The Army Recruitment Office, Shimla, has been conducting an Agniveer recruitment rally under the Agnipath scheme at Prithi Military Station, Averipatti, Rampur, since September 3. The rally is being held for the youth from Solan, Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur districts,…
The Army Recruitment Office, Shimla, has been conducting an Agniveer recruitment rally under the Agnipath scheme at Prithi Military Station, Averipatti, Rampur, since September 3. The rally is being held for the youth from Solan, Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur districts, who had qualified the written examination held in April. A total of 2,800 candidates participated in the physical fitness and measurement tests from September 3 to 7.
Recruitment Director Colonel Pushvinder Kaur said the rally was held under the supervision of Brigadier Sujesh Babu PJ, DDG, Recruiting State Ambala. Around 500 youths from Sirmaur district appeared for the General Duty (GD) recruitment, undergoing physical fitness and measurement tests.
Colonel Kaur emphasised that the entire recruitment process was conducted with utmost responsibility, integrity and discipline by the officers and staff. The candidates were also instructed to maintain discipline throughout the event.
Colonel Kaur said the rally was monitored through CCTV cameras to ensure transparency. She added that the process was entirely free of charge and based purely on merit. The medical tests are scheduled for September 8, and the rally will conclude on September 9. The selected candidates will be informed via mail, she added.
The young Captain of Rashtriya Rifles got a patrol ready in five minutes. He must have wondered at the improbable demand of the visiting middle-aged Colonel to scale the nearest hill. The soldiers spread out and started climbing up the…
The young Captain of Rashtriya Rifles got a patrol ready in five minutes. He must have wondered at the improbable demand of the visiting middle-aged Colonel to scale the nearest hill. The soldiers spread out and started climbing up the hill terraces in which maize was sprouting.
The over-eager visitor’s knees started creaking. He asked a soldier for a light machine gun. It felt heavy and he climbed for a few hundred yards up the farm terraces. He returned the weapon and wished he had a sturdy walking stick. He felt all his machismo melting away. The soldiers kept moving up. They were super fit. You know it when you climb with them. Your brain and college certificate don’t tell you that. Your legs and lungs give you that education when you move up a mountain with them.
Cries of ‘Jai Hind’ rang out from the old men living in the mud houses. They offered water. It was scarce in the mountains and they had to buy it in tankers. They pulled out plastic chairs and offered hospitality, as they started talking about their Army stints. ‘I served in so and so battalion of JAK LI (Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry).’ Then came the long list of stations they had served in. The Armymen had been climbing for two hours. When they descended from the hilltop, the Colonel stopped at a shop on the road bend. The owner let out a sonorous ‘Jai Hind’. From almost every mud-roofed hut that he passed, he could hear ‘Jai Hind’. Old men, their faces washed with deep lines, proclaimed having served in JAK LI. Buffaloes stood tethered in solid mud and the timber huts were built on hewed slopes. A listless Bihari mason stood and stared as the patrol passed. When asked what he was doing so far away from home, he said he earned ~600 a day as most young men of the village worked in foreign countries.
The shop was well stocked with provisions. A beaming, handsome, 6 foot tall young boy came and stood there. In this part of India, people are generally good looking. The mountains and woods all around are a wanderer’s delight.
The lad insisted that the Armymen come to his house. Another good-looking young man came out. He had long, curly brown hair. A tall man who looked in his sixties stood outside the simple house in a salwar kameez. He welcomed the officers and took them to a drawing room with plastic chairs and a centre table.
A matronly woman came and sat next to the man. Another young man fetched tea, almonds, pistachios and biscuits. The tea was thick-sweet buffalo milk with just a whiff of tea leaves. In rural communities, such tea is an honour. Not much different from the customary offerings in the Colonel’s native Haryana.
The young men were shy and there was a tall young girl, their sister, who went away briskly. The boys had come home from their regiments on leave. It was Eid and homecoming season.
The father was strong, dignified and had little to say. Clouds of sadness remained settled on the mother’s face. The father of the boys got up and went into another room, returning with a framed medal. It had a green ribbon and a bronze circular disc with the Ashokan wheel. On the mother’s face, the lines of sadness and memory became deeper. The boy to whom the medal belonged had left the world.
The brave woman had five sons. She had permitted all of them to wear the olive green. One of them had given up his life in the service of the nation.
Darkness set in on the mountain slope. It was time to leave. The Captain sat quietly. The Colonel got up, saluted the parents and the patrol started walking back.
Rifleman Aurangzeb was conferred the Shaurya Chakra, the third highest gallantry award, posthumously in 2018. Jai Hind!
BSF to probe killing of Bangladeshi minor girl near border in Tripura
The killing of a Bangladeshi minor girl near the border in Tripura has escalated into a flashpoint between the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) and the Border Security Force (BSF) of India. The BGB has reportedly blamed the BSF for the…
The killing of a Bangladeshi minor girl near the border in Tripura has escalated into a flashpoint between the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) and the Border Security Force (BSF) of India. The BGB has reportedly blamed the BSF for the killing, prompting the Indian force to launch an investigation. However, Indian security officials allege that the girl, identified as Sawarna Das, may have been killed on the Bangladesh side while allegedly attempting to cross into India.
The BSF has raised concerns with their Bangladeshi counterparts about the “victimisation” of minorities, particularly in the Rajmunirhat section along the border, where there is a significant Hindu population.
Following the discovery of the girl’s bullet-ridden body near the zero line at the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura on the morning of September 2, the BSF and BGB held a flag meeting to discuss the matter. The incident was also reportedly discussed during a meeting of a committee formed by the Home Ministry last month to maintain open communication with Bangladesh and ensure the safety of Indian citizens and minorities there.
The committee met on September 5 to review the situation in Bangladesh, where the investigation into the girl’s death was a key topic. Sources aware of the development told The Tribune that the investigation into the incident also came up for discussion.
Sources revealed that the girl’s body was eventually handed over to Bangladeshi authorities after initial reluctance on their part. It was reported that she had tried to cross into India to meet her relatives. Sources further indicated that the BSF adheres to a strict no-firing policy unless infiltrators force their way through the border, thus ruling out the possibility that she was killed on the Indian side.
Security officials also highlighted that during regular meetings with BGB personnel, the BSF has expressed concerns over the victimisation of minority communities in Bangladesh, particularly in the Rajmunirhat area, which has about a 10 per cent Hindu population.
While the situation along the border appears calm, officials have received reports of targeted attacks on minorities in the region. Sources familiar with the developments noted that despite several rounds of border-level meetings between the BSF and BGB, the BGB remains guarded in discussions, especially following the political shift in Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster.
Since August 12, the BSF and BGB have conducted around 722 border meetings at various levels. Additionally, both forces have carried out 1,367 simultaneous coordinating patrols (SCPs) in vulnerable border areas within the BSF’s Eastern Command jurisdiction.
7 killed in fresh violence in Manipur’s Jiribam, 3 bunkers of militants destroyed
Military helicopter deployed to conduct aerial patrolling
Five people were killed in fresh violence in Manipur’s Jiribam district on Saturday, police said.
Security forces, on the other hand, destroyed three bunkers of militants in Churachandpur district on Friday after the insurgents launched rocket attacks in adjoining Bishnupur that killed one person and injured six others.
On Saturday, one person was shot dead in his sleep while four others were killed in subsequent exchange of fire between people of two warring communities in Jiribam district, a police officer said.
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Militants entered the house of the person who lived alone at an isolated location around 5 km from the district administration headquarters and shot him dead in his sleep, he said.
After the killing, a heavy exchange of fire took place between people of the warring communities in the hills around 7 km from the district administration headquarters, leading to the deaths of four armed persons, including three hills-based militants, the officer said.
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Earlier this week, fresh arson took place in Jiribam district after suspected ‘village volunteers’ burnt down an abandoned three-room house of a retired police officer at Jakuradhor in Borobekra police station area.
Tribal body Indigenous Tribes Advocacy Committee (Pherzawl and Jiribam) denied any involvement in the incident.
The district witnessed fresh violence despite representatives of the Meitei and Hmar communities reaching an agreement to restore normalcy and “prevent incidents of arson and firing” in a meeting held at a CRPF facility in adjoining Assam’s Cachar on August 1.
In the meeting moderated by the Jiribam district administration, Assam Rifles and CRPF personnel, and representatives of Hmar, Meitei, Thadou, Paite and Mizo communities of Jiribam district were also present.
The agreement was, however, denounced by several Hmar tribal bodies based outside Jiribam district saying they did not have any knowledge about it.
Meanwhile, security forces conducted operations in Mualsang and Laika Mualsau villages in Churachandpur district on Friday and destroyed three bunkers of militants.
“Militants deployed long-range rockets among the civilian population in two locations of Bishnupur district in one of which one senior citizen civilian expired and six other civilians were injured,” a police statement said.
Police teams and additional security forces conducted a combing operation in the adjoining hill ranges.
“Two bunkers at Mualsang village and one bunker at Laika Mualsau village of Churachandpur were destroyed,” it said.
Police teams including the Bishnupur SP rushed to the area and were fired upon by suspected militants but the law enforcers retaliated and repelled the attack.
A military helicopter has been deployed to conduct aerial patrolling, it added.
High-level security meetings have been held to take stock of the law and order situation, it said.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and the police are prepared to respond to any contingency that may arise, the statement added.
Suspected militants fired two rockets in Bishnupur district on Friday, killing one person and injuring six others, as tension gripped Imphal Valley following high-tech attacks over the past few days.
The rocket attacks came after drones were employed to drop bombs on people at two nearby places in Imphal West district earlier this week.
Both were earlier unheard of in the state where ethnic violence left over 200 people dead and thousands homeless since May last year.
People in peripheral areas of Bishnupur and Imphal East districts turned off their lights on Friday night following sightings of multiple drones, officials said.
Multiple drones were sighted at Narainsena and Nambol Kamong in Bishnupur district and Pukhao, Dolaithabi and Shantipur in Imphal East district creating panic among residents, they added.
More than 200 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo groups since May last year.
Ethnically-diverse Jiribam, which was largely untouched by ethnic violence in Imphal Valley and adjoining hills, erupted in violence after a 59-year-old man belonging to one community was killed allegedly by militants of another community in June this year.
Thousands had to leave their homes and relocate to relief camps due to incidents of arson by both sides. A CRPF jawan was also killed in an ambush by militants during patrolling by security forces in mid-July.
Army trains over 600 village defence guards to counter terrorist threats
The Army, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP), has taken the initiative to enhance the security of local communities by training Village Defence Guards (VDGs), sources said. This initiative aims to equip these civilians with the skills…
The Army, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP), has taken the initiative to enhance the security of local communities by training Village Defence Guards (VDGs), sources said.
This initiative aims to equip these civilians with the skills necessary to protect their villages from terrorist threats, thereby bolstering the region’s overall security framework.
Approximately 600 civilians are currently undergoing intensive training in the operation of automatic rifles, squad post drills, and minor tactics to protect their villages from terrorist threats. The training, conducted at the unit level near their respective villages, ensures that the VDGs can swiftly apply their skills in real-world scenarios.
The training programme, meticulously structured by the Army, includes a minimum of three-day training for each VDG unit. Instructors and training aids from the Corps Battle School in Sarol provide additional support, ensuring that the VDGs receive expert guidance.
This collaboration ensures that the VDGs receive instruction from highly skilled personnel, enhancing the effectiveness of the training. The initiative, undertaken at the request of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, has already seen significant progress.
To further empower the VDGs, self-loading rifles (SLRs) are being issued through a coordinated effort between the Army’s Ordnance Depots and the JKP. This initiative demonstrates the Army’s commitment to safeguarding the lives of innocent civilians in Jammu and Kashmir. These rifles are a crucial component of the VDGs’ armament, further empowering them.
To date, around 500 individuals have been trained in the Rajouri area, with an additional 85-90 individuals trained in the Doda and Kishtwar regions.
Poll panel official asks Army to maintain close surveillance at LoC
Ahead of the Assembly polls, Election Expenditure Observer for Poonch, Ramchandra Andhale, has issued instructions to the Army to maintain close surveillance along the Line of Control (LoC) to keep check on any illegal movement, particularly involving drug peddlers or…
Ahead of the Assembly polls, Election Expenditure Observer for Poonch, Ramchandra Andhale, has issued instructions to the Army to maintain close surveillance along the Line of Control (LoC) to keep check on any illegal movement, particularly involving drug peddlers or anti-national elements.
To boost voter morale and encourage participation in the upcoming Assembly elections, Andhale on Friday conducted a visit to the border villages located across the fence along the Line of Control in the district.
A spokesperson said the Election Observer held a meeting with the Army officials stationed in the area.
He emphasised the need for close coordination between the administration and security forces to safeguard the electoral process and maintain peace in the region, the statement said.
Andhale further instructed the Army officials to strengthen their vigilance at the entry gates used by villagers residing in the areas across the fence. He stressed the importance of conducting thorough checks while facilitating easy access for these residents to ensure their smooth participation in the electoral process. This measure aims to ensure that voters residing in these sensitive border areas can exercise their rights without any hindrance, contributing to a secure and inclusive election.
The visit to Malti, Guntrian and Shahpur villages was aimed to directly engage with the villagers, aware them about their democratic rights and the importance of exercising their vote, according to a spokesperson.
During the visit, the Election Observer interacted with local residents, educating them about the power and significance of their vote in shaping the nation’s future.
He emphasised the importance of participating in the electoral process, especially in border areas, and urged the villagers to come out in large numbers to cast their votes.
Summary of the passed BY Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) Jaipur
Summary of the Judgment: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) Jaipur passed an order in OA No. 413/2024 dated 25.07.2024, addressing the issue of excess recovery of commuted pension for retired railway employees.
Key Points of the Judgment: Refund of Excess Recovery:
The excess recovery of 4.4 years of commuted pension should be refunded to the pensioners whose pensions have been recovered beyond 10.8 years, up to 15 years. This primarily affects pensioners who retired around 2009 and had their commuted pension deductions calculated based on a 15-year recovery period instead of 10.8 years. Stopping Further Recovery:
The deduction of commuted pensions for those who have already completed 10.8 years of retirement should be stopped immediately. This applies to those who retired around 2013 and had their commuted pension deductions extended beyond the 10.8-year period. Revision of Pension Payment Orders (PPOs):
The PPOs of those employees who have not completed 10.8 years of retirement should be revised to ensure recovery only up to 10.8 years, rather than 15 years. This affects those who retired after January 2014. Respondent’s Obligation:
The respondents (North Western Railway) are directed to address the representations made by the applicants within eight weeks, considering all the grounds/issues presented in the representations. Pros and Cons: Pros: Financial Relief:
Retired employees who were subjected to excess recovery of their commuted pensions will receive refunds, providing them with significant financial relief. Correction of Policy:
The order ensures that future recoveries are aligned with the correct period of 10.8 years, preventing further financial strain on pensioners. Precedent for Other Cases:
This judgment may set a precedent for similar cases, benefiting other retired employees facing the same issue. Cons: Administrative Burden: The revision of PPOs and the refund process may impose a significant administrative burden on the railway authorities. Delayed Resolution: The eight-week period provided to the respondents to address the issues might cause delays in the actual receipt of refunds by the affected pensioners. Judgment Decision: The CAT Jaipur directed the North Western Railway to refund the excess recovered amount of 4.4 years to the affected pensioners and to stop any further deductions for those who have completed 10.8 years of retirement. The tribunal also ordered the revision of PPOs to ensure that recoveries are aligned with the 10.8-year period rather than the previously applied 15 years.
Benefits to the Employees: Immediate Financial Benefits: The affected pensioners will receive refunds for the excess amounts deducted, improving their financial situation. Long-term Protection: The stopping of further deductions ensures that no pensioner will have to endure extended financial recovery beyond what is stipulated. Clarity in Policy Implementation: The judgment brings clarity to the pension commutation recovery process, ensuring that future retirees are not subjected to incorrect recovery periods. This judgment is a significant victory for the retired railway employees, ensuring fairness in the recovery of their commuted pensions and providing them with much-needed financial relief.
