Monthly Archives: August 2018

Army officer’s wife says the family will meet Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann on Monday to discuss the case

Two days after the Punjab and Haryana High Court questioned the state government over delay in registering an FIR in the Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath assault case, the Army officer and his family met with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday to discuss the developments in the case.

The family was informed about the meeting two days ago, and it was scheduled for Sunday. A former officer was tasked with notifying the family about the meeting.

After the meeting, Jaswinder Kaur, Col Bath’s wife, reiterated her stance, emphasising that she does not trust the Patiala police and calling for the case to be investigated by an independent agency.

“We will meet Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann tomorrow and see what he says. We have informed Rajnath Singh about the harassment we have faced,” she said.

In addition to the Bath couple, their relative and BJP leader from Patiala, Gurtej Singh Dhillon, accompanied the family to the meeting, which lasted approximately 25 minutes.

Dhillon said the Defence Minister has assured the family that they are closely monitoring the case. “He has assured us that the Army will stand by the officer and ensure justice for Col Bath and his family,” he told the Tribune.

On Friday, Punjab’s attempt to justify the delay in FIR registration in the assault case by citing farmers’ protests—among other reasons—backfired in the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

The Bench questioned the police about the number of FIRs registered across Patiala district during the period.

The Bench asked the State to categorically explain whether the action taken so far was sufficient.

“You are not obliging anyone by placing the cops under suspension,” the Bench had asserted.

In his detailed order, Justice Sandeep Moudgil also asked the State to file an affidavit specifying: “How many FIRs were registered in Patiala district during the period when the district police was on high alert on account of farmers’ protests at Khanauri border and Shambhu border of Patiala from March 18 to 23?

There have been protests and demands for the complete withdrawal of the law from the Northeast as well as Jammu and Kashmir

The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), which gives armed forces operating in disturbed areas sweeping powers and immunity from prosecution unless approved by the Centre, was on Sunday extended for six months in entire Manipur, except the jurisdictions of 13 police stations, in view of the law and order situation there.

The AFSPA, under which a particular state or some areas are declared “disturbed”, has also been extended to eight districts in Nagaland and 21 police station areas in five other districts of the state for six months, according to a notification issued by the Union Home Ministry.

The law was also extended to Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts in Arunachal Pradesh and three police station areas in Namsai district in the state for six months beginning April 1 after a review of the law and order situation in these northeastern states.

The AFSPA, often criticised as a draconian law, gives armed forces operating in disturbed areas sweeping powers to search, arrest and open fire if they deem it necessary.

“Whereas the central government after review of the law and order situation in the state of Manipur, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (28 of 1958) declares the entire state of Manipur, excluding the areas falling under the jurisdiction of the following 13 (thirteen) police stations of 5 districts, as ‘disturbed area’ for a period of six months with effect from 01.04.2025, unless withdrawn earlier,” the notification related to Manipur read.

The police station areas in Manipur where the AFSPA will not be in force are: Imphal, Lamphal, City, Singjamei, Patsoi, Wangoi in Imphal West district, Porompat, Heingang, Irilbung in Imphal East district, Thoubal in Thoubal district and Bishnupur and Nambol in Bishnupur district and Kakching in Kakching district.

Manipur has been under President’s rule since February 13 after Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who was heading a BJP-led government, resigned on February 9 following ethnic violence that claimed over 260 lives since May 2023.

The disturbed area declaration was in force in the entire Manipur (except the Imphal municipality area) from 2004 till early 2022.

In April 2022, the Manipur government issued a notification where it said that “disturbed area” will no longer be applicable in seven police station areas of Imphal West district, four police station areas under the Imphal East district and one police station area each in the districts of Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kakching and Jiribam.  There are 16 districts in Manipur.

In October 2024, the Manipur government reimposed AFSPA in the entire state, barring 19 police station areas. A month later, the AFSPA was also extended in six of the 19 police station areas after violence broke out in Jiribam district.

More than 260 people were killed and thousands left homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023.

In a separate notification, the Home Ministry said a further review of the law and order situation in Nagaland has been undertaken. After that, Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek and Peren districts in Nagaland were declared as ‘disturbed area’ under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 for six months with effect from April 1, 2025, unless withdrawn earlier.

The areas in Nagaland declared as ‘disturbed area’ under AFSPA for six months fall “within the jurisdiction of i) Khuzama, Kohima North, Kohima South, Zubza and Kezocha police stations in Kohima District; ii) Mangkolemba, Mokokchung-I, Longtho, Tuli, Longchem and Anaki ‘C’ police stations in Mokokchung District; iii) Yanglok police station in Longleng District; iv) Bhandari, Champang and Ralan police stations in Wokha District; and v) Ghatashi, Pughoboto, Satakha, Suruhuto, Zunheboto and Aghunato police stations in Zunheboto District”, according to the notification.

A third notification issued by the home ministry said a further review of the law and order situation in Arunachal Pradesh has also been undertaken.

Therefore, Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts in Arunachal Pradesh and the areas falling within the jurisdiction of Namsai, Mahadevpur and Chowkham police stations in Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh, bordering the State of Assam, are declared as ‘disturbed area’ under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 for six months with effect from April 1, 2025, unless withdrawn earlier, it said.

There have been protests and demands for the complete withdrawal of the law from the Northeast as well as Jammu and Kashmir.

Manipuri activist Irom Chanu Sharmila fought against the law by remaining on hunger strike for 16 years, before ending it on August 9, 2016.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier said the AFSPA has been removed in 70 per cent of the areas in the northeastern states, even though it is in force in Jammu and Kashmir.

Shah had also said that the central government would consider revoking AFSPA in Jammu and Kashmir.

Gurminder Singh, popularly known as Garry, was appointed in October 2023

The Punjab Advocate-General’s office appears to be heading for a crisis, with Advocate-General Gurminder Singh reportedly expressing his reluctance to continue in the post. Nearly 18 months after assuming office, he is believed to have conveyed his disinclination to carry on. It is believed that his stand against continuing on the post may prompt the state government to explore alternatives.

Gurminder Singh, popularly known as Garry, was appointed in October 2023 following previous A-G Vinod Ghai’s resignation.

One of the key reasons behind his apparent decision to step down is said to be internal issues within the A-G office, including extensions of law officers. Not all law officers have been granted extensions, leading to dissatisfaction.

Additionally, the AAP Government has been making changes in response to the party’s poor performance in Delhi, which may have further influenced the situation.

Gurminder, 56, completed his LLB from Panjab University in 1989 and was designated Senior Advocate in 2014. He has been practising before various high courts, including those in Chandigarh, Delhi, and Shimla, specialising in constitutional, commercial, arbitration and criminal matters.

When contacted, Gurminder stated that he was in the midst of something and not in a position to comment.

A CBI court here today convicted former Moga SSP Devinder Singh Garcha, former SP (Headquarters) Paramdip Singh Sandhu and two dismissed Punjab Police SHOs under the Prevention of Corruption Act in the 2007 Moga sex racket case. The quantum of…

Gaurav Kanthwal

A CBI court here today convicted former Moga SSP Devinder Singh Garcha, former SP (Headquarters) Paramdip Singh Sandhu and two dismissed Punjab Police SHOs under the Prevention of Corruption Act in the 2007 Moga sex racket case.

The quantum of sentence will be pronounced on April 4, said CBI Public Prosecutor Anmol Narang. Two other accused, Barjinder Singh, alias Makhan, son of a former Akali Dal minister, and Sukhraj Singh, have been acquitted.

The case had made national headlines as it allegedly involved high-profile politicians, a serving SSP and SP, and two SHOs who extorted money from rich youths by trapping them in immoral activities. Over time, the names of goldsmiths, advocates, businessmen, a journalist, a junior engineer and even relatives of police personnel were added and later dropped from the case. Police officials were accused of extorting money from them in exchange for removing their names from the statements of a woman and a minor girl.

The minor girl was granted pardon and turned an approver, only to turn hostile during the evidence stage. The woman, Manjit Kaur of Dharamkot, and her husband were shot dead by unidentified assailants in 2018.

Garcha, an Olympian who even captained the Indian hockey team, and Sandhu rose to the rank of Additional Inspector General before retiring from the Punjab Police. Raman has also been convicted of extortion and Amarjit of attempted extortion.

The hushed-up happenings came to light on June 7, 2007, when Bhagike village resident Ranjit Singh filed a complaint with the ADGP (Law and Order) alleging that Moga City-1 SHO Amarjit was demanding a Rs 50,000 bribe to spare him in a rape case lodged on the complaint of the minor girl.

As senior police officials and politicians were allegedly involved, the Punjab and Haryana High Court transferred the case to the CBI in December 2007. The high court had even observed that the Moga sex scam was “no less than the Jammu sex scandal”.

In 2012, the CBI court had framed charges against Garcha, Sandhu, Amarjit, Raman, Barjinder, Manjit, the minor girl, Sukhraj, and advocates Ranbir Singh, alias Ranu, and Karamjit Singh Batth. Ranbir and Karamjit turned approvers and testified as prosecution witness.

In a significant exhibition of joint operational capabilities, top military leaders fr

In a significant exhibition of joint operational capabilities, top military leaders from the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy observed a coordinated exercise that showcased the integration of land, air, and sea assets. The event featured Lieutenant General RC Tiwari from the Eastern Command of the Army, Air Marshal Surat Singh from the Eastern Air Command of the Indian Air Force, and Commodore Ajay Yadav, the Naval Officer-in-Charge in West Bengal.

This comprehensive exercise demonstrated the forces’ ability to conduct sophisticated joint operations with impressive precision and efficiency. The collaborative maneuvers showcased a high level of operational synergy among the three branches of the armed forces, reflecting their preparedness for complex scenarios.

A standout feature of the demonstration was the seamless execution of advanced aerial operations in conjunction with ground and naval precision strikes. This critical aspect illustrated a well-coordinated combat strategy, enhanced by modern technology, which is vital for contemporary military engagements.

Conducted in a challenging operational environment, the exercise allowed the forces to highlight their proficiency in precision firing, battlefield maneuvering, and rapid response tactics. The successful culmination of these intricate operations served to reaffirm the interoperability and combined capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces, emphasizing their readiness to address multi-dimensional threats.

The event not only highlighted the operational readiness of India’s military but also illustrated their adaptability to evolving warfare scenarios. It reinforced the importance of cohesive operations among the three services, showcasing their collective commitment to safeguarding the nation’s security in an increasingly complex global landscape.

In a strategic initiative to bolster India’s defensive capabilities along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh, the Indian Army is initiating the…

In a strategic initiative to bolster India’s defensive capabilities along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh, the Indian Army is initiating the establishment of a new division-level formation, the 72 Infantry Division. This division will be permanently stationed in the region and will operate under the Leh-based 14 Corps, known as the Fire and Fury Corps, tasked with securing some of the country’s most challenging and strategically significant frontiers.

The Fire and Fury Corps, which was established in the aftermath of the Kargil War in September 1999, has played a crucial role in defending India’s northern borders. The introduction of the 72 Infantry Division is anticipated to significantly enhance the Army’s defensive posture, complementing the existing 3 Infantry Division to improve both operational strength and readiness in the region.

This decision comes as part of a broader restructuring of the Order of Battle (ORBAT) aimed at reorganizing and redeploying troops to effectively respond to the evolving security landscape. Initially approved in 2017 as part of the 17 Mountain Strike Corps and planned to be based in Pathankot, plans shifted following the violent clash in Galwan Valley in 2020. Consequently, the decision was made to relocate the division to Eastern Ladakh to reinforce India’s frontline defenses along the LAC.

A senior defense official elaborated, “The 72 Division was originally meant to be part of the Mountain Strike Corps and based in Pathankot for operations in Eastern Ladakh, while the 59 Division was designated to cover areas under the Eastern Command.” This reallocation reflects a recognition of the growing security challenges in the region.

Once fully operational, the 72 Infantry Division will take over the responsibilities of the currently deployed Uniform Force, which is expected to return to its base in the Reasi sector of Jammu. The division is set to play a critical role in enhancing readiness and response capabilities for any potential escalation along the LAC.

Typically, an army division comprises approximately 10,000 to 15,000 combat troops, further supported by about 8,000 personnel in logistical and operational roles. Commanded by a Major General, a standard division includes three to four brigades, each overseen by Brigade Commanders managing 3,500 to 4,000 troops.

As part of its implementation, the new division’s headquarters is already under establishment, with one brigade headquarters operational in Eastern Ladakh. Meanwhile, other elements of the formation are engaged in specialized training in western regions of the country to ensure effective integration of personnel and equipment tailored for the division’s operational needs and the unique challenges posed by the terrain.

This specialized training is essential for preparing the 72 Infantry Division to undertake high-altitude warfare, equipping it to counter any emerging threats along the sensitive LAC effectively.

The formal raising of the 72 Infantry Division comes amidst escalating border tensions and aims to significantly enhance India’s strategic depth and preparedness in the region. The division’s permanent stationing in Eastern Ladakh will facilitate improved operational readiness and rapid response capabilities in light of the evolving security dynamics.

This initiative reaffirms India’s dedication to protecting its territorial integrity while augmenting its military capabilities to address potential challenges along its northern borders. The establishment of the 72 Infantry Division within the Fire and Fury Corps exemplifies the Indian Army’s commitment to maintaining a robust and proactive defense strategy along its critical frontiers.

In a historic move for gender inclusivity, the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun is set to welcome its first batch of women officer cadets…

In a historic move for gender inclusivity, the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun is set to welcome its first batch of women officer cadets in July 2025. This significant development follows a landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2021, which mandated that women be allowed to join the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla, thereby opening pathways for their entry into the armed forces through the regular entry route.

Out of the current 18 women cadets in the sixth and final term of their NDA training, eight have chosen to join the Indian Army. After completing a year of intensive training at IMA, these cadets will be commissioned as officers in 2026. This marks a transformative moment for IMA, which has exclusively trained male officer cadets for nearly 93 years.

The IMA has begun preparations for this new chapter by designating separate accommodations for women cadets, although they will train alongside their male counterparts. This arrangement includes being assigned to different companies, aimed at facilitating a smooth integration process during the training period. A senior official highlighted the importance of this milestone, stating that IMA, the last military academy in the country to exclude women from training, is embarking on a significant evolution in its history.

To ensure that the induction of women cadets occurs seamlessly and that gender-specific needs are effectively addressed, IMA officials have proactively visited other military training academies. These visits included stops at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai, the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, and the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala to learn from their established practices in training women cadets.

The pathway for women to attend the NDA and Naval Academy was paved by the Supreme Court’s ruling in 2021, which dismantled entrenched gender barriers and allowed women to take the NDA entrance examination. This ruling came in the wake of another important Supreme Court decision that granted women officers who joined the Indian Army through Short Service Commission (SSC) entitlements for permanent commission and command roles, enhancing gender parity within the armed forces.

• Since the commencement of women’s induction into NDA in August 2022, their training spans three years divided into six terms, culminating in graduation in May 2025. After this, the eight women cadets intending to join the Army will transition to IMA for specialized training before their commissioning.

The integration of women into the Indian military has witnessed remarkable advancements. Approximately 60% of the Indian Army’s women commanding officers are leading units in operational zones, including critical postings in the Northern and Eastern Commands, responsible for securing India’s borders. Additionally, over 145 women officers have received approvals for promotion to Colonel, and around 115 are currently commanding their respective units.

Despite these strides, several branches, particularly combat roles in infantry and tank units, remain closed to women in the Army. However, the forthcoming induction of women cadets into IMA signals a promising trend toward offering equal opportunities and expanding their future roles within the armed forces.he transition toward gender inclusivity has faced challenges. Notably, a senior general expressed operational concerns regarding the integration of women in sensitive roles. In a letter penned in October 2024, Lieutenant General Rajeev Puri raised queries about command dynamics and the management of officer ranks involving women. Nonetheless, these apprehensions have largely been perceived as initial hurdles that can be overcome through experience and evolving operational standards.

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Anu Singh Randhawa, who served for 21 years in the Army Ordnance Corps, remains optimistic about the future for women in the military. “I don’t foresee any hurdles, as the Army has been training women at OTA for more than 30 years. Similar training standards and practices will be adopted by IMA,” she remarked, emphasizing the acceptance of women in the military.

The selection process for candidates aspiring to enter the NDA and Naval Academy is both rigorous and competitive. Candidates, including women, are required to:

• Pass the Services Selection Board (SSB) assessments, which include a comprehensive five-day evaluation of personality and intelligence.
• Undergo a thorough medical examination.
• Have their performance consolidated into a final merit list prepared by the UPSC after the completion of all selection stages.

The women cadets joining IMA have successfully navigated these challenging rounds, positioning themselves well for the forthcoming training.

• This landmark induction is more than a symbolic gesture; it represents a significant stride towards empowering women within the armed forces and fostering a culture of equality, professionalism, and opportunity. As these pioneering women prepare to commence their journey at IMA in July 2025, they embody the promise of breaking new ground and inspiring future generations of young women to pursue careers in the Indian Army.