Current Events :
Even the recently launched Bollywood film ‘Border – 2’ is making waves across the country, and some controversy associated with its 1997 prequel, ‘Border’, which was based on the epic Battle of Laungewala, refuses to die down.
Some veterans of the battle, fought during the India-Pakistan war of 1971, have written to top government functionaries, pointing out some technical inconsistencies in the narrative and seeking recognition for their role in the battle.
“In ‘Border’, we were all shown as having been martyred, whereas the reality is quite different,” said Naik Jagdev Singh, a resident of Ferozepur. “Gallantry awardees are honored on Republic Day and other important occasions, but no one has bothered to ascertain the whereabouts or well-being of those shown to have died,” he said.
Jagdev was 19 years old when he joined the Army in 1971 and went to war with 23 Punjab after just four-and-a-half months of basic training. Now 74, he had left the Army after 17 years of service due to family reasons and then worked with a bank.
Jagdev said that his company manning the Laungewala post, comprising less than 100 troops, had suffered just three casualties and held back a heavy enemy assault backed by tanks, in which the Air Force had played a critical role. Only about 20-odd personnel who had participated in the battle are still alive, and some of them are being honored by a private organisation in Chandigarh on February 9.
“We want to tell the true story of the battle as it happened so that future generations are inspired by the gallantry of the soldiers. Some people jest about us being dead and forgotten because of the incorrect narrative in the film. We have written a letter in this regard to the governors of Rajasthan and Punjab and other senior officers,” he added.
On the other hand, some veterans point out that since commercial films are made from an entertainment point of view, some inconsistencies and errors may creep in to dramatise events or make scenes more captivating for the audience. Some production houses now engage retired armed forces officers as consultants to ensure the correct projection of events, military ethos, and technical details.
Launched in January this year, ‘Border – 2’ depicts actions across multiple fronts during the 1971 India–Pakistan war, featuring operations by the Army, Air Force, and Navy, whereas Border, which also did very well, is based on a single battle.
The Battle of Laungewala was among the most notable operations on the western front. Fought on December 5-6 at the remote border outpost in the Jaisalmer sector, it was one of the first major engagements between India and Pakistan in the west.
Touted as one of the biggest routs for Pakistan in this theater, it goes down in the history of warfare as a classic example of human resolve and motivation in the face of extremely heavy odds, where an infantry company of just about 70 men from 23 Punjab held back an assaulting enemy brigade of over 2,800 troops supported by 65 tanks.
“We were given a choice: to stay put and defend the position or go in for a tactical retreat,” recalls Brig. (then Major) K.S. Chandpuri, who was commanding the company and was decorated with the Maha Vir Chakra, had told The Tribune in an earlier conversation. He passed away in 2018.
The first attack by Pakistani troops at night was stalled through anti-tank weapons. Reserve fuel drums kept atop tanks were exploded, throwing enough light for our gunners positioned on high ground, while their own smoke blinded their troops. “Though we were outnumbered and surrounded, Pakistani infantry was unable to advance. We held them till dawn when the IAF came in,” he said. When the operation ended, 22 Pakistani tanks had been destroyed.
.Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the expansion of the definition of ‘family’ for setting parameters for the allotment of accommodation to military officers.The revised definition includes parents, dependent siblings and legally adopted children as part of ‘family’. It would make an officer entitled for seeking ‘family accommodation’ – which is bigger and has more facilities than the accommodation available to a bachelor or single officer.
At present, an officer is entitled for ‘family accommodation’ only if he or she is married. With the change of rules, an officer would be entitled for ‘family accommodation’ if he or she is single, divorced, or widowed and his or her parents and dependent siblings are staying with the officer.
The Ministry of Defence said the expanded definition is expected to benefit all service officers, including single women officers residing with their parents.
The decision takes into account the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, and recognises the evolving nature of family responsibilities and caregiving arrangements.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has approved the expansion of the definition of ‘family’ for the purpose of allotment of Government Accommodation to Service Officers. The revised definition includes parents, dependent siblings, and legally adopted children, in addition to the existing coverage of spouse & dependent children/step-children. The expanded definition is expected to benefit all Service Officers, including Single Women Officers residing with their parents.
The decision takes into account the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007, and recognises the evolving nature of family responsibilities and caregiving arrangements. It underscores the Government’s commitment to the welfare o
रक्षा मंत्री श्री राजनाथ सिंह ने सैन्य अधिकारियों के सरकारी आवास आवंटन में परिवार की परिभाषा विस्तारित करने की स्वीकृति दे दी है। संशोधित परिभाषा में पति/पत्नी और आश्रित बच्चों/सौतेले बच्चों के मौजूदा दायरे के अतिरिक्त माता-पिता, आश्रित भाई-बहन और कानूनी तौर पर गोद लिए बच्चों को भी शामिल किया गया है। विस्तारित परिभाषा से सभी सैन्य अधिकारियों के लाभान्वित होने की संभावना है, जिनमें अपने माता-पिता के साथ रहने वाली अविवाहित महिला अधिकारी भी शामिल हैं।
यह निर्णय माता-पिता और वरिष्ठ नागरिकों के भरण-पोषण एवं कल्याण अधिनियम 2007 को ध्यान में रखते हुए लिया गया है, जो पारिवारिक दायित्वों और देखभाल व्यवस्था के बदलते स्वरूप को मान्यता देता है। यह वरिष्ठ नागरिकों के कल्याण, पारिवारिक खुशहाली और सामाजिक एवं अंतर-पीढ़ीगत संबंधों को सुदृढ़ करने की सरकार की प्रतिबद्धता रेखांकित करती है।
Harcharan Singh, the first turbaned Pakistani Sikh, who made history by securing a place in the Pakistan army has now become the first Sikh to be decorated with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
He was born in 1987 in Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak. His promotion to Lieutenant Colonel was approved after rigorous selection board evaluation conducted in late 2025. Minorities have faced a hard time finding space in the Islamic framework of statehood in the neighbouring country.
Confirming this, Pakistan Punjab’s Minister for Minorities Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora said though many Christians have served in the Pakistan army, no Hindu or Sikh ‘could qualify’. Singh had joined the Pakistan army in 2007 at the age of 20 as Captain. Initially serving in the Ordnance Corps, Singh later volunteered for a combat role and was posted to the 12th Battalion of the Baloch Regiment where he served in demanding operational and border areas while being at the rank of Major.
“Lt Col Singh’s achievement has proved that there is no barrier for the minorities in Pakistan, and that only talent speaks and sets the parameters for success. Lt Col Singh is an example of equality of all religions and unity in Pakistan. We, as part of the Sikh community, will give him a rousing welcome when he visits his hometown next,” he said.
Delighted at his brother’s success, Mastan Singh, the former president of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) said, “Lt Col Singh is the pride of Baba Nanak’s city and the whole Sikh community, as well,” he said. At present, Lt Col Singh is posted at Abbottabad in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
A national integration tour for specially-abled children from Ladakh was conducted under the aegis of the Army’s Fire and Fury Corps as part of Operation Sadbhavana from February 3 to 11.
A statement said the tour was carefully conceptualised as a platform for inclusive learning, cultural exchange and national integration.
“The objective of the tour was not merely to familiarise the children with the historical and heritage landmarks of the nation but also to provide meaningful exposure to India’s democratic values, diverse traditions and shared legacy,” it said.
On Wednesday, the entire entourage was flagged in amid cheer and enthusiasm of the young participants and their mentors by Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Fire and Fury Corps.
The GOC complimented all participants and organisers for the flawless conduct of the programme. Senior military and civil officials, including Bhanu Prabha, Administrative Secretary for Higher Education, School Education, Technical Education and Skill Development, UT of Ladakh, attended the event and interacted with students, teachers and parents.
Officials said the itinerary across Delhi, Agra and Jaipur included visits to iconic monuments, institutions of national importance and interactions with distinguished dignitaries, including the President of India, the GOC-in-C South Western Command and the Governor of Rajasthan, which collectively contributed to broadening the children’s outlook and confidence.
“Special emphasis was placed on ensuring accessibility, safety and emotional well-being, allowing the participants to experience the journey with dignity and enthusiasm,” the statement said.
Officials said the Fire and Fury Corps was undertaking several initiatives to promote education in Ladakh, and inclusion of specially-abled children in such initiatives would enhance their morale and motivation.
“Such initiatives play a vital role in empowering children of Ladakh by fostering self-belief, social inclusion and a deep sense of pride in being an integral part of the nation. The tour stands as a sincere effort towards nurturing informed, confident and inspired young citizens,” the statement added.
Amid protests over removal of income tax exemption to a section of retired military personnel getting ‘disability pension’, it turns out the decision to bring in new rules originated after a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in 2023 cited a ‘high number’ of retirees getting disability pension.
After the CAG report came out, the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) formed a panel that included the three services and the Department of Ex-servicemen. The CAG, in a report presented in Parliament, had raised concerns about pensions awarded to a “higher percentage” of officers, especially medical officers.
The country’s top auditor had stated that 36-40 per cent of officers leaving service each year receive disability pensions, compared to 15-18 per cent of jawans. The CAG report noted a ‘significantly higher’ percentage of retiring medical officers (mostly doctors) receiving disability pensions – almost 44-58 per cent — medical officers retiring each year were getting disability pensions.
Moreover, more than 22 per cent officers and 13 per cent jawans were getting disability pensions for lifestyle diseases like hypertension and diabetes, the CAG said. The disability pension is higher than the normal pension and is tax free.
After the DMA panel gave its report, the entitlement rules for casualty pension and disability compensation awards to armed forces personnel, 2023, were promulgated by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence. These reinforced that ‘disability pension’ is awarded to those invalidated out and ‘impairment relief’ is given to those retiring with a disability attributable or aggravated by service conditions.
Sources said the ministry was apprised how said officers nearing retirement were getting disability benefits for higher and tax-free pensions, warning about ‘fit’ getting placed in the lower medical category as they neared retirement.
The aim of the study was to protect the genuine interests of pensioners who get disabled during service while preventing the exploitation of its liberal provisions from misuse, officials explained.
Sources said the Income Tax Act, 1961, distinguished between two categories of disabled soldiers. First is those who get invalidated out on medical grounds attributable to or aggravated by military service and second are those retiring from service after completing their full tenure but have a disability.
The logic of income tax exemption to invalidated service personnel was apparently based on the principle that a soldier suffering a disability while serving the nation should not be further burdened by taxes on the compensation provided for that disability.
The provisions have now been introduced as an amendment in Clause 108 of Schedule III to the Income Tax Act for the forthcoming fiscal.
n a landmark development underscoring India’s commitment to collaborative maritime security and capacity building in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond, the Indian Navy has assumed command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 154, a key multinational training task force under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).
The change of command ceremony was conducted on February 11 at CMF Headquarters in Manama, Bahrain. It was presided over by VAdm Curt A Renshaw, Commander, US Fifth Fleet.
Deputy Chief of the Indian Navy Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti and senior military leaders from other member nations were in attendance. Commodore Milind M Mokashi, formally took over as Commander CTF 154 from the outgoing Commander of the Italian Navy.
CTF 154 is specifically oriented towards training and capacity building of member nations of CMF. It reflects the region’s growing trust in India’s professional expertise, operational experience and a role as a Preferred Security Partner among the 47 nations of the CMF.
CTF 154, established in May 2023, is dedicated to enhancing maritime security through multinational training programs across the Middle East and the wider region.
The training focuses on five core pillars: Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), Law of the Sea, Maritime Interdiction Operations, Maritime Rescue and Assistance and Leadership Development.
The task force conducts regular Maritime Security Enhancement Training (MSET) events, exercises like Compass Rose and Northern/Southern Readiness, and outreach to build partner nations’ operational capabilities against common threats such as illegal trafficking, piracy and irregular migration.
CTF 154 operates alongside CMF’s other task forces: CTF 150 (Maritime Security), CTF 151 (Counter-Piracy), CTF 152 (Maritime Security in Arabian Gulf) and CTF 153 (Maritime Security in Red Sea).
The Indian Navy looks forward to a productive tenure, delivering high-impact training initiatives and reinforcing global maritime partnerships for peace, prosperity and security.
The Finance Bill, 2026 has proposed to terminate income-tax benefits accruing from disability pension to those soldiers who have served and superannuated with disabilities.
According to the proposal, I-T exemption for disability pension will only be provided to a soldier who is invalided out of service on account of bodily disability attributable to or aggravated by service.
The tax exemption for disability pension which was provided for in the Income-Tax Act, 1922, was continued in the Income-Tax Act, 1961.
In June 2019, a circular issued by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) dropped a Finance Bill-like bombshell, but the Supreme Court stayed it on the grounds that a mere administrative circular cannot override established pension rules. Now, by amending the Income Tax Act itself, the government has had its way.
This is in effect a declaration of abandonment by the government that such soldiers who sacrificed their well-being in the line of duty are no longer worthy of support.
The rigours of military service are because the soldier follows orders and faces danger and extreme conditions of service subject to various difficult facets and areas where personnel are deployed in defence of the country. The very fact that the law caters to disability is proof of the recognition of the need to compensate a serviceman or woman for the bodily disability attributable or aggravated by her or his service.
A disabled veteran lives with a lifetime of limitations due to his medical condition. There are two clear outcomes of a disability: First, the disability that causes a soldier to be invalided out of service as the disability was so severe that he/she could no longer serve in the forces.
Second is the disability that is caused due to service but the individual is yet capable of serving (albeit under restrictions due to medical reasons) in what is called a ‘medical category’ in military parlance.
It is the second category that is being now taxed for their disability pension after they superannuate. The armed forces look after their own, especially their heroes who are incapacitated due to operations and even in peace-time service.
The case of a vehicle mechanic who lost his limb due to a vehicle toppling on him when he was repairing it is no less attributable than that of a soldier who gets shot by the enemy or terrorist and is termed a ‘Battle Casualty’. These individuals are considered on case-to-case basis and permitted to serve their full tenure.
It is a matter of pride that some such heroes have risen to top ranks and are held in deep regard by the military fraternity. The new condition seemingly denies the exemption from tax to the disability pension of these soldiers. The case of Maj Gen Ian Cardozo, who self-amputated his leg during the 1971 war, is a sterling example of raw courage.
However, his (or similar) sacrifice will now be taxable. How prudent is this recovery of tax from the disability pension of a person who never thought about severing his own limb for the security of the country? His words, “There is not apathy in bureaucratic circles but antipathy”, reverberate profoundly in military circles and will resonate with many a self-respecting patriotic Indian.
Disability pension is a compensation for permanent impairment attributable to military service. By linking its taxability to the mode of retirement violates the principle of equality.
Two soldiers injured in the same operation must not be treated differently for taxation merely because one continued to serve longer. Penalising perseverance by a disabled soldier by taxing his disability pension is both petty for a government and damaging for morale of those serving.
Cases of tax evasion in other spheres of economic and financial activities need to keep the tax lawmakers occupied. To say that it has been done to plug loopholes being exploited in the taxation of disability pension due to cases of misrepresentation and misuse by the military hierarchy is an administrative failure of the system.
Such cases must be dealt with departmentally and accountability of the defaulters must be fixed. This institutional failure must not be shifted onto those who have served the nation and paid a very high price. Veterans are not opposing reform, but they do not deserve retribution by way of law.
The average citizen needs to be aware of the ever-increasing animosity being generated by seemingly innocuous steps being initiated by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Many instances exist, some glaring but others innocuous in their introduction yet damaging the standing of the Armed forces. The case of the orders of opening of cantonment roads some years ago by a missive from the MoD created a messy debate.
Accusations of political favours and selective decision making aggravated the fissures in a strained civil bureaucracy-military relationship. The present follow-up action to ensure that the stayed 2019 CBDT circular gets legally implemented seems to be yet another instance in the same vein as with numerous other pinpricks such as One Rank One Pay anomalies and ration money disallowment (and its subsequent reinstatement).
The government should look at the larger picture. Efforts to accelerate procurement of arms and ammunition must be in sync with measures that are not detrimental to morale, training and risk-taking by soldiers.
On their part, the armed forces have to clearly differentiate those cases of disability attributable to and aggravated by military service and unambiguously lay down the criteria for grant of disability pension. Any misuse must be addressed through stricter scrutiny. Once the disability is granted, it must be honoured by bureaucrats and ministries alike as a service to the nation which must not be taxed.
