF Power be fought ics Complex, Jalahalli, Bengaluru on the Module is capable of giving remotely and occasion of MTRDC Day celebration on continuous RF Power in very wide fre- contactless, 16 November. He emphasized the need quency band and could be used as without using conventional weapons but to develop High Power Microwave transmitter for naval defence and civil- “Tinstead using Directed Energy Weapons” (HPM), High Power Laser (HPL), ian radars, communication and Electronic said Dr. Vijay Kumar Saraswat, Scien- Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) and Warfare systems. The MPM was handed tific Adviser to Raksha Mantri, while Terahertz devices. over by Dr Lalit Kumar, Director, MTRDC addressing a galaxy of scientists and On this occasion Dr Saras- and Mr Anil Kumar, CMD, BEL to Dr SP engineers at Microwave Tube Research wat released Microwave Power Dash, Director, DLRL, Hyderabad.

Air Defence Interceptor Missile Successfully Destroys Ballistic Missile The Advanced Air Defence (AAD) interceptor missile launched by the scientists of DRDO from Wheeler’s Island, Odisha successfully destroyed the incoming ‘enemy’ ballistic missile at an altitude of 15 kms. The interception took place at 12.52hrs on 23 November. The target missile, a modified version of Prithvi, mimicking the enemy’s ballistic missile, was launched from Launch Complex III, Chandipur. Long Range Radar and MFC Radar located far away could detect the mis- sile from take-off and tracked it through its entire path. The total trajectory of the incoming missile was continuously estimated by the guidance and subsequently the AAD missile was launched at an appropriate time to counter and kill the ballistic missile. AAD launched

46 ASIA DEFENCE NEWS | December 15, 2012 | ______Soldier-Educationist

Dalhousie Public School, Dalhousie, celebrated its Air Chief Marshal 42nd Founder’s Day on 13 NAK Browne who was the Chief Guest October and had the proud on 42nd Founders privilege of having Air Chief Day of Dalhousie Public School being Marshal NAK Browne. Chief presented a bouquet by the students on of Air Staff as the Chief arrival on October 13 Guest, reports P N Khera with Dr Dhillon Director and Principal is seen inputs from R S Ratra in the centre Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne Praises Dalhousie Public School

he Founder’s Day cel- India. Originally founded by the Brit- surroundings and crystalline air, young ebrations started with ish Army as a retreat for soldiers, it has minds flourish. Dalhousie Public School, Ganesh Vandana and now grown into a small self-sufficient which was founded in 1970, is a residen- were attended by a large student township, where in its serene tial co¬educational school. It comprises galaxy of guests and the parents of the students from all over the Tcountry. In his address, Air Chief Marshal Browne appreciated the endeavours of Director and Principal Dr GS Dhil- lon and his management for imparting quality education, infusing sprit of nationalism imbued with ethos in the students. The Air Chief Marshal Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne who was exhorted the students that it was impera- the Chief Guest on tive not to take facts at their face value in 42nd Founders Day order to face the tough challenges of life. of Dalhousie Public Set in the foothills of the Dhaulad- School presenting a memento to the har Ranges of the Himalayas and at an Director & Principal altitude of 7,000 feet, Dalhousie is one Dr GS Dhillon on of the most charming hill resorts in October 13

| December 15, 2012 | ASIA DEFENCE NEWS 47 Soldier-Educationist______

Lt Gen Nirbhay Sharma MGO and Col of the Parachute Regiment presenting Chief Guest addressing the audience a memento to Dr G S Dhillon on the Founders Day 2006

1250 students, ranging from age 4 (Kin- imperatives for a healthy mind, body provided by the cultural and religious dergarten) to age 16 (tenth grade), of and soul. diversity -which is a policy of the School which 1000 are boarders and the rest day Well designed, neat and clean class furnishes an important factor in foster- scholars. The teaching staff consists of rooms, modern boarding and lodging ing unification and brotherhood. approximately 60 trained teachers most facilities, well stocked library, assembly The School is divided into six houses: of whom live on campus. Both students hall and dining hall are other motivat- Rana Partap, Subhash, Ajit, Nehru, Shiv- and teachers are selected from different ing factors for a student mind. aji and Shastri. Each house is managed parts of India - and also from other parts In imparting education, the School by a House Master who is assisted by of the world - thus providing an atmo- aims to guide the students through a sys- a House Captain, a House Prefect and sphere of cultural diversity. tem beyond pure academic achievement an Assistant Prefect - thus forming a Asia Defence News team which vis- into development of the total personal- complete structural team. Besides this ited the Dalhousie Public School recently ity. The focal point in this development there are three ‘Holding Houses’ which noted with great satisfaction the condu- process is the inculcation of attitudes are meant to facilitate a student’s transi- cive ambience, academic environment, that lead the child to unfold naturally tion from the junior school (Kg to IV) to emphasis on co-curricular activities and into a well-balanced individual who the middle and senior school. facilities for variety of sports and ath- will effectively meet the challenges of letics. The serene and healthy location the world, as well as contribute respon- ACADEMIC SESSION offers fascinating views of green idyl- sibly to global growth. The School academic session com- lic beauty and crystalline air which are It is believed that the environment mences at the beginning of March and finishes in the first week of December. Only one long vacation is observed which extends from the first week of December until beginning of March. In view of the long winter break, very few public holidays are observed dur- ing the session.

REGISTRATION A Registration form is enclosed with the prospectus. This should be filled and returned to the school before the end of September. The form should be accom- panied by a passport size photograph of the student, an attested photocopy Students in the of the students date of birth certifi- Dining Hall cate and a bank draft of Rs.5,000/- in

48 ASIA DEFENCE NEWS | December 15, 2012 | ______Soldier-Educationist

favour of : Principal, Dalhousie Pub- lic School, Dalhousie. (This amount is neither refundable nor transferable and is applicable only for the year and session for which the child is applying for registration). The school will then inform the parents regarding the date for the Entrance Test held in October/ November, each year. In case of students arriving from foreign countries some flexibility is exercised in the dates of the Entrance tests provided the Principal is informed well in time.

PROCEDURE FOR ADMISSION At the kindergarten level, students are admitted on the basis of first-come, first-served for the number of seats A class in progress available. For all other classes i.e., class one are required to send the first instalment basketball, volleyball, badminton, table- onwards, students are required to appear of the fees by PNB/ SBI bank draft in tennis, cricket, judo, karate, gymnastics for an Entrance Test. This test is held favour of “Principal, Dalhousie Public and roller-skating. Additional facilities in October/November each year, for School, Dalhousie” within fifteen days of of horse riding are made available on admission in the following academic the receipt of the letter. If the fee is not week-ends. year. Whilst the Entrance test forms the received in time, the seat allotted may basis of selection, it is not the sole crite- be cancelled. CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES rion and does not guarantee admission. Students are encouraged to engage in The school reserves the right to reject GAMES AND SPORTS a wide range of activities important in any prospective student. Included in the regular curriculum their overall development. Debates, dec- Upon receiving a letter of confirma- of the School are an hour of compul- lamations, group discussions symposia tion of admission of their child, parents sory games every day. These include and quiz competitions are held periodi- cally on topics of current international significance, not only to expand aware- ness of the world outside the school, but also to give the children valuable expe- rience in public speaking. In order to enjoy the vast outdoors of the pictur- esque Himalayan mountains, students are taken on frequent hikes (treks) and picnics. Occasionally, a group-trip is arranged, stretching over a period of sev- eral days, in which places of historical or other interest are visited. The school does not seek permission from parents for such treks and picnics. If the par- ents/guardians do not wish their ward to participate they must endorse this on the Admission form and have it coun- tersigned by the Principal. The Chief Guest Gen N C Vij Chief of Army Staff presenting a memento to Cultural activities include folk Dr Dhillon on the Founders Day 2004 dancing and singing.

| December 15, 2012 | ASIA DEFENCE NEWS 49 Soldier-Educationist ______

Making Education

Dr Dhillon receiving A Positive the ‘National’ Award for Teachers in September 2011 from the President of India Experience

Director and Principal, Dalhousie Public School, Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh Dr. (Capt.) G. S. Dhillon was commissioned into the second battalion of ‘The Parachute Regiment’ Special Forces which is one of the oldest and most decorated Regiments of the Indian Army, in May 1974. During his army service Capt. Dhillon served on the Chinese border and on the Western front. Even though Capt. Dhillon joined the Army as a graduate, but by the time he left the army he had completed his masters in English and MA., Ph.D in philosophy, which is quite a rare feat for a young serving officer, reports P N Khera

aving taken premature To top it up Dr. Dhillon has been a family of Freedom Fighters. retirement from the awarded the ‘National Award for Teach- His grandfather, Dr. Diwan Singh army in 1986, Capt. ers’ in Sept 2011 by the President of Kalepani, is a household name in Dhillon took charge India. Punjab. He sacrificed his life for the free- of Dalhousie Public Dr. Dhillon has also been awarded dom of the nation. School, as the Principal. Dr. Dhillon’s the ‘distinguished educationist’ award His father in-law, Mr. Madan Heducational qualification coupled with for the state of Himachal Pradesh by Singh, as a young Naval Officer, was his experience in the army has been a ‘Himotkarsh’ (an NGO). He is on the the leader of the Naval Mutiny of great asset to the school. Board of Governors of ‘Bharat Vikas 1942. The Indian Navy has named a Over the last more than two decades, Parishad’ which is a very well known war-ship after him. Some of these Dalhousie Public School, has risen to NGO. great values of sacrifice have be viewed amongst the finest residen- He is the President of Indo-Tibet- naturally been imbibed by tial schools of India. Dr. Dhillon was ian Friendship Society and Patron of him which help in setting a presented the best Principal’s award the National Rifle Association, District personal example to his staff by the ministry of HRD in 2007 and Chamba, Himachal Praesh. and students. the school has been Dr. Dhillon has also been nominated Dr. Dhillon believes in making honoured with the as the Chairman of the steering Com- education a positive experience for Computer Lit- mittee on ‘Morals & Ethics’ by Justice children. He combines his vast eracy Excellence Bodh Raj Sawhny Memorial Trust. experience in creating an environment Dr G S Dhillon, award in 2008, While with the army, he was awarded that promotes self-learning with a Director and Principal of Dalhousie Public by the ministry the Sena Sewa Medal. competitive edge while forging a School as a young of Information & Dr. Dhillon considers himself meaningful connection with the world Capt in Army Technology. to be very blessed to belong to outside the school campus.

50 ASIA DEFENCE NEWS | December 15, 2012 | Panoramic View Of Dalhousie Public School Posting Date: 12-13 of every month. RNI No.: DELENG/2006/16253 Date of Publication: 10th of every month. DL-SW-1/4109/2012-14