No. 03/2019 AN PUBLICATION March 2019 sapta shaKti command

Forever victorious op thunderbolt (op viJay 1999)

Captain Haneef Uddin, , 11 Rifl es

Operation THUNDERBOLT was launched in June 1999 in the Siachen Sector as part of Operation VIJAY. As was the case in Kargil, and Batalik Sectors, occupied unheld heights on the Sangarh Ridge with an aim to alter the and threaten Turtuk Sector. A company of 11 RAJ RIF was deployed in Operation THUNDERBOLT at an altitude of 18,000 feet in the Turtuk region. Th eir mission was to capture a position in the region which would facilitate the Army to monitor the movements of the enemy troops better. Captain Haneef Uddin volunteered to lead the special mission patrol consisting of one Junior Commissioned Offi cer and three other ranks. Th e party made valiant endeavours to occupy the position on night of 04 and 05 June 1999. On 06 June 1999, advancing in sub-zero temperatures along the razor sharp edge from the South-Westerly direction, the party came as close as 200 meters of the position when it was fi red upon. Captain Haneef Uddin and two other ranks received the brunt of fi re. Inspite of the grave injury, Captain Haneef Uddin, without caring for his personal safety, took position and started fi ring to pin down the enemy to extricate his team members. In the ensuing fi ring from both sides, Captain Haneef Uddin was further hit by enemy and small arms fi re. However, the offi cer kept on engaging the enemy till his troops reached safer location. Captain Haneef Uddin, however, succumbed to his injuries. Captain Haneef Uddin displayed bravery and concern for his team and made the supreme sacrifi ce for the Nation. For his inconspicuous bravery and devotion to service he was awarded the Vir Chakra (Posthumously).

"The Nation Celebrates 2O Years of Kargil Vijay this year."

2 Baatcheet March 2019 March 2019 From the Editor’s Desk South was raised on 15 April 2005 and operationalised at Jaipur on 15 August 2005 by K Nagaraj, UYSM, PVSM, SM, VSM, ADC. South Western Command is the seventh and the youngest Command of the Indian Army. It was accordingly christened as the 'SAPTA SHAKTI COMMAND'. The present Army Commander is , PVSM, SM, VSM. South Western Command is operationally Operation Thunderbolt (Op Vijay 1999) ...... 2 responsible for the defence of Southern Chief’s Page ...... 4 and Northern . It comprises of two In Focus ...... 5 of the oldest formations of Indian Army i.e Snippets ...... 6-7 Strike 1 and Chetak . Both the Corps South Western Command Special ...... 8-9 are elite battle tested formations of the Indian J&K Diary ...... 10 Army, geared to overcome any challenge to North East Diary ...... 11 uphold national security and honour. Communique ...... 12 Sapta Shakti Command is operationally Welfare and Empowerment ...... 13 ever ready and committed to prosecute Training ...... 14 war anytime to ensure decisive victory for Sports and Adventure ...... 15 the country. 'Sarvada Vijayee Bhava', the Regimental Celebrations ...... 16 Command Motto, says it all. CONTACT FOR QUERIES Publisher : Additional Directorate General, We request our readers to send good quality, Public Information, IHQ of MoD (Army) high resolution photographs for cover page of Office : B-30, South Block, New - 110011 Tele : Off - 23018665, 33332/33249 Baatcheet. Indian Army Website : www.indianarmy.nic.in or www.indianarmy.gov.in Facebook : www.facebook.com/indianarmy.adgpi Twitter : www.twitter.com/adgpi GSO1 (Pub) : Maj Dibya Satapathy Editor Baatcheet Email : [email protected] ADG PI : [email protected] Brig PI : [email protected] Col (IO) : [email protected] Col (Media) : [email protected] Col (Social Media) : [email protected] Webmaster IA : [email protected] Contact No : 011-23018665, 33332 33249 (ASCON) Printer : Xtreme Office Aids (Pvt.) Ltd, N D-46 Ph : 011-45627583

Lieutenant General Cherish Mathson, PVSM, SM, VSM, GOC-IN-C, South Western Command, paying tribute to martyrs at Prerna Sthal, Jaipur Forever victorious Baatcheet March 2019 3 chieF’s page

His Excellency, Mr Khalid Asadullah, Defence Minister, Afghanistan called upon and interacted with General , COAS on 25 February 19

Air Marshal Gavin Neil "Leo" Davies, Chief of Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force called upon and interacted with Chief of the Army Staff , General Bipin Rawat on 05 February 19

Chief of the Army Staff , General Bipin Rawat went on a two day visit to Rangapahar Military Station on 02 February 19

Chief of the Army Staff , General Bipin Rawat, took to air in the Light Combat Helicopter at the Aero 2019 held at Bengaluru from 20-23 February 19

COAS, General Bipin Rawat, called on the Hon’ble Governor of Arunanchal Pradesh Brig B.D. Mishra (Retd) during his visit to Arunanchal Pradesh on 03 February 19

4 Baatcheet March 2019 in Focus

NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL DEDICATED TO THE NATION

The National War Memorial was dedicated to the Nation on 25 Feb 19 by the Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Located in the heart of the Nation’s capital, next to the iconic India Gate in the central vista of New Delhi, the National War Memorial is a befitting tribute to the martyrs of the country. The Memorial complex includes a central obelisk, an eternal flame, murals representing famous battles, graphic panels and above all, busts of the 21 awardees of Param Veer Chakra and names of 25,942 brave Indian soldiers.

Baatcheet March 2019 5 snippets

Major General Yasunori Morishita, Director General, Policy and Program Department of Japan Ground Self Defence Forces called upon and interacted with Lt Gen D Anbu, Vice Chief of the Army Staff.

A ceremonial Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) on the occasion of ‘Chinese Spring Festival’ was conducted on 02 Feb 19 in Chinese BPM Huts at Chushul-Moldo and DBO-TWD, meeting points of Eastern respectively.

National Integration Tour comprising of 10 Sarpanchs and 10 ex-servicemen from Poonch and met Lt Gen IS Ghuman, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (IS&T) on 28 Feb 19.

The Karnataka and Goa contingent of the National Cadet Corps created history by winning the coveted Prime Minister's Banner in a resplendent parade on 28 Jan 19 at the Army Parade Ground, New Delhi.

Indian Army peacekeepers from INDBATT-I continuing with their efforts to help those in need, distributed Centre for Land Warfare Studies conducted Annual solar lights to the residents Army Seminar with the theme ‘Changing Nature of a remote village in its of Global Conflicts with Specific reference to Sub- area of responsibility in the Conventional Warfare in Regional Context in the Democratic Republic of Next Two Decades’, held on 14 Feb 19 at Manekshaw Congo. Centre.

6 Baatcheet March 2019 snippets

The Sapta Shakti Command Investiture Ceremony was held on 22 Feb 19. In a dignified military function 12 officers and four soldiers were presented with gallantry & distinguished service awards.

Investiture Ceremony was conducted by on 19 Feb 19 in which the GOC-in-C, Southern Command, felicitated Lt Gen , GOC-in-C, presented eight Officers, one Junior gallantry as well as distinguished service awards to officers, Other Commissioned Officer and ten Ranks and Next of Kin in a solemn and impressive investiture Other Ranks with ceremony at on 07 Feb 19. (Gallantry).

The MARATHA Light Regiment celebrated 250th raising day on 04 Feb 19. On 04 Feb 1670, Maratha ruler Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, conquered Kondhana Fort famously known as Sinhgarh near in . Surya Command Investiture Ceremony was Lt Gen M M Naravane, held on 26 Feb 19. In a GOC-in-C solemn ceremony presented one Yudh Seva GOC-in-C, Central Medal, ten Sena Medals Command presented eight (Gallantry), one Bar to Sena Sena Medals (Gallantry), Medal (Distinguished) and 12 one Sena Medal Vishisht Seva Medals at the (Distinguished) and two Eastern Command Investiture Vishisht Seva Medals. ceremony on 02 Feb 19 at .

Baatcheet March 2019 7 SAPTA SHAKTI COMMAND ‘FOREVER VICTORIOUS’

RAISING • South Western Command was raised on ROLE 15 Apr 05. • Operationally responsible • Operationalised at Jaipur on 15 Aug 05. for defence of Southern • First Army Cdr- Lt Gen K Nagaraj, UYSM, Punjab and Northern PVSM, SM, VSM, ADC. Rajasthan. • The present Army Cdr is • Comprises two of the Lt Gen Cherish Mathson, PVSM, SM, VSM. oldest formations of the Indian Army. HISTORY INDO - PAK WAR 1965 • Strike One Corps mobilised from Jhansi to . • Battle of Phillora - Pakistan lost 67 Patton tanks.

SARVADA VIJAYEE BHAVA NATION BUILDING • Mukhyamantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan - Conserve and utilise maximum available water resources. • Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief- INDO-PAK WAR 1971 during fl oods in Madhubani and Sitamarhi • ‘Strike One’ played a vital role in districts of Bihar, more than 500 civilians were fulfi lling India’s strategic aim in 1971 rescued. war on the Western front. • Sapta Shakti Students Outreach Campaign - • Battle of Basantar is forever remembered to motivate the young minds towards Nation for its ferocity and spectacular success. building. • Outreach to more than 50,000 students. MILITARY DIPLOMACY • Ex Ajeya Warrior- Indo-UK Joint military exercise. • Ex Vajra Prahar- Indo-US Special Forces exercise. • Shanghai Co-operation Organisation Peace Mission Exercise - Joint anti terrorist drills at tactical level in an international environment.

8 Baatcheet March 2019 Baatcheet March 2019 9 and diary ‘For peace’

Lt Gen KJS Dhillon, Commanding, Chinar Corps, inaugurated the Smart Class Project in the presence of General Officer Commanding, Counter Insurgency Force Kilo at Army Goodwill School, Hanzik and Army Goodwill School, Bandipura on 05 Feb 19.

Sending a strong message to the misguided youth of Kashmir, Lt Gen Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon, Corps Commander Chinar Corps, said that ‘You Pick Up a Gun and You are Dead.’

Under the aegis of Fire and Fury Corps, a medical and health awareness camp was conducted by Parashu as part of Sadbhavana at Nimu on 26 Feb 19. A large number of villagers including elderly people and children were benefited by the camp.

Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, GOC-in-C, Northern Command visited forward locations in Western Ladakh on 03 Feb 19. He was briefed on the operational readiness being maintained in the sector.

The Chinar Corps in collaboration with the premier film education institute, Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, organised basic acting workshop under their flagship programme, Skilling in Films and Television (SKIFT). Basic acting workshop was organised for 15 days at Army Public School, BB , from 28 Jan to 12 Feb 19.

Winter Youth Festival was organised by Himalayan Brigade of Dagger at Gulmarg with an aim to promote winter sports, adventure amongst youth and boost tourism in J&K. Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, GOC-in-C, Northern Command alongwith Lt Gen A K Bhatt, GOC Chinar Corps graced the occasion. 10 Baatcheet March 2019 NORTH EAST DIARY ‘Happily striving for a happy tomorrow’

Lt Gen MM Naravane, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command visited Trishakti Corps from 28 to 30 Jan 19. The Army Commander accompanied by GOC, Trishakti Corps visited forward areas and was briefed on security situation along the border.

Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon’ble Raksha Mantri inaugurated the 426.60 m long pre stressed concrete box girder type bridge over Diffo river on Roing - Koronu- Paya road in on 18 Jan 19.

Barrackpore Cantonment of Eastern Command organised an Armed Forces Veterans Rally at RCTC Ground , on 8th edition of Maj Bob 10 Feb 19. The rally Khathing Sports Tournament was inaugurated by was held under the aegis of 1971 War Veteran, Rifles at Ukhrul from Hav Sudhanshu 18-23 Feb 19. Kumar Mistri (Retd).

A formation of Lt Gen M.M. Indian Army organised Naravane, a medical camp under GOC-in-C, Operation Samaritan Eastern at Rama Sapper of Command, Arunachal Pradesh interacted with on 19 Feb 19 which the Hon’ble is devoid of medical Chief Minister of setup. Total 457 patients , Shri including 103 women Neiphiu Rio and and 132 children were discussed the treated and provided security situation medicines during the in the state on camp. 04 Feb 19.

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Eligibility: Any Graduate Degree (recognized by Association of Indian Universities) and CAT 2018 Score Card. Candidates whose Graduation results are expected by July 2019 may also apply. Besides wards of Army, wards of other Defence, Para-Military Forces and Civilians are also eligible under general category. For Further details, please visit offi cial website: www.aim.ac.in ARMY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, PUNE Dighi Hills, Alandi Road, Pune – 411 015. Email : [email protected], website : www.aitpune.com Tele/Fax : 020 27157612 / 27157534 ADMISSION TO FIRST YEAR ENGINEERING : 2019-20 (ONLY FOR WARDS OF ARMY PERSONNEL SERVING/RETIRE)

Army Institute of Technology (AIT) conducts Four Year Degree Course in Mechanical, Electronics & Telecommunication, Computer Engineering and Information Technology. Number of seats - 120 in Computer Engineering and 60 each in other disciplines. Accreditation. AIT is accredited by NAAC (A Grade) and all four UG programs are accredited by NBA. AIT is ranked by NIRF (Ministry of HRD) at 88 amongst all private and Govt Engineering Colleges. Qualifi cation. Class XII or equivalent (appeared or passed) with Physics and Mathematicsas compulsory subjects along with one of Chemistry/Biotechnology/Biology/Technical Vocational subjects and obtained at least 50% marks in the above subjects taken together. Other eligibility criteria as per JEE(Main) 2019. Entrance Exam. Applicants should have submitted application form for JEE (Main) 2019, on website www. jeemain.nic.in.Date of JEE (Main) - 2019 exams are as follows:- First Attempt : JEE (Main) (Jan 2019) - 09 Jan 2019 to 12 Jan 2019 Second Attempt : JEE (Main) (Apr 2019) - Between 06 Apr 2019 to 20 Apr 2019 AIT Application Form. Th e applicants should fi ll AIT online application on web site www.aitpune.comwef 15 Mar 2019. Prospectus can be downloaded from AIT website wef01 Feb 2019. Cost of Online application is Rs 500/-, including processing charges. DATES FOR FILLING UP OF APPLICATIONS Online submission of AIT application on website www.aitpune.com -15 Mar to 25 April 19 Online submission AIT application with late fee of Rs 500/- - 26 Apr to 5 May 19 Contact Details of AIT. Address: Dighi, Hills, Alandi Road, Pune-411015. Tele/Fax: 020-27157612/27157534. E-mail: [email protected], Webs ite: www.aitpune.com. Note : Only daughters/sons of serving/retired Army personnel are eligible. Grand sons/Grand daughters of Army personnel are not eligible.

12 Baatcheet March 2019 welfare and empowerment ‘We don't know them all, but we owe them all’

The 5th ‘Skill Certification Ceremony’ for The Konark Corps of the Southern Command the passing out batches of Army Skill Training initiated Southern Star Information Campaign in Centre (ASTC), Delhi Cantt was held at order to highlight the contribution of the Indian Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt on 01 Mar 19. Army towards nation building and also to motivate Mrs Madhulika Rawat, President AWWA was the youth to join the Armed Forces on 13 Feb 19 at the Chief Guest and presented the certificates . and startup kits to the successful student trainees.

A Veterans and Veer Naris welfare cell has been established in the premises of Records, The with an aim to provide a single window for On the ocassion of 'World Cancer Day' on redressal of grievances 02 Feb 19, Trishakti Medicals conducted of Veterans & Veer awareness campaign for the forces, family Naris. members and children. Talks on oral cancer and lung cancer along with screening of health awareness movies were conducted to spread the awareness.

Defence ticketing company udChalo has started an annual scholarship for children of Army personnel at Army Institute of Technology. A Memorandum of Understanding to this effect was signed between founder director The largest solar power project within Western of udChalo Mr Ravi Command, has been set up at Chandimandir, Kumar and Director of (), with an investment of the Army Institute of Rs 10 crore. Lt Gen Surinder, GOC-in-C, Western Technology, Brig A Bhatt Command, inaugurated the plant on 05 Feb 19. (Retd).

Baatcheet March 2019 13 training ‘we Fight to win and win with a KnocKout because there are no runners up in war.’

Th e AFOG and Oncology Forum of Delhi jointly organised 'ONCOVISION 2019', a national conference on cancer care in India on 23 Feb 19. Th e conference was inaugurated by General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Army Staff and spearheaded by Director South Western Command conducted joint General Medical Services Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Exercise (Army). ‘EXERCISE RAHAT’ over a period of two days on 11-12 Feb 19. Th e exercise was aimed to coordinate the synergy between the various disaster management agencies of the Government with the Army.

Th e 19th Annual meeting of Army Management Studies Board (AMSB) organised by Headquarters Army (ARTRAC) was held at the Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (MCEME), Mechanised Infantry Regimental Centre attested 299 on 15 Feb 19. Th e meeting was presided recruits who took oath on 08 Feb 19, at an impressive over by Lt Gen PC Th immaya, GOC-in-C, ARTRAC and Passing Out Parade ceremony at Akhaura Drill Square. Chairman, Army Management Studies Board. Th e parade was reviewed by Lt Gen , GOC-in-C, Western Command.

Artillery Centre, , conducted Attestation Parade for recruits on their successful completion of advanced military training at Artillery Centre, Golconda, Hyderabad. Th e Passing Out Parade for 388 recruits was reviewed by Maj Gen N Srinivas Rao, General Offi cer Commanding, Telangana and Andhra Sub Area & Commandant, Regiment of Artillery.

Th e 67th Annual Armed Forces Medical Conference and the 57th Armed Forces Medical Research Committee (AFMRC) Meeting was held at the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune from 05-08 Feb 19. Highlight of the conference was a special scientifi c session and an exhibition on innovations and creativity in health care practice and delivery.

14 Baatcheet March 2019 sports & adventure “it is not the mountains we conQuer, but ourselves.”

Indian Army team of the Army Winter Games Node (AWGN) at High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) Gulmarg, represented the Indian Army (Army Sports Control Board) at Senior National Alpine Ski and Snow Boarding Championship at Manali from 02-06 Feb 19.

Army Sports Institute, Pune, under the aegis of Mission Olympic Wing, was adjudged the Best Institute for promotion of sports by Sportstar Aces Awards-2019 on 14 Feb 19. Ace javelin thrower Sub Neeraj Chopra of ASI, Pune was declared as the Best Athlete of the Year in track & fi eld event.

42nd Intershoot, Annual Shooting Championship, Netherlands 2019 was held at Th e Hague from 01-03 Feb 19. Nine shooters of Army Marksmanship Unit, , under the aegis of Mission Olympic Wing, Naib Subedar Amit won gold medal in participated in the event. Team of Indian Army shooters prestigious Strandja Cup held at Sofi a, Bulgaria stood overall fi rst and won the team gold in both Pistol from 12-15 Feb 19. Th e boxer showed his amazing and Rifl e events. technical skill and dynamic footwork to outclass his opponent from Kazakhstan. Total 37 countries had participated in the tournament. A ten day trans Aravali Trekking Expedition was Gen Bipin Rawat, Chief organised by Cockerel Of the Army Staff applauded Division under the aegis the achievements of Col of Army Adventure Wing. Ranveer Singh Jamwal. Col Th e team comprising of Ranveer is the fi rst Army man 19 armymen covered a to summit six mountains of distance of approx 240 6000 mtr (20,000 ft ) & above kms in a span of ten days. in 10 days, which includes the Th e trek commenced highest volcanic mountain in from Narnaul on the world (Ojos del Salado- 25 Feb 19 and fi nished at 6893 mtr). Mathura on 07 Mar 19.

Baatcheet March 2019 15 regimental celebrations

On the occasion of 109th Raising Day of the Corps of Signals, ceremonial wreath was laid by Lt Gen Rajeev Sabherwal, Signal Offi cer- in-Chief at Amar Jawan Jyoti on 15 Feb 19.

Army Dental Corps celebrated 78th Corps Day on 01 Feb 19. In a solemn ceremony organized at Amar Jawan Jyoti on this momentous day, Lt Gen SM Londhe, DGDS & Col Comdt AD Corps paid homage to the brave soldiers who sacrifi ced their life for the country.

Courage is contagious, When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are stiffened.

Veerans Yaar Artillery Regiment paid tributes to Kargil/ Dras Martyrs of 01-02 Mar 2003. A war memorial service was organised by the unit on 01 Mar 19 in memory of gallant heroes near the Western borders.

On 08 Feb 19 on the occasion of Nowshera Day, Army organised military ceremonies at Jadunath Memorial, Nowshera to commemorate the gallant action and supreme sacrifi ce of Naik Jadunath Singh, PVC and countless other martyrs.

16 Baatcheet March 2019 Next Edition 'Southern Command Special'.