Monthly Archives: August 2018

On Fri, Sep 6, 2024, 8:22 PM M B <meenakshi10cr@gmail.com> wrote:

Is BJP govt allowed Manipur to be used as battle ground to fight the junta in Myanmar by Kuki? All weapons we’re manufactured in Manipur used it in Myanmar. Modi govt this can be national security threat across India. Are seriously out of your mind Modi sir. we have seen various reports previous. Modi govt would you have allowed if meitei were Gujarati?

Dear Modi why you started hating Hindus so much that your not ready hear their plea and cries. Just because there no media outrage for meitei you all allow month on month target  killing of meitei through kuki. Systematically ethnic cleansing. Now your allowing bombing of meitei villages through Kuki. You have deployed Assam rifles manage the ethnic cleansing of meitei.Modiji what meitei done to you that you have forcefully allowed Assam rifles in Manipur who allowed genocide and exodus of Meitei moreh, Churchandpur complete ethnic cleansing. Remove Assam rifles involved with Kuki in bombing  village meitei make Asasm rifles accountabile for allowing loss innocent lives. Meitei lives matters. For Assam rifles only Kuki  lives matters.  Modi govt make accountable for the lives lost of meitei their innocent woman children aged.

Remove Assam rifles

Remove Kuldeepsingh

ndia vs Pakistan problems exist across every aspect of our relations. China is too powerful to be brought into this discussion. Plus we don’t know what goes on behind the iron curtain.

Militancy sponsored/ supported by Pakistan is on the top. They too have their terrorist problems. Then we have no direct trade. No easy visits for people to people contact. Religious differences. Sports rivalry. Military conflicts. Our democracy vs their military controlled democracy. Most of the time when there is financial crisis or regional conflicts in Pakistan our think tanks begin to see the end of Pakistan. Latest is Baluchistan. Then once in a while our political leadership talks of taking back POK through force. Now in the JK election season it’s on again. Please do it. Let’s finish this problem once and for all.

On top of the list is our boast of fourth largest army, fourth largest economy in the world, our Aatamnirbharta in weapons etc. Pakistan a begging bowl etc etc. But I’ve not understood one thing. When they are so behind us in every field why do they have no problems with the Veterans of Pak armed forces. They have not created Agniveer type military service. Implies they believe in the old system of recruitment and pensions. Implies no financial problem in Pakistan. They have no problem of OROP. Atleast we have not heard about it. Maybe our Defence Attaches can get more info on this aspect. And they definitely have taken the better part of our old pre Independence CDA values. Our CDA doesn’t address our problems. They probably have a better CDA.

And above all they have created Fauji Foundation in 1954 and Shaheen Foundation for the Pak Air Force in 1977. Please go through Google search and see where these organisations have reached. This is how they addressed veterans welfare and financial problems. And decades before us. We give sewing machines when now most wear ready made clothes, note down pension problems created by SPARSH which can’t be easily resolved, medicines but ECHS budgetary constraints not addressed. All this when we have ESM rallies. And in the end chai pakoras. Formation tick mark one more event done. Veterans happy?

Our proposal to start some projects for our ESM doesn’t cross the first hurdle, the Service Hq. The first response is how can this be done. These are govt rules is the next. And then after months we realise that we need to take up the case afresh because the letters went unanswered and maybe the new incumbents would be helpful. This cycle is repeated. I think in our system, the Service Hq are more scared of our own govt than the fear of our adversaries.

Many veterans ask me what is IESL doing about our problems. I tell them ask the govt what it’s doing.

We continue to live with this.

Jai Hind.

Sad but Jai Hind also has two meanings. One the original created by Netaji Subhash Chander Bose and the one followed now. I’m sure all are aware of this without me having to explain.

Brig Inder Mohan Singh (Retd)

President IESL.

Chandigarh/Ferozepur, 12 September 2024 :

 Punjab Government will not leave any stone unturned to keep martyrdom of 21 Sikh warriors of 127 years old Saragarhi War afresh in the hearts of people. This was stated today by Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur after inaugurating the ‘Saragarhi War Memorial’ at historic Gurudwara Saragarhi Sahib in Ferozepur Cantt.

Addressing the gathering after the Akhand Path Sahib in the memory of the martyrs, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s able guidance large-scale work is being done to connect the residents of the state with such historic developments.

“Our aim is to connect the masses especially the young generation with their proud and glorious heritage”, she said.

Under these projects, all-round development of places of historical and heritage importance in the state is being highlighted during such events. She stated that under this series, the first memorial dedicated to the battle of Saragarhi of India has been built at Ferozepur.

She said that according to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), Saragarhi war is one of the eight important wars in the world. It is a matter of great pride that martyred soldiers were awarded the “Indian Order of Merit” (highest medal) i.e. Victoria Cross.

  Throwing light on the background of this memorial, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the foundation stone of this memorial was laid by the Chief Minister on the same day today last year.

Appreciating the tireless efforts of the entire team of the district administration under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Dhiman, she said that this memorial is being completed within the stipulated time at a cost of about Rs 2 crore.

 An important contribution of Rs 50 lakh has also been made by Rajya Sabha Member Vikramjit Singh Sahni for this project.

She said that this memorial will inspire not only the Sikh community but the youth of entire country. She said that most of the soldiers who died in this war belonged to Ferozepur.

  She stated that that earlier too a museum dedicated to this war was built at Gurudwara Saragarhi with a cost of Rs 2 crore. She said that in this museum, the artifacts, equipment, coding- decoding of the signaling technology used during the Saragarhi War have been displayed. Apart from this, the weapons used in the war at that time have also been shown and people are being made aware about this historic war through videos, which has become the center of attraction.

This war memorial is dedicated to the honor and sacrifice of those 21 heroes of 36 Sikh Regiment who fought with ten thousand Afghani tribesmen to defend the fort of Saragarhi and got martyrdom on the battlefield.

 She said that the concept of the Saragarhi War Memorial was inspired by the memorial built at Afghanistan.

Beautiful lights have been installed on this memorial which will give the memorial an even more attractive look at night, she said. This historical monument will be a center of attraction for the tourists of the country and abroad. She thanked CM Bhagwant Singh Mann for installing the 8 feet tall statue of Sardar Ishar Singh, the hero of the Saragarhi War which is displayed at the entrance of the memorial. Apart from this, a 41 feet long wall (mural wall) has also been constructed depicting the war scene of that time.

  She further said that the all-round development of such places of historical importance in Punjab will also attract tourists from the country and abroad. This will also boost the economic development of the state.

  During the event, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur also honored the family members of the soldiers who got martyrdom in the war.

  Besides others, MLA Ferozepur Urban  Ranbir Singh Bhullar, MLA Ferozepur Rural Rajneesh Dahiya, MLA Guruharsahai Fauja Singh Sarari, Commissioner Ferozepur Division Arun Sekhari, Major General Yogi Sheoran GOC, Additional Deputy Commissioner (G) Dr. Nidhi Kumud Bamba, Brigadier Bikram Deputy GOC, Chairman District Planning Board Chand Singh Gill, Shaminder Singh Khinda Chairman Punjab Agro, Jagdev Singh Bam Chairman Cooperative Bank, Dr. Malkit Singh District President Aam Aadmi Party were present on the occasion.

The Saragarhi Memorial in Wednesfield, Wolverhampton. (Photo – Wikimedia Commons)

Big Salute to the Bravest of the Brave 21 Sikh soldiers from 36 Sikh Regiment (Now 4 Sikh) who made their supreme sacrifice (last man last bullet ) fighting against 10,000 Afghans on 12 Sep 1897 .. at Saragarhi Fort .

September 12 marks the 127th anniversary of the Battle of Saragarhi, regarded today as one of the finest last stands in global military history.

On this day in 1897, 21 soldiers were pitted against over 10000 Afridi and Orakzai tribal militants and managed to hold down the fort for seven hours. Though heavily outnumbered, the soldiers of 36th Sikhs (now 4 Sikh) regiment, led by Havildar Ishar Singh, fought till their last breath, killing 200 militants and injuring 600. 

In his book, “The 36th Sikhs in the Tirah Campaign 1897-98 – Saragarhi and the Defence of the Samana Forts”, former Punjab Chief Minister and military historian Capt Amarinder Singh writes that at the very outset of the battle, these soldiers knew they were looking at certain death but they did not flinch. “They could have surrendered, yet they didn’t and displayed unparalleled bravery.”

What was Saragarhi, and why was it important?

Saragarhi was the communication tower between Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan. The two forts in the rugged North West Frontier Province (NWFP), now in Pakistan. were built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh but renamed by the British. Though Saragarhi was usually manned by a platoon of 40 soldiers, on that fateful day, it was being held by only 21 soldiers from the 36th Sikh (now 4 Sikh) and a non-combatant called Daad, a Pashtun who did odd jobs for the troops.

Days ahead of the 127th anniversary of the Battle of Saragarhi, hockey Olympian Col Balbir Singh (retd), 79, has penned a book that establishes the connect between hockey nursery Sansarpur and the highly decorated 4th Battalion of the Sikh Regiment…

Olympian Balbir Singh pens a book on connection of Saragarhi battle with Sansarpur village in Jalandhar. Photo: Sarabjit Singh

Days ahead of the 127th anniversary of the Battle of Saragarhi, hockey Olympian Col Balbir Singh (retd), 79, has penned a book that establishes the connect between hockey nursery Sansarpur and the highly decorated 4th Battalion of the Sikh Regiment that fought the historic battle.

His memoir is titled ‘Olympian’s Tryst with Soldiering’ with a sub-title ‘From Sansarpur to the Saragarhi Battalion (4 Sikh)’. Col Balbir Singh says that the idea that inspired him to write the book was the fact that he always felt that there was something special about his village. “It was here that the 21 bravehearts of the British Indian empire, who had fought the historic battle against the Afghan tribes, were raised and trained. Years later, it was this village that churned out 14 Olympians for the country,” he said.

The opening lines of the first chapter of the book read: “4 Sikh was originally raised as 36 Sikh in 1887 at Jullundur Cantonment in very close proximity to Sansarpur, where a large area was available thence. All basic training was given to the bravehearts on the soil of Sansarpur. After 10 years, the Saragarhi battle was fought…There is no parallel to the bravery displayed by the soldiers of 36 Sikh on 12 September 1897, yet it may not be possible to find a place on earth that can boast of having more Olympians and gold medallists than the Kulars of Sansarpur village.”

Col Balbir Singh has also listed out the names of 11 hockey players from Sansarpur who have represented 36 Sikh, years after the Saragarhi battle. These include Sep Ishar S Kular (1910-11), Sep Teja Singh Kular (1935-38), Sep Gurpal S Kular (died in WW-II), Sub Kapoor S Kular (1947-60), Sep Bikar S Kular (1947), Hav Ajit S Kular (Services team 1951), Sub Modan S Sohal (Services team 1966-67), Hony Lieut Jaswinder S Kular (Services team 1966-68), Naik Gurdip S Kular (1964-1970), Sep Swaran S Kular (1964-1968) and Balbir S Kular (Dec 1964-Dec 1970).

Col Balbir also mentions that he coincidentally had the opportunity to play a tournament near the foothills of Saragarhi in Afghanistan in 1962 for the Indian University as a 16-year-old boy. He recalls in his book: “I got the opportunity to see the Saragarhi Fort from a distance during my visit to Kabul, Afghanistan, for the Jashan Celebration Hockey Tournament in 1962. The team travelled by train through Pakistan, reached Peshawar by Frontier Mail and then by road to Kabul through Khyber Pass, Durand Line and the famous Jamrud Fort.”

The author has inter-woven the stories with a lot of historical record and rare photographs from the bygone times, making the read inspirational and funny at the same time. Having himself been a fauji and a hockey player, he has highlighted a close bond that once existed between the services and sports, making the book an interesting read for all services personnel and sports enthusiasts.

LIFE TIME ARREARS : SPARSH.Pdf

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter with the security forces in the Khandara area of Kathua district on Wednesday. A US-made M4 carbine, an AK-47 rifle and warlike stores were seized by the officials. The terrorists are believed to…

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter with the security forces in the Khandara area of Kathua district on Wednesday. A US-made M4 carbine, an AK-47 rifle and warlike stores were seized by the officials. The terrorists are believed to be from the Jaish-e-Mohammad terror outfit.

The operation started in the morning when the Army and Jammu and Kashmir police received information regarding the presence of a group of 3-4 ultras in a forest area. The area, having thick vegetation, is located close to Basantgarh in Udhampur district. Pakistan-trained terrorists usually take the Basantgarh route to other areas of the Jammu region after entering from the International Border in Kathua.

A statement issued by the Rising Star Corps of the Army read, “Two terrorists were neutralised in the ongoing operation at Khandara in Kathua by the troops of Rising Star Corps. The operation is in progress.”

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Soon -after the information regarding the presence of the ultras was received, the Army units comprising Special Forces and Special Operations Group (SOG) of the J&K police reached the spot and began a search operation. Sniffer dogs and quadcopters were also used in the search.

As per the initial statement of the J&K police, a joint search operation was launched by the security forces based on specific intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists in the area under the Basantgarh police station. “Contact has been established and few rounds have been fired from both sides. The area was cordoned off,” it read.

Soldiers from 1 Para and 22 Garhwal Rifles took part in the operation. The security forces received a volley of bullets from the terrorists, however, no one was injured in the initial attack.

Central, state govts have fared poorly

MANIPUR has become a rather bad advertisement for a double-engine government. The left hand doesn’t seem to know what the right one is doing. Amid a fresh surge in violence, Chief Minister N Biren Singh has appealed to the Centre to take steps to protect the state’s territorial integrity. At the same time, he has demanded that the charge of the Unified Command — including the Central Armed Police Forces — be handed over to the state government. He is asking too much of the Centre, considering that his own handling of the situation since the Meitei-Kuki clashes broke out in May last year has left a lot to be desired. Despite his underwhelming performance, the ruling BJP has persisted with Biren. Even the outcome of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections — the Congress won both seats in Manipur, defeating the saffron party and the Naga People’s Front — has not triggered a much-needed shakeup.

Both the Central and state governments have let things drift for far too long in the troubled northeastern state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has been visiting one country after another, has not set foot in Manipur after February 22, 2022. That election-related trip took place just a couple of days before the Russia-Ukraine war began, and the PM has toured both nations in recent months. Defending the indefensible, Biren has stated that the PM did send Home Minister Amit Shah to the state and also spoke about Manipur in Parliament as well as in his 2023 Independence Day speech. But all that has certainly not proved enough to defuse tensions and reduce hostilities.

The use of drones by militants to carry out bombings has caught the security forces off guard. They need to recalibrate their strategy to curb violence and restore the rule of law. Also, the Centre must be proactive about bringing the warring sides to the negotiating table. The PM’s direct intervention is a must to save Manipur.