Great to see the letter written by IESL President , Brig Inder Mohan Singh to all Chiefs who are Patrons of IESL . He has not minced his words , hope the Patrons take note and act . click below
Joins INS Vikramaditya for exercise in Arabian Sea to showcase ‘twin-carrier’ operations
India’ s first indigenous aircraft carrier ‘INS Vikrant’ has been integrated with the Navy’s fleet for operational deployment.
The 45,000-tonne sea-going aircraft carrier can now be sent on operational deployment, sources said.
INS Vikrant on Friday joined the Navy’s other carrier, INS Vikramaditya, for an exercise in the Arabian Sea to showcase ‘twin-carrier’ operations.
The Navy’s Western Command posted on X about the development, saying: “INS Vikrant, India’s indigenous aircraft carrier, joined the Western Fleet, in a significant enhancement to the maritime power”.
INS Vikrant will join the ‘carrier battle group’ led by INS Vikramaditya, the 49,000-tonne Russian origin carrier. A carrier battle group has multiple ships, including fleet supply ships, and submarines that operate together.
“Inducted INS Vikrant with a multi domain exercise and twin Carrier fighter operations in the Arabian Sea,” the Western Naval command said in a post.
INS Vikrant, commissioned on September 2, 2022, has now completed the integration of its in-deck fighter jets, MiG-29K, and also the installation of onboard surface-to-air missiles, Barak NG, made by public sector Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Israel Aerospace Industry (IAI).
After commissioning, INS Vikrant had a minor re-fit at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi.
Andaman & Nicobar residents have embraced their tumultuous history as part of their identity without resorting to revisionism.
IF there is one place in the country that needs no lessons on patriotism or the constitutional idea of ‘unity in diversity’, it is the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The majority of its population (around five lakh) is composed of the descendants of freedom fighters incarcerated by the British. Others include subsequent settlers and the members of native tribes like the Negrito Jarawas, Onges, Great Andamanese and Sentinelese (arguably the last protected tribe unconnected with the outside world), or Mongoloid tribes like Shompen and Nicobarese.
This distant outpost underpinning the ‘idea of India’ is today a surreal amalgamation of India’s myriad diversities. The freedom struggle and the infamy of ‘Kala Pani’ (owing to the penal settlement and the Cellular Jail) drew prisoners mostly from Bengal, Punjab, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh; most of them have remained unsung in the national imagination. For their proud descendants, a sense of communal harmony is exemplified by the usage of a quaint ‘Hindustani’ dialect that cuts across religions, regions and ethnicities. Bengalis, Tamilians, Purvanchalis and Punjabis live cheek by jowl, uncorrupted by the toxic polarisation and manufactured political ‘divide’ that consume the Indian mainland. In a perverse manner, the distance (1,200 km from either Chennai or Kolkata) and natural isolation from the vile politics of the mainland have ensured the ideal ‘mini-India’ there.
The dominant ‘us vs them’ narrative is not among religions or ethnicities but in the collective ‘islanders vs mainlanders’ realm, where the mainlanders are viewed as usurpers. On the islands, views on history are far more nuanced than the binary understanding in the mainland. For example, there are mixed feelings about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s three-year alliance with the Japanese, as those years are associated with the kind of brutality that outdid that of the British.
These peaceful islanders have embraced their tumultuous, complicated and wounded history as their factual identity without resorting to revisionism or the rewriting of history. It is believed that when two wings of the Cellular Jail were demolished after Independence, many freedom fighters had objected to attempts at tinkering with a place that signified their pain, as they believed that it also represented an important chapter of history. Their peaceful cohabitation with each other and even with its dark past ensured that it remained among the most inclusive societies in the country.
In 2006, as the administrator and gubernatorial appointee, I was tasked with conducting relief and rehabilitation on the islands that had suffered from the deadly tsunami of December 2004. As we recovered from the socioeconomic ravages caused by the natural disaster, I found immense succour in the way society held together. As a former combatant, I witnessed a sense of social conviviality, timeless patriotism and a larger national purpose that is unique to far-flung border areas of the Leh region, Kashmir highlands or the extreme northeastern regions and remains unseen and underappreciated by the ‘rest of India’.
Admittedly, a lot was achieved, but much remained to be done; the strategic location (overlooking the Chinese ‘choke point’ of the Strait of Malacca) of these islands — as also the instinct to protect vulnerable tribals and the natural green cover — necessitated certain constraints on conventional ‘opening up’ for development on the lines of Goa and Kerala. It needed a lot of government support in the absence of private development — the challenge of infrastructure, civic facilities and employment opportunities persisted. Yet the ‘shining outpost’ of India held fast to its unique ways and history.
But it wasn’t long before the winds of mainland ‘normalcy’ reached the pristine islands. One such phenomenon was the changing of names of popular places to promote nationalism. The Havelock, Neil and Ross islands were renamed Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, respectively. Given the islands’ huge dependence on tourism and, therefore, on the need to develop touristy ‘brands’, marketing wisdom would advise against tinkering with names. After all, consistency of usage, brevity of nomenclature and building longstanding identity are commonsensical. Yet, names were changed not because the locals wanted so, but because of the hyper-nationalism formula. Many didn’t make much of it initially in the hope that it would result in more transformational support from the government. It is another matter that Netaji’s grandnephew Chandra Kumar Bose, who was the initial force behind this renaming initiative, later quit the ruling dispensation, claiming that he had received no support from the BJP to propagate the legendary freedom fighter’s ideology.
Later, 21 uninhabited islands were renamed after Param Vir Chakra awardees with much fanfare. As the rechristening was a homage to the truly deserving sons of India and had no practical implications, it was accepted. Yet, despite the posturing, the much-sought-after government investments have remained elusive.
The continuing project of nationalist aggrandisement has returned to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The capital, Port Blair, was recently renamed Sri Vijaya Puram. The islanders woke up to yet another ironical insistence on patriotism, ostensibly done to “free the nation from colonial imprints”. That Archibald Blair (after whom Port Blair was named) was a relatively inconsequential naval surveyor in the Bombay Marine did not matter, as social media was abuzz with grave insinuations about him.
Calls made to some islanders about the renaming of Port Blair evoked a combination of indifference and exasperation. Such exercises have been undertaken many times before with little focus on what truly matters to the islanders. It is not wrong but just a repeat of jingoistic politics, especially for a people who can teach the rest of the country a thing or two about dignified patriotism (not hyper-nationalism), inclusivity and secularism. The real issue is meaningful development — and it is not being addressed.
President’s rule should be imposed to bring the situation under control as people have lost faith in the state government.
A brief spell of fragile peace in the strife-torn Manipur was shattered by drone and rocket attacks early this month. The strikes were allegedly carried out by Kuki-Zo outfits against Meiteis. The fresh violence claimed 11 lives in just 10 days. Marked escalation led to widespread protests by locals. Students took to the streets demanding the resignation of state DGP Rajiv Singh and Security Adviser Kuldiep Singh for their allegedly inept handling of the situation.
Manipur has been on the boil for the past almost one-and-a-half years, making it evident that the state government has failed to resolve the contentious issues. There is also a general impression of callousness on the part of the Central Government to solve the deep-rooted problems. In the absence of viable political initiatives, the Manipur crisis has aggravated sharply.
Known for its historic fault lines, Manipur has a diverse cultural-religious profile, coupled with its demographic and economic asymmetries. Consequently, different communities have vied for the state’s land and other natural resources. The underlying cause that led to the ongoing conflict was the controversial High Court order passed in March 2023, which recommended the inclusion of Meiteis in the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs). It implied that Meiteis, a majority and prosperous community, could purchase land and/or settle in the hill areas predominantly inhibited by the minority Kukis.
This contentious ruling was resisted by the Kukis, leading to the build-up of tension in the state. In the beginning of May last year, the situation took a serious turn, resulting in clashes between the two communities which had so far lived in harmony. Within days, over 100 persons were killed and around 60,000 displaced. The violence has been continuing since then, with the death toll mounting to around 240.
Due to the prolonged conflict, the divide between the two communities has fragmented the state. While Meiteis control the Imphal valley, Kukis dominate the hill districts of Churachandpur, Senapati and Tengnoupal. The Kukis are now demanding a separate hill state. Nagas are another major group in Manipur. Although they have stayed away from the present conflict, the Nagas, too, harbour a longstanding demand for a separate administrative entity to include areas inhabited by them. Apparently, Manipur faces the threat of Balkanisation.
Meiteis and Kukis have heavily fortified their respective enclaves. The state looks like a war zone, with rival sides separated by buffer zones manned by the security forces to prevent clashes. Both communities have well-trained militias, largely composed of erstwhile militant outfits, armed with sophisticated weapons. These private armies often resort to savage killings and extortion.
Procuring modern arms is not a problem for any group, as there is a gun-running trail originating from China and traversing through Myanmar. Further, the ‘rebel groups’ waging war against the military junta in Myanmar are also a lucrative source of weaponry. Besides, around 6,000 arms were looted from the state police armouries by locals with only a handful being recovered by the security forces till now.
It is obvious that the state and Central governments have chosen to override the problem, resorting to crisis management rather than finding a lasting solution. There is no roadmap to bring back normalcy in the region. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is practically governing Manipur through the Unified Headquarters. Presently, the ground situation is such that the Chief Minister and his cabinet colleagues are reportedly unable to move around even in Imphal city.
Further, the state authorities are not on the same page. The DGP has openly admitted to the inability of the local police to handle the situation and has sought Central forces to take over. On the other hand, Rajkumar Imo Singh, an MLA and the CM’s son-in-law, has asked the MHA to remove Central forces as they have proved to be ‘ineffective’. Incidentally, the CM has also made a representation to the Governor, demanding the control of the Unified Headquarters. There is a rift between the Assam Rifles and the police, with both often indulging in a blame game.
The current crisis is no longer a conflict between two communities but has turned into a serious national security issue. It is high time to avoid political posturing and put a comprehensive action plan in place to salvage the situation. The major reasons for the current mess are poor governance, political authoritarianism marked by a heavy-handed approach, polarised security forces, resurgence of militant outfits and heightened animosity between the belligerent communities. In addition, there is a strong perception among the locals that the Central Government is not serious about resolving the conflict, but rather wants to keep it simmering.
To restore normalcy in Manipur, it is imperative that President’s rule is imposed as people have lost faith in the state government, which is being seen as partisan. A new administrative structure needs to be put in place with a clear chain of command. The Unified Headquarters must be reconstituted. The Army needs to be given a free hand to undertake operations to disarm the militant groups and create a conducive environment for restoring peace. For this, the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) will be required to be imposed in sensitive areas. Alongside, there is an urgent requirement for effective border management, given the turbulent conditions in the neighbourhood.
Above all, earnest efforts are needed to build trust between Meiteis and Kukis by involving civil society organisations. The ruling dispensation ought to shed its status-quo mindset and explore fresh alternatives. Manipur is on the edge, in a state of intense distress, deeply divided and bruised. It beckons the nation to take a call and resolve the long-pending conflict on priority, lest the situation deteriorate further, which would prove catastrophic.
According to defence experts, the increased enquiries for AK-203 assault rifles are largely due to the sections imposed on Russia by the US and other Western nations
Some 6,71,000 AK-203s will be manufactured at Korwa Ordnance Factory, Amethi
The Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), a joint venture between India and Russia responsible for producing the Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles, has seen a significant rise in export enquiries from African and Middle Eastern countries.
The heightened demand for AK-203 assault rifles is largely attributed to the sections imposed on Russia by the US and other Western nations, creating a unique opportunity for IRRPL to capitalize on its assault rifles.
The AK-203, a modernised version of the Kalashnikov rifle, is renowned for its reliability, adaptability, and endurance in tough conditions. India is the first country outside Russia which has started the production of the AK-200 series assault rifles.
Speaking on the issue, a defence official said, “The demand for the AK-203 has surged, especially in regions where Russian arms have long been the preferred choice. Our collaboration with Russia enables us to step in and fill the void created by the sanctions, while also advancing India’s defence interests.”
According to defence analysts, this heightened interest could deepen India’s defence relationships with African and Middle Eastern nations, while also bolstering India’s vision for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
While no formal agreements have been signed yet, the growing inquiries signal a potential boost to IRRPL’s export portfolio. Earlier this year 35,000 AK-203 rifles were delivered to the Indian Army while more are to be handed over soon.
With keen interest from these regions, IRRPL is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of India’s defence manufacturing sector, marking a new era in the country’s ascent as a global arms supplier.
Agencies
Washington: American giant Boeing and Indian company Sagar Defence Engineering are teaming to codevelop and coproduce new unmanned surface vehicles, as Washington and New Delhi continue to seek strengthened defence industrial ties.
The announcement, made through both White House and company statements, comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting the United States as part of the Quad meeting and the UN General Assembly.
The effort is built around Wave Glider, a USV produced by Boeing subsidiary Liquid Robotics and propelled by waves and solar power. They are used for ocean research, weather and climate modelling, tsunami and seismic monitoring as well as to support offshore energy, according to Boeing.
“The Wave Glider is an ideal system for fostering collaboration between the U.S. and Indian governments and strengthening tactical readiness in the Indo-Pacific,” said Shane Goodenough, CEO of Liquid Robotics. “Teaming up with Sagar Defence marks a new era for our bilateral defence cooperation and enables us to grow our existing Wave Glider operations in India. We are very pleased to join forces with the skilled team at Sagar, who have a proven record of successfully integrating uncrewed systems into active defence missions.”
In a Sept. 21 statement, the White House also applauded several other defence and technology cooperation initiatives between the United States and India, including a teaming agreement between Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems to establish a new maintenance facility in India for the C-130J Super Hercules fleet.
“This marks a significant step in U.S.-India defence and aerospace cooperation and reflects the two sides’ deepening strategic and technology partnership ties,” according to the White House statement.
For over a decade, India and the US have made pledges of increased defence industrial cooperation with each other. The relationship was reset with the 2012 launch of the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI), a specialized program crafted by Ash Carter, who was then the US deputy defence secretary. When Carter took on the full SecDef job, he prioritized relations with India, including cooperation on engine and carrier technology. Under the Trump administration, in 2019, Ellen Lord, then the Pentagon acquisition head, told reporters that the US and India would codevelop small, aerial unmanned systems.
However, in part because of India’s often convoluted acquisition system, little was actually developed from these agreements, leading the Biden administration to take its own swing in 2023 under the aegis of the India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem and a series of defence-oriented initiatives. There was also a subsequent memorandum of understanding signed by the Pentagon’s Defence Innovation Unit and a similar agency in the Indian Ministry of Defence.
“The efforts via the INDUSWERX consortium to facilitate pathways for defence and dual-use companies in the INDUS-X network to access premier testing ranges in both countries, were appreciated,” according to the statement.
(With Inputs From International News Agencies)
Ahmedabad: Adani Group Founder and Chairman Gautam Adani held a high-level meeting with Eric Martel, CEO of Bombardier on Tuesday, to discuss transformative partnerships in Aircraft Services, Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO), as well as Defence.
According to a social media post on ‘X’ by Gautam Adani, the meeting marks a potential milestone in India’s pursuit of strengthening its aviation capabilities and becoming more self-reliant in the sector, aligning with the government’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative.
“Powering India’s aviation growth! Had a great discussion with @Bombardier CEO Eric Martel on transformative partnerships in Aircraft Services, MRO and Defence. Together, we are harnessing synergies for a stronger, self-reliant India. @AdaniOnline #AatmanirbharBharat #AdaniDefenceAerospace,” Gautam Adani’s post said.
Highlighting the critical discussions aimed at harnessing synergies between the two companies, Adani stated that the collaboration is expected to pave the way for advancements in aircraft services, a field where India has increasingly been focusing to reduce dependency on foreign MRO services.
Developing a robust in-country MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) sector would help reduce costs, improve turnaround times for airlines, and establish India as a regional hub for aircraft maintenance.
According to the company website, Adani Defence & Aerospace have succeeded in establishing a resilient network of capabilities through strategic collaborations with credible global partners. The company says it continues to make strategic investments in unique products and technologies working with Indian small and medium-sized businesses to foster indigenous expertise and strengthen the domestic defence industry. The group further says its efforts revolve around positioning India as a key player in the global market and substantially reducing the country’s net current account deficit through robust exports.
Bombardier is a global leader in aviation, focused on designing, manufacturing, and servicing. Bombardier’s Challenger and Global aircraft families are renowned for their cutting-edge innovation, cabin design, performance, and reliability. Bombardier aircraft are also trusted around the world in government and military special-mission roles leveraging Bombardier Defense’s proven expertise. Headquartered in Greater Montreal, Quebec, Bombardier operates Aerostructure, assembly and completion facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico.
This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Liaoning Aircraft Carrier
The first aircraft carrier of the PLAN returned to sea after a period of maintenance and upgrades at the Dalian shipyard, which lasted much of last year, concluding in March of this year. Although specific details about the work performed were not provided, these processes are common for such strategic units. Since late March, the Liaoning has been conducting trials in the Bohai Sea, culminating in its recent deployment in the Western Pacific, which was noted by the defence ministries and armed forces of Japan and Taiwan.
This deployment has attracted the attention of various specialists, as it is believed that the Liaoning’s Carrier Air Wing has incorporated the new version of the Shenyang J-15 carrier-based fighter. Named J-15B, this variant is adapted to operate from CATOBAR-configured decks, although it has also been suggested that it can function in STOBAR configurations. This detail is relevant, as the J-15B is intended to be the first combat aircraft of the air wing of the new Fujian aircraft carrier.
Shandong Aircraft Carrier
Chinese footage released on Sept 9 showed China PLAN aircraft carrier Shandong & its strike group recently conducted training in South China Sea.
Meanwhile, the second aircraft carrier of the PLAN, and the first built locally, has been operating since mid-August in various areas of the Pacific and the South China Sea. Recently, a Type 075 amphibious assault ship joined its task group for the first time. According to open sources, the Shandong has already returned to the Yulin Naval Base located on Hainan Island.
Fujian Aircraft Carrier
Allegedly an image showing the PLANS-18 „Fujian“ returning home from her 4th sea trial.
The Fujian, the third and most modern aircraft carrier of the PLAN, recently completed its fourth trial navigation and systems testing. Among the details observed in various images circulating on social media is the presence on its flight deck of mock-ups of some of the aircraft that will be part of its air wing. Among these, a mock-up of the KJ-600 early warning aircraft was identified, which will serve as the future “eyes forward” of the carrier strike group. As of September 17, the Fujian was sailing in the Bohai Sea, heading towards its home port at the Dalian shipyard.
Conclusions
Beyond the operational status of each aircraft carrier, the fact that the PLAN has simultaneously deployed its three aircraft carriers is a clear demonstration of the advances made by China in its naval capabilities. Like the United States Navy, with which it is already competing, China projects that in the immediate future it will have several carrier strike groups deployed in strategically important areas, such as the Western Pacific, to deter regional rivals. The potential use of these groups in various locations should not be dismissed, especially in the event of a military scenario regarding the recovery of Taiwan.
(With Inputs From International Agencies & Twitter)
Lebanon says only US can stop fighting
An Israeli airstrike on Beirut killed a senior Hezbollah commander on Tuesday as cross-border rocket attacks by both sides increased fears of a full-fledged war in the Middle East and Lebanon said only Washington could help end the fighting.
Hezbollah early on Wednesday confirmed senior commander Ibrahim Qubaisi was killed by Israeli airstrikes on Tuesday on the Lebanese capital as Israel announced earlier. Israel said Qubaisi headed the group’s missile and rocket force.
Israel’s offensive since Monday morning has killed 569 people, including 50 children, and wounded 1,835 in Lebanon, Health Minister Firass Abiad told Al Jazeera Mubasher TV.
The new offensive against Hezbollah has stoked fears that nearly a year of conflict between Israel and the militant Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza is escalating and could destabilise the Middle East. Britain urged its nationals to leave Lebanon and said it was moving 700 troops to Cyprus to help its citizens evacuate.
The U.N. Security Council said it would meet on Wednesday to discuss the conflict.
“Lebanon is at the brink. The people of Lebanon – the people of Israel – and the people of the world – cannot afford Lebanon to become another Gaza,” UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said.
At the U.N., which is holding its General Assembly this week, US President Joe Biden made a plea for calm. “Full-scale war is not in anyone’s interest. Even if a situation has escalated, a diplomatic solution is still possible,” he said.
Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib criticized Biden’s address as “not strong, not promising” and said the US.
was the only country “that can really make a difference in the Middle East and with regard to Lebanon.” Washington is Israel’s longtime ally and biggest arms supplier.
The United States “is the key … to our salvation,” he told an event in New York City hosted by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
In Beirut, thousands of displaced people who fled from southern Lebanon were sheltering in schools and other buildings.
At the Technical Institute of Bir Hassan, volunteers brought water bottles, medicine and other supplies for the new arrivals.
In one classroom, 11-month-old Matila slept on a mattress while children elsewhere stood on chairs to pass time by scribbling on a whiteboard. Rima Ali Chahine, 50, said the shelter provided diapers, pastries and milk for the children.
“It’s a lot of pressure for grownups and children. They’re exhausted and stressed. They could not sleep,” she said. “The kids – they are living through terrible conditions.” Early on Wednesday, an Israeli strike hit the seaside town of Jiyyeh, 75 km (46 miles) north of the border with Israel, two security sources said.
HEZBOLLAH WEAKENED, SAYS ISRAEL
Half a million people are estimated to have been displaced in Lebanon, said Bou Habib. He said Lebanon’s prime minister hoped to meet with U.S. officials over the next two days.
The US and fellow mediators Qatar and Egypt have so far been unsuccessful in their efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in the nearly year-old war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, a Hezbollah ally.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, whose country and Israel are arch-enemies, told the U.N. General Assembly the international community must “secure a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and bring an end to the desperate barbarism of Israel in Lebanon, before it engulfs the region and the world.” Israel’s military said its airforce conducted “extensive strikes” on Tuesday on Hezbollah targets across southern Lebanon, including weapons storage facilities and dozens of launchers that were aimed at Israeli territory.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said the attacks had weakened Hezbollah and would continue. Hezbollah “has suffered a sequence of blows to its command and control, its fighters, and the means to fight. These are all severe blows,” he told Israeli troops.
He accused the U.N. of shirking its responsibility to prevent Hezbollah’s attacks into Israel.
Hezbollah said it launched rockets at the Dado military base in northern Israel and attacked the Atlit naval base south of Haifa with drones, among other targets.
Suspected Israeli missiles were also launched at the Syrian port city of Tartous and were intercepted by Syrian air defences, Syrian army sources said. The Israeli military declined to comment on the report.
Since the Gaza war started in October, Israel has intensified a years-long air campaign targeting Iran-aligned armed groups and their weapons transfers in Syria.
Funerals were held on Tuesday for people killed in Lebanon by Israel’s bombardment. In the coastal city of Saksakiyeh, Mohammed Helal was defiant as he mourned his daughter Jouri.
“We are not afraid. Even if they kill, dissect and destroy us,” he said.
All police indifferences and atrocities that have happened in recent past against the serving army officers and their friends and relatives have happened in BJP ruled states.!
Some years back RSS chief had belittled our Armed Forces by stating that they could raise an army in three days ! As if keeping a standing armed force was a waste of time and resources.
A serving Admiral was dismissed and sent home by a BJP Govt without a notice.
BJP has already established some Sainik Schools and has an aim of increasing its numbers to hundred in total. Why should a political party run Sainik Schools ?
May be they desire to fill NDA with their own recruits from these schools in time to come and have the armed forces under its wings like the Chinese Communist Party has the PLA in China, with Sangh Pracharak breathing down the necks of commanders at each level like a political commissars in communist countries.
Congress had accused BJP some time back of introducing RSS agendas in Sainik Schools. There may be some truth in it as there can be no smoke without fire!
One person had been brought from retirement and put in the highest post as if there wasn’t any fit enough person to fill that long vacant post in the system. Thus belittling the existing system of selection and promotion in the armed forces ! Thereby telling the system how worthless it was ! 🚩Days aren’t far off when some policeman will be placed there, provided he comes from a particular place and state !
Long time back a civil servant had written an article published on the edit page of a national news paper, advocating the feasibility and viability of appointment of civil servants in the posts of corps commander and above, as it is only Strategy at corps level and above and not tactics, ( which ends at division level ) ; the latter could be left to lesser mortals in uniform to manage !
Govt tried to introduce lateral induction in to the beaurocracy and it was opposed by the civil servants lobby and they have succeeded ingenuously in putting that on hold.
🚩 The Congress has NOT done any better.
➡ #Nehru ( he even advocated INDIA DOES NOT need d mil / the POLICE can SUFFICE ) reduced Armed Forces’ ICO’s pay and left that of KCO’s pay intact and Indian the KCOs accepted it, as they didn’t have to suffer a loss themselves ! The ( unspoken ) rot is THAT OLD in higher echelons ! ( wither the CHETWODE MOTTO ! )
Congress government under Mrs Gandhi reduced armed forces pension from 75% to 50% and increased that of civil servants from 30% to 50% with the promise of an OROP to the Armed Forces. & It took 43 years for the OROP to see the day light. That too after long agitation and receiving LAATTHEEs at hands of police at JANTARR MANTARR ! While the BAABBO surreptiously included certain higher ranks ( appts) selectively , in the armed forces who were given pension as per the civil servants equivalence /scale who kept their mouth shut in bargain and left their subordinate suffer financial loss for long.
The Armed Forces have a very steep pyramidal heirarchial structure and promotions are far and few.
A NFU (denied by our own TOP BRASS ) would have helped many who couldn’t make to the next rank. But the same has been denied to the forces tho’ given to the civil servants whose promotion prospects are much better and working condtions much comfortable.
The treatment meted to Generals and their equivalents in corridors of power isn’t that what it used to be , in the past and they are made to feel that they are there as mere appointees of civil authority and not of their own professional merit and competence. That they aren’t of any different stock, but of common clay like the rest of civil setup ( which is definitely an inferior clay by process of selection and training. ) They are kept out of the gambit of decision- making committees. Politics over professionalism has started to shape things which it shouldn’t. Supercession in higher appointment , appointment of a retired person to the highest post over-looking competent persons in service and dismissal of an Admiral without a notice , will pave ways for politicisation and sycophancy and killing professionalism in the armed forces. These may make politicians and civil servants life easy for a while but harm the forces and Nation in long run.
🚩🚩🚩May be these have trickled down the chain and are now reflected on the streets.
Awe and aura of military 👺is being cleansed for good😬 and that of the civil replacing it. In times of break down of law and order when armed forces will be called to restore the situation, more brutal force may have to be used, which a mere Flag March would have done before.
The military is neither a vote bank nor it can manage the vote banks like civil servants for the political masters in a democratic set up.
*In absence of a democratic system in past, the military was the sole vote bank for the ruling elites and hence enjoyed the good pay, perk and privileges. It was so valued that ruling elites joined the officer cadres almost in totality. But now it’s not even the officers’ children’s first choice !
There were few mutinies in the British Indian Army by the British officers over pay, perks and privileges, which are known as White Mutinies and they got their demands each time, as the existence of empire was dependent on their support alone.
A very high born Viceroy had lost his ego’s battle against his C in C of much humble origin and resigned and sailed home in disgust and defeat.
It certainly can’t be like that now. Hence , reason for a new and viable approach is needed to tackle the problem in totality.
Civil Military Liaison Conferences are hosted by Military, where hospitality has over years been replaced by serviality. All these may have added to present episodes’ evolvement over a long period.
➡➡➡➡ODISHA is thinly represented in forces and the state has thin presence of armed forces’. Establishments there, if any, are but of recent origin. But in Rajasthan and MP with high representation in armed forces and existence of large numbers of age old military establishments in the states and yet the occurrences these of unfortunate episodes speak of erosion of military’s reputation.
When serving officers are looking so helpless, imagine the plight of ESM spread thinly all over the country.
Time has come to rethink the relationship🤝 with both civil and political setup.
Time has come to *think beyond just beer drinking invitations & Get Togethers !
Time has come to talk beyond Cheers and Bottoms Up, when the safety of their own kith & kin are not sure in the civil street !
🚩🚩🚩At this rate the DISRESPECTED military ( as an institution ) , will be forced to sing in utter helplessness – ” some time, I feel like a motherless child !”
That will be indeed very sad and detrimental for both the Military and the Mother Land !
