FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019 DAILY EXCELSIOR, JAMMU

daily Col J P Singh May 1948. Capt Kaushal, finding A Leaf from History numerically hopelessly outnum- Excelsior mportance of Ladakh does Established 1965 bered set ablaze the centuries old not start with or end at grant- wooden Bridge and gained valu- Founder Editor S.D. Rohmetra Iing an administrative Divi- able time. On May 28th, Air sional or Union Territory status. Tribute to those who saved Ladakh Commodore Mehar Singh led To understand its importance for Agency Headquarters, arrested fired with the ideals of honour of dolier of 50 rounds of ammuni- as they had none of the special- four Dakotas to land a Company India, a historical perspective of 2/4 GR at Leh with its support China and Russia actively becomes unavoidable. During Brig Ghansar Singh, the Gover- their country, devotion of duty tion and one extra rifle and two ized snow clothing and acces- nor on the night of 31 October and honour of their Battalion, month rations hoping that after sories. In Brig Sen's words, "it weapons, adequate ammunition Maharaja Pratap Singh's rule, and logistical wherewithal. This British somehow got an opportu- 1947 and massacred all non Mus- volunteer for missions unmind- sometime air supplies to Leh will called for unbound courage, lim inhabitants of the Agency. ful of the hazardous odds. 2 resume. On 16 February 1948, determination and stamina to do was unprecedented military join anti terrorism club nity to establish an Agency in Thus Gilgit-Baltistan was put Dogra had 80 soldiers from Lahul 'Leh Det' left for Sonamarg on so". They rested at Kargil till 2 advantage to Leh Det's three Gilgit in 1889. A British Political into Pakistani lap even without a - Spiti valleys who were best suit- unit transport. On 17th February, March, arranged porters / ponies month long singular stand in et another victory for India in internation- Agent was stationed at Gilgit bullet fired. Maj Gen K S Thi- ed to take up the journey. Maj straddled their loads on local and 200 Rifles from State Forces Ladakh. al diplomacy and equally another jolt to who reported to the British Res- mayya, then GOC of Srinagar Prithvi Chand and his cousin ponies, they set out from Baltal Armory with food provisions and Meanwhile Sub Bhim Chand, ident in Srinagar. Initial purpose the abode of terrorism, Pakistan in fur- Division, was quick to grasp that Capt Kaushal Chand, both from for Leh. As the pony owners set out for Leh, covering 249 kms with 80 armed local militia men Y of the Agency was to keep watch the strategic advantage accruing a village under Baralacha Pass came to know of going to Leh, to a rousing welcome by locals checkmated and inflicted heavy ther tasting the unaffordable international isola- on the frontiers and to restrain to Pakistan would enable to oper- (16,700 ft) on the boundary of they vanished. Due to heavy by sundown on 8th March 1948. casualties on enemy intruders, tion, China and Russia have agreed in principle local Wazarats of Hunza and ate unchallenged along Gilgit- Lahul and Ladakh districts snow at Zojila, Maj Prithvi Knowing that their mission was estimated 900, in Shyok and Nagar from dealing with Rus- for a closer coordination to eradicate, what was Skardu-Nubra Valley axes to iso- picked up the gauntlet. 40 of that Chand was asked to abandon all too big for their strength, they Nubra valleys in two nail biting sians directly. Soon Hunza and late and consolidate their control integrated 25 soldiers of the state actions. He was awarded much said, “Breeding grounds of terrorism.” The Nagar were brought under the over entire Ladakh province with force left behind by Maj Thapa. merited Vir Chakra with Bar. Maj question is that in the light of specific and clear direct purview of the Agency. Gilgit providing them a firm On May 28th, Air Commodore They also persuaded 200 able Prithvi Chand and Capt Kaushal cut gauntlet having been thrown by the comity The J&K State Forces were sta- base. Gen Thimayya had no bodied Ladakhis to undergo Chand were awarded MVC. Dur- of nations against terrorism and now China not tioned in a garrison at Gilgit option at this moment but to Mehar Singh led four Dakotas training in the use of rifles. By ing the time when Capt Kaushal which were used by the Agency occupy Skardu to prevent further mid April, they created what is Singh was engaged in lighting the affording to be singled out, whether Pakistan to keep order. Later other ingress. He ordered Maj Sher to land a Company of 2/4 GR at today 'Ladakh and Nubra Scouts'. Bridge afire, Nk Bir Singh kept can still afford to manufacture, pamper, sustain Wazarats to the West of Gilgit Jung Thapa posted at Leh to Maj Prithvi Chand simultaneous- the enemy at bay, got fatally such as Punial, Yasin, Ghizar, and promote terrorism at such an unaffordable move to Skardu to thwart enemy ly involved civilians to clear an wounded and was awarded Vir Ishkoman and Chitral were also entry into Nubra Valley and the Leh with its support weapons, open and broad ground patch Chakra posthumous. The cost? The answer can better be from the pow- brought under Gilgit Agency. Leh region. Maj Sher Jung, with between Leh town and Indus Riv- moment of honour also belonged ers that be enjoying de-jure status though in Though under the suzerainty of 75 soldiers of his company of 6 er. By end April, Maj Prithvi to Sep Togbe, the first Leh Mili- Maharaja, the area was directly adequate ammunition and disguise in Pakistan as the present “elected” Jammu Kashmir Infantry started Chand was able to report to Gen tia volunteer who showed bound- administered by the Agency. In from Leh on 23 November 1947. Thimayya of readiness of an Air less courage in the Shyok valley dispensation is caught between two stools . the 'Great Game Diplomacy' for They reached Skardu on 3 logistical wherewithal. This was Strip. Little did he know than that encounters. He too was awarded At the conclusion of the strategic meeting Central Asia, the Gilgit-Baltistan December covering a distance of Gen Thimayya himself will land Vir Chakra. Gen Thimayya, the region had a strategic mystique. between the Foreign Ministers of Russia, India 137 kms in 11 days. They held on unprecedented military advan- there in the very first sortie of a GOC paid this tribute, "the Leh In 1913, British created and sta- to Skardu till the 'last but one man Dakota piloted by Air Com- Det, One Force Too Many" and and China in East Chinese city of Wuzhen on tioned a paramilitary force, the and last round' to August 1948, modore Mehar Singh on 24 May placed on record that "their deeds February 27, a firm commitment sprouted in Gilgit Scouts, of 600 locals, com- which is another war epic story, tage to Leh Det's three month 1948 and create an enviable land- and acts of gallantry against very manded by a British army officer superior enemy in the Ladakh respect of eradicating terror. India succeeded written earlier and for another mark in the world of Aviation who was accountable to the time later long singular stand in Ladakh. History. valley will go down in the annals in putting out its case more explicitly in respect British Army in Delhi. But in the Fully cognisant of Pak Pakistan remained obsessed of the Indian Army as one of the of how it had been reeling under the scourge of run up to India's independence, manoeuvers, Gen Cariappa and ilk, volunteered for the adventure provisions and the extra rifle and with the capture of Skardu. Maj greatest feat'. Today when we are jurisdiction of Gilgit Scouts feeling cold and shivering in terrorism and where from it was planted in and Gen Thimayya were of the unan- into unchartered territory. Two somehow reach Kargil where Thapa rebuffed all their attempts under Maj William Brown was imous opinion that fall of Leh nursing orderlies, three wireless they will be replenished by the to invade Skardu. So in May Jammu and around, let us stretch exported to India, the severity of which was transferred to Maharaja of J&K will be a big strategic blow to operators and Sub Bhim Chand, stocks of the state forces. With 1948, enemy diverted a sizeable our imaginations to climatic con- seen by the entire world on February 14. It also in June 1947. That story begins India. Brig L P Sen, Commander maternal uncle of officer cousins, experience of snow at Lahul -Spi- force to capture Kargil-Zojila ditions in Ladakh. But for the to justify strategic importance of 161 Inf Bde was directed to made up a sub unit called 'Leh ti, Maj Prithvi Chand decided to Ridge line to block all avenues of madness of Leh Det, Ladakh conveyed under what circumstances and pur- Ladakh. restore the military vacuum at Det'. Crossing two Himalayan cross Zojila at mid night hours by reinforcements to Leh. Aware of would have been Pak Occupied poses were the strikes against the terror When Pak raiders entered Leh after Maj Thapa's move. Brig Passes above 11,000 ft, at sub using drum beat vibrations of presence of enemy in Kargil, Maj Ladakh. Hence let us stand up in camps in Pakistan conducted on February 26 J&K in October 1947 to capture Sen ordered 2 Dogra, command- zero temperatures, frequented by empty utensils to trigger ava- Prithvi Chand dispatched Capt salute to the Leh Det's spirit of Kashmir militarily, on Pak ed by Lt Col GG Bewoor, (later snow blizzards reached Leh on lanches. Accordingly on the Kaushal Chand with few soldiers devotion to duty and unflagging which by no means was any escalation and machinations, Maj Brown and army chief) to occupy Leh. As it foot covering 315 kms in 9 days. night of 24 February, Zojila was to defend the only bridge over vision of field commanders who any label of aggression to it was unjustified Gilgit Scouts rose in revolt, hoist- happens time and again in war- Besides his personal weapon, crossed without any loss of life. Indus at Kaltse, the gateway to gifted Ladakh to India. and far from the reality. That is why the com- ed Pakistani flag on Gilgit fare, a bunch of brave hearts, each soldier was given a ban- This was herculean achievement Leh. The enemy showed up on 22 [email protected] mitment emanating from the meeting in China Sharda Lal in Kashmir has recently invited by the Chinese Foreign Minister was without a backlash in the rest of the coun- mincing any words by saying that it was he Army has rightly try and all should come together appealed to the mothers of The Truth of Kashmir agreed to jointly combat all forms of terrorism to extinguish the fire. It is high Tmisguided youth in J&K needs to be understood by the intimidated, terrorized, the media must not look at all the every effort to wean away the time to wage an active multi- through closer policy coordination and "practi- to desist from anti national acts Government too in its entirety. butchered and extradited from Kashmiris as anti-national. The separatists and the terrorists from pronged and joint war against the cal cooperation", especially important was to and to shun the arms. As the sit- Even as of now, the Kashmiris their homeland not only the Hin- issue is very sensitive and all of their chosen path as that is the thought of terrorism and sepa- uation in Kashmir is getting grim can be grouped into four cate- dus, Christians, Sikhs, Bud- them should neither be portrayed path of self-destruction. Only ratism by more and more people eradicate the breeding ground of terrorism and with every passing day, it needs gories. dhists, but also the Muslims and as anti-national nor they be peace, security and prosperity of Kashmir as well as Jammu, extremism. Obviously, the backdrop was the to be tackled with still greater Majority of the people are people of other faiths to realize pushed to the wall through words can lead them all along the path national security agencies, intel- ghastly but cowardly executed Pulwama terror seriousness. Hundreds and thou- peace loving and progressive, their nefarious designs. This cat- or behavior. Under the existing of legitimate freedom. ligence agencies and the coun- sands of experts and common cit- but politically still neutral. Most egory of people is making con- trying circumstances, it is the It is the duty of the parents trymen. Let it be understood that attack. izens have paid heartfelt tributes of the others favour secular con- sistent efforts to spread amongst duty of the Government to iden- and siblings in the families, a moth which burns itself in the It is worth noting that any terror attack in any to the martyred Jawans of pre and stitution of India. Unfortunately, the civilized society, the hatred, tify the persons of these four cat- teachers and leaders in the soci- candle flame is never called the post 14/02/2019 incident in part of the globe is construed as an assault on both of these categories have fear and violence against India. egories to prevent harassment of ety to educate, motivate and martyr. which 40 CRPF personnel made been silenced by the guns of ter- It needs to be further under- common innocent nationalist cit- mobilize their children, youth, All citizens should make the accepted tenets of civilization which posed their supreme sacrifice. Sugges- rorists. Third kind of persons is stood that there is also a fourth izens, but the anti-national ele- friends and followers and tell every possible effort to bring the threat to peace, stability and progress. Any vic- tions continue to be put forth to those who challenge the author- class of persons in Kashmir and ments and terrorists must be iso- them about the secular, multi- prodigal children back on the end the root cause of this blood- tim country naturally evinced sympathy and ity of India under the religious Jammu who are totally devoted lated and not spared. They must cultural and progressive struc- right track of humanity. In case shed. However, one cannot help frenzy whipped up by the Pak- to India and would spare no occa- be fought to the finish. ture of India. They must be they don't relent and continue support from other countries in fighting and saying that while taking appro- istani Government and its mav- sion and opportunity to teach Whereas, the local national- encouraged to remain away from their ill chosen journey of mis- eradicating this menace. Using the words priate and comprehensive action erick offshoots. appropriate lesson to the terror- ists need to be provided full secu- the flame of terrorism. They ery and bloodshed, then India at various levels to end terrorism They are desperate to weak- ists and anti-nationals, particu- rity, it is also their duty not to fall must play an active role in build- will be desperate to have the only "breeding grounds" of terrorism by the Chinese and separatism besides to ensure en and divide the country, come larly when provided a proper prey to the machinations of the ing up an environment of secu- option to teach them the painful Foreign Minister Wang Yi is significant as India foolproof security for the inno- what may. From time to time, patronage. enemy of humanity and the coun- rity and trust. The fire of funda- lesson. justified its air strikes on Pakistani terror camps cent nationalists, the situation such people have persistently The Government of India and try. Rather, they should make mentalism kindled by separatists [email protected] of Jaish-e-Mohammed in Balakot in Khyber Javaid Beigh it will pull global community Pakhtunkwha province. Since China has even further away from he stark reality of Kash- empathizing with the pain and immense economic interests in Pakistan, espe- mir is that every one After Pulwama carnage suffering of Kashmiri people. cially in PoK, the Chinese Foreign Minister had Tknows everything and yet The Indian state must also traders etc. has put serious ques- miris with Taliban of three stakeholders in an extreme- only Hindu residents of J&K. Kashmir continues to burn to introspect that alienating people, some words of composing effect for Pakistan ashes. There is hardly any aspect tion mark on the "idea of India" Afghanistan and Pakistan. The ly poor light, with no "winners" The Hindu - Muslim communal that seeks inclusiveness, accom- immense damage that Pulwama in this latest episode of Kashmir division in J&K, which was whom it claims to its own, dis- by saying that Pakistan too had been "oppos- of Kashmir's destruction that has owning them and painting the not been discussed and yet an modation and tolerance. Most carnage has done to the "idea of conundrum. already at its peak even before ing" terrorism. Kashmiris feel the pain that fam- Kashmir" as some kind of blood Unfortunately, the conduct of Pulwama, reached its zenith after entire community with the same already destroyed Kashmir inch- brush for actions of few people We need not, as a victim country, be bound es towards even more destruction ilies of CRPF soldiers are right thirsty, dangerous, lawless and Kashmir's political class has not the carnage in Pulwama. now undergoing as they them- violent place like Afghanistan, been anything to boast about So, the question arises that in are not the way to win "hearts and by or influenced in any way by any country or every single day and the unfortu- minds" of the people of Kashmir, selves have endured so much suf- Somalia and Syria will take a either. All mainstream political view of escalation of tension nate carnage at Pulwama is yet who have seen so much pain and individual tutoring us against situation getting fering in last three decades, but long time to get erased. The glob- parties of J&K have only exacer- between India and Pakistan in the another extension of the same suffering. Pakistan must also Kashmiris are also aghast, al empathy for Kashmir, which bated an already bad situation by aftermath of Pulwama and the escalated as no other country has been that has raised many questions rethink and reevaluate its policy shocked and disappointed at dis- was already in short supply has trying to "cash in" the suffering shameless politicking by the that need to be answered. of supporting non-state actors, unequivocally been eschewing non violence in ownment shown towards them in dented massively in view of the of Kashmiris, who are facing political class of J&K to "earn" any form and to make the cause and need of The unfortunate and ghastly whose actions are neither bene- carnage of CRPF security per- various parts of India. extreme and grotesque nature of public backlash in different parts political dividends out of the fitting Pakistan nor the people of peace and mutual cooperation more appealing sonnel at Pulwama and the turn While the Indian state must Pulwama carnage. of India. Except for mostly "shar- tragedy, what is the way forward Kashmir valley. Lastly, both than India. At the same time, we cannot let our- of events afterwards has not ponder over the growing and Just like India and Kashmir, ing" the "help line" numbers and for Kashmir? India and Pakistan must immedi- placed any one - neither Indians spiteful chorus of hate and the nation of Pakistan must also claiming on twitter that they have I think, Kashmir has never ately put an end to relentless war- selves continue to be the sufferers of terror and and Pakistanis nor Kashmiris revenge against Kashmiri Mus- reflect as to what gains and divi- "talked to" local officials to been in such a worst position of mongering and aggressive pos- not strike back. into positive and sympathetic lims in the wake of Pulwama dends were earned for her "help" Kashmiris, the political being in a state of total hopeless- turing and work towards deesca- books of anyone in the world and tragedy, the people of Kashmir through Pulwama massacre? elite of Kashmir has mostly tak- ness and despair in last thirsty lating tensions between two the ensuing warmongering is must also introspect as to how the Pulwama carnage has made Pak- en action on twitter with sole eye years as it is today with fear and countries, whose ill effects A welcome step only leading to an atmosphere of world is today looking at Kash- istan answerable to the global on capturing "sympathy" vote. panic writ large on the face of the unfortunately gets played in mir and the people of Kashmir? community for actions of its non- And as if things were not bad unfortunate populace of Kash- o provide 24x7 hassles free hiring of fear and panic, all around, esca- Kashmir valley. Pulwama car- lating an already tense and The carnage at Pulwama has state actors, even as it stands enough, Pulwama carnage has mir. Rather than living in denial nage was a human tragedy and if ponies, pithoos and palkies, a comput- volatile situation in Kashmir. made words like "terror attack" diplomatically isolated, with also provided a golden opportu- and self-created cocoon, we must anything, that must teach us to erised pre-paid system has been The tragedy that happened in and "massive suicide bomb" syn- even resolution passed in the nity to J&K's political parties to accept that Pulwama carnage is resolve our dispute peacefully T onymous with Kashmir, some- United Nations Security Council indulge in rampant communal- turning into a watershed moment rather than use the tragedy for Pulwama is something that has launched to facilitate pilgrims visiting the Holy been equivocally condemned by thing that used to be reserved for (signed by all five permanent ism. While Kashmir based polit- in Kashmir's unfortunate modern creating even more disharmony shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi. This facility every peace-loving Kashmiri but conflicts in Afghanistan, Syria members including China) con- ical parties are talking only of history. The mainstreaming of and discord. Doing that will be integrated with CCTV cameras and video con- the disproportionate response of and Iraq. One may call it a jour- demning the Pulwama violence Muslim residents of J&K and grotesque form of violence like an insult to those who lost their angry and revenge seeking fringe nalistic exaggeration, but post and indirectly holding Pakistan avoiding non-Muslim residents suicide bombing will not only be lives in the unfortunate Pulwama ferencing would be available round the clock. elements in different parts of Pulwama, most reputed interna- responsible for it. The fact is that of J&K like a plague, the Jammu detrimental to Kashmiri society massacre. This is really a welcome step and yet another India against Kashmiri students, tional media reporting in western Pulwama carnage has painted based political parties have with proud history of Islamic (The author is a political activist) facility provided to the pilgrims with intent to and Arab world is equating Kash- India, Pakistan and Kashmir - all become sole spokesperson of Sufism and Hindu Shaivism but [email protected] make their journey up to the Holy cave easy, transparent and assured. Act tough against Pakistan Replica of this system is available at some Sir, leading airports across the country. In Katra , II Sir, however, the facility is novel in its form in that Hum Chherte Nahi, Koi Chhere To Chhorte Nahi GST Relief Prime Minister Modi uttered these words in a public speech in context of our hitherto intractable Refer news item 'Air strikes deep inside Pak' DE Feb 27, Sir, the system is an integrated nine pre-paid coun- neighbour few days prior to unfortunate happening at Pulwama in terrorist infested Kashmir valley. 2019. They had dared to kill our more than 40 unarmed soldiers using a suicide bomber. Post this inhu- Refer your editorial ' GST relief on flats ters from Katra to Bhairon Ghatti located at an The Indian Air Force deserves all appreciation for carry- man and barbarous act, a spate of uncontrolled anger was witnessed through out the length and and homes' DE Feb 27, 2019. ing out air strikes against terrorists based in Pakistan. The average distance of 1.75 km from each other breadth of the country. Simultaneously the whole of national spectrum was hugely inundated by The decision of the Government to slash at Katra, Banganga, Charan Paduka, natural emotions of befitting revenge and retribution. strike has unnerved Pakistan beyond description. However, GST rates for under construction houses, it should not be assumed that war against terrorism has end- Adhkuwari, Sanjichhat, Parwati Bhawan, etc It is proven beyond doubt that it was not merely a hollow rhetoric but the top leadership of the and affordable homes is more than wel- country together with top military commanders promptly got into huddle, resolutely resolved, ed, rather it has started with grave consequences. Now, when comes. It is certainly going to give a boost from where pilgrims would get ponies, pithoos planned and meticulously executed the powerful precision air strike deep into the Pak territory smash- the Government has initiated action the militants, it should to real estate sector which got terribly hit and palkies. ing launching pads and training centres of J-e-M. The dare devil Indian fighter Pilots have estab- now take the matter to the conclusion. after demonetisation and implementation of It is pertinent to note that these counters lished the superiority of their professional competence, unflinching commitment of duty and Doc- There should be now no looking back as it would hurt the GST scheme. The GST relief will bring country terribly. India can't afford the Kashmir dispute for- would serve the purpose of complaints and trine of Nation First on the Global horizon. They deserve the best of kudos ,warm accolades and cheer on the faces of buyers and sellers full measure of gratitude from the caring countrymen. The Pulwama brutality stands comprehen- ever, and should work for its resolution at the earliest. besides creating job opportunities. grievances redressing centres as well. Not sively avenged. Kashmir is the flash point for India and Pakistan. We have However, it may be mentioned here that only shall all the concerned information be Mind it, this is a beginning and a trailer. We can't afford to be complacent. Pak may retaliate .The fought four wars already and are in now in fifth one. The there is need to keep a vigil on the real sec- venomous serpent needs be decimated. Apart from external enemy we direly require to bust the ter- four wars have not yielded anything for India as Government tor as black money will again find its shel- made available to the yatris but they will be ror network on our own soil which would mean internal cleansing. Burgeoning Antinational ele- of India let the Kashmir dispute remain as it is. Had Pakistan ter in it. Moreover, it must be ensured that provided with helmet, elbow and knee pads to ments ,separatists and the terror supportive leaders shall have to be hit too hard to raise their heads been taught a firm lesson, the present situation would not again. It is a good augury that the Nation is in high spirits and united in this National cause. We have the builders, real estate developers do not provide preventive cover against any acci- have arisen. Pak followed anti-India policy persistently with- dupe the gullible customers by offering not to lose the momentum. In case Pak indulges to retaliate we must turn focus on POJK and imple- out any deviation. On the other hand, Government of India dents etc, a novel and innovative step indeed. ment the Parliamentary Resolution of 1997 for settling the Kashmir problem once for all. We have them attractive options till they sign the con- has a flip-flop policy vis-a-vis Kashmir and Pakistan. And it The Shrine Board deserves appreciation for the needed will power and the potential no reason to look back. tract but later on would find that they had is this approach that has led us into present crisis. initiating this integrated service provider mech- PC Sharma been duped. Trikuta Nagar, Sumit Sehgal Veer Singh anism for the pilgrims. Jammu Udhampur Jammu