KULLU: Despite the arduous challenge of clearing the heavy snow, going up to five feet, on the Manali-Rohtang Road, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is once again geared up to reopen the road to traffic.

The heavy snowfall over the past two days had blocked the 13,050 feet high Rohtang Pass, the only gateway to Lahaul-Spiti district from Manali, stalling traffic movement completely and cutting off the district from the rest of the world.Talking to HT, BRO commander KP Rajendra said, “The BRO workforce and machinery has been deployed to clear snow from Manali towards Marhi, while the road clearing work on the Lahaul, between Satingri and Koksar, will begin on Saturday.”

THERE WAS NO REPRESENTATION IN THE SEVENTH CENTRAL PAY COMMISSION FROM THE DEFENCE SERVICES THOUGH THEY FORM THE LARGEST GROUP OF GOVERNMENT SERVICE, OTHER THAN THE RAILWAYS

The military has been persistently disadvantaged by successive central pay commissions (CPC). In the case of the first and second CPCs, its case was fielded by the ministry of defence (MoD). The third CPC wanted to hear the case from the military directly but the MoD ruled against this on grounds of discipline, and the top brass accepted the absurd stand.
This pay commission brought down pensions of military personnel from 70% of last pay drawn to 50% but elevated pensions from 30% to 50% in the case of civil servants. Nearly 80% of military personnel did not even get 50% of the last pay drawn as pension. Only 37% got it because of the shorter span of service. The 50% pension was available only after 20 years of military service. Thereafter, subsequent CPCs persistently disadvantaged the military vis-à-vis civil services. However, the third CPC dangled the one rank one pension (OROP) scheme as an alternative to the decrease in pensions from 70% to 50%.
MOD, CDA PLAY NEGATIVE ROLE
Where subsequent pay commissions tried to improve matters for the military, the MoD and the controller of defence accounts (CDA) stepped in to negate them. The fourth CPC, as a consolation for OROP, gave rank pay up to the rank of brigadier. The CDA conveniently deducted this amount from the basic pay, which in turn impacted allowances as well. Three decades later, this is yet to be resolved. The Supreme Court orders on the payment of rank pay have not been implemented fully. Those behind this lapse were neither exposed nor held accountable.
The sixth CPC ruled that pension should be fixed at 50% of “the minimum of the rank in the pay band corresponding”. The civil bureaucracy rephrased this sentence to read, “minimum of the pay band corresponding”. Those who played this trick were never pointed out and no action was initiated against them. This put four ranks: Lieutenant colonel, colonel, brigadier and major general in the same band 4 and the ministry placed all of them at the bottom of the pay band for the purpose of fixing pension. Thus, a brigadier (with rank pay as admissible to him) got more pension than a major general. This has also not been fully resolved a decade later, the Supreme Court ruling notwithstanding. In addition, more than two score anomalies created by the sixth CPC are yet to be resolved.
DISABILITY PENSION
Disabled civil employees of the government are retained till they reach the age of superannuation and given normal pension. Whereas for military personnel, for whom the chances of suffering disability is higher due to professional hazards, the disabled are sent out of service and often denied adequate disability pension. Disabled personnel have been fighting their cases with the government for years. The seventh CPC has further complicated the issue of disability and broadbanding.
Early retirement, mounting family commitments and resultant financial worries has brought down a soldier’s life expectancy to 61-63 years, while the life expectancy of his counterpart in the civil services is 71-72 and those from the railways is 73. Early death of a soldier creates a wider gap in the sum total of pay and pension between him and his counterpart in the civil and police (state and central services). This sad state of soldiers seems to be of no one’s concern: least of all the military’s top brass.
CIVIL SERVICES ARE ONE UP ON OROP
The bureaucracy, via the sixth CPC, gifted itself and all-India Group A services (over four dozen of them) “non-functional upgrade (NFU)” but made it a point to exclude military officers from this largesse. This grant of NFU gave these civil services one up on OROP. Under NFU, everyone from those over four dozen civil services retired in the minimum appointment equivalent to an additional secretary to the government of India (equal to a threestar general), while less than 0.01% vacancies of three star general exist in the military. Even if the seventh CPC recommends NFU to the military, others would have gained 10 years advantage over them.
The seventh CPC could do no better. As in the past, there was no representation in the CPC from the defence services though they form the largest group of government service (other than the railways). Even among the 150-odd officers drawn from various services to assist the CPC in working out the details of the report, there is none from the military. So the perennial bias and prejudice of bureaucrats against the military play out to the full and even those from the top judiciary, the chairmen of the CPCs, fail to notice this glaring shortfall. It would be too much to expect our service chiefs to take a stand even on this basic issue.
MISLEADING FACTS
In working out the defence revenue expenditure and percentage share of revenue expenditure, the seventh CPC took into account only .01% of the defence forces that reaches the rank of lieutenant general and paired it with that of 95% of civil servants who reach the level of additional secretary. This has been done to present a facade of satisfactory remuneration to defence personnel.
This CPC’s terms of reference were to take into account the economic conditions of the country and the need for fiscal prudence, yet it has recommended grant of OROP to all government employees, while ex-servicemen have been agitating for OROP for more than 160 days and the government has been haggling with them to reduce their demand, citing the fiscal burden. The military’s demand for OROP rested on the grounds of early retirement and limited promotions. No such basis exists in the case of civil servants. The pay commission has gone horribly wrong on the retirement age of military personnel. For it, a sepoy retires at 42-48 years and a naik at 49. The CPC is unaware that 80% of army personnel retire at 37 years and less.

Putting the military at the disadvantage has made the service unattractive. This would impact national security in the long run because the man behind the gun continues to be more important than the gun. It’s time to rectify the anomalies of successive pay commissions and end the bias against the military.

LT GEN HARWANT SINGH (RETD) gen_harwant@hotmail.com The writer, a former deputy chief of army staff, is a commentator on defence and security issues. Views expressed are personal

London, January 9

A British website set up to catalogue the last days of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose has released what it claims are eyewitness accounts of the day he was reportedly killed in a plane crash in Taiwan on August 18, 1945.

The latest set of documents quote several people who were reportedly involved in the matter related to the accident as well as two British intelligence reports that revisited the crash site to establish the facts.

The website also sheds light on what may have been the freedom fighter’s dying words, which reflected his devotion to the cause of India’s freedom.

“For 70 years, there have been doubts in certain circles whether such a tragedy at all took place. Four separate reports each corroborating the other constitute irresistible evidence to the contrary,” says a statement issued by www.bosefiles.info.

The documents say that early in the morning on August 18, 1945, a Japanese Air Force bomber took off from Tourane in Vietnam with Bose and 12 or 13 other passengers and crew. Also on board was Lt Gen Tsunamasa Shidei of the Japanese Army and the planned flight path was Heito-Taipei-Dairen-Tokyo.

The three-member Netaji Inquiry Committee, instituted by the government of India in 1956 and headed by Major General Shah Nawaz Khan of Bose’s Indian National Army (INA), was told that since “the weather was perfect and the engines (of the aircraft) worked smoothly” the pilot decided to overfly Heito and proceed straight to Taipei, arriving there late morning or early afternoon.

Major Taro Kono, a Japanese Air Staff Officer and one of the passengers, told the committee: “I noticed that the engine on the left side of the plane was not functioning properly. I, therefore, went inside the plane and after examining the engine inside, I found it to be working all right”. He added the accompanying engineer “also tested the engine and certified its air-worthiness”.

Captain Nakamura alias Yamamoto, the ground engineer in charge of maintenance at the airport, concurred with Major Kono “that the engine of the left side was defective”.

He said the pilot told him “it was a brand new engine”.

He went on to say: “After slowing down the engine, he (the pilot) adjusted it for about five minutes. The engine was tested twice by Major Takizawa (the pilot). After being adjusted, I satisfied myself that the condition of the engine was all right. Major Takizawa also agreed with me that there was nothing wrong with the engine.”

However, soon after the aircraft was airborne there was, according to Colonel Habib ur Rahman – Bose’s ADC and a co-passenger, a loud explosion.

He described it as “a noise like a cannon shot”.

Nakamura, who was watching from the ground, said: “Immediately on taking off, the plane tilted to its left side and I saw something fall down from the plane, which I later found was the propeller.”

He also maintained that the maximum height gained by the aircraft was 30–40 metres.

He estimated “the plane crashed about 100 metres beyond the concrete runway” and immediately caught fire in the front portion.

Colonel Rahman recounted: “Netaji turned towards me. I said ‘Aagey Say Nikaleay, Pichey Say Rasta Nahin Hai’. (Please get out through the front; there is no way in the rear.)”

“We could not get through the entrance door as it was all blocked and jammed by packages and other things. So Netaji got out through the fire; actually he rushed through the fire. I followed him through the same flames.

“The moment I got out, I saw him about 10 yards ahead of me, standing, looking in the opposite direction to mine towards the west. His clothes were on fire. I rushed and I experienced great difficulty in unfastening his bush-shirt belt. His trousers were not so much on fire and it was not necessary to take them off.”

Rahman was in woollen uniform, whereas Bose was in cotton khakis, which, it was assessed, caught fire more easily.

Rahman added: “I laid him down on the ground and noticed a very deep cut on his head, probably on the left side. His face had been scorched by heat and his hair had also caught fire and singed.

“Netaji enquired from me in Hindustani: Aap Ko Ziada To Nahin Lagi?” (Hope you have not been hurt badly). I replied, ‘I feel that I will be all right. About himself he said that he felt that he would not survive.’”

Bose added: “Jab Apney Mulk Wapis Jayen To Mulki Bhaiyon Ko Batana Ki Mein Akhri Dam Tak Mulk Ki Azadi Ke Liyay Larta Raha Hoon; Woh Jangi Azadi Ko Jari Rakhen. Hindustan Zaroor Azad Hoga, Oos Ko Koi Gulam Nahin Rakh Sakta. (When you go back to the country, tell the people that up to the last I have been fighting for the liberation of my country; they should continue to struggle, and I am sure India will be free before long. Nobody can keep India in bondage now.)”.

Lieutenent Col Shiro Nonogaki, who was on the flight, said: “When I first saw Netaji after the plane crash, he was standing somewhere near the left tip of the left wing of the plane. His clothes were on fire and his assistant (Col Rahman) was trying to take off his coat.”

There were variations in the details provided by Rahman, Nonogaki, Kono, Takahashi and Nakamura. They were giving evidence 11 years after the accident.

But in essence there was no disagreement between their testimonies on the fact of the crash and Bose suffering severe burns and injuries as a consequence, the website notes.

Netaji was rushed to the nearby Nanmon Military Hospital in a critical condition. In September 1945, British authorities in India sent intelligence teams comprising of Messrs Finney and Davies, HK Roy and KP De to Bangkok, Saigon and Taipei to enquire about the whereabouts of Bose and, if possible, to arrest him. Instead, they returned with the story of the crash. — PTI

PATHANKOT: Lieutenant general Rajeev Tewari handed over the charge of the Rising Star Corps to lieutenant general Ashok Ambre, here on Monday. According to a press release from the army lieutenant general Tewari, during his illustrious command of the formation, oversaw the effective handling of counterterrorist operations, resulting in the elimination of all infiltrating terrorists and the successful conduct of rescue missions in the Corps zone. “Lieutenant general Ashok Ambre with an excellent service profile and rich experience in counter-terrorist operations has assumed the command of the Rising Star Corps,” the release said.

Pranab presents President’s Standards to MiG-27’s two squadrons based in West Bengal’s Alipurduar
Hasimara (West Bengal), Nov 28
Calling for mature statesmanship from India and China, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha today said the country should not look at China as an adversary anymore.
“We are in the same region, we have common interests. I don’t think that we should look at them as adversaries anymore,” Raha said in Alipurduar district.
“Yes, we had fought a conflict, we have borders to settle. I think it’s time for mature statesmanship from both the countries to reconcile on many issues,” he said.
All MIG-27 fighter jets, which have not been upgraded, will be phased out in the next couple of years and there are plans to introduce Rafale and Tejas, he added.
President Pranab Mukherjee said India was firmly committed to peace but was always prepared to deploy its military might to safeguard its sovereignty as he decorated two gallant IAF fighter aircraft squadrons at a strategic border airbase here today.
Mukherjee presented the President’s Standards to the 22nd and 18th Squadrons of the Indian Air Force operating the strike and combat superior MiG-27 aircraft to secure Indian skies along the eastern theatre during peace times and war.
The Squadrons are based here in Alipurduar district of West Bengal, strategically located right across the India-Bhutan border with the task to keep a vigil over the entire north-east border skies of India.
“India’s increasing eminence in the comity of nations draws its strength from the capabilities of our armed forces. Though we remain firmly committed to peace, we will use all our might to protect the sovereignty of the nation. I am confident that our valiant men and women in uniform will rise to the occasion,” the President said.
The President’s Standards are given to armed forces’ units which render exceptional and dedicated service over a period of time. Both the units which got the honours today have been doing so for the past 50 years now.
While the 18th Squadron, called the “Flying Bullets”, was formed in 1965 in Ambala, the 22nd Squadron was raised in 1966 in Bareilly and subsequently based at the Hasimara Air Force Station here.
Mukherjee praised the IAF’s role in carrying out numerous humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations especially during the 2013 deluge in Uttarakhand and during the earthquake in Nepal in April this year.
“The nation is indeed proud of you,” he said complimenting the two units and the Air Force.
The two air strike units decorated today have played important roles during the 1971 Indo-Pak war with the 18th Squadron being the lone recipient of the highest battle-time gallantry medal — the Param Vir Chakra — for the daredevil operation of its Flying Officer NJS Sekhon, who successfully brought down Pakistani air force “Sabre” fighter jets in skilled dogfights.
The 22nd Squadron, also called “The Swifts” for their fast and precision skills, earned its laurels during the same war when its fighters brought down three Pakistani jets over Jessore in a single sortie.
IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha and senior air force officers were present at the event along with state government officials. — PTI

New Delhi, January 8

An explosives-laden vehicle was on Friday found near the Indian consulate in Herat and one person arrested in this regard, prompting speculation as to whether it was intended for attacking yet another Indian diplomatic mission in Afghanistan.

According to the information available here, a vehicle was found parked unattended in a makeshift taxi stand next to the consulate and when checked by police officials, it was found to contain explosives.

“The police had seized a suspect vehicle near consulate perimeter with explosives to be used for VBIED (vehicle-borne improvised explosive device). It was not ready to be used as VBIED but only had preparatory explosive materials. All main suspects were able to escape…. Only one suspect from nearby area has been detained by police for interrogation,” Afghan police have reportedly informed Indian officials.

However, Indian consulate in Herat tweeted that “reports about discovery of VBIED outside the Consulate are misleading.

“No explosives found.”

Today’s incident comes less than a week after an attack by a group of heavily armed insurgents who attempted to storm into the Indian consulate in northern Mazar-e-Sharif city of Afghanistan on Sunday.

Just few days after Mazar-e-Sharif incident, a small bomb exploded near the Indian consulate in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad on January five.

Meanwhile, Afghan new agency Khaama Press (KP) while reporting on today’s development said the Afghan national security forces thwarted a terrorist attack plot by seizing a vehicle packed with explosives while it was parked close to the Indian consulate.

Provincial police spokesman Abdul Rauf Ahmadi confirmed that the vehicle was identified by the security forces and was defused on time. He was also quoted as saying that the police discovered explosives, fuses and remote controls from the vehicle which are normally used in suicide attacks. — PTI

Our Correspondent
Ferozepur, November 27
In continuation with the Indian armed forces’ relentless efforts to connect with the people, especially with the youth, the Golden Arrow Division today organised a seminar to mark the golden jubilee celebrations of the historic 1965 Indo-Pak war which saw intense action here.
During the seminar organised at RSD College in Ferozepur City, the speakers educated the youth about the nefarious and aggressive designs of the western neighbour and gave an overview about the war which was fought on this land 50 years ago. The event was attended by hundreds of students and faculty members of various colleges besides several dignitaries.
The Army officials also gave a talk about the sacrifices made by the armed forces personnel in protecting the sovereignty of the nation. The Army officials said the Indian Army being the principal stakeholder in the nation building will continue to lead from the front working hand in hand with proud citizens. The Army officials also lauded the role of Punjabis for their sacrifice for the sake of the motherland, especially the people of this “Land of martyrs” whom they said have always stood like a second wall of defence in case of any external aggression.

ਨਵੀਂ ਦਿੱਲੀ/ਪਠਾਨਕੋਟ (ਵਿਸ਼ੇਸ਼) : ਪਠਾਨਕੋਟ ਏਅਰਬੇਸ ‘ਤੇ ਹਥਿਆਰਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਲੈਸ ਅੱਤਵਾਦੀਆਂ ਨੇ ਹਮਲਾ ਕਰਕੇ ਪੂਰੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਨੂੰ ਦਹਿਲਾ ਕੇ ਰੱਖ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਪਰ ਇਸ ਹਮਲੇ ਸੋਚਣ ਵਾਲੀ ਗੱਲ ਤਾਂ ਇਹ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਇੰਨੇ ਅਸਲੇ ਸਮੇਤ ਆਖਰ ਅੱਤਵਾਦੀ ਪੰਜਾਬ ‘ਚ ਦਾਖਲ ਕਿਵੇਂ ਹੋ ਗਏ। ਸੁਰੱਖਿਆ ਏਜੰਸੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਸ਼ੱਕ ਹੈ ਕੁਝ ਪਾਕਿਸਤਾਨੀ ਅੱਤਵਾਦੀਆਂ ਦੀ ਸਥਾਨਕ ਦਵਾਈ ਵਿਕਰੇਤਾਵਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਮਿਲੀਭੁਗਤ ਹੈ, ਜਿਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਉੱਤਰ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਅਧਿਕਾਰੀਆਂ ਦਾ ਸਹਿਯੋਗ ਮਿਲ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ। ਇਸੇ ਕਾਰਨ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਆ ਏਜੰਸੀਆਂ ਦਾ ਸ਼ੱਕ ਡੂੰਘਾ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਜਾ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਡਰੱਗ ਸਮੱਗਲਰਾਂ ਦੀ ਮਦਦ ਨਾਲ ਹੀ ਪਠਾਨਕੋਟ ਦੀ ਤਬਾਹੀ ਦਾ ਸਮਾਨ ਭਾਰਤ ਆ ਸਕਿਆ।

ਪਠਾਨਕੋਟ ‘ਚ 4 ਦਿਨ ਤਕ ਚੱਲੀ ਮੁਹਿੰਮ ਮਗਰੋਂ ਅੱਤਵਾਦੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਢੇਰ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ ਪਰ ਅੱਤਵਾਦੀਆਂ ਦੀ ਘੁਸਪੈਠ ਵਿਚ ਕਿਸ ਨੇ ਮਦਦ ਕੀਤੀ, ਗੋਲਾ-ਬਾਰੂਦ ਪਠਾਨਕੋਟ ਤੱਕ ਕਿਵੇਂ ਪਹੁੰਚਿਆ। ਇਹ ਅਜਿਹੇ ਸਵਾਲ ਹਨ ਜਿਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦਾ ਜਵਾਬ ਲੱਭਣ ਵਿਚ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਆ ਏਜੰਸੀਆਂ ਲੱਗੀਆਂ ਹੋਈਆਂ ਹਨ। ਸੂਤਰਾਂ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਆ ਏਜੰਸੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਸ਼ੱਕ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਬੀ. ਐੱਸ. ਐੱਫ. ਦੇ ਕੁਝ ਅਧਿਕਾਰੀਆਂ ਦੀ ਮਦਦ ਨਾਲ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਵਿਚ ਡਰੱਗ ਸਮੱਗਲਿੰਗ ਦਾ ਕਾਰੋਬਾਰ ਵਧ-ਫੁਲ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ।
ਦੂਸਰੇ ਪਾਸੇ ਪਾਕਿਸਤਾਨ ਅਤੇ ਭਾਰਤ ਵਿਚ ਆਉਣ-ਜਾਣ ਲਈ ਅੱਤਵਾਦੀ ਸੰਗਠਨਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਡਰੱਗ ਮਾਫੀਆ ਨੇ ਗੱਢ-ਤੁੱਪ ਕੀਤੀ ਹੋਈ ਹੈ। ਉਚ ਪੱਧਰੀ ਸੂਤਰਾਂ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ ਪਾਕਿਸਤਾਨੀ ਅੱਤਵਾਦੀਆਂ ਵਲੋਂ ਵਰਤੇ ਹਥਿਆਰ ਤੇ ਗੋਲਾ-ਬਾਰੂਦ ਦਵਾਈਆਂ ਦੀ ਖੇਪ ਦੇ ਨਾਲ ਲੁਕੋ ਕੇ ਹੀ ਭਾਰਤ ਪਹੁੰਚਾਇਆ ਗਿਆ। ਰੱਖਿਆ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਮਨੋਹਰ ਪਾਰਿਕਰ ਨੇ ਵੀ ਮੰਗਲਵਾਰ ਨੂੰ ਇਹ ਮੰਨਿਆ ਸੀ ਕਿ 24 ਕਿਲੋਮੀਟਰ ਦੇ ਕੰਡਿਆਲੇ ਖੇਤਰ ਵਿਚ ਹਥਿਆਰਾਂ ਦੀ ਖੇਪ ਬਿਨਾਂ ਕਿਸੇ ਦੀ ਸਥਾਨਕ ਮਦਦ ਦੇ ਏਅਰਬੇਸ ਤਕ ਪਹੁੰਚ ਸਕਣਾ ਸੰਭਵ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੈ। ਇਹੀ ਕਾਰਨ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਹੁਣ ਐੱਨ. ਆਈ. ਏ. ਦੀ ਰਾਡਾਰ ‘ਤੇ ਬੀ. ਐੱਸ. ਐੱਫ. ਨਾਲ ਕੁਝ ਸਥਾਨਕ ਪੁਲਸ ਵੀ ਆ ਗਈ ਹੈ।

ਪਠਾਨਕੋਟ ਹਮਲਾ : ਸਿਵਲ ਹਸਪਤਾਲ ਪੁੱਜੀਆਂ ਅੱਤਵਾਦੀਆਂ ਦੀਆਂ ਲਾਸ਼ਾਂ, ਅੱਜ ਹੋਵੇਗਾ ਪੋਸਟਮਾਰਟਮ (ਵੀਡੀਓ)

ਪਠਾਨਕੋਟ : ਪਠਾਨਕੋਟ ਏਅਰਫੋਰਸ ਸਟੇਸ਼ਨ ‘ਤੇ ਹਮਲੇ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਫੌਜ ਵਲੋਂ ਢੇਰ ਕੀਤੇ ਗਏ 6 ਅੱਤਵਾਦੀਆਂ ‘ਚੋਂ 4 ਦੀਆਂ ਲਾਸ਼ਾਂ ਸਿਵਲ ਹਸਪਤਾਲ ਪਹੁੰਚਾ ਦਿੱਤੀਆਂ ਗਈਆਂ ਹਨ। ਅੱਤਵਾਦੀਆਂ ਦੇ ਪੂਰੇ ਸਰੀਰ ਦੀ ਸਕੈਨ ਹੋਣ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਹੀ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦਾ ਪੋਸਟ ਮਾਰਟਮ ਕੀਤਾ ਜਾਵੇਗਾ। ਇਸ ਦੇ ਲਈ 4 ਡਾਕਟਰਾਂ ਦੀ ਟੀਮ ਬਣਾਈ ਗਈ ਹੈ।
ਡਾਕਟਰਾਂ ਦਾ ਕਹਿਣਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਅੱਤਵਾਦੀਆਂ ਦੇ ਪੋਸਟਮਾਰਟਮ ਨੂੰ 6 ਘੰਟੇ ਤੱਕ ਦਾ ਸਮਾਂ ਲੱਗੇਗਾ। ਜਿੱਥੇ ਅੱਤਵਾਦੀਆਂ ਦੀਆਂ ਲਾਸ਼ਾਂ ਰੱਖੀਆਂ ਗਈਆਂ ਹਨ, ਉੱਥੇ ਕਿਸੇ ਨੂੰ ਵੀ ਆਉਣ-ਜਾਣ ਨਹੀਂ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਜਾ ਰਿਹਾ। ਪੁਲਸ ਨੇ ਸਿਵਲ ਹਸਪਤਾਲ ਦੇ ਚਾਰੋ ਪਾਸੇ ਰਾਤ ਤੋਂ ਹੀ ਚੌਕਸੀ ਵਧਾ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਹੈ।
ਇਸ ਸੰਬੰਧੀ ਗੱਲ ਕਰਦੇ ਹੋਏ ਐੱਸ. ਐੱਮ. ਓ. ਪਠਾਨਕੋਟ ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਸਾਡੀ ਚਾਰ ਡਾਕਟਰਾਂ ਦੀ ਟੀਮ ਡੀ. ਐੱਚ. ਓ. ਤਰਸੇਮ ਸਿੰਘ ਦੀ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨਗੀ ‘ਚ ਬਣਾਈ ਗਈ ਹੈ। ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੱਸਿਆ ਕਿ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਅੱਤਵਾਦੀਆਂ ਦੇ ਪੂਰੇ ਸਰੀਰ ਦੀ ਸਕੈਨ ਕੀਤੀ ਜਾਵੇਗੀ ਤਾਂ ਜੋ ਪਤਾ ਲੱਗ ਸਕੇ ਕਿ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਕਿੱਥੇ-ਕਿੱਥੇ ਗੋਲੀਆਂ ਲੱਗੀਆਂ ਹਨ ਅਤੇ ਇਸ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਹੀ ਪੋਸਟ ਮਾਰਟਮ ਕੀਤਾ ਜਾਵੇਗਾ।

The Indian Air Force has been forced to commence intermediate stage II pilot training with the Pilatus PC-7 Mk II basic trainer aircraft (BTA), which also serves as its basic stage I trainer.

“We understand that in the last couple of months, the IAF has thoroughly tested the aircraft with regard to their Stage II training syllabus requirements and determined that the PC-7 Mk II is very capable for deployment in an intermediate flying training role,” says Pilatus Aircraft executive Jim Roche in an email to Flightglobal.

The PC-7 Mk II’s service entry in early 2013 ended the crisis stemming from the grounding of Hindustan Aeronautics’ HPT-32 ‘Deepak’ basic trainer on safety grounds.

Prior to the induction of the PC-7, the air force undertook stage I and stage II training on Kiran jet trainers. In a reversal of roles, the PC-7 Mk II will now take-over the Kiran’s Stage II training role, as the service looks to keep the 1960s type in service till 2018.

A number of challenges remain for the air force. Only 38 additional PC-7 Mk IIs are planned to be acquired from Pilatus, for a total of 113, instead of the 181 originally planned.

Despite the delay in finalising the contract, the Swiss airframer’s now proven ability to deliver aircraft in short order, once a contract is inked, could be a source of comfort for the air force.

At the beginning of the year, then HAL Chairman RK Tyagi told Flightglobal that its developmental basic trainer, the HTT40, would undertake its maiden flight before the end of the year. It would provide an indigenous solution to India’s basic trainer needs and include a weaponised variant. Developmental work on the type is now expected to be completed by 2018.

Nonetheless, Pilatus remains confident of a firm order for 38 more PC-7 Mk IIs.

“As has been reported by various IAF sources, discussions are continuing between Pilatus and the Indian air force regarding implementation of the option clause within the current contract,” says Roche.

One advantage Pilatus has is a hot production line, which is producing five PC-7 Mk IIs for Malaysia and will produce nine PC-9Ms for Jordon. Deliveries for both run out to 2017.

HAL, meanwhile, continues to have issues with its HJT-36 Sitara Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT).

Fifteen years of development have resulted in an aircraft that is overweight, has yet to clear spin trials and is powered by an NPO Saturn AL-55I engine with a Total Technical Life (TTL) of only 300 hours.

The IAF has orders for 12 limited series production (LSP) aircraft, of which six have been produced so far, and orders for 73 series production aircraft. Nonetheless, the air force issued a request for information to global OEMs in February 2014 seeking an IJT. With the PC-7 Mk II fulfilling the stage II training role of the IJT, it is not clear if this RFI will lead to an RFP.