THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2020 DAILY EXCELSIOR, JAMMU Excelsiordaily Established 1965 Are we really honouring Dogra martyrs? Founder Editor S.D. Rohmetra K B Jandial company from three sides. They came under hold the enemy at Uri at all costs and to the last Sharma who is organising Maj. Somnath Sharma heavy fire and mortar bombardment and sus- man". And he virtually did that. Despite his criti- Balidaan Divas for last six seven years, has Ensure priority passage hird November was the Balidaan Divas of tained heavy casualties. Despite massively out- cal injuries in the operation, he continued to demanded a life-size statue of PVC awardee at Maj. Somnath Sharma, first recipient of numbered seven to one, Maj. Sharma didn't lower inspire his men to fight. He got Uri Bridge blown Srinagar Airport entrance, replacing his bust. But for fruit-laden trucks TIndia's highest gallantry award, Param Vir the defence knowing well that Badgam was very off that held back Pakistanis till 27th October is this enough? He deserved much more, at least Chakra (posthumously). Commissioned in 19th crucial and loss in their position would make when the reinforcement came. He is often called on two counts: being Dogra and first awardee of ruits , especially the apples being perishable Hyderabad Regiment (rechristened as 4th Srinagar and the Airport vulnerable. The young 'Saviour of Kashmir' and was awarded India's India's highest gallantry award. Kumaon Regiment of Indian Army) in 1942, he Major kept motivating his men to fight bravely first Maha Vir Chakra posthumously. One wonders why Jammu lacks vision, politi- commodities, need hassles free passage of exhibited exceptional valour and leadership qual- movement from Kashmir valley to ensure and started filling the magazines and giving these Right from the childhood, we are told about cal will, commitment to Jammu cause and respect F ities, "seldom equaled in the history of Indian to light machine gunners, running from post to the famous couplet for all those who sacrifice for Dogra heroes? Just to make a point, when early, prompt and remunerative marketing . Any Army" and laid down his life at the age of 25 post. Keeping his nerve, he skillfully directed the their lives for the nation and often repeated at the Maharaja Hari Singh was sent to forced exile to type of unwarranted stoppages en-route from origi- years while defending Srinagar city and the fire of his section into the advancing enemy. He martyrdom of gallant bravehearts: Bombay under a conspiracy while other Rulers nating points right up to Mandis could only be termed Airport in 1947 Kashmir operations. He had com- successfully laid out cloth air strips to guide Shaheedon Ki Chitaon Par Lagen Ge Har were made Rajparmukh, there was shamefully mitted: "I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight Indian aircrafts onto their targets in full view of Baras Mele, hardly any uproar in Jammu. On the other hand, as avoidable impediments . In fact , the administra- to the last man and the last round." And that's tion must tone up the slew of required facilities to the enemy. Watan Pe Mar Mitne Walon Ka Baakee Yahi Sheikh Abdullah rewarded those who used their what he did and saved Srinagar Airport and Moments before his martyrdom, he had Nishaan Hoga. influence to prevent even protest statements, by apple growers and traders to transport their fruit con- State's capital. flashed his last message to Brigade HQ: "The But does it actually happen? The events expe- nominating at least one of them as Member signments to the Mandis across the country. Late Another Balidan Divas was on 26th October. enemies are only 50 yards from us. We are heav- rienced in last over twenty years don't support it. Parliament. October to early December is the peak but limited It was in the memory of another warrior-hero, ily outnumbered. We are under devastating fire. I Having associated with Maj. Gen. Goverdhan It is, indeed, very heartening to see that at last, Brig Rajinder Singh who too displayed excep- Jammu has woken up to Dogra hero, Maharaja season during which the entire harvest should reach tional courage and leadership qualities in stop- Hari Singh after about 60 years of his forced exile its respective destinations or else chances of the ping the marching columns of Pakistani invaders It is, indeed, very heartening to see that at last, Jammu has and now reinvented him. Newspapers are flooded fruit getting damaged in quality colour and taste and at Uri, Kashmir before Indian Forces landed. He woken up to Dogra hero, Maharaja Hari Singh after about with articles on his birthday listing his good work was awarded the country's first Maha Vir Chakra even get perished could result in tremendous pecu- besides organising well attended public functions (posthumously), second highest gallantry award. niary losses to the traders. Having said so, it looks 60 years of his forced exile and now reinvented him. besides two statues, one with beautiful park. A rare feat for a Chief of the State Forces to fight totally unacceptable that most of the fruit growers and from the front against enemy, he fulfilled the Newspapers are flooded with articles on his birthday listing Similarly, the memory of Brig. Rajinder Singh has traders should complain and even protest against command of the Maharaja Hari Singh by stopping been revived and the people now respect his val- alleged impending and obstructive measures the advancing columns of Pak invaders at Uri for his good work besides organising well attended public our and sacrifice. Nothing of the sort is witnessed five days "till the last bullet" in 1947. This feat, he about Maj. Somnath. Why can't JMC name one adopted by some authorities in the smooth passage functions besides two statues, one with beautiful park. Chowk after him and also put his statue? of fruit laden trucks along Srinagar- Jammu National achieved with hardly 100 gallant soldiers pitted against 6000 fully armed enemy. Similarly, the memory of Brig. Rajinder Singh has been Jammu needs to rise above sectarian loyalties Highway. Apart from identical exceptional gallantry and and set up an impressive all inclusive Balidaan Had there been mere allegations and accusations military leadership qualities, another commonali- revived and the people now respect his valour and sacrifice. Museum to honour befittingly all J&K gallant on flimsy grounds from these fruit traders, there would ty they had: both were proud Dogras who didn't awardees including Defence services, Police, Central Para Military Force, listing their saga of not have been spontaneous protests from scores of think for a second to lay down their lives in line shall not withdraw an Singh Jamwal (Retd) from of the service to the nation and thwarted the evil STRAIGHT TALK bravery etc. Even Shaheed Maqbool Sherwani traders and growers across 13 major fruit mandis in inch but will fight to late eighties to create and Sikh martyrs of Beerwah, Khag too can be designs of Pakistan to grab J&K. The supreme our last man and our awareness about Brig the Valley. They are within their rights , other things sacrifice of both gallant Dogra warriors is a saga considered. remaining the same, that such unwarranted stop- last round". A little later, a mortar shell exploded Rajinder Singh's supreme sacrifice and his role in Jammu Municipal Corporation should take of bravery, leadership and unyielding fighting in the ammunition and he was martyred in the saving Kashmir, he has, by now, got public and the initiative for it, alone or in collaboration with pages and halts accompanied by long waits along the spirit that continue to inspire generations in the explosion occurred near him, but not before Govt recognition to his martyrdom which other JDA. This activity falls in its mandate and should National Highway should be stopped as also the Army. inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy, estimat- proud Dogra, Maj. Somnath regrettably still crav- seriously consider it. The State Council for authorities should ensure a smooth and hassles free Maj. Somnath Sharma actually hailed from ed at 200. It slowed down enemy's advance, giv- ing for. The sacrifice of both Dogras, one at his Educational Research and Training should be village Dadh, Kangra Himachal Pradesh but the ing enough time to Indian forces to block all prime youth and the other at the level of Chief of passage of the concerned trucks carrying the fruit family had lived in Jullaka Mohalla of Jammu asked to include appropriately the authenticate consignments but without compromising on security routes to Srinagar. His leadership, gallantry and the Force, is associated with J&K for 1947 oper- also. His one the brothers, who rose to be Army tenacious defence were such that his men were ations. account of these Dogra heroes including Dogra measures and precautions. While on the one hand, Chief, Gen V. N Sharma, was married in Jammu inspired to fight the enemy despite being outnum- Realisation of doing justice with their martyr- Rulers, Maj. Somnath Sharma, Brig Rajinder the Central Government is taking measures to pro- to the daughter of Jammu's leading surgeon, Dr. bered and as such played a pivotal role in prevent- dom even after several decades, like Jammu did Singh and other PVC/MVC awardees in the vide help and remunerative sale stability to the fruit Barkat Ram. Maj. Somnath belonged to an army ing the fall of State's capital, and perhaps, for Maharaja Hari Singh, is still hugely welcome. school text books published by J&K Board of family. His father, Major General Amar Nath Kashmir. Unlike Balidaan Divas of Brig Rajinder Singh, Secondary Education so that the present and growers by extending MIS scheme to procure 12 Sharma, was the Director, Army Medical Corps future generations can know about their rich LMT of fruit through DBT and extending other facili- Almost similar is the saga of bravery of Brig. Maj. Somnath's martyrdom function had been on and his second brother, Lt. General Surinder Nath Rajinder Singh who too laid down his life to stop very low key, permit me to say, not befitting to the roots. The Govt or specifically Jammu Municipal ties to tide over constraints due to the COVID-19 pan- Sharma was Engineer-in-chief while his sister the marching columns of Pakistani invaders at first PVC awardee. Very well attended Brig Corporation/State Council for Educational demic , any type of avoidable difficulties should not be Major Kamla Tiwari was a Doctor in AMC. Uri. He too came from a military family of a vil- Rajinder Singh's Balidaan Divas function every Research Training should set up a joint or sepa- caused to be faced by the traders and growers as Commissioned in the British Indian Army in lage Bagoona, now named after him, in Samba year with participation of senior army, police, rate expert committee comprising notable veter- 1942, Maj. Somnath fought in World War II and such uncalled for restrictions were going to offset the district and had joined the State Forces in 1921 as civil officers and civil society, a municipal park ans, historians, educationists etc. for the purpose. earned a 'Mention in Dispatch' for his act of Similar request should be made to the NCRET for gains of the Government procurement and maintain- 2nd Lt and rose to the rank of Brig in 1942. On along the canal dedicated to his memory along courage. the departure of Chief, Maj. Gen. Scots he was with a chowk with imposing life size statue beau- inclusion of at least first PVC/MVC awardees in ing of stability of prices and pre-empting moves of After flown to Srinagar on J&K acceding to heading the Force and was to take the rank of tifully made by the noted sculptor, Ravinder NCRET text books across the country. It is equal- any distress sale measures. India, Maj. Somnath's Company was ordered on Maj. Gen soon which unfortunately didn't' hap- Singh, naming of an auditorium in Jammu ly important that Indian youth too should know The Fruit cum Dealers Union should find no ground 03 Nov 1947 to reach Badgam which was one of pen. University and his native village after him, are the the sacrifices made in J&K. This issue should be the routes through which Pakistani raiders were Amidst alarming reports of marching columns culmination of the sustained efforts of never kept above the usual politics that marred J&K. Lt to protest as they are reported to have resorted to, in marching towards Srinagar. Overlooking his frac- the Mandis in the valley lamenting about impeded of Pakistani raiders, Brig Rajinder Singh with his aging Gen. Jamwal. Alas, Jammu could get Governor Manoj Sihna can make the difference tured arm, he insisted on being with his company handful gallant soldiers reached Uri, responding another Gen Jamwal to do justice with Maj. by taking a call on this and thus respect Jammu movement of the fruit laden trucks on the Highway in combat. A group of 700 raiders had approached to the call of the Maharaja who had ordered under Somnath Sharma's martyrdom too. silent sentiments. Badgam from Gulmarg and soon surrounded his which resulted in the goods not reaching the markets his signature, "I command Brig Rajinder Singh to President of Brahmin Sabha, Ved Parkash (feedback:[email protected]) in time.In this season of festivals when fruits are in great demand , the traders want to try to touch the gates of Mandis as early as possible to avoid their goods getting impaired in quality and thus avoid incur- Joe Biden and Bharat ring losses. Not only this, their complaints are in respect of the local buyers as well as buyers from out- Brig Anil Gupta home leading to polarisation. new POTUS is a friend of Biden and Harris have both be differences of opinion on Investment (FDI) in India. The side the valley continuing to face hardships due to The nomination of Senator India. From his early days as spoken out against India's many issues just like during Indian stock market is already n January 20, 2021 the Kamala Harris as his running senator till recently Biden has human rights violations. The the Trump administration but showing a positive impact like what they termed as ''inaction of the authorities''. White House would mate by Joe Biden created a been espousing India's cause in Democrats have always been mutual discussions would the Wall Street. There may not Lot of improvements in ensuring minimum waiting Ohave a new occupant. concern in India with her nom- the US and lobbying for Indian supportive of India on ensure that these do not affect be much change in Visa regime and stoppages at points like Qazigund, Levdara, President Trump will vacate ination leading to mixed reac- interests as an admirer of Kashmir. In his Agenda for the cooperation between the but the IT industry is likely to the same to welcome President tions. While a section was elat- world's largest democracy. He Muslim-American two on many critical issues of benefit. Despite good personal Jawahar Tunnel and other places are required in the elect Democrat Joe Biden as absence of which the fruit trucks are held up even for ed due to her Indian origin and has also been an advocate of Communities, Biden had con- mutual importance. relations between Trump and the 46th President of the the prospect of first Indian deepening strategic engage- demned the Modi govern- China, trade and certain Modi, the much awaited trade days together due to which the quality of the fruits United States of America American adorning such a ment with India, cooperation ment's new citizenship act and global issues like terrorism and deal between the two countries gets deteriorated. Since during winter months the val- (POTUS). The US elections position in the US, a large sec- with India on meeting global a separate attempt to build a climate change are the issues could not be finalised. Keeping ley faces shortage of vegetables and it is alleged that this time were followed world- tion was also apprehensive of challenges as well as enhanc- population register that could of concern as far as India is in view the promised focus of wide because of the impact her perceived anti-India stance ing trade relations with India. provide future justification to concerned. There is no doubt Biden on rebuilding Covid-hit even the incoming trucks laden with vegetables from incumbent President Trump outside the valley too are unnecessarily stopped at and critical statements relating He has remained a strong expel or intern foreigners. that on China, terrorism and economyof the US, chances of had over global geo politics to abrogation of Article 370 believer of the fact that India Biden at the same time had climate change the Biden expecting any concessions Udhampur . Looking to the fact that COVID -19 pan- with his peculiar style of func- and the Citizenship and the US are natural part- also committed to strengthen- administration and India will appear dim.Biden however had demic has severely hit almost all trades and business tioning. Finally, Joe Biden Amendment Act (CAA) both ners. In 2006 he dreamt of ing the U.S.-India relation- have convergence. Both Trump been an advocate of strength- opportunities, every effort should be expended by the defeated him with convincing considered as internal issues India and US to be the closest ship."The U.S. and India will and Biden shared a hostile ening trade relations with majority though Trump was by the Government of India. partners in the world by 2020. stand together against terror- view of China during the cam- India. India would expect Government and its various agencies to help the fruit unhappy and has approached growers in transporting the consignments of fruit to Incidentally, both the new Had a stellar role to play in ism in all its forms andwork paign. Biden is not going to restoration of Generalized the Courts. In all fairness Joe President and Vice President release the pressure built on System of Preferences (GSP) other Mandis in the country. Biden will succeed and Trump have Indian roots in common China by the Trump adminis- benefits from the Biden will have to concede. In the but if it would have any effect tration. There are chances that Administration. However, it Bursting of crackers to process Trump will be remem- on their policy making or rela- Biden may even toughen his remains to be seen if the new bered as the first sitting tions with India is highly stand against China if the later administration uses the same prevent air pollution POTUS who failed to secure a unlikely. But one thing is cer- persists with its expansionist as a leverage for its differences second term since George OVID -19 being still on with full fury active tain, Joe Biden is a friend of and anti-democratic agenda. on certain issues with the Modi Bush Sr, apart from his numer- India and his track record from But Biden favours a consensus government. throughout the country , its related problems ous controversial decisions. his early days as a Senator till based approach in dealing with Even PM Modi has hoped are bound to get aggregated in case the air Joe will inherit an extremely the Vice President under China as compared to con- the same in his congratulatory C divided US, a fall out of was polluted beyond prescribed limits. Burning of Obama bears testimony to this frontationist approach of message to the President elect. America First policy of Trump. fact. Certain statements made Trump. Modi has tweeted, "As the stubble by farmers across the northern states too Soon, the process of transi- was adding to the woes of the people in respect of low by Joe or Kamala while in the Biden is in favour of (Vice President), your contri- tion will begin in the US when opposition are but natural strengthening the QUAD. He bution to strengthening Indo- quality air. Approaching festival of Dipawali when the outgoing administration because they were meant more also wants to strengthen the US relations was critical and crackers are burst , people have to keep in mind that will hand over to the transition to oppose President Trump Indo-Pacific policy as well as invaluable. I look forward to the situation did not reach such levels that could team of Joe Biden. Joe Biden rather than an interference in provide support to Taiwan and working closely together once will also commence the India's internal matters. Hong Kong. Biden also wants again to take India-US rela- make the air for breathing turn into the one which process of announcing his could cause respiratory and other serious problems. A Certain statements are also to strengthen ties with the US tions to greater heights." India team. His choice of the mem- meant to woo certain sections allies meaning strengthening has embarked on the path of sort of self regulation was, therefore, required to be bers of his team will be the at home in view of the elec- of the NATO and relations with AatmNirbhar Bharat to meet adopted in respect of avoiding or minimising using of first indication of the likely tions. Hence, there is no need allies like Australia, Japan, the challenges of post-Covid crackers on the auspicious occasion. mind of new POTUS with rela- to read much in those state- approving the US-India Civil together to promote a region of Philippines and South Kore era. It is the best option for tion to burning domestic and To ensure that the air remained free of toxic ments and look forward to fur- Nuclear Deal in 2008. It was peace and stability where nei- aproposing a Grand Indo- India. Despite temptations and global issues. As POTUS, Joe ther strengthening of Indo-US during Obama-Biden adminis- ther Chinanor any other coun- Pacific Alliance. He has also provocations India so far has smoke, UT Government has taken certain steps like Biden, agile and alert at 77, relations under the new team. tration that the US for the first try threatens its neighbours," committed to strengthening the resisted joining a particular permitting sale of "Green'' crackers with effect from will not only decide the future Trump has left many prob- time had declared US support Biden wrote in an op-ed in military cooperation between camp but instead has continued November 10, 2020 to January 1, 2021 as also of the Americans but would lems for the new Government. for the permanent membership anIndian-American newspaper the US and India. It is impor- with its strategy of need based restricting crackers bursting to two hours only on the also have the capacity, capabil- Naturally, Joe Biden will pri- of India in an expanded and in October. He is unlikely to tant to note that India and the bilateral or multilateral agree- ity, authority and responsibility eve of the approaching festivals. These steps have oritise the sequence and man- reformed United Nations change American stance on Al US had signed three agree- ments in keeping with her to shape the global destiny as ner he decides to resolve these Security Council. During the Qaeda, ISIS and other radical ments for closer military coop- national interests. India must been taken in order to protect the citizens from any well. problems. Going by the 2020 same administration India was jihadi terrorist organisations. eration in the backdrop of continue on the same path. adverse impact on the quality of air. The National In India as well the election Democratic Party Platform (a named as a "Major Defence On the controversial issues growing tension with China Better Indo-US relations will Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken a serious but consid- was followed very closely. document akin to manifesto) Partner", making India eligible like CAA and population regis- under Trump. Biden definitely help India achieve India traditionally has enjoyed ered view of the issue of air pollution and its impact on India is not in the priority list to be treated at par with closest ter or abrogation of 370, Biden Administration is going to her aim of AatmNirbhar Bharat bipartisan relationship with the of the Party. It refers to China, US allies as regards advanced administration is likely to have a very different approach much quicker. With the US aggravating of COVID 19 situation. In this respect, the US. The upswing in Indo-US North Korea, Iran, Middle East and sensitive technologies avoid lecturing India in public to climate change which is help India can emerge as a pre- NGT is to ensure that Pollution Control Boards took relations began during the and Asia-Pacific but does not needed to strengthen Indian because it realises that it may likely to benefit India. As ferred choice in relocation of concrete steps to maintain the quality of the air and presidency of Clinton, were mention India specifically. Armed Forces. not go well with the present regards fighting terror Biden supply chains from China and enforce regulations and other measures in this further buoyed by Obama (Joe However, the Democrats Some people apprehend nationalist Modi led has already announced his building of new global supply Biden was his Vice President), realised soon that ignoring that since more than 80% Government in Delhi and may commitment of fighting the chains with Bharat emerging as regard. both democrats and rose to a India may cause them loss of American Muslims have voted retard the growing friendship global menace along with the nerve-centre. Independent of such regulations and restrictions different level during Trump critical Indian American votes in his favour, Biden's policies between the two countries India. By all counts, Joe Biden's on bursting of crackers, it becomes our bounden era, a Republican. Hence, and the Biden campaign may be pro-Muslim. Even if which is very critical for the As far as trade is concerned presidency will augur well for change of presidency in the US responsibility to ensure that in the burst of celebra- released a separate policy they are, they wouldn't have US global interests. Even Modi Biden is going to be less obtru- Indo-US relations. It will stand has not had much difference in paper on Indo-US relations. much significance on our rela- Government's action against sive than Trump. India already by India in case of a confronta- tions of a few hours of bursting crackers, we did not the past irrespective of the Considering India's strategic tion. At best they would be many foreign funded NGOs enjoys a trade surplus with the tion with China and in the long jeopardise and endanger the human lives especially party in power. However, this location dominating the Indian favouring American Muslims which purportedly were work- US. It is not only the goods run add to Bharat's pursuit of of the sick, the old and the children. While police and time the situation is bit differ- Ocean, its size and economy or would help those Muslims ing against our national inter- trade but India also accounts AatmNirbhar Bharat. ent because of the ongoing and a successful democracy, no willing to migrate to the USA. ests and banning of Amnesty for nearly 5 percent of US's (The author is a Jammu-based other agencies needed to keep strict vigil and take standoff with an expansionist Government in the USA can Any apprehension of him International has not gone services imports from the veteran, political commentator, columnist, preventive measures, self regulatory initiatives and and aggressive China as well afford to ignore India. interfering in Kashmir and down well with many world. US is the fifth largest security and strategic analyst.) disciplining was more advisable , honourable and as certain controversies at As mentioned earlier the CAA is highly unfounded. Democrats. There are bound to source of Foreign Direct [email protected] beneficial for all of us. (The views expressed by the authors are their personal)