COMMITMENTS

Dear All

I have been busy with my professional commitments off late; due to which, not enough time is being left for blogging. Although, I have been trying hard to make it, but would surely take some time. However, It would be my sincere effort to keep you updated from time to time.

Apropos my last write up on Naik Kirpa Ram, an amendment on "The Background of Naik Kirpa Ram" has been made on 08/12/2009 as it could not be verified earlier. The text is an original work of Ashok Nath which was given to DNW medal auctions 02 Dec 2009.

I thank Mr. Ashok Nath for his personal feedback on this subject.

STORY OF NAIK KIRPA RAM, INDIAN ARMY

History of the George Cross

"When, in 1940, King George VI instituted the George Cross and George Medal the total nature of World War Two had brought war into all civilian life, and there were many acts of outstanding gallantry for which the terms of award of the existing non-military medals were deemed to be inappropriate. Initially only the George Cross could be issued posthumously, but following a new warrant in 1978, the George Medal can be now be issued posthumously.
When the George Cross was introduced, it superseded the Empire Gallantry Medal (EGM) whose living recipients were required to exchange their EGM for the George Cross.
Following an amended warrant in December 1971, surviving recipients of the Albert Medal (AM) and Edward Medal (EM) exchanged their medal for the George Cross.
During World War Two (1939-45) there were instances when it was not easy to decide whether a Victoria Cross or a George Cross was the more proper award. The George Cross was intended to be an award for outstanding civilian bravery, but as many people in the armed forces were unavoidably engaged in work not appropriate for strictly military awards, they became eligible for the George Cross equally with civilians. Consequently, 76 of the first 100 awards were made to members of the armed forces. A complete tally of the 152 direct awards of the George Cross up to 1985 shows that only 49 have gone to civilians. Awards of the George Cross have now become so rare that few people are ever likely to see one, or its recipient.
The George Cross is of silver, with the words "For Gallantry" as described in the warrant, and is suspended from a dark blue ribbon one and half inches wide, and is worn on the left breast before all other medals and orders except the Victoria Cross. Ladies not in uniform wear the Cross, suspended from a wide bow of blue ribbon, below the left shoulder. Each Cross is made by the Royal Mint and engraved on the reverse with the recipient's name and date of the London Gazette in the case of direct awards and for the exchanged EGMs, and the date of the action for exchanged AMs and EMs."

Award of George Cross to Naik Kirpa Ram

G.C. London Gazette 15 March 1946. ‘The King has been graciously pleased to approve the posthumous award of the George Cross, in recognition of most conspicuous gallantry in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner, to:- No. 15634 Naik Kirpa Ram, 8th Battalion, 13th Frontier Force Rifles, Indian Army.’

The War Office recommendation

"At Thondebhavi on 12th November 1945, Naik Kirpa Ram was commanding a section on a field-firing exercise. He was lying close to a Sepoy who was firing grenades from a discharger-cup, the remainder of his section being in position beside him. The third grenade to be fired fell short and landed only about 8 yards in front of the section position. Naik Kirpa Ram saw at a glance that if it exploded there many of his section would be killed or wounded. Without a moment’s hesitation he leapt up and dashed forward shouting as he did so to the men of his section, “Get back and take cover”. He picked up the grenade, but before he could throw it into a place where it could cause no damage, it exploded. The main force of the explosion was taken by his body, and he died of wounds shortly afterwards. As a result of his act only two men of his section were slightly wounded. Naik Kirpa Ram knowing full well the possible consequences, risked his life in order to save those of the men under his command. His fine spirit of sacrifice and devotion to duty will ever be remembered in his regiment and will be a constant source of inspiration to all ranks."

Background of Naik Kirpa Ram by Ashok Nath (original research which was given to DNW medal auctions 02 Dec 2009).

"Naik Kirpa Ram was born in 1918 in the village of Bharpal in the Bilaspur district of Punjab Hills, now known as Himachal Pradesh. He came from the Dogra Rajput clan, an ancient Aryan race that inhabit the Northern Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Dogras have a long tradition of military service and in the early days of the British Empire they wore beards, as a result of which they were erroneously known as ‘Hill Sikhs’. The first all Dogra regiment to be formed in the British Indian Army was in 1846 as part of the Frontier Brigade (The Punjab Frontier Force). Kirpa Ram hailed from a military family, his father Mussadi Ram having served with the 57th Wilde’s Rifles (Frontier Force) in France during the Great War. Kirpa Ram enlisted in the 13th Frontier Force Rifles on 9 January 1935, at the age of seventeen. After his initial training with 10th (Training Battalion) 13th Frontier Force Rifles, he was transferred to the 6th Royal Battalion (Scinde) 13th Frontier Force Rifles and saw field service from 2 June to 15 December, 1937, in Waziristan against the Fakir of Ipi. On raising of the 8th Battalion 13th Frontier Force Rifles in 1940, which was to comprise a company each of Dogras, Sikhs and Pathans, Kirpa Ram was transferred to the Dogra Company of the 8/13th F.F. Rifles. During the Second World War Kirpa Ram saw action against the Japanese with his battalion in the Eastern theatre. The 8th Battalion 13th Frontier Force Rifles had a splendid fighting record as is evident by their battle/theatre honours and awards: North Arakan, Kaladan, Mayu Tunnels, Maugdaw, Arakan Beaches, Ramree, Burma 1942-45. Kirpa Ram's wife Brahmi Devi was only 13 years old when she went to receive the posthumous award of her late husband (she had been betrothed to Kirpa Ram, as was custom in those days, at the tender age of eleven). The George Cross was received by Brahmi Devi on 1 January 1946, and presented by Field Marshal Lord Wavell, Viceroy of India, on behalf of King George VI. She was accompanied by Major R. W. Niven who was Commandant of the 8/13th Frontier Force Rifles at the time Naik Kirpa Ram’s brave sacrifice."

General Fonseka is now Sri Lanka's Presidential candidate

This is further to my last write up on former Sri Lankan Army Chief.

General Fonseka is now contesing for the country's highest post as the common candidate from the opposition at the upcoming presidential election.

He has declared his intentions to challenge the incumbent President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the upcoming polls to be held on January 26, 2010.

The retired military leader who is a novice to the political affairs of the country pledged to eliminate corruption and restore democracy.

ONLY REAL GENERALS CAN SPEAK

GENERAL FONSEKA’S LETTER OF RESIGNATION HAS DEMONSTRATED HOW BUREAUCRACIES WORLD OVER HAVE LEFT NO STONE UNTURNED IN TARNISHING THE IMAGE OF ARMED FORCES AND MISLEADING THE POLICY MAKERS.

Following are some the key notes taken from the letter of resignation (dated 13 November, 2009) sent by Chief of Defence Staff General Fonseka, Sri Lanka Armed Forces.

1. His Excellency the President, Through the Secretary, MOD, Public Security, Law and Order, Presidential Secretariat, Colombo. Dated 12 November, 2009.

2. Request to Retire from the Regular Forces of the Sri Lanka Army.

3. I would not be exaggerating to state that I was instrumental in leading the Army to this historic victory, of course with Your Excellency’s political support, which helped to materialize this heroic action. (Author stating victory over LTTE).

4. Nevertheless the course of action which initiated subsequently greatly depressed me which I have enumerated in the Annex hereto.

5. Annex and more, which I am privy to withhold, I am compelled to believe that Your Excellency and the Government has lost your trust and faith bestowed upon me for reasons best known to Your Excellency.

6. Thereby I have the honour to request that I be permitted to terminate my services and retire from the Regular Force of the Army with effect from 01st December 2009.

7. Furthermore I have the honour to request that on retirement Your Excellency would be kind enough to grant me sufficient security which includes trained combat soldiers…………………………………that I am considered as one of the highest priority targets by the LTTE, which they are yet capable of achieving.

8. I would also wish to quote an example in the case of the former INDIAN CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF GENERAL AS VAIDYA, INSTRUMENTAL IN LEADING THE INDIAN ARMY IN “OPERATION BLUE STAR” AGAINST THE SIKHS AT THE GOLDEN TEMPLE, AMRITSAR IN 1984, WAS ASSASSINATED WHILST ON RETIREMENT IN 1986 PURELY IN REVENGE OF HIS VICTORIES ACHIEVED.

The Reasons:

9. Various agencies misleading Your Excellency by stating a possible coup immediately after the victory over the LTTE which obviously led to a change of command in spite of my request to be in command until the Army celebrated its 60th Anniversary. This fear psychosis of a coup is well known the defence circle.

10. During the subsequent Service Commanders Meeting, the Secretary Defence was bold enough to state an unethical and uncalled statement by mentioning that “if operational control of all three services is granted to the CDS it would be very dangerous’, which indeed was a loss face to me in the presence of subordinate service commanders.

11. “Your Excellency too made a statement that a strong public opinion is in the making stating that the country is in the possession of a too powerful army.” I personally felt that Your Excellency has commented mistrusting your own loyal Army which attained the unimaginable victory just a week ago. Over these comments I felt disgusted as we even insulted those who made the supreme sacrifices by such comments.

(Complete letter would be posted soon)

AIR MARSHAL PK BARBORA NEEDS TO LEARN FROM HISTORY

Soviet Women Fighter Pilots during World War II

Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal P.K. Barbora has recently said that women couldn't be inducted as fighter pilots as they were not fit for combat operations. Quote,"Women cannot be used in combat scenarios as we can't afford to have them captured as prisoners of war". Un quote.

Barbora also sought to suggest that women were 'not worth' the heavy investment made on training fighter pilots. Quote, "We invest Rs 1.66 crore on training a fighter pilot and expect 12 to 14 years of service. If the air force doesn't recover that investment in the form of service, it's a waste of money and time for the organisation. Women have to go for their family duties after a certain period." Un qoute.

Barbora said that the armed forces have taken decision not to place women in combat roles for the time being, but if that happens in the future, there may be certain preconditions to it.

Now, Some Facts of the Soviet Female Fighter Pilots during the World War II:

"Nearly a million women fought alongside their male counterparts and in October 1941, women’s aviation regiments began to be formed.

Marina Raskova, already an ace pilot and member of the ‘People’s Defence Committee’, was allowed to organised three female aviation groups authorised by the Soviet high command. They were the 586 IAP (Fighter Aviation Regiment), the 587 BAP (Bomber Aviation Regiment) and the 588 NBAP (Night Bomber Aviation Regiment).

After being accepted to the training program, the young women underwent a rigorous six month flying and navigation course, fitting in to that time an amount of training that would normally take around a year and a half. In September 1942, Valerya Khomyakova of the 586 IAP’s or ‘Fighter Aviation Regiment’ became the first female Soviet pilot to shoot down an enemy aircraft at night when she downed a Ju 99.

A month later, the 586 IAP assisted in Operation Saturn and Uranus, which was successful in eliminating the German 6th Army at Stalingrad, after which, they were given the task of defending some important military logistical facilities and strategic locations. In 1944, the unit took part in the Soviet offensive in Hungry fighting with Yak-9 fighters and they finished the war on one of the captured airfields in Austria.

The 588 NBAP unit or ‘Night Bomber Aviation Regiment’ arrived combat ready in the Ukraine on the 23rd May 1942. They quickly earned the respect and fear of their enemies being given the nick name ‘night witches’. The decorated German Commander of II. /JG 52, Hauptmann Johannes Steinhoff, wrote of the 588 NBAP’s;

"We simply couldn't grasp that the Soviet airmen that caused us the greatest trouble were in fact WOMEN. These women feared nothing. They came night after night in their very slow biplanes, and for some periods they wouldn't give us any sleep at all."

On 25th October 1942, a bomb strike by the 588 NBAP set alight a fuel depot at Armavir airfield. The fire spread and destroyed all but one of the planes on the airfield, leading to the quick withdrawal of the German fighters situated there. In January the following year, the regiments achievements were acknowledged and it was given the new title of 46th Taman' Guards Night Bomber Aviation Regiment.

It was the most highly decorated regiment in the whole Soviet Air Force, with twenty-three of its pilots being awarded with the Gold Star of Hero of the Soviet Union, with a former navigator of the regiment becoming the twenty-forth to receive the award in 1995.

Marina Raskova took command of the third regiment herself, the 587th BAP or (Bomber Aviation Regiment). The regiment finished its training on 22nd November 1942 and was moved to the Stalingrad front line. After helping to liberate the town of Borisov, the unit became known as the 125th "M. M. Raskova" Borisov Guards Dive Bomber Aviation Regiment.

In one celebrated incident involving a pilot from the unit, Mariya Dolina flying a Pe-2 bomber, managed to shoot down two enemy plains at the same time. The regiment finished war operations in May 1943 after flying a total of 1134 combat missions dropping 980 tons of bombs in the process. A tribute made to the women of the unit by the Free-French pilots of the "Normandie-Niemen" Fighter Regiment who often fought along side them stated;

"Even if it were possible to gather and place at your feet all the flowers on earth, this would not constitute sufficient tribute to your valour."

The 587 BAP and the 588 NBAP were involved in the fighting in the Kuban area of Southern Russia where they came up against some of the best fighter pilots the German air force had to offer including Erich Harmann of the famous JG 54 fighter group, who was the highest ranked fighter ace in the world with 352 confirmed combat kills.

Throughout the war, the Soviet female fighter pilots were involved in some of the heaviest aerial combat operations in history. They earned the fear and respect of enemy combatants and were often highly decorated for their efforts by their country."

(Source: http://www.elknet.pl/acestory/raskov/raskov.htm, Photo: Google)

USE OR MISUSE OF INDIAN ARMED FORCES

Armed forces are the ultimate weapon of state whose basic task is to protect the nation and project national power beyond its boarders. Every effort, therefore, should be made to keep this potent weapon in the highest possible professional standard and any deviation whatsoever, from the same should be strictly avoided as it undermines the national security.

Committing nation’s armed forces in menial tasks reflect a very poor understanding amongst the policy makers about this force. It also raises questions on the morality of generals towards a larger national interest as they are expected to appraise the statesmen on the consequences of same and quit more honorably, if otherwise, not heard. It also raises questions on the efficiency of a huge civil mechanism eating tax payer’s money without any accountability.

Over a period of time, it has become a common tendency in India to call the armed forces for many and for any contingency. In the recent past, we have seen our services being mobilized for taking out children from the bore wells (and our generals posing as saviors in front of glittering media), digging trenches outside a compound being caught on fire, standing to help civil administration during railway accidents, helping the defunct Indian police on almost occasions (Mumbai's 26/11 proved it quite significantly that when it matters the most, they are good for nothing), organizing events, helping civil administration on all major or minor calamities, combating insurgency in almost all fronts directly or indirectly, so on and so forth. The list does not seem to end.

Now, does it mean the rusting of our forces at all? Or a more popular statement echoed by the top brass that Indian Armed Forces are the most experienced ones……

MILITARY TRANSFORMATION

During the Vietnam War, a study was conducted in the US as to why soldiers fought for the nation and the most common reasons were for respected and valued leaders, out of sense of duty and for survival. These reasons are further corroborated by observations of American soldiers during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Iraqi War and the Afghanistan War. The fact of the matter is that organizations having structures to control and support individual behaviour might lead to greater individual commitments. Through a control over individual behaviour in supporting his day to day needs, a total institution often engineers a great sense of identification and devotion to the organization which in turn is reflected in individual's effort to carry out goals and purposes of the organization.

Reports of combat effective soldiers show greater similarity to the institutionally oriented soldier. These factors could be in terms of honour through service, sense of duty and loyalty. Institutionally committed soldiers are therefore, more strongly committed to the military, the unit and more willing to undergo adversities to serve others.

Observations of this American study needs a greater emphasis in the Indian context. Although, we don't have any political leader who can inspire the nation and other values too, eroding quite significantly, our armed forces needs an urgent check to transform themselves. They need to create a strong interface with the society and understand as to what the society expects from them and based on the honest evaluations, a structural transformation is the need of time. This transformation should never be associated with monetary gains from the state.

Armed forces for ages have remained sacred organizations world over... an ultimate weapon of the state, it should in no manner be equated with a police or a para-military force. An honour to serve should always remain as the sole guiding factor.

HISTORY OF "KHAKI"(Persian for Dust Colour)

Khaki was first invented in India by Lieutenant (later Lieutenant General) Lumsdon, who raised "The Queen's Own Corps of Guides" in December, 1846.

He was of the view that boarder banditti could be best dealt with in a manner which they would well understand, if his own men wore their native style clothing, rather than adopt the semi-European dress which was then used in the Indian forces, and which the infantry battalion of the Punjab Frontier Force raised at the same time as the Guides were wearing.

No serious attempt of uniformity were made as the corps was in existence for more than a year, when were adopted a smock and pyjama trouser made of coarse home spun cotton material, a cotton turban and overall in the winters, jerkins of sheepskin and wadded cotton jackets. All were dyed locally with the product of a dwarf palm known as mazari which possessed the quality of colouring white cloth a drabbish grey; an indigenous method of producing camouflage clothing developed by the tribesmen as a result of constant vendetta and domestic wars. The leather jackets, however dyed unsuccessfully with mazari, so mulberry juice was used instead, which produced a yellow drab shade.

This is how the "Khaki" was born.

By the end of Boer war in 1899, the word "Khaki" had found its place in the English dictionaries. The Americans adopted "Khaki" in the early nineteen hundred, Japan in 1905, French in 1910 and the Belgian and Spanish armies in 1919. It gradually went on to become a universal pattern for militaries world over.

This coloured uniform is today the universal pattern of Indian police and para military forces across the line. However, the Indian armed forces have almost shed this pattern.

(Photo: Google)

A BLACKMAIL FROM WITHIN

This is further to my previous write up "TO FEEL PROUD OR NOT TO FEEL SO", which read as:

"Prisoner Swap with Naxals in Bengal indicates that India is wide open for any kind of blackmail.(Please remember the police officer came out with a "POW" tag and even commented on what Govt of India should do to overcome Naxalism). There was a complete failure of coordination between the Centre and the State Administration. Our union Home Minister was publicly seen accepting his ignorance on the issue. Over and above, our great BABU (Bengal State secretory) even compared it with the Kandhar swap of 1998."

Within days of this incident, our politicians have left no stone unturned to bring more embarrassment to Indian State and the credit goes to firebrand Mamta Banerjee. She is the first one to ring the bell in gaining political mileage at the cost of national pride. The released police officer is also not behind, he has been seen in various TV channels talking about his experiences in captivity, contrary to the established code of conduct for uniformed personnel.

Lets have a look on Mamta story,

"Relatives of two policemen kidnapped by Maoists in West Bengal's Lalgarh are expected in Delhi on Tuesday morning. Bringing them across to meet Home Minister P Chidambaram is the Trinamool Congress. Trinamool leader Partha Chatterjee is accompanying them to the capital.

Mamata Banerjee is determined to wring as much political advantage as she can out of the situation. Buddhadeb Bhattacharya had said the two policemen had been killed but later corrected his statement to say the two are officially still missing.

Arriving at Howrah Station to catch a train to Delhi were relatives of two policemen kidnapped by Maoists. Sub Inspector Kanchan Garai and constable Sabir Mollah had stepped out of their camp at Dharampur on July 30 to buy spare parts for a generator when Maoists whisked them away.

"We are going because Mamata has asked us to take them to Delhi. They will meet the Home Minister," said Partha Chatterjee, who is escorting them to Delhi.

On Saturday, Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya had erroneously told a press conference that the two policemen had been killed, only to later change his statement.

The chief minister's statement took the state administration by surprise because police had information to the contrary.

Maoist leader Chhatradhar Mahato's bodyguard Papan Mondal had told the police almost a month ago that the kidnapped policemen were alive then.

In despair, the families approached Mamata Banerjee for help. The release of Sankrail OC Atin Dutta has raised their hopes.

"I want Kanchan Garai back. I want my son back," said Minati Garai, Kanchan Garai's mother.

But there are efforts to get him back.

For the families, going to Delhi is a desperate bid to have the two kidnapped policemen rescued. For the Trinamool, taking them to the capital may certainly be an attempt to help but it also is an opportunity to extract political mileage from a situation that could potentially be tragic."

(Source: NDTV)

DO WE HAVE SOME PRIDE LEFT???

TIMES OF INDIA story read as under:

22-year-old Sikh attacked in Australia|

"MELBOURNE: In yet another attack on Indians in Australia, a Sikh was punched in his head by a group of Australians who also removed his turban while he was sleeping at a bus stop in Melbourne.

Police said they are investigating the "unprovoked" bashing of the 22-year-old Indian youth who was punched in the head and had his turban removed as he slept at a bus stop yesterday.

However, the name and other details of the Indian man has not yet been known.

"The Yarraville man was asleep at a stop near Epping railway station in Cooper Street about 12.45 am on Sunday when a bus pulled into the depot and five males, believed to be believed 17 and 19 approached him," 'The Age' reported.

Two of the five youths allegedly bashed the Indian man, while their three companions are believed to have tried to stop the assault, the report said, adding that the 60-year-old bus driver and a passenger also tried to stop the attack. The five youths managed to escape from the scene.

"The victim suffered injuries to his mouth but did not need medical attention," the Age reported. Police have appealed for any witness in connection with the incident.

This is the latest among a series of racially- motivated attacks on Indians and students from the community. Around 30 Indian students were attacked in various cities from June to August.

Last month, an Indian student was attacked with a "plank of wood or a baseball bat" by two men which left him with 20 stitches in his head. The 28-year-old student was attacked by the men after he got down from a bus at Keilor Plains train station.

In September, three Indians were "brutally bashed" by a group of around 70 youth while playing here."

I feel its high time, these Indians need to come back to their own motherland (Rather than begging for education/work there).

TO FEEL PROUD OR NOT TO FEEL SO

Recent developments on India's national front needs a special mention:

1. Prisoner Swap with Naxals in Bengal indicates that India is wide open for any kind of blackmail.(Please remember the police officer came out with a "POW" tag and even commented on what Govt of India should do to overcome Naxalism). There was a complete failure of coordination between the Centre and the State Administration. Our union Home Minister was publicly seen accepting his ignorance on the issue. Over and above, our great BABU (Bengal State secretory) even compared it with the Kandhar swap of 1998.
2. The Indian Prime Minister met Chinese Premier and our policy makers claimed it to be a diplomatic victory. Contrary to the fact that we did not have the moral courage to discuss long pending issue of LAC, which is perhaps the root cause of all issues. A typical Indian solution - Don't touch the problem at all and let future generations bite the dust of it.
3. Our great "Indian Olympic Association" came out with an interesting finding that "Commonwealth Monitoring Committee" is interfering in their work, thereby, delaying all preparations. It is a different story that they have not even finished 50% of the work at many places; leave aside our sportsmen practicing in these facilities before the prestigious commonwealth games. Less than a year is left and they are hunting all over the world for practice.
4. Our "National Rifle Association" did not consider India's sole Olympic Gold medalist worth enough to be eligible for sponsorship benefits by SAHARA group. Rather, their open lie was nailed by the Olympian himself through media reports.
5. Our legendary athlete PT Usha was left in tears when she was not even offered a room worth enough to stay at Bhopal during a national championship. Apology came only after the media reports.
6. India's World No. 2 chess player was dropped from the national team due to opinions never clarified in public. The player came out in public to express her anguish but our BABUS in the association did not even have the courtesy to speak to the player. Result: India on the verge of losing a world class champion.
7. Recent victory of Congress in all three states have one thing in common i.e. there is virtually no opposition in Indian politics and people have no option, but to move with one, who is less corrupt. It has also given a license to someone like Raj Thakery to create havoc with his hooligans and humiliate people from other states in public on the name of MARATHI MANUS.

List is endless.......

INDIA'S STRATEGY FOR WAR

It is said that war dominates our lives more than anything else in the world. As a famous American novelist mentioned in 1861, “it is like a great tempest which blows upon us all, mingles with church organ, whistles through the streets, steels into our firesides, clinks glasses in barrooms, lifts the gray hairs of statesman, invades the classrooms of our colleges, rustles the thumped pages of our scholars.” Further, “it offers inescapable tests of our allegiances – of work and duty, private lives and public devotions, personal preferences and social ties. It challenges virtually every other institution of society – the justice and equity of its economy, the adequacy of its political systems, the energy of its productive plants, the bases, wisdom and purpose of its foreign policy. There is no aspect of our existence ……which is not touched, modified, perhaps completely altered by the imperatives of war.”

Most importantly, we must mention that war is not impromptu, it rather emerges out of the actions which individuals, statesmen and nations do or fail to do. It is the consequences of national policy or lack of policies. And once we are forced into battle, victory or defeat ensues what we do or fail to do.

These facts being self evident, it would be foolish to leave war in the hands of soldiers, statesmen or policy makers. A grand strategy involving the entire national mechanism is needed. This is aptly correct in terms of India when we are facing indirect war from within and across the boarders.

(Photograph: Soldiers of 9 PARA Special Forces, shot by Major Gill)

STORY OF TWO HEROES....FIND OUT WHO'S REAL?

A mail received by me has been reproduced below. Although, the contents are old but still very much relevant as the writer has pointed out some serious concerns on the part of media in handling defence stories.

The obsession of feeding write ups based on negative psychology has long been the topic of debates. The media says, it publishes stories which arouse people's attention and negativity is another point of view. Although, they agree on their national responsibilities but, money also has the priority. And rightly so, you can not built even the temples without money. Another point of view, how the leads are informed to you and how the follow up is done.

Now, the media also follow certain ethics. It can not take the authenticity of a story on face value. It does many checks and counter checks and also consider the vertical versions. Timings of a story is paramount. So, where does our armed forces fits into it?

Our services have a system of media interaction through select outlets, wherein, a common version is generally communicated to all formats of mass media. As the stories are based in far flung areas, it becomes too difficult to counter check or record the opposite versions. At times, security is another reason to get the access.

Monetary concerns as well as the accessibility are two major factors.The media also accept the fact that services are full of stories.

Probable solution : I feel the services needs to open up a bit more. Rather than hunting for outlets, they can become the news makers themselves. In this regard, they should seriously consider revamping their entire PR machinery recruiting only the professionals from media. This inter-services PR body should be based on Territorial Army as part-time soldiers. An equal partnership of outside media can also be considered.

In the era of information warfare, the services not only have to fight on battle fronts but lay equal or rather more imphasis on gaining people's support. This is paramount for any democratic institution. More so for the armed forces, as their existence is based on people's aspirations only.

"A MUST READ......... Dear Editors of HT, TOI, IndianExpress and TheHindu,NDTV, CNN-IBN, I got the mail below from a friend of mine and following the unwritten code of conduct, I am forwarding it to my friends but all efforts of people who have been forwarding this mail would go waste if this mail doesn't reach YOU......

Something to think about..!! Shame on Indian Media??? Really what a shame...

By the time u guys read this news, the body of Major Manish Pitambare, who was shot dead at Anantnag, would have been cremated with full military honors.

On Tuesday, this news swept across all the news channels 'Sanjay Dutt relieved by court'. 'Sirf Munna not a bhai' '13 saal ka vanvaas khatam' 'although found guilty for possession of armory, Sanjay can breath sigh of relief as all the TADA charges against him are withdrawn' Then many personalities like Salman Khan said 'He is a good person. We knew he will come out clean'. Mr Big B said "Dutt's family and our family have relations for years he's a good kid. He is like elder brother to Abhishek". His sister Priya Dutt said "we can sleep well tonight. It's a great relief"

In other news, Parliament was mad at Indian team for performing bad; Greg Chappell said something; Shah Rukh Khan replaces Amitabh in KBC and other such stuff. But most of the emphasis was given on Sanjay Dutt's "phoenix like" comeback from the ashes of terrorist charges.

Surfing through the channels, one news on BBC startled me. It read "Hisbul Mujahidin's most wanted terrorist 'Sohel Faisal' killed in A nantnag , India .. Indian Major leading the operation lost his life in the process. Four others are injured.

It was past midnight , I started visiting the stupid Indian channels, but Sanjay Dutt was still ruling. They were telling how Sanjay pleaded to the court saying 'I'm the sole bread earner for my family', 'I have a daughter who is studying in US' and so on. Then they showed how Sanjay was not wearing his lucky blue shirt while he was hearing the verdict and also how he went to every temple and prayed for the last few months. A suspect in Mumbai bomb blasts, convicted under armory act...was being transformed into a hero.

Sure Sanjay Dutt has a daughter; Sure he did not do any terrorist activity. Possessing an AK47 is considered too elementary in terrorist community and also one who possesses an AK47 has a right to possess a pistol so that again is not such a big crime; Sure Sanjay Dutt went to all the temples;
Sure he did a lot of Gandhigiri but then.......... ..

Major Manish H Pitambare got the information from his sources about the terrorists' whereabouts. Wasting no time he attacked the camp, killed Hisbul Mujahidin's supremo and in the process lost his life to the bullets fired from an AK47. He is survived by a wife and daughter (just like Sanjay Dutt) who's only 18 months old.

Major Manish never said 'I have a daughter' before he took the decision to attack the terrorists in the darkest of nights. He never thought about having a family and he being the bread earner.

No news channel covered this since they were too busy hyping a former drug addict, a suspect who's linked to bomb blasts which killed hundreds. Their aim was to show how he defied the TADA charges and they were so successful that his conviction in possession of armory had no meaning. They also concluded that his parents in heaven must be happy and proud of him.

Parents of Major Manish are still living and they have to live rest of their lives without their beloved son. His daughter won't ever see her daddy again.

So guys, please forward this message around so that the media knows which news to give importance, as it is a shame for us since this Army Major's death news was given by a foreign TV channel!!!

If you believe in it, don't feel shy in forwarding it."

(Photo: google)

DEFENDING THE HONOUR

(Major General Andrew Mackay. Photograph: Mark Owens)

A serving General of the British Army has quit protesting poor and shabby treatment to British forces by policy makers in Afghanistan. Many other army officers have followed the General. The recent fiasco is a result of poor allotment of funds, confused direction from politicians and interference in military affairs. Incident has raised many speculations in British media and virtually forced the rethink of attitude towards Servicemen.

It is in complete contrast to India where our Generals are hardly heard in media. Some might speak otherwise, after retirement through seminars and books which hardly arouse any attention. Not surprising to mention that an organisation which is still the only respectably in India has hardly any takers now.

"Army chief quits suddenly as protests over troops mount

An army major general who was extremely critical of the government's treatment of British troops in Afghanistan has suddenly resigned, the Ministry of Defence confirmed.

Andrew Mackay, who was recently promoted general officer commanding of the army in Scotland, the north of England, and Northern Ireland, is the latest high-flying senior army officer to quit early amid protests at the treatment of the forces.

As the brigadier commanding British troops in southern Afghanistan in 2007 and 2008, he said he had felt like a student – getting to grips with Afghanistan, counter-insurgency and managing a large organisation. He said he was struck by the lack of clear direction from above. There was a sense of "making it up as we go along", he said.

Mackay signed a "ground truth" memo, sent to London, which listed serious problems with his soldiers' equipment. It noted that many of the Household Cavalry's elderly Scimitar reconnaissance tanks had defective engines. Tanks labelled "working" could not get into reverse gear without restarting the engine, a limitation "not helpful in combat", the memo said.

A quarter of the Mastiff armoured vehicles were out of action for weeks because of suspension problems, and many of the new Vector armoured vehicles in Helmand were not being used because "the wheels just kept falling off". Heavy machine guns and reinforced Land Rovers were also in short supply, the memo added.

The memo was disclosed earlier this year in the book Operation Snakebite, by Stephen Grey, a journalist who witnessed the recapture of the town of Musa Qaleh from the Taliban, the pivotal operation of Mackay's tour for which he was awarded the CBE.

Other former British commanders in Afghanistan to have resigned prematurely include brigadier Ed Butler, who was commander in southern Afghanistan in 2006 when the then defence secretary John Reid expressed the hope that British troops would not fire a shot in anger.

Butler's decision to quit in 2008 prompted speculation that he was leaving because of frustration at the failure to provide adequate funding for the armed forces. He had spoken of the "well-known constraints and restraints" within which his soldiers were required to operate in combat operations. He resigned soon after Lt Col Stuart Tootal, who left in disgust over what he called the "appalling" and "shoddy" treatment of troops."

( Source: The Guardian, UK)

INGREDIENTS OF A GREAT POWER

Can India really claim to be a great power?

Stephen P Cohen listed following ingredients of a great power:

• The capability to manage the domestic process of economic development and national integration.
• The capacity to resist outside penetration.
• The capacity to dominate regional competitors.
• The capacity to deter outside states from lending support to regional competitors.
• The capacity to achieve command in critical weapon systems or at least be able to bargain successfully for them in a crisis.

Now, let us see these ingredients in the backdrop of India's perceived power status:

• India is second only to Iraq in terms of the attacks she suffers each year in her Home land, whether from internal or external powers.
• India has virtually failed in resisting outside penetration. All her frontiers are ringed by hostile states
• The Mumbai attack painfully undermines India's failure to dominate any regional state and also deter them from launching hostile acts against India.
• Unfortunately, India has completely failed to persuade USA to stop extensive military and financial support to Pakistan; whereas, it has been used against India.
• Pakistan's nuclear proliferation is a known fact now. The bulk of her weaponry is supplied by China. India's failure in her Bofors system, No aircraft carrier for the Navy, now grounding of the entire fleet of Air Force Trainer Jets and DRDO's failure to attract new talent are some the few gross blunders of India. These are at the cost national security.

Post Parliament attack, India ordered the complete mobilisation of her armed forces in haste and  again demobilised after three years. Even the armed were confused about the objectives. The mastermind of parliament attack was awarded death sentence but still continues to remain in jail for years as our leaders have failed to decide on his mercy plea. By 2008, all major Indian cities were attacked by terrorists followed by Mumbai attack.