Lt Gen Singh quizzed in Tatra deal

Carrying forward its probe on the bribery allegation created by Army Chief Gen V K Singh, the CBI nowadays questioned retired Lt Gen Tejinder Singh for the primary time for his alleged role within the Tatra case.

Singh fell upon the CBI headquarters this morning and was grilled at length in reference to the Tatra case because the probe to this point prompt role of some former Army officers in clearing the deal for the trucks, official sources said.

They said Singh was additionally asked to reply to the allegations levelled against him by the military Chief who claimed in his statement that the previous Lt Gen had approached him in 2010 with a bribe provide of Rs fourteen crore to clear a tranche of 600 Tatra trucks for the military.

Sources within the CBI said, Tejinder Singh was asked concerning the explanations of his visit to Army Chief's workplace on September twenty two, 2010 when the alleged bribe provide was created to Gen V K Singh.

Tejinder Singh has denied of these allegations and additionally filed a contempt case against the military Chief.

The CBI had recorded the statement of Army Chief on April twenty during which he had created the allegation against Tejinder Singh saying that he had created the provide on behalf of Ravi Rishi of Tatra trucks, the sources said.

Rishi and his company, Vectra, have additionally denied any wrong doing within the case.

CBI has registered a case in purchases of Tatra Trucks to Army on March thirty against Rishi, unknown officers of Defence Ministry and UK-based Vectra company.

The CBI sources claimed that documents showed that there was an evident hurry shown in signing the Memorandum of Understanding in mere 3 days between Tatra Sipox UK and therefore the BEML in June, 1997.

Rishi holding substantial shares in Tatra Sipox UK has denied allegations of any wrong doing.

The agency is probing alleged irregularities in assigning provide from Czechoslovakia-based Tatra, with that the agreement was originally signed in 1986, to the Tatra-Sipox UK owned by Rishi in 1997 showing it as Original Equipment Manufacturer and therefore the fully-owned subsidiary of Czech company, they said.

A CBI spokesperson had said this was against the provisions of Defence Procurement Procedure for supplying the vehicles to Indian Army on the idea of the orders placed by the Ministry of Defence.

"It is any alleged that during this manner, vehicles price thousands of crores of rupees are provided to the Indian Army. In continuation of the aforesaid conspiracy to cause undue profit to the UK-based company, the unknown officers of the Defence PSU allowed modification of currency from US dollar to Euro and any by not levying the Liquidated damages, thereby inflicting any loss of Rs thirteen.27 crores," the CBI had said.

Army organises Konser Naag Yatra

HC adjourns hearing in encounter involving Army chief

The State High Court nowadays adjourned the hearing of the alleged faux encounter case involving the designate Chief of Army workers, Lieutenant General Bikram Singh, who was Brigadier 1-Sector Rashtriya Riffles of Army in south Kashmir when the encounter occurred, by one week.

Justice Mansoor Ahmad Mir adjourned the case until might ten when the State Government counsel, Advocate Nissar Hussain Shah, informed the Court that the objections filed by Senior Superintendent of Police, Anantnag within the case be taken on board as that of the State Government still.

Earlier on April eleven, the High Court had granted one week's time to the State Government to file objections when the Deputy Advocate General of the State, Alaudin Ganai, prayed that point be given to the State Government to file objections.

SSP Anantnag has pleaded before the court that the petitioners never approached them with the plea seeking reinvestigation of the case.

The police report has additionally rubbished the claim that the encounter at Janglat Mandi was faux saying the death of 2 civilians, a military officer and a soldier were facts to the contrary.

Defence Ministry had already submitted their objections to the petition filed by Zaituna, who has alleged that her son Abdullah Bhat, a resident of Macchil in Kupwara district, was killed during a faux encounter at Anantnag city in March 2001 and later branded as a Pakistani militant 'Mateen Chacha'.

According to the objections filed by the Defence Ministry, Lt Gen Singh, who was then a Brigadier commanding the one Sector Rashtriya Rifles in south Kashmir, was returning to Anantnag when visiting varied Army units.

Later, when the military convoy stopped at Janglat Mandi in Anantnag, a militant disguised as a beggar opened indiscriminate fireplace upon the Armymen.

The dead included Colonel J P Jam, the then Commanding Officer of an area RR unit, Sepoy Ganesh Kumar, Muhammad Shafi son of Abdul Rasheed of Hazratbal-Anantnag, and Abdul Ahad Sheikh son of Ghulam Muhammad Sheikh of Janglat Mandi-Anantnag.

Another person was killed within the retaliatory action of the military and police later 'identified' him as a resident of Pakistan.

The counsels for the Defence Ministry, Advocate Karnail Wazir Singh {and the|and therefore the|and additionally the} petitioner Advocate Zaffar Ahmad Qureshi were also gift within the court.

20 new tourist destinations for j&k

Army organizes seminar on enhancing JKs pride

The two days seminar on "ENHANCING JAMMU AND KASHMIR'S PRIDE" finally culminated these days once an exchange of concepts on the topic by a flexible league of speakers from all elements of the country. Maj Gen. Gurdeep Singh, General Officer Commanding, Counter Insurgency Force (Victor), Samir Yasir, Dr Shah Faisal, Nitin Pai and Ajai Shukla these days centered on 'Role of Security Forces, Civil Administration, Awam and Media in enhancing Jammu and Kashmir's Pride and Dignity'.

Maj Gen Gurdeep Singh, highlighted the role of Security Forces in additional enhancing the Pride and Dignity in Jammu and Kashmir. Dr Shah Faisal dwelt on numerous aspects that are required by the Civil Administration and therefore the Awam to contribute in enhancing the Pride and Dignity and Sameer Yasir from IUST spoke on Media's role in Jammu and Kashmir whereas Ajay Shukla deliberated upon the role of National Media in Jammu and Kashmir. Nitin Pai highlighted problems with conflict management within the age of connectivity.

Audience and therefore the speakers shared the invaluable contribution created by Security Forces in development of Jammu and Kashmir and in Enhancing Jammu and Kashmir's Pride. Role of Media as a watchdog was once more appreciated by speakers still as audience. Speakers projected the necessity for Security Forces and Media to figure along towards peace and development of Jammu and Kashmir. Awam's invaluable contribution in enhancing Pride and Dignity will never be beneath estimated as folks of Jammu and Kashmir are the bed rock of Kashmiriyat and same was aptly highlighted.

In the finish Lt Gen SA Hasnain, Corps Commander of Chinar Corps, expressed his satisfaction over the fruits of a profound and historic event within the history of Jammu and Kashmir. The Corps Commander highlighted that the aim set for the Seminar was over accomplished, whereby the 2 days of free and frank opinion received from the speakers and therefore the august gathering centered on a number of the crucial problems with understanding Jammu and Kashmir's Pride, the protection challenges and manner ahead for the approaching years. He reiterated that it had been time, to meet the expectations of Awam within the post stablisation amount.

The Corps Commander additionally exhorted Civil Administration and Media concerning the necessary role to be played by them. He felt that the social harmony clubbed with overall development and creation of employment opportunities, as well as self employment, were the necessity to bring back and enhance Jammu and Kashmir's pride.

The seminar ended with a vote of thanks by Maj Gen Gurdeep Singh to the speakers who had come back to be a part of the Seminar and therefore the most inquisitive audience. This initiative of the Chinar Corps was appreciated by one and every one. faculty students were happy by the efforts place in by Army to form them realise their own ethos and cultural heritage and hoped that a lot of such Seminars are going to be conducted in future to additional broaden their horizon.

Army writes to Omar on Afspa

Army Chief opposes AFSPA withdrawal

Army Chief takes age row to SC

Army saves life of pregnant woman

Army provides computers, furniture to schools

Court reserves order on plea to summon Army chief

A Delhi court nowadays reserved for April twenty six its order on summoning Army Chief Gen V K Singh and 4 others named as accused in an exceedingly criminal defamation case filed by former Lt Gen Tejinder Singh who had denied having created Rs fourteen crore bribe provide to him to strike a defence deal.

Metropolitan Magistrate (MM) Jasjeet Kaur reserved the order on the criminal criticism when Tejinder Singh’s counsel said that his consumer had already recorded his statement and pre-summoning proof in support of his criticism.

Metropolitan Magistrate Sudesh Kumar, who had on April ten reserved the order on Tejinder Singh’s criticism, didn't hold proceedings nowadays as he was attending a coaching session and therefore the matter was listed for hearing by MM Kaur.

Tejinder Singh, a former director general of Defence Intelligence Agency, had filed defamation criticism against the military Chief and 4 alternative Army officers trashing the allegations that he had offered the bribe for clearing a deal for 600 "sub-standard" vehicles.

Besides the military Chief, he has named Vice Chief of Army workers S K Singh, Lt Gen B S Thakur (DG MI), Major General S L Narshiman (Additional Director General of Public Information) and Lt Col Hitten Sawhney posted within the media cell, accusing them of misusing their official positions, power and authority to level false charges against him.

Tejinder Singh had contended that every one the 5 fashioned an on the spot chain of command with the military Chief being the ultimate arbiter.

During the last hearing, he had said the allegation against him of getting offered bribe on behalf of Tatra and Vectra Ltd, that provides vehicles to BEML was fully "false, ill-founded and concocted."

Tejinder Singh had told the court that between March three and five this year, variety of media reports alluded to the military Chief having allegedly ordered "unlawful monitoring" of mobiles, notably within the South Block space here.

In order to divert the general public attention from this news, that pointed fingers at senior functionaries within the Army Headquarters, as well as Gen V K Singh, the media cell of the military Headquarters issued a press unharness on March five, he had said, adding he was named within the press unharness with none correct legal sanction.

The Army Chief had in response to the legal notice by Tejinder Singh told him that he was able to substantiate the allegations within the court.

Tejinder Singh had said the press unharness, taking his name, laid four allegations against him that were "false".

He had said the allegation that he was questioned earlier on the acquisition of off-the-air monitoring system while not sanction by the competent authority was additionally false.

Regarding the allegation that he was an allottee within the Mumbai’s Adarsh housing society, Tejinder Singh had said that he was a "bonafide allottee" and no case exists against him.

The court had additionally recorded the statements of former Army Major R S Sahrawat, Bhupender Chaudhary, cousin of Tejinder Singh, and one Suman Chaudhary, who said he knew the previous Lt Gen for the last forty years.

The Army Chief had claimed in media interviews that a lobbyist, who had "just" retired, offered him a bribe of Rs fourteen crore for clearing a file concerning purchase of a tranche of 600 "sub-standard" vehicles of a selected build and he had immediately informed Defence Minister A K Antony concerning it.

The Army Chief, however, didn't wish to pursue the matter for unknown reasons, the minister had said.

Union Power Minister inspects Alchi project

Scholar alleges harassment by KU

Army Says Our stand on AFSPA clear

Army today said its stand on revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from parts of Jammu and Kashmir was clear and needed no further elucidation.

Army has opposed the partial revocation of AFSPA from the state, maintaining it would hamper its efforts to fight militancy.

“We have already spoken about AFSPA.. There is no change in our stance,” General Officer Commanding (GoC) of Srinagar-based 15 Corps Lt Gen S A Hasnain told reporters here.

“We have already given our explanation. I don’t think it requires any more comments,” he said.

When asked about Chief Minister’s recent statement that AFSPA will go, the Army Commander said “the day it is revoked, you come back to me and I will comment on it.

Kashmir University felicitates VC JU

PDP to create atmosphere for return of KPs to Valley

File objections in encounter involving Gen Singh

The State High Court today granted one week’s time to the Government to file objections in the Janglat Mandi alleged fake encounter case of 2001 in which it was alleged that a civilian was killed and then dubbed as a militant. 

The case assumed significance since the name of Lt. General Bikram Singh has cropped up. Lt. General Singh was the Brigadier of 1 Sector, Rashtriya Rifles, Anantnag at the time encounter took place in which four persons including two civilians and an army officer were killed. Lt. Gen Singh is Army chief designate. 

Court of Justice Hasnain Masoodi after hearing Deputy Advocate General, Ala-ud-din Ganie today directed the State Government to file their objections within one week. The Deputy Advocate General prayed that time should be given to the state in filing the objections. Following this, the court admitted his plea and directed the State Government to file the objections in one week’s time.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anantnag, who is one of the respondents has already submitted his objections in the case. It would be in place to mention here that SSP Anantnag has before the court that the petitioners never approached them with the plea seeking reinvestigation of the case.

The police report has already rubbished the claim that the encounter at Janglat Mandi was fake saying the death of two civilians, an army officer and a soldier were facts to the contrary.

The case was listed for today on the submission of senior counsel K S Johal, representing Union of India, that the case should be listed earliest.

The petition has been filed by Zaituna, who is claiming that her son Abdullah Bhat is innocent and is not a militant as claimed by the army. Army dubbed Abdullah Bhat as Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Ramzie, as a foreign militant saying that he was a resident of Pakistan. 

Zaituna, a resident of Kalaroos in North Kashmir’s Kupwara district, filed the petition before the High Court last year through her counsel Zaffar Ahmad Qureshi seeking reinvestigation of case on the plea that the alleged militant was her son Abdullah Bhat, who was not involved in militancy.

Lt. Gen Singh who is Eastern Army Commander was a Brigadier commanding the 1 Sector Rashtriya Rifles in South Kashmir at the time of encounter. He was injured in the militant attack left four persons, including an Army officer and two civilians dead. 

The dead included Colonel J P Jam, the then Commanding Officer of a local RR unit, Sepoy Ganesh Kumar, Muhammad Shafi son of Abdul Rasheed of Hazratbal-Anantnag, and Abdul Ahad Sheikh son of Ghulam Muhammad Sheikh of Janglat Mandi-Anantnag.

Another person was killed in the retaliatory action of the army and police later ‘identified’ him as a resident of Pakistan.

On October 13, 2011 the High Court served notices to Ministry of Defence and state government asking them to file objection within a week. Earlier, a single bench of High Court had directed District and Sessions Judge-Anantnag to submit all the records pertaining the case in the court before October 18.

Pertinently, a group of retired officers and bureaucrats had filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in Supreme Court to prevent Lt General Bikram Singh from taking Army’s top post.

The PIL filed by a group of retired officers and bureaucrats headed by Admiral Laxmi Narayan Ramdas, who retired as the Navy Chief, stated: "In March 2001, a 60-year-old man was killed in encounter by the Army in Anantnag and Lieutenant General Singh was then a Brigadier heading 1 Sector Rashtriya Rifles headquartered in Anantnag. He was injured in the encounter and was given a gallantry medal. A colonel and another soldier were also killed in the encounter."

The petition further stated that Lt General Singh failed to take action against officers who were involved in sexual harassment and rape when they were posted at Congo in 2008 as part of the UN Peace-Keeping Mission.

SIT seizes bank records in JKCA scam

Privilege motion against Mehbooba

Army chief sends complaint to CBI

Army Chief General V K Singh today sent his complaint to the CBI regarding Rs 14 crore alleged bribery offer made to him by a retired officer to clear the supply of a tranche of 600 vehicles.

CBI sources said the complaint has been recieved by them and it is being examined.

Singh, who had made the allegation in a media interview that forced Defence Minister A K Antony to order a CBI inquiry, had alleged in a letter to the agency on March 30 that there was a bribe offer from retired Lt Gen (Retd) Tejinder Singh, the sources said.

The agency had asked him to furnish a detailed complaint along with a possible witness list and other supporting documents so that they could proceed with the inquiry, they said.

Tejinder Singh has refuted the allegations and also filed a defamation case against the Army Chief and other officers.

A preliminary enquiry or an FIR could be registered soon after completion of the procedural requirements, the sources said.

The Army Chief had claimed in media interviews that an equipment lobbyist had offered him a bribe of Rs 14 crore, a matter which he had reported to the Defence Minister.

The ministry had then recommended a CBI probe into the allegation made by the Army Chief.

Delay in Passports to Haj pilgrims

Postmasters Conference in Jammu

CRPF observes Day of Valour

Day of Valour to commemorate the battle at Sardar Post Gujarat Indo-Pak Border, a function was held at Group Centre CRPF Bantalab near here, today.

Rich tributes were paid to all the martyrs who laid down their lives in 1965 Indo-Pak war and forced the Pakistani Brigade to retreat. The day is observed every year on April 9 in the memory of these warriors.

On the occasion CRPF head of Jammu Sector, A M Mehmood was the chief guest. The function was presided over by N K Yadav, Additional DIGP, Centre CRPF, Bantalab.

He said our country is facing many problems and challenges at present and being the largest security force of the nation jawans of CRPF are being given different kind of assignments and they have succeeded on every filed.

On the occasion all the jawans, officers and widows of warriors were honored who showed exemplary courage during action and who were honoured with bravery award by Government of India.

D Kanna, Additional DIGP, CRPF J&K, was among those who were felicitated on the occasion.

Mr Mehmood also led the CRPF jawans in launch of the plantation drive after the function.

Governor inaugurates Kashmir Festival at Pune

Coup fears baseless

Defence Minister A K Antony today termed as “absolutely baseless” fears of any coup attempt by the armed forces and expressed confidence that they will not do anything to undermine democracy.

“Absolutely baseless. Army has already explained this. It is usual, natural activities. Nothing unusual. We are absolutely confident of the patriotism of the armed forces. Don’t question their patriotism. They will not do anything to undermine Indian democracy,” he told a press conference here.

He was replying to a question about an ‘Indian Express’ report today that there was an unusual movement of two key army units towards Delhi without notifying government on the night of January 16-17, the day Army Chief Gen V K Singh moved the Supreme Court on the age issue.

The questioner told him that the report raised considerable alarm and fears of a coup and whether the government was afraid of such a possibility and what did it do. Would he rule out the possibility of a coup.

Antony said the armed forces personnel were “true patriots” and “don’t question the patriotism of the soldiers who are dying in the frontiers of the country.”

“I am proud of the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force and the Coast Guard,” he said.

He also urged the media not to lower the dignity of the armed forces on issues of national security.

Omar underlines preservation of State's unique fauna

MHA gets tough on misuse of pre paid mobile connections

Antony asks army to streamline purchase process

Amid allegations of bribery, Defence Minister AK Antony Monday asked the army to streamline its purchase process in a manner that accountability can be fixed in the event of slippages.

 Antony also favoured delegation of more financial powers to the services headquarters for speedier acquisition of equipment, platforms and systems for them.

 This was conveyed by Antony to the army brass led by its chief Gen VK Singh at a meeting to finalise the army’s capital acquisition proposals at the South Block.

 This is the first time Antony and Gen Singh came face-to-face since the acrimony over the Army Chief’s allegation of bribe offer made to him by a retired officer and the leak of a secret letter from him to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on gaps in defence preparedness.

 The meeting was in continuation of earlier review meetings held in September last year and January.

 “At the meeting, Antony directed the army to streamline its acquisition process in such a manner that accountability can be fixed in case of any slippages,” a Defence Ministry spokesperson said in New Delhi.

 Antony also asked officials of the Defence Ministry and the army to examine the possibility of compressing the time taken for technical evaluations and trials.

 It is assessed that the services and the Defence Ministry take about seven years for completing the procurement processes of any major equipment.

 He favoured delegation of more financial powers to the service headquarters if it can lead to speedier acquisition of equipment, platforms and systems for the services.

 At present, the services Vice Chiefs can approve defence contracts worth Rs.50 crore or less.

 The other competent financial authority for defence acquisition are the Defence Secretary for deals worth Rs.75 crore, Defence Minister Rs. 500 crore, Defence Ministry in concurrence with the Finance Minister for Rs.1,000 crore, and the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) above that.

 Among those at the meeting were Defence Secretary Sashi Kant Sharma, Director General (Acquisition) Vivek Rae and senior army officials.

 Among the major army acquisitions that are pending are the Rs.20,000-crore (over $4 billion) worth of artillery guns to replace the ageing inventory and air defence weapons.

 Gen. Singh had in his latest letter to the Prime Minister written in March pointed out that the army had major gaps in its air defence, artillery, night vision capabilities and infantry.

 In an unrelated event, the Army Chief, in an interview to the media, had claimed that a retired Lieutenant General had offered him a bribe of Rs.14 crore for approving a contract for 600 trucks for the army.

 Both the developments had caused a major uproar in Parliament. Some political parties wanted the Army Chief to be sacked.

 The Intelligence Bureau has been asked to find out who leaked the letter from the Army Chief to the Prime Minister.

JandK celebrates Eid I Milad with fervour

Education Scholarship Scam

Chaos at Jammu Bus Stand

12 Rashtriya Rifles distributes study material

12 Rashtriya Rifles (Grenadiers) under Operation Sadbhavna today distributed study material among the students of Government Middle School, Zaradi.

Numerous stationery items like water proof school bags, registers, notebooks, geometry boxes, metallic clipboards, steelscales, attendance registers etc were distributed to 150 students.

Headmaster of the school along with staff and prominent citizens attended the function and welcomed the gesture of the Army.

The new study materials and teaching aids were received with great enthusiasm by both teachers and students.

Meanwhile, Rashtriya Rifles Battalion under the aegis of Headquarters, Sector Rashtriya Rifles, Doda conducted a welding course.

A total of 13 local unemployed youth were enabled to undertake self employment and also an opportunity to undergo practical work during the course.

The local populace lauded the efforts of Army in providing an opportunity to the youth in attaining skills necessary for generating self employment.

Valley freezing at minus 2.3

J&K utilizes Rs 499-cr under NRHM

SBI organises training course

Army organizes medical camp

In continuation with the ongoing development activities under the aegis of Gurj Division, 168 Infantry Brigade constructed the community hall and organised a much needed medical camp for the populace at village Badheri.

Major General G Sankaranarayanan, General Officer Commanding, Gurj Division, presided over the function.

Yashpaul Kundal, MLA Samba and Mubarak Singh, District Development Commissioner Samba also attended the function.

General Officer dedicated both the facilities during the inauguration ceremony to the population and the ex-servicemen of district Samba.

During the camp, the basic health facilities, physical check up, specialist facilities of Gynaecology, Eye, Orthopedic Surgeon, Medicine and ENT were provided to over 1200 patients hailing from areas in the hinterland.

Brigadier Santosh Kurup, Commander 168 Infantry Brigade, while addressing expressed his gratitude to the populace and District administration for their continued support in organizing successful Operation Sadbhavana activities.

Snow paralyses normal life in Valley

Photography workshop at Jammu University 

Fresh snowfall lashes hilly areas

Army provides computers, furniture to schools

Continuing with the Indian Army's drive for improvement of educational facilities in remote areas of the state under Operation Sadbhavana, Tithwal Brigade distributed educational aids to various schools here today.

On the occasion, three computers alongwith peripherals were presented to Government High School, Bhajnowa and desks and benches were presented to three Government Schools located in Kalsiyan of Nowshera tehsil. The presentation ceremony was held at Rashtriya Rifles Battalion Headquarter and was attended by Dr Sahid Iqbal, SDM Nowshera, Dr Koshal Sharma, ASP, Jitender Kaur Bhel, Dy CEO, ZEO , students alongwith teachers of the concerned schools besides respective village Sarpanchs.

The presentation ceremony was presided over by Commanding Officer of Rashtriya Rifles. Ved Prakash, Headmaster Government High School Bhajnowa conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the army for this noble gesture
development of students
Traders meet in Poonch
Sarpanch locks school

Army Chief takes age row to SC

Army Chief Gen V K Singh today took the unprecedented step of dragging the government to the Supreme Court before which he has challenged its decision over his date of birth that will mean that he retires in May next.Making it an issue of his "honour and integrity", Gen Singh filed a writ petition in the apex court after exhausting all statutory options within the Defence Ministry which had recently rejected his contention that he was born in 1951 and not 1950.

The petition challenges the July 21, 2011 order of the Defence Ministry which fixed the date of birth as May 10, 1950 and the December 30, 2011 decision by which his statutory complaint was rejected.He has sought a direction for declaring May 10, 1951 as the correct date of birth.The General's action is without parallel in the history of India's defence forces and is bound to cause acute embarrassment to the government besides raising concerns about the relationship between civilian authority and the Services.There was speculation on whether the Army Chief would step down or proceed on leave as the Supreme Court deals with his petition, but there was no indication to this effect.

Gen Singh is believed to have stated in his voluminous petition that the issue was not about his tenure but that of his integrity as head of the 13-lakh strong army.The legal challenge marks the culmination of a simmering row between the General and the Defence Ministry arising out of two different dates of birth in the Army's files.On the basis of his matriculation certificate and other documents, Gen Singh's date of birth is May 10, 1951 and was accepted by the Ministry for most of his service.However, another document in the shape of his UPSC entrance form filled for NDA course shows the date as May 10, 1950. This is said to have emerged in 2006 since when the matter has been pending.The petition, filed by counsel Punit Bali, has contended that for 36 years, the army had accepted 1951 as his year of birth and he had got promotions on that basis. He questioned why the government wants to change the date of birth now.The General is believed to have pointed out that the Supreme Court had ruled that the matriculation certificate was an authentic proof of date of birth in service matters.By the government decision, he will retire on May 31 this year.

Interestingly, at a press conference on Friday last, the Army Chief had kept his options open on the issue without disclosing the strategy.Asked if he was contemplating resignation, he had said, "Please leave it to my judgement what do I want to do. It is an issue that concerns me. Let me decide on some action after I get time to think about myself."Queried if he was not ruling out resignation, he said "let me find time time to think about myself."Gen Singh, who took over as the Army Chief on March 31, 2010, has been maintaining that the issue related to his "integrity and honour".He had said that he tackled the issue in "organisational interest".A para-commando and veteran of 1971 Indo-Pak war succeeded Gen Deepak Kapoor.Antony, while rejecting Gen Singh's statutory representation, had sent a letter to him expressing full confidence in his leadership.Home Minister P Chidambaram, a member of the Appointments Committee of Cabinet, last week told a press conference that the age issue of Gen Singh had been dealt with "fairly and justly"."We hold the Army Chief in great respect. He is a fine soldier. He has done remarkable service to the country. We are unhappy that the controversy should have erupted but I am hopeful that that controversy will be resolved."

Snowfall blocks most of infiltration routes on LoC

With snowfall bringing lots of miseries to the resident across Kashmir valley, it has also blocked most of infiltration routes on Line of Control (LoC).However, the army says that they are ready to face any eventuality and guard has not been lowered.General Officer Commanding (GOC) 15 Corps Lt Gen S A Hasnain has time and again said that there are apprehensions of infiltration any time as a vacuum has got created due to killing many a militants and their top militant leadership during the 2011 in valley.Army last year was apprehending infiltration from those routes which traditionally receive less snowfall.

 That included Uri sector in north Kashmir district of Baramulla, that SECTOR receives less snowfall than passes in Kupwara, Machil,Gurez and other sectors. “Snow has closed some of the routes,”Public Relations Officer ministry of defence Lt Col JS Barar told News Agency. “The alert troops are ready to meet an eventuality,” he added. However, the senior army officers supervising the LoC in Kupwara and Baramulla said there is beefed up vigil despiteclosing of infiltration routes. Major General Bipin Rawat, General Officer Commanding (GOC) Baramulla based 19 Infantry Davison who looks after LoC in Uri and Nowgam Sectors besides hinter land said that snow has blocked some of the routes in Uri Sector and Nowgam Sector. “Yes some of the routes have got closed due to snowfall, but the guard will not be lowered,” he said and added that now It is very difficult to infiltrate. “Walking on the snow takes more time and when there is heavy snow it is also easy to detect trail of any one on the snow.”Army sources in Kupwara based 28 Infantry Division too said that most of the infiltration routes have got closed due to snowfall however there is need of extra vigil on loC.Here it needs a mention that Corps commander Lt Gen Hasnain during an Awami Mulaqat at Uri had told the reporters that army will not lower their guard even when the infiltration routes are closed due to heavy s

Army saves life of pregnant woman

Samote Army of 14 Sector of Uniform Force saved life of a pregnant woman of village Lower Kandi after she suffered serious pregnancy complications.

Naseem Akhter, wife of Master Khaliq Hussain of village Lower Kandi, tehsil Kotranka (Rajouri) was pregnant and suffered serious complications.

She was residing in a house, which was far away from road and no medical aid was available anywhere nearby.

The Army then came to rescue by arranging an ambulance and an Army Doctor with the help of a civil doctor namely Ashraf and his assistant Shamsad Malik carried out the delivery in the Army Ambulance.

The lady was blessed with a baby girl under medical supervision and later, both were taken to Bakori hospital for further medical aid.

Sarpanch of the village, Munir Hussain thanked the army for timely help and saving two precious lives.

Army Chief opposes AFSPA withdrawal

Warning that partial revocation of AFSPA from Jammu and Kashmir will create terrorist 'sanctuaries', Army Chief General V K Singh has said dilution of the controversial Act will be 'detrimental' to national interest.
The Army Chief said, "Just one summer of peace does not mean normalcy... Diluting of AFSPA in any form will be detrimental to national interest."
He said though the Army has not operated in some parts of Kashmir, if AFSPA is revoked, "Army will not have legal protection to operate even if situation goes bad."
The Army Chief was asked why the force was opposing partial withdrawal of AFSPA from the state.
Noting that the Army would be constrained in operations against terrorists, he said, "Partial revocation of AFSPA will result in emergence of sanctuaries and safe havens for terrorists."
General Singh said though the degree of violence has decreased in the state,terror infrastructure in PoK was still intact.
"The operational flexibility of troops will be severely restricted and efforts to stabilize and consolidate the situation in the state will receive a setback," he said.
Mentioning that there were issues related to safety of Army personnel located in non-AFSPA areas, General Singh said, "One should not view security situation of reduced violence in one summer, but allow consolidation of gains made before taking a call on revocation of AFSPA."
Maintaining that the withdrawal of the Act from Jammu and Kashmir willhamper the security forces' operations against terrorist groups and will bring terror attacks back to the state, Army has been opposing the moves for partial revocation of the controversial Act.
It may be recalled that withdrawal of AFSPA issues has snowballed into a major controversy after its unilateral announcement by the J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah a few months back. The defence ministry has also
been opposing the move on the plea that all the stakeholders on this issue should be taken into confidence before any decision is taken on AFSPA issue.
The union home minister P Chidambaram had supported the move on the plea that there was improvement in the situation and things could move forward on this issue but discussions should be held with all the parties involved in it. He had also supported the move for para-military forces
shouldering the responsibility in the counter-insurgency operations.

Army writes to Omar on Afspa

In an attempt to make Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah see sense and change his mind on the controversial issue of withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from parts of the Kashmir Valley, the army has written a note to the state government presenting the actual data related to terrorism hit areas,” reports a national TV news channel, Headlines Today.

The army note, accessed by Headlines Today, has been written amidst an atmosphere of severe acrimony between the state government and the armed forces. Omar had on Thursday said that there was no option of AFSPA remaining in certain areas of the Kashmir Valley.

However, the army put forward some precise points to persuade the chief minister against his stand on AFSPA.

“The army explicitly told the state government that the nexus between Pakistan army, its spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), separatists and terrorists wanted disempowerment of the armed forces to facilitate their agenda,” reports the TV channel The army's internal note also conveys that relative peace in some areas was because of security forces, which includes an "active intelligence grid", and should not be frittered away.
So far unofficial, the army note also puts down shocking figures on paper. It says that 2,500 militants  in PAK and Pakistan, 400  in J&K, 20,000 released militants who could be exploited and 42 active militant camps in Pakistan could again disrupt peace in the valley if AFSPA was withdrawn.

The army also told the state government that the idea of secession was still being propagated by groups with vested interest. Significantly, the army has insisted that the AFSPA was not draconian and its note lists out the several checks and balances in place to minimise human rights violations.

Perhaps the most crucial point that Omar government continues to ignore was that partial revocation of AFSPA was not conducive to army operations since the army headquarters, its logistic installations and strategic lines of communication (Leh-Ladakh) pass through such areas, the army has also been in a fix because by saying it was open to discussions the Omar government has put a lid on dialogue over the issue.

Power shut down on Sept 10

In order to carry out rectification of weak points and replacement of worn-out jumpers/droppers etc besides routine/preventive maintenance at the grid station, the shutdown of 132 KV switch yard of 220/132/33 KV Grid Station Udhampur would be affected on the September 10 from 0600 hours to 1200 hour.

The power supply to Udhampur, Army, Ramnagar,Chenani, Airforce, Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Thethar, Muller, Wanpoh, Chanderkote and Chenani shall remain affected during this time.

Army organises Konser Naag Yatra

Pir Panjal Range and the mountainous area falling within the Jurisdiction of Rajouri and Poonch districts is dotted with several exotic lakes of which Konser Naag is one. Konser Naag lake is considered to be holy by many people. With the beginning of the month of 'Shravan' Konser Naag Yatra for the current year commenced from July 19 and the Yatra culminated with the return of pilgrims on July 21. Indian Army for the welfare of the locals of insurgency affected areas of J&K arranged a pilgrimage to Konsar Naag lake in the higher reaches of Pir Panjal belt.

A total of 155 civilians including 137 males, 16 females and 2 children participated in the Yatra. The Yatra by road passed through Chasana, Mamankote and Ichni. The responsibility of security of the devotees was given to Rashtriya Rifle battalion at Samote under aegis of Counter Insurgency Force (Uniform). The battalion deployed more than 100 Army personnel. Besides Army, Police was also involved in the security of the Yatra. DySP Reasi inspected the site to inspect the security arrangements. Protection parties were deployed at various locations of Lungatung, Mamankote, Ichni, Malikot and Katgali by the Army.

A medical team was also provided for medical cover to the pilgrims. The pilgrims expressed their gratitude towards Army for providing them the medical facility and security arrangements enroute.