News Analysis India

Tag: Indian Army

  • India-Pakistan ceasefire contributed to peace; first step towards normalisation of ties: Naravane

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: The holding of the ceasefire between Indian and Pakistani armies along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir for the last three months has contributed to a feeling of peace and security and it is the first step towards a long road of normalisation of ties between the two countries, Chief of Army Staff Gen M M Naravane has said.

    In an exclusive interview to PTI, Gen Naravane, at the same time, said the ceasefire does not mean that India’s fight against terrorism has come to a halt and noted that there was no reason to believe that the terror infrastructure along the LoC has been dismantled by the Pakistan Army.

    The Army Chief also said that consistency in the reduction in infiltration attempts and terrorist incidents in Jammu and Kashmir will go a long way in assuring India of Pakistani intent to foster good neighbourly relations.

    Gen Naravane said adherence to the ceasefire pact has “definitely” contributed to the overall feeling of peace and security in the region and boosted prospects of peace after a long spell of flare-ups.

    In a sudden and significant move aimed at reducing tensions, the Indian and Pakistani armies on February 25 announced that they would cease firing across the LoC while recommitting themselves to a 2003 ceasefire agreement.

    “Ceasefire along the LoC does not mean that our fight against terrorism has come to a halt. We do not have any reasons to believe that the terror infrastructure along the LoC has been dismantled by the Pakistan Army.”

    “Whether it is their inability or unwillingness, both are equally dangerous and concerning, especially seen in the light of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan,” the Army chief said, referring to the Biden administration’s decision to pull out American troops from Afghanistan by September 11.

    Referring to the ceasefire, Gen Naravane said there was not a single incident of cross-border firing by the two armies after the pact came into effect though there was an incident involving the Pakistani Rangers in the Jammu sector.

    “This year, we have seen a drastic reduction in the violence levels in Jammu and Kashmir.

    Security forces and other government agencies are working in sync to maintain pressure on terror groups and squeeze out the logistics support,” he said.

    “Consistency in a reduction in infiltration attempts and terrorist incidents in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir will go a long way in assuring us of Pakistani intent to foster good neighbourly relations with us,” Gen Naravane said.

    He said there was a renewed emphasis on observing the ceasefire agreement of 2003 due to the heavy losses of civilian and military lives across the LoC.

    “Cessation of firing is in the interest of building trust between the two armies, for giving chance to peace and for the benefit of the population residing along the LoC,” he said.

    The Army Chief said India would like to continue with the ceasefire so that it contributes to stability and improvement in the relationship.

    “It is the first step towards the long road of normalisation of relations with Pakistan. From our side, we would like to continue with the ceasefire so that it contributes to stability and improvement in the relationship,” he said.

    Gen Naravane also said that recruitment of local youths into militant outfits has also witnessed reduction, adding it is an indicator that the common people desired peace.

    “We remain committed to providing a conducive environment for peace to prevail. Economic activity had commenced well this year but has been slowed down due to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic,” he said.

    “I am sure that this is a temporary pause and commercial activities will resume soon as, during the winter months, we had seen a record number of tourists visiting the Valley,” he noted.

    At the same time, he said smuggling of weapons and narcotics remained a concern and there have been attempts to use unmanned systems after individuals have been caught.

    “We continue to monitor these developments and maintain a robust counter-infiltration grid. We do not want the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to indulge in drugs, crime or violence,” he said.

    “The youth are bright and many have demonstrated their capability by doing well in sports and academics, bringing laurels to their families, their village, town, district and the union territory,” he said.

    Gen Naravane said the Indian Army actively encourages such aspirations by organising various sports and educational events.

    “We remain hopeful that the menace will end with concerted efforts of the government and ‘Awaam’,” he noted.

    Pakistan has been making concerted efforts to internationalise the Kashmir issue.

    The neighbouring country stepped up its anti-India campaign after New Delhi announced in August 2019 its decision to withdraw the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcate the state into two union territories.

    India has told Pakistan that it desires normal neighbourly relations with Islamabad in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence.

    It has said the onus is on Pakistan to create an environment free of terror and hostility.

  • Paper leak: Indian Army says it has zero tolerance towards malpractices

    By PTI
    PUNE: The Indian Army on Wednesday said it is extending full procedural support to an ongoing joint investigation into a question paper leak case and reaffirmed its resolve of zero tolerance towards corrupt practices.

    The Pune police, which is investigating the Army recruitment paper leak case, has so far arrested nine people, including two Major and one Lieutenant Colonel-rank officers, in connection with the case.

    The paper leak case related to the Common Entrance Examination for recruitment of soldiers.

    The exam was scheduled in March this year.

    “The Indian Army reaffirms its resolve of zero tolerance towards corrupt practices and continues to extend full procedural support for an ongoing joint investigation of the question paper leak case of the Common Entrance Examination for recruitment of Soldiers (General Duty),” said a release from PRO (Defence).

    It said the investigations into the case commenced on an initial tip-off by the Army to the Pune police on February 28, 2021.

    Timely actions and whole-hearted support by the Army to the police is reflective of the former’s resolve to weed out malpractices and make the existing recruitment system foolproof and robust, the PRO said.

    “The interest in the youth to join Armed forces needs no reiteration. The Army, therefore, continues to implement strict checks and balances to ensure a transparent recruitment process,” the release said.

    Lt Gen JS Nain, Army Commander, Southern Command, has issued strict instructions to all Station Commanders in the area to assist in the ongoing investigation, it said.

    He has instituted proactive measures to enable early completion of the investigation, the release stated.

    “The Indian Army exhorts all candidates not to fall prey to the nefarious designs of touts and inimical elements, and support the authorities to keep the recruitment system clean and transparent,” it added.

  • Cyclone Yaas: Indian Army Rescue and Relief columns on alert in West Bengal

    By ANI
    KOLKATA: The Indian Army on Wednesday said that in coordination with the West Bengal government it has positioned rescue and relief columns across the areas on the Odisha-West Bengal coast expected to be affected by “very severe cyclonic storm”, which made landfall this morning, battering coastal districts of the two states with heavy rain and strong winds.

    “To provide immediate support to people in emerging situation due to #CycloneYaas, briefing, joint recce, liaison & coordination with WB govt has been completed. Rescue and Relief columns are pre-positioned across areas expected to be affected for immediate response”, the Indian Army said.

    According to the India Meterological Department, the very severe cyclonic storm Yaas centred about 50 kilometer south -southeast of Balasore and landfall process commenced at 9 am.

    “Meanwhile, in East Midnapore, one rescue column has been launched to rescue 32 civilians who are stuck due to a surge in water levels”, the Army said.

    The West Bengal state government has set up a round-the-clock control room in the secretariat annexe to monitor the situation. 

  • Indian Army rapidly develops infra for troops at LAC in Ladakh, northeast

    By ANI
    NEW DELHI: The Indian Army, engaged in a military stand-off with the Chinese army for more than a year, has developed infrastructure and now the capability to accommodate a large number of troops in the habitats that have been built in the Ladakh sector and other areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

    These habitats would allow the troops to function efficiently even during the harsh winters experienced in Ladakh and sustain them through temperatures which sometimes go down to minus 45 degrees.

    “Due to the military stand-off with China, the Indian Army has been able to complete the work planned in next five years in the last 12 months itself. The number of troops which can be easily accommodated and stationed in the Ladakh sector alone in the newly constructed habitats would be more than double the number of troops presents there,” government sources told ANI.

    According to estimates, both India and China have deployed more than 50,000 troops in the Eastern Ladakh sector opposite each other despite the limited disengagement in the Pangong lake sector by both sides earlier this year.

    The sources said that the Corps of Engineers are still working all along the LAC to erect structures for the troops to operate there and accommodate additional forces if the need arises.

    India has also been working to develop the road infrastructure in all the sectors along the LAC and has speeded up work on the Nimu-Padam-Darcha axis which is going to help troops move to Ladakh from other parts of the country round the year.

    The defence ministry is also set to soon clear a proposal to allow the BRO to construct a 4.5 km-long tunnel for connectivity on the new road.

    The road connectivity to all the forward locations has also been made available much before the due dates by the Army engineers.

    The military standoff between the two sides had started in the month of April- May last year when the Chinese used a summer military exercise to divert troops for aggression along the Indian territory in the eastern Ladakh areas while they built up troops along in the Sikkim sector and other locations in the northeast to pressurize India. 

  • Army honours 120-year-old woman in J&K for getting COVID vaccine

    By PTI
    UDHAMPUR: A 120-year-old woman has become an inspiration for people living in rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district after she took a lead in her remote hamlet to get vaccinated against COVID-19, prompting Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Y K Joshi to felicitate the centenarian at her home on Friday.

    In an environment where vaccine hesitancy has been witnessed among sections of the public, 120-year-old Dholi Devi got herself the shot on May 17 that has been able to transform the mindset of the local population, an army officer said.

    “Dholi Devi represents the voice of hope during the pandemic gloom and the entire village has now voluntarily come forward for inoculation inspired by her,” he said.

    Speaking to reporters, Devi said she is 120-years-old and took the vaccination and faced no problem at all.

    Her grandson Chaman Lal said, “She got vaccinated at this age. She faced no problem and had no fever. Her appeal to all is to get vaccinated”.

    Impressed by her initiative, Lt Gen Joshi, a Kargil War hero, drove to the house of Dholi Devi in Gar Katiyas village of Dudu tehsil in the district, and honoured the senior citizen amid the presence of locals and top army officers.

    Army officers said the centenarian has single-handedly inspired an entire village to make the vaccination drive a huge success.

    “Devi, who is 120-years-old, is a living legend and epitomises good health in a time in which even the young people are struggling to keep their immunity intact,” they said.

    The army commander acknowledged the inspirational act of Dholi Devi while felicitating her and sensitised the civilian population about the benefits of COVID vaccination drive, they said.

    Joshi also interacted with Devi and the healthcare workers in the village while appreciating them for their selfless service to the people and their dedication in taking the vaccination drive to the remotest areas in the Union territory.

    The Indian Army has been taking steps to fight the misinformation regarding the vaccination drive in the UT.

    Massive outreach programmes have been launched to empower the people by providing them the right information and equipping them with the knowledge necessary in the fight against the pandemic.

  • Keeping an eye on drill by Chinese military near Ladakh region: General Naravane

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: The Indian Army is keeping a constant eye on activities by the Chinese military including a drill it is conducting in its training areas near Ladakh region and there were no “violations” by either side since the implementation of the disengagement in Pangong lake areas, Chief of Army Staff Gen M M Naravane said on Wednesday.

    Gen Naravane also expressed hope that both sides will be able to make forward movement in resolving issues in other areas.

    The Chief of the Army Staff said the disengagement has been cordial so far, but added that Indian troops are maintaining an effective vigil to deal with any eventualities along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh.

    Asked about a military drill by the Chinese Army in their depth areas, he said Indian troops are keeping a constant eye on it.

    “We have seen movements in training areas. It is an annual exercise. They come for training. We also go to training areas. We have been keeping a constant eye on it. We have forces along the LAC and they are adequate to deal with any action or activity,” Gen Naravane told India Today channel.

    He said there were no “transgressions and violations” since the disengagement process took place in February and both sides are observing it in letter and spirit.

    “What is important is that we are talking. And what is important to know is that between two phases, there are periods where the trust has to be built up. I think the trust has (been) built. because of that trust, maybe we will be able to make forward movement in other areas where issues are still to be resolved,” he told CNN-News18.

    The Chief of Army Staff said India will maintain its enhanced presence on the northern front till de-escalation is achieved.

    India and China were locked in a military standoff at multiple friction points in eastern Ladakh since early May last year but they have completed the withdrawal of troops and weapons from the North and South banks of Pangong lake in February following a series of military and diplomatic talks.

    The two sides are now engaged in talks to extend the disengagement process to the remaining friction points.

    There was no visible forward movement in disengagement of troops in the remaining friction points as the Chinese side did not show flexibility in their approach on it at the 11th round of military talks with the Indian Army on April 9.

    About the coronavirus crisis, Gen Naravane said the Army is fully ready to extend all possible assistance in India’s fight against the pandemic “We are an Army of the people, for the people,” he said.

    “There is no difference in mobilising for the pandemic. This is because time to time we also assist in dealing with other natural calamities. We are quite well geared up. All three branches of armed forces have been working collectively,” he said.

    Naravane said 90 per cent of the forces’ personnel have been administered the second dose of coronavirus vaccine and soon it will touch 95 per cent.

  • COVID crisis: Navy, Army design oxygen recycling systems to alleviate shortage

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy said on Wednesday it has designed an oxygen recycling system that extends the life of the existing medical oxygen cylinders two to four times to alleviate the current shortage of the life-saving gas.

    The system is designed based on the fact that only a small percentage of oxygen inhaled by a patient is actually absorbed by the lungs, the rest being exhaled into the atmosphere along with carbon dioxide produced by the body, the Navy said in a statement.

    This exhaled oxygen can be re-used, provided the carbon dioxide is removed, it added.

    “To achieve this, the system adds a second pipe to the patient’s existing oxygen mask, which sucks out the air exhaled by a patient using a low-pressure motor,” the statement mentioned.

    India has been badly hit by a second wave of coronavirus infections, and hospitals in several states are reeling under a shortage of vaccines, oxygen, drugs, equipment and beds.

    The Navy said the oxygen recycling system has been designed by the Southern Naval Command’s diving school.

    “The system is now being progressed for clinical trials in accordance with existing guidelines, which are expected to be completed expeditiously, after which the design will be freely available for mass production in the country,” it added.

    All components used in the system are indigenous and freely available in the country, the Navy said.

    The Indian Army said on Wednesday it has found a solution for efficient conversion of liquid oxygen to low pressure oxygen gas that can be given to COVID-19 patients at their hospital beds.

    “Over seven days, the team of Army engineers in-direct consultation and material support from CSIR & DRDO put together a working solution using vaporisers, pressure relief valves and liquid oxygen cylinders,” the Army’s statement noted.

    CSIR stands for the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and DRDO stands for the Defence Research and Development Organisation.

    “Since oxygen was transported in liquid form in cryogenic tanks, quick conversion of liquid oxygen to oxygen gas and ensuring availability at the patients’ bed was a critical challenge faced by all hospitals managing COVID patients,” the statement said.

    The engineers’ team used a self pressuring liquid oxygen cylinder of small capacity (250 litres) and processed it through a especially designed vaporiser and directly usable outlet pressure (4 Bar) with leak-proof pipeline and pressure valves, it mentioned.

    India has been badly hit by the second wave of coronavirus infections and hospitals in several states are reeling under shortage of vaccines, oxygen, drugs, equipment and beds.

    The engineers’ team was led under Major General Sanjay Rihani.

    A prototype with two liquid cylinders capable of feeding oxygen gas for 40 beds for a period of two to three days was made functional at base hospital in Delhi.

    “The team has also tested a mobile version to cater for typical shifting requirements in hospitals,” the statement noted.

    “The system is economically viable and is safe to operate since it obviates high gas pressure in the pipeline or cylinders and does not require any power supply to operate. The system is capable of replication in a quick time frame,” it added.

    India saw a record 4,529 fatalities due to coronavirus in a single day pushing the COVID-19 death toll to 2,83,248, while 2.67 lakh fresh cases were recorded, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday.

    With a total of 2,67,334 fresh infections, India’s total tally of cases climbed to 2,54,96,330.

  • Armed forces rope in Battlefield Nursing Assistants to help in COVID-19 care

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: The armed forces have roped in Battlefield Nursing Assistants (BFNA) to help fight the second wave of COVID-19 and have suggested that a similar model can be followed by state governments and hospitals, according to senior officials.

    Lt General Madhuri Kanitkar, the Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Medical), believes BFNAs can also train young volunteers to help relieve trained nurses of administration duties so that they can be gainfully utilised for more important duties in the fight against the pandemic.

    The armed forces are pulling out all available resources to augment its ‘Ops CO-JEET’, a joint effort of the Army, the Indian Air Force and the Navy against the pandemic, and have deployed BFNAs at COVID-19 care centres.

    BFNAs are generally trained in providing basic health care facilities in combat situation which include administering injections and helping in breathing exercise, Lt Gen Kanitkar said.

    The armed forces are even helping the state administrations by putting to use their personnel and military resources to provide succour to the needy, but more is required to be done in these testing times and, therefore, volunteers from the society are needed to assist the state governments, she said.

    Lt Gen Kanitkar also said a large number of Battlefield Nursing Assistants who are trained in basic medical care have been brought in for COVID-19 management.

    “We have created a mechanism where we are trying for a dedicated buddy for 25 patients,” the Lt General said.

    Already the fresh COVID-19 wave has been treated as a war and the armed forces have launched the operation “CO-JEET” which encompasses psychological measures to allay fears and panic and augmentation of medical facilities to combat the disease.

    Carrying on with the belief of ‘conviction theory’ that “in times of stress, if you have someone to talk to, it makes a huge difference”, Lt Gen Kanitkar said the nursing assistants from the Army, the IAF and the Navy would reassure COVID-19 patients that everything will be fine soon.

    “In case of need, these soldiers who are already trained in providing basic nursing aid during combat operations would help in respiratory issues by making the patients do breathing exercise,” she said.

    The “Co-JEET” operation has engaged the personnel of the three wings of the armed forces — the Army, Indian Air Force and the Navy — to help restore the oxygen supply chain, setting up of COVID-19 beds and providing help to civilian administration in their fight to control the pandemic.

    The Department of Defence created a COVID crisis Management Committee.

    The CO-JEET stands for Co-workers of all the three services who will finally have ‘Jeet’ (victory) over COVID.

    Having vaccinated close to 98 per cent of the workforce, the services are pitching in every field of national effort towards COVID-19 relief while maintaining seamless coordination with government machinery to ensure optimisation of medical efforts.

    This move is part of the concerted efforts to upgrade the facilities of armed forces’ hospitals which are being run beyond their capacity by the depleted medical manpower, she added.

  • Armies of India, Pakistan exchange sweets on Eid 

    By Express News Service
    NEW DELHI:  The Line of Control between India and Pakistan saw a pleasant change on Thursday with the soldiers of both India and Pakistan exchanging sweets and pleasantries on the occasion of Eid.  

    The soldiers met at multiple points in different districts of Jammu and Kashmir. It is being said that this show of bonhomie and harmony will help create an atmosphere of trust on both sides.

    “On the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, the tradition of exchanging sweets between India and Pakistan on major festivals like Eid, Holi, Diwali and respective National days was revived and meetings were held at the Tithwal crossing on Kishanganga River in Tangdhar, Kupwara & Kaman Aman Setu in Uri to exchange sweets and pleasantries,” the Indian Army said in a statement. 

    “Indian Army and Pakistan Army celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr on the Line of Control (LoC) at Poonch-Rawalakot Crossing Point and Mendhar-Hotspring Crossing Point in Poonch district,” the Army statement said.

    The ceremony is seen as a confidence-building measure,  in the backdrop of the recently agreed ceasefire. 

    The gesture was appreciated by both the Armies and is expected to promote goodwill and mutual trust.

    The two countries agreed to strict observance of ceasefire along the Line of Control and other sectors with effect from February 25.

  • India, Pakistan armies exchange sweets at LoC on Eid-ul-Fitr

    By PTI
    SRINAGAR/JAMMU: The armies of India and Pakistan on Thursday exchanged sweets at the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, defence officials said.

    “On the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, the tradition of exchanging sweets between India and Pakistan on major festivals like Eid, Holi, Diwali and respective National days was revived and meetings were held at the Tithwal crossing on Kishanganga River in Tangdhar, Kupwara and Kaman Aman Setu in Uri to exchange sweets and pleasantries,” a spokesperson said in Srinagar.

    Meanwhile, an official said in Jammu: “Indian and Pakistan army exchanged sweets on the occasion of Eid today at Chakan Da Bagh crossing point Mendhar-hotspring crossing along the LoC in Poonch.

    They said the sweets and compliments were exchanged by both the armies in an atmosphere of bonhomie and festivities in wake of the newly achieved calm along the LoC as a result of renewed ceasefire which has brought warmth between the two neighbours.

    The gesture was appreciated by both the armies and expected to promote goodwill and mutual trust, they said.

    “Exchange of inadvertently crossed over youths on three occasions in the last two months at the zero line in Tithwal bode well for the future,” the spokesperson said.

    The exchange of sweets and pleasantries was conducted with full adherence to all COVID protocols by both sides, they said.