Dear Brigadier,
The attitude of the Govt towards the old pensioners is least sympathetic. I think we have been barking up the wrong tree in the form of surrender of medals etc. We should now refer the issue to the H'ble Supreme Court, and make a call to the country's ex-servicemen to join the fight.
If you read between the lines, one issue that the Govt is seeking to rake up is to get the identity of those who were party to the litigation; obviously, if the Govt relents, it plans to give relief to the litigants only. I recommend that we take up a nation wide campaign to make each and every pre2006 pensioner a party to the litigation. We may also bring to the notice of one and all that one third of the present serving personnel will face the same plight, should the UPA Govt be in power at the time of the next pay commission.
We must also appreciate that our civilian counterparts too have been meted out similar dispensation (remember! Mr. Raju told the Parliament that it was not legally possible to grant OROP to the Armed Forces). We must also make them a party to the litigation.
With best regards,
Col Kala
Friday, April 30, 2010
RANK PAY CASE - GOVERNMENT GOES BACK TO SUPREME COURT AND APPEALS
From: Christopher D'Silva chrisdsilva41@hotmail.com
Sent: 27 April 2010 22:17
To: CS Kamboj; CDR BALAJI
Subject: FW: RANK PAY CASE - GOVERNMENT GOES BACK TO SUPREME COURT AND APPEALS - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 195/2010 - 27 APR 2010 (A to G)
Indeed, it is a sad commentary on the cussedness of MOD/CGDA but may be a fortuitous occurrence for the Veterans, specially for those of us who retired or left the service prior to 1986. I suppose the SC will issue notices to RDOA/Kerala Ex-Servicemen's Association and all the others who had been impleaded earlier.
Please request RDOA and the Kerala Ex-Servicemen's Association and others, to include a plea regarding the grant of pensionary benefits, based on the Rank Pay, separated from the Basic Pay/Pay Scale, as recommended by the IV PAY COMMISSION and considered for the calculation of Pension/gratuity, etc, as admissible, in respect of Pre-1986 retirees also and ofcourse with interest. This was not clear from the earlier judgement of March 2010. The RDOA and the Kerala Ex-Servicemen's Association, will be doing a great service to the Pre-1986 Pensioners, for which we will be eternally grateful. Many thanks. I am, in fact all Pre-1986 retirees, should be ready to help, to the extent possible.
Captain Christopher L.N. D'Silva, I.N. (Retd.) (USA)
-------------
From: satbir singh
Sent: 28 April 2010 12:19
To: "bhupendra sharma beekay_sharma49"@yahoo.co.in
Cc: IESM_GovBody@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [IESM_GovBody] Fw: RANK PAY CASE - GOVERNMENT GOES BACK TO SUPREME COURT AND APPEALS - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 195/2010 - 27 APR 2010 (H to Z)
Dear Col BK Sharma
1. The judgement has far reaching consequences. The Pay and Allowances and pension 4tha and 5th Pay Commission would have to be worked out afresh. The Govt has no grounds to make prayer to recall the judgement. We must fight this tooth and nail to defeat the unjustified designs of the Govt. Why are they heaping injustices upon the soldiers is a matter of great concern to the whole Nation.
2. Let us give it widest of publicity to tell the people of India our grave concerns and the Govts negative attitude.
With Kind Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement
Mobile: 9312404269, 0124-4110570
Email : satbirsm@yahoo.com
Sent: 27 April 2010 22:17
To: CS Kamboj; CDR BALAJI
Subject: FW: RANK PAY CASE - GOVERNMENT GOES BACK TO SUPREME COURT AND APPEALS - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 195/2010 - 27 APR 2010 (A to G)
Indeed, it is a sad commentary on the cussedness of MOD/CGDA but may be a fortuitous occurrence for the Veterans, specially for those of us who retired or left the service prior to 1986. I suppose the SC will issue notices to RDOA/Kerala Ex-Servicemen's Association and all the others who had been impleaded earlier.
Please request RDOA and the Kerala Ex-Servicemen's Association and others, to include a plea regarding the grant of pensionary benefits, based on the Rank Pay, separated from the Basic Pay/Pay Scale, as recommended by the IV PAY COMMISSION and considered for the calculation of Pension/gratuity, etc, as admissible, in respect of Pre-1986 retirees also and ofcourse with interest. This was not clear from the earlier judgement of March 2010. The RDOA and the Kerala Ex-Servicemen's Association, will be doing a great service to the Pre-1986 Pensioners, for which we will be eternally grateful. Many thanks. I am, in fact all Pre-1986 retirees, should be ready to help, to the extent possible.
Captain Christopher L.N. D'Silva, I.N. (Retd.) (USA)
-------------
From: satbir singh
Sent: 28 April 2010 12:19
To: "bhupendra sharma beekay_sharma49"@yahoo.co.in
Cc: IESM_GovBody@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [IESM_GovBody] Fw: RANK PAY CASE - GOVERNMENT GOES BACK TO SUPREME COURT AND APPEALS - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 195/2010 - 27 APR 2010 (H to Z)
Dear Col BK Sharma
1. The judgement has far reaching consequences. The Pay and Allowances and pension 4tha and 5th Pay Commission would have to be worked out afresh. The Govt has no grounds to make prayer to recall the judgement. We must fight this tooth and nail to defeat the unjustified designs of the Govt. Why are they heaping injustices upon the soldiers is a matter of great concern to the whole Nation.
2. Let us give it widest of publicity to tell the people of India our grave concerns and the Govts negative attitude.
With Kind Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement
Mobile: 9312404269, 0124-4110570
Email : satbirsm@yahoo.com
(PENSION OF MAJORS AND EQUIVALENTS) by Lt Cdr Avtar Singh
From: avtar_singh10@hotmail.com
To: DELETED
Subject: (PENSION OF MAJORS AND EQUIVALENTS)
Date: Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:24:13 +0530
Dear All,
The petition filed by 64 officers(Second list) has been admitted and respondents have been asked to file reply by 11 May 2010.
tHE Petition has been clubbed with earlier petition
Regards
Avtar Singh
Lt Cdr
28-4-2010
------------
From: avtar singh avtar_singh10@hotmail.com
Sent: 28 April 2010 10:22
To: kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Cc: Balaji Lt CDR
Subject: FW: pension
Dear Sir,
Lt Cdr (Retd) K S Nath is one such case. There are so many others who either are not aware of their enitlement or denied by the bankers.
Had the PCDA issued PPO, this problem would have not arisen.
IESM should take up this matter with MOD and Service HQ for issuance of PPO howsoever difficult it may be for PCDA
Regards
Avtar Singh
27-4-2010
(I have helped four widows, who knew nothing about increase in pension and were not getting the revised pension.
Please look around and help ORs and widows and any one else you find ignorant about 6CPC – Chander Kamboj)
-
To: DELETED
Subject: (PENSION OF MAJORS AND EQUIVALENTS)
Date: Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:24:13 +0530
Dear All,
The petition filed by 64 officers(Second list) has been admitted and respondents have been asked to file reply by 11 May 2010.
tHE Petition has been clubbed with earlier petition
Regards
Avtar Singh
Lt Cdr
28-4-2010
------------
From: avtar singh avtar_singh10@hotmail.com
Sent: 28 April 2010 10:22
To: kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Cc: Balaji Lt CDR
Subject: FW: pension
Dear Sir,
Lt Cdr (Retd) K S Nath is one such case. There are so many others who either are not aware of their enitlement or denied by the bankers.
Had the PCDA issued PPO, this problem would have not arisen.
IESM should take up this matter with MOD and Service HQ for issuance of PPO howsoever difficult it may be for PCDA
Regards
Avtar Singh
27-4-2010
(I have helped four widows, who knew nothing about increase in pension and were not getting the revised pension.
Please look around and help ORs and widows and any one else you find ignorant about 6CPC – Chander Kamboj)
-
Views o Lt Gen YN Sharma
From: yoginder sharma yogi2g@gmail.com
Sent: 28 April 2010 06:38
To: raj kadyan
Cc: satbirsm@yahoo.com; CS Kamboj
Subject: RE: ESM SITREP 27 APR EVENING
Dear Raj and the IESM Core Team,
It has been some time since I applauded and admired your awesome 'labour of love' and 'selfless service'. The leadership, enterprise, energy and endurance displayed by all of you is unprecedented, inspired and inspiring.
You, Raj, have been a great Team Captain- wise, mature, righteous and determined.Bravo.
Satbir is an old colleague- of some rough times- rock solid and resolute, as ever. He has truly been a revelation in this role. In my book, being No 2 was always the most 'difficult' experience. You two have turned that conventional wisdom on its head- more credit to Satbir.
My apologies for not personally commending other Members of your highly dedicated Team-they have all been exemplary.
Someday, if we meet, would love to hear as to how you built such an amazing Team. My warmest compliments to each one.
It is going to be a long haul ahead. Keep at it-is a path-breaking mission. The diversified format that you have chosen is most prudent, in terms of pay-off.
Indian Veterans deserve and need your 'sacrifice' -so far none had measured up to the cause.
May God bless you all.
Yogi
(Lt Gen YN Sharma, Former Army Commander)
---------
From: yoginder sharma yogi2g@gmail.com
Sent: 28 April 2010 08:29
To: Kamboj Chander
Cc: manmohan walia; vijay madan; VIJAY OBEROI; gen_harwant@hotmail.com
Subject: Re: AN ARTICLE BY LT GEN HARWANT SINGH - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 197/2010 - 27 APR 2010 (H to Z)
1. I have, since long, held Gen Harwant's professional views in high esteem. There is justified, and historically proven, merit in his defence of AFSPA. He is also in good company on this issue, presently-on the highest table in fact - the new Chief is as firm a proponent of this 'good' law which has lately acquired an 'odium' in local perceptions?
2. I can also claim some 'hands on' experience of CI ops, incl as a BM in Nagaland and cdr of two Bdes in Manipur. Personally, I cannot recall taking cover behind or flaunting a copy of the AFPSA to conduct successful ops. In fact one did a lot 'worse' to get results, provided one did not "alienate" local perceptions, in the long run. Indeed, existence of the law had a prophylactic value but its use was as rare as the contested 'excesses' .
3. In the ultimate analysis, the key determinant of success(or otherwise) in CI/CT ops is the support/alienation of local population - all the force in the world cannot neutralise its loss. If in doubt, check with the US/NATO forces further West? For whatever reasons, AFPSA has become a huge red-flag 'alienator'- witness Irom Sharmila's 10 yr long fast and so on. Public support is a function of 'perceptions' and IA was(?) not very skilled at perception management. Our fixation with the 'tried and tested', in this case, can thus become counterproductive to our own cause. Perhaps, it is time to get flexible and innovative.
4. The conventional objection to a 'revision' or the law, as expanded in the Article, is that it will dilute the 'essentials' of legal protection. But why and who said so??? Let us get smart and don't let there be operationally unacceptable dilution of the enabling legal provisions. Surely we can manage that- it is our own Govt, ain't it. My vote is ,therefore, against a 'fossilized' approach - sorry Harwant and all the like-minded worthies (means the majority)!!!
But then I have always enjoyed sticking my neck out.
Cheers.
Yogi
(Lt Gen YN Sharma, Former Army Commander)
------------
From: prem parkash batra premprempb@rediffmail.com
Sent: 28 April 2010 00:56
To: gen_harwant@hotmail.com
Cc: DELETED
Subject: Fw: AFSPA
Lt Gen Harwant Singh
Dear Sir,
1. At last you have broken your silence through with your Article in Tribune which is trailed below (deleted). There is more to it, Sir. And that makes me very sad.
2. I have been attending Talks and Lectures and Seminars at ISIL since 1999 on completing my PG Diploma in "International Business And Trade Law". [ FYI, I have no Law Qualification]. Let me put some matter before you.
3. ISIL runs regularly Courses on Human Rights, Refugee Law, Internally Displaced and Human Rights for Poverty alleviation and so on forth. These courses are co-sponsored by International Committee of Red Cross in India. They have two Retired Service Officers on their Staff at ICR in India. Lot of young Law Graduates and Under Graduates undertake these courses; because they would get jobs with NGOs to start their career. Now of course WTO Courses like IPR, Trade Marks, etc., are attracting the talent. Other regular topic is Geneva Conventions with their Two Protocols and their non ratification by India. The Speakers would be entertained by accepting their worthless Papers with some even becoming Speakers during the Conferences.
4. In fact the 1st Henry Moot Court I attended there, was Red and Blue Commanders where the Red Commander [ India ] was pilloried for earth scorching policy adopted by Red Commander! It was presided over by Justice Retired Sachar! I did try to intervene--the Commander is not CNS--the Commander-in-Chief is the President who gives written orders. No ex NDA/IMA General would ever give such scorch earth orders but the Judge would not listen.
5. On another occasion, RADM Malhotra Retired and my self defended that India should not sign Geneva Conventions and the two Protocols when USA has not signed them. In fact the Legal Officers on the Staff of Pacific Commander put the ISIL Faculty to shame by defending what happened in Iraq. At amother occasion when the Foreign Secretary was in the Chair asked the ISIL to send our views too. They do not invite DGP HS Gill or any Flag Officer from the Forces when decidng their Fate.
6. During the International Law Conference in 2004, the then MP, Shri Pranab Mukerji, was chairing the session and was apologetic about the violation of Human Rights by the Security Forces. In fact the Army JAG Mag Gen Kumar was booed when he tried to balance the course of the discussions.
7. It would not be out of place to say that an Indian for a free lunch or selected to present a paper at the Conference would sell his soul!
Media is no different.
8. I tried to plead at various think tanks that serving officers should defend theselves instead of we the Retired ones. The serving Officers should include besides the JAGs, the Operational Staff to participate as well. But some how the serving officers take the high pedestal and do not attend. JAGs who attend some times do not have the actual fighting experience. Forums like ISIL produce Draft Acts and their participation would protect the interests of the Forces and the Armed Police.
9. I even met the then Naval JAG he was all platitude and gave me due respect for being my student for his induction training. But nothing much happened as he could not convince the Top Brass. I doubt if the Army JAG and the Air Force JAG got the necessary backing from their Service.
10. For organising a seminar and paying invariably is some external NGO who funds and gets material through. Unfortunately our Human Rights Commission is ill informed or is forced to initiate action by the vested interests and the media who are bought over. Our Army Chief is already playing their game!
11. I have even checked with the Intelligence people to fund Seminars to get the desired results but in vain.
12. Sir, can you persuade the Top Brass to pay due attention to their own interests by active participation in Law Seminars, Lectures, Talks, etc.
With best regards,
Cdr Prem P Batra Retired.
-----------
Sent: 28 April 2010 06:38
To: raj kadyan
Cc: satbirsm@yahoo.com; CS Kamboj
Subject: RE: ESM SITREP 27 APR EVENING
Dear Raj and the IESM Core Team,
It has been some time since I applauded and admired your awesome 'labour of love' and 'selfless service'. The leadership, enterprise, energy and endurance displayed by all of you is unprecedented, inspired and inspiring.
You, Raj, have been a great Team Captain- wise, mature, righteous and determined.Bravo.
Satbir is an old colleague- of some rough times- rock solid and resolute, as ever. He has truly been a revelation in this role. In my book, being No 2 was always the most 'difficult' experience. You two have turned that conventional wisdom on its head- more credit to Satbir.
My apologies for not personally commending other Members of your highly dedicated Team-they have all been exemplary.
Someday, if we meet, would love to hear as to how you built such an amazing Team. My warmest compliments to each one.
It is going to be a long haul ahead. Keep at it-is a path-breaking mission. The diversified format that you have chosen is most prudent, in terms of pay-off.
Indian Veterans deserve and need your 'sacrifice' -so far none had measured up to the cause.
May God bless you all.
Yogi
(Lt Gen YN Sharma, Former Army Commander)
---------
From: yoginder sharma yogi2g@gmail.com
Sent: 28 April 2010 08:29
To: Kamboj Chander
Cc: manmohan walia; vijay madan; VIJAY OBEROI; gen_harwant@hotmail.com
Subject: Re: AN ARTICLE BY LT GEN HARWANT SINGH - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 197/2010 - 27 APR 2010 (H to Z)
1. I have, since long, held Gen Harwant's professional views in high esteem. There is justified, and historically proven, merit in his defence of AFSPA. He is also in good company on this issue, presently-on the highest table in fact - the new Chief is as firm a proponent of this 'good' law which has lately acquired an 'odium' in local perceptions?
2. I can also claim some 'hands on' experience of CI ops, incl as a BM in Nagaland and cdr of two Bdes in Manipur. Personally, I cannot recall taking cover behind or flaunting a copy of the AFPSA to conduct successful ops. In fact one did a lot 'worse' to get results, provided one did not "alienate" local perceptions, in the long run. Indeed, existence of the law had a prophylactic value but its use was as rare as the contested 'excesses' .
3. In the ultimate analysis, the key determinant of success(or otherwise) in CI/CT ops is the support/alienation of local population - all the force in the world cannot neutralise its loss. If in doubt, check with the US/NATO forces further West? For whatever reasons, AFPSA has become a huge red-flag 'alienator'- witness Irom Sharmila's 10 yr long fast and so on. Public support is a function of 'perceptions' and IA was(?) not very skilled at perception management. Our fixation with the 'tried and tested', in this case, can thus become counterproductive to our own cause. Perhaps, it is time to get flexible and innovative.
4. The conventional objection to a 'revision' or the law, as expanded in the Article, is that it will dilute the 'essentials' of legal protection. But why and who said so??? Let us get smart and don't let there be operationally unacceptable dilution of the enabling legal provisions. Surely we can manage that- it is our own Govt, ain't it. My vote is ,therefore, against a 'fossilized' approach - sorry Harwant and all the like-minded worthies (means the majority)!!!
But then I have always enjoyed sticking my neck out.
Cheers.
Yogi
(Lt Gen YN Sharma, Former Army Commander)
------------
From: prem parkash batra premprempb@rediffmail.com
Sent: 28 April 2010 00:56
To: gen_harwant@hotmail.com
Cc: DELETED
Subject: Fw: AFSPA
Lt Gen Harwant Singh
Dear Sir,
1. At last you have broken your silence through with your Article in Tribune which is trailed below (deleted). There is more to it, Sir. And that makes me very sad.
2. I have been attending Talks and Lectures and Seminars at ISIL since 1999 on completing my PG Diploma in "International Business And Trade Law". [ FYI, I have no Law Qualification]. Let me put some matter before you.
3. ISIL runs regularly Courses on Human Rights, Refugee Law, Internally Displaced and Human Rights for Poverty alleviation and so on forth. These courses are co-sponsored by International Committee of Red Cross in India. They have two Retired Service Officers on their Staff at ICR in India. Lot of young Law Graduates and Under Graduates undertake these courses; because they would get jobs with NGOs to start their career. Now of course WTO Courses like IPR, Trade Marks, etc., are attracting the talent. Other regular topic is Geneva Conventions with their Two Protocols and their non ratification by India. The Speakers would be entertained by accepting their worthless Papers with some even becoming Speakers during the Conferences.
4. In fact the 1st Henry Moot Court I attended there, was Red and Blue Commanders where the Red Commander [ India ] was pilloried for earth scorching policy adopted by Red Commander! It was presided over by Justice Retired Sachar! I did try to intervene--the Commander is not CNS--the Commander-in-Chief is the President who gives written orders. No ex NDA/IMA General would ever give such scorch earth orders but the Judge would not listen.
5. On another occasion, RADM Malhotra Retired and my self defended that India should not sign Geneva Conventions and the two Protocols when USA has not signed them. In fact the Legal Officers on the Staff of Pacific Commander put the ISIL Faculty to shame by defending what happened in Iraq. At amother occasion when the Foreign Secretary was in the Chair asked the ISIL to send our views too. They do not invite DGP HS Gill or any Flag Officer from the Forces when decidng their Fate.
6. During the International Law Conference in 2004, the then MP, Shri Pranab Mukerji, was chairing the session and was apologetic about the violation of Human Rights by the Security Forces. In fact the Army JAG Mag Gen Kumar was booed when he tried to balance the course of the discussions.
7. It would not be out of place to say that an Indian for a free lunch or selected to present a paper at the Conference would sell his soul!
Media is no different.
8. I tried to plead at various think tanks that serving officers should defend theselves instead of we the Retired ones. The serving Officers should include besides the JAGs, the Operational Staff to participate as well. But some how the serving officers take the high pedestal and do not attend. JAGs who attend some times do not have the actual fighting experience. Forums like ISIL produce Draft Acts and their participation would protect the interests of the Forces and the Armed Police.
9. I even met the then Naval JAG he was all platitude and gave me due respect for being my student for his induction training. But nothing much happened as he could not convince the Top Brass. I doubt if the Army JAG and the Air Force JAG got the necessary backing from their Service.
10. For organising a seminar and paying invariably is some external NGO who funds and gets material through. Unfortunately our Human Rights Commission is ill informed or is forced to initiate action by the vested interests and the media who are bought over. Our Army Chief is already playing their game!
11. I have even checked with the Intelligence people to fund Seminars to get the desired results but in vain.
12. Sir, can you persuade the Top Brass to pay due attention to their own interests by active participation in Law Seminars, Lectures, Talks, etc.
With best regards,
Cdr Prem P Batra Retired.
-----------
WHAT HAS IESM ACHIEVED ?? by cdr kk punchhi, canada
Dear Friends,
Every once in a while, my friends ask me about IESM. I tell them what I know about it but obviously I'm not fully in the picture. I think it would be a good idea to prepare a write up so that it can be sent to all those who ask for details. Facts like the date of inception, registration with authorities, its charter, current figures of finances and membership, its acievements, its committees and sub committees, how it has helped ESM especially rural ORs and widows, etc. We should also bring out how the bank branches have come to regard IESM reps as their friends who sort out defence pension problems. I think this fact and info sheet should be put out now and and should be updated every 3 or 6 months. Since not everyone can open attachments, it is better if the info is in the form of an email circular.
Secondly, there is a suggestion from some quarters that IESM should take the medals to Rashtrapati Bhavan and hand them over only to the President. If the medals are not accepted by her, they should be brought back and the media informed about it. I think things are changing. Recently, the President waited at the airport after landing, in order to personally pay respects to the dead bodies of defence personnel killed in Kabul. She waited at the airport even when the plane from Kabul was delayed by an hour or so.
Submitted.
Regards................K K Punchhi
Every once in a while, my friends ask me about IESM. I tell them what I know about it but obviously I'm not fully in the picture. I think it would be a good idea to prepare a write up so that it can be sent to all those who ask for details. Facts like the date of inception, registration with authorities, its charter, current figures of finances and membership, its acievements, its committees and sub committees, how it has helped ESM especially rural ORs and widows, etc. We should also bring out how the bank branches have come to regard IESM reps as their friends who sort out defence pension problems. I think this fact and info sheet should be put out now and and should be updated every 3 or 6 months. Since not everyone can open attachments, it is better if the info is in the form of an email circular.
Secondly, there is a suggestion from some quarters that IESM should take the medals to Rashtrapati Bhavan and hand them over only to the President. If the medals are not accepted by her, they should be brought back and the media informed about it. I think things are changing. Recently, the President waited at the airport after landing, in order to personally pay respects to the dead bodies of defence personnel killed in Kabul. She waited at the airport even when the plane from Kabul was delayed by an hour or so.
Submitted.
Regards................K K Punchhi
REPORT ON IESM RALLY AT GHAMAR, UP, ON 25 APR 10
Brig Chander Kamboj,
Dear Sir,
1. The awakening shown at GHAMAR Rally evokes my admiration. This genuine first step at Inclusiveness in IESM is praise worthy and needs to be persevered with.
I only hope their genuine trust is not betrayed by the Core Committee.
2. We have to be honest what happened before last General Elections was not well thought through and put us on the back foot.
3. I would like to think that UPA-2 would let the fires rage and only do something before next Genaral Elections to encash the Political Capital generated then. That too only if IESM succeeds in building public pressure maintains till 2014.
With best regards,
Cdr Prem P Batra IN Retd.
Summary of the Historic Gahmar Rally on April 25, 2010
Dear and Respected Sirs and Colleagues,
This is a summary of the Gahmar Historic IESM Rally which was successfully conducted on 25th Apr 10.
Gahmar village, as some of you might not know, is Asia’s largest military veteran populated village. To the west of the village is the Temple of Goddess Kamaksha and to the north is the holy river Ganges. Dividing UP and Bihar is the river Karmanasa on the East of the village and on the far south is the Gahamar railway Station.
There are about one hundred thousand inhabitants in the village of which more than ten thousand are serving military personnel encompassing all three arms of service. An additional five thousand are military veterans and their families settled post retirement. With the blessings of Goddess Kamaksha, no soldier from this village has ever fallen in battle after Independence. Although during the First World War (1914-1919), 928 soldiers from the village went to war and due to an enemy bombardment, 21 soldiers made the supreme sacrifice. To pay homage and respects to these finest men, the names of the 21 fallen soldiers are engraved in stone at the Gahmar Police Station.
After the 14th February rally at Dildar Nagar, it was decided that a similar rally be organized at Rasara (Baliya Dist) and Gahmar on the same lines as that of the March 14 rally at Jantar Mantar. The rallies were organized on 28th March 10 at Rasara and on 25th April at Gahamar
The veterans of Buxar were so excited that they gathered at Buxar Railway Station and as soon as the train reached the station, slogan shouting by the veterans such as “sainik ekta zindabad” “OROP le ke rahengey” “Jai hind” “maa kameksha ki jai” “boley sonihal sat sri akal”. Garlands and flowers were all over the Chief Guest Maj Gen Satbir Singh and Col R.P. Chaturvedi at the railway station itself. A caravan of motorcycles and vehicles was waiting at the U P and Bihar boarder to receive the guest vehicle and a long caravan was there from the boarder all the way up to Gahmar.
The rally has been truly historic in nature. Never before have we witnessed a gathering this huge of military veterans in the nearby areas. The president of Bhootpoorva Sainik Seva Samiti Sh. Capt Markandey Singh organized the rally along with his team of dedicated Veterans of IESM and villagers. More than 5000 to 7000 veterans and their families attended the rally. In these were more than 1000 war widows as well.
Some attendees were Maj Gen Satbir Singh, Col R.P. Chaturvedi, Col Dharmraj Singh (Raj Rif) from village Gahmar, Col Ram Raj Singh (Rajput Regt.), Col Ram Bachan Singh (8 Madras), Col Ranjeet Upadhyay, Col Dinesh (Arty), Maj R. K. Singh (ASC), Col Subhash Upadhyay (Arty) among others.
Many senior veterans attended the rally from nearby areas of Bihar and UP including but not limited to Buxar, Arrah, Danapur, Gazipur, Baliya, Aazamgarh, Varanasi, Chandauli, Chakiya, Allahabad, Kanpur, Lucknow, Kanog and Unav.
The speakers in the rally stressed the need to further strengthen and escalate the legitimate demand of military veterans to resolve the rank pension anomaly and to grant, once and for all, One Rank One Pension in its true essence.
In addition to this core issue, the other major issues addressed by the respected speakers were ECHS, setting up a Sainik School in Gahmar, Pension disbursement grievances and facilities like CSD and Recruitment Rally etc. in the area.
In the rally, senior veterans including a 70 year war widow, a 104 year old veteran and some disabled veterans and war widows were honored and paid respects by presenting Shawls. The Chief Guest of the rally, Maj Gen Satbir Singh, was presented with a special Turban, Kripan, a Shawl and a photograph of Patna Sahib specially brought from Gurudwara Patna Sahib.
Other guests including Col R. P. Chaturvedi, Capt. Sharma, Hav P. N. Shrivastava and self were presented with Shawls.
The absence of Gen Raj Kadyan was deeply felt by everyone. Maj Gen Satbir sir informed the rally about the absence of Gen Kadyan and apologized to the veterans for his absence. At the same time, Gen Satbir sir motivated and inspired the rally with his forceful and strong words of motivation and encouragement for the veterans and their families.
Veterans present at the rally unanimously and swore to stand shoulder to shoulder with the general in the fight for justice for defence forces and to stick together in thick and thin regardless. Such was the magic of the General’s words that his speech was punctuated with thunderous applause and slogan shouting by the mesmerized veterans such as “sainik ekta zindabad” “OROP le ke rahengey” “Jai hind” “maa kameksha ki jai” Boley sonihal satshriya kal.
Leaders raised points about the need to increase the membership drive and to stick together as one unit in this battle for justice. Col Chaturvedi threw light on Necessity of the IESM Birth and the issue of ECHS facilities and made the veterans aware of their rights to certain facilities.
Self raised the point for the unity amongst all ESM organizations. Self also raised the point to ignore the false propaganda of OROP being granted by misleading agents of Govt who are also ESM but are like Jai Chand for the ESm community.
Such was the harmony and oneness at the rally that all the speakers and the spoken both fell in love with each other. The rally has truly united the ESM community of the area and the IESM OROP movement has been truly reborn and revitalized there. Many new upcoming local leaders have been identified and thus the mission is truly reaching the grassroots of ESM community.
The rally has been a thumping success. On behalf of the ESM community of the area, I thank all the honorable senior officers and my colleagues who took the time to attend and address the rally. With such successful rallies and drives I am certain that the day is not too far away when the government will have no option but to grant our just and legitimate demand of One Rank One Pension.
Some of the Photos and News cuttings are attached with this mail.
Jai Hind.
Kameshwar
--
Kameshwar Pandey
Sub/Maj Hony. Lt. (Veteran)
230, Pocket-1,
DDA SFS Flats, Sector-1,
Dwarka, New Delhi - 110 075
Cell : +91-9811059825
Home: +91-11-3296 6701
email: pandeykameshwar@gmail.com
This is a summary of the Gahmar Historic IESM Rally which was successfully conducted on 25th Apr 10.
Gahmar village, as some of you might not know, is Asia’s largest military veteran populated village. To the west of the village is the Temple of Goddess Kamaksha and to the north is the holy river Ganges. Dividing UP and Bihar is the river Karmanasa on the East of the village and on the far south is the Gahamar railway Station.
There are about one hundred thousand inhabitants in the village of which more than ten thousand are serving military personnel encompassing all three arms of service. An additional five thousand are military veterans and their families settled post retirement. With the blessings of Goddess Kamaksha, no soldier from this village has ever fallen in battle after Independence. Although during the First World War (1914-1919), 928 soldiers from the village went to war and due to an enemy bombardment, 21 soldiers made the supreme sacrifice. To pay homage and respects to these finest men, the names of the 21 fallen soldiers are engraved in stone at the Gahmar Police Station.
After the 14th February rally at Dildar Nagar, it was decided that a similar rally be organized at Rasara (Baliya Dist) and Gahmar on the same lines as that of the March 14 rally at Jantar Mantar. The rallies were organized on 28th March 10 at Rasara and on 25th April at Gahamar
The veterans of Buxar were so excited that they gathered at Buxar Railway Station and as soon as the train reached the station, slogan shouting by the veterans such as “sainik ekta zindabad” “OROP le ke rahengey” “Jai hind” “maa kameksha ki jai” “boley sonihal sat sri akal”. Garlands and flowers were all over the Chief Guest Maj Gen Satbir Singh and Col R.P. Chaturvedi at the railway station itself. A caravan of motorcycles and vehicles was waiting at the U P and Bihar boarder to receive the guest vehicle and a long caravan was there from the boarder all the way up to Gahmar.
The rally has been truly historic in nature. Never before have we witnessed a gathering this huge of military veterans in the nearby areas. The president of Bhootpoorva Sainik Seva Samiti Sh. Capt Markandey Singh organized the rally along with his team of dedicated Veterans of IESM and villagers. More than 5000 to 7000 veterans and their families attended the rally. In these were more than 1000 war widows as well.
Some attendees were Maj Gen Satbir Singh, Col R.P. Chaturvedi, Col Dharmraj Singh (Raj Rif) from village Gahmar, Col Ram Raj Singh (Rajput Regt.), Col Ram Bachan Singh (8 Madras), Col Ranjeet Upadhyay, Col Dinesh (Arty), Maj R. K. Singh (ASC), Col Subhash Upadhyay (Arty) among others.
Many senior veterans attended the rally from nearby areas of Bihar and UP including but not limited to Buxar, Arrah, Danapur, Gazipur, Baliya, Aazamgarh, Varanasi, Chandauli, Chakiya, Allahabad, Kanpur, Lucknow, Kanog and Unav.
The speakers in the rally stressed the need to further strengthen and escalate the legitimate demand of military veterans to resolve the rank pension anomaly and to grant, once and for all, One Rank One Pension in its true essence.
In addition to this core issue, the other major issues addressed by the respected speakers were ECHS, setting up a Sainik School in Gahmar, Pension disbursement grievances and facilities like CSD and Recruitment Rally etc. in the area.
In the rally, senior veterans including a 70 year war widow, a 104 year old veteran and some disabled veterans and war widows were honored and paid respects by presenting Shawls. The Chief Guest of the rally, Maj Gen Satbir Singh, was presented with a special Turban, Kripan, a Shawl and a photograph of Patna Sahib specially brought from Gurudwara Patna Sahib.
Other guests including Col R. P. Chaturvedi, Capt. Sharma, Hav P. N. Shrivastava and self were presented with Shawls.
The absence of Gen Raj Kadyan was deeply felt by everyone. Maj Gen Satbir sir informed the rally about the absence of Gen Kadyan and apologized to the veterans for his absence. At the same time, Gen Satbir sir motivated and inspired the rally with his forceful and strong words of motivation and encouragement for the veterans and their families.
Veterans present at the rally unanimously and swore to stand shoulder to shoulder with the general in the fight for justice for defence forces and to stick together in thick and thin regardless. Such was the magic of the General’s words that his speech was punctuated with thunderous applause and slogan shouting by the mesmerized veterans such as “sainik ekta zindabad” “OROP le ke rahengey” “Jai hind” “maa kameksha ki jai” Boley sonihal satshriya kal.
Leaders raised points about the need to increase the membership drive and to stick together as one unit in this battle for justice. Col Chaturvedi threw light on Necessity of the IESM Birth and the issue of ECHS facilities and made the veterans aware of their rights to certain facilities.
Self raised the point for the unity amongst all ESM organizations. Self also raised the point to ignore the false propaganda of OROP being granted by misleading agents of Govt who are also ESM but are like Jai Chand for the ESm community.
Such was the harmony and oneness at the rally that all the speakers and the spoken both fell in love with each other. The rally has truly united the ESM community of the area and the IESM OROP movement has been truly reborn and revitalized there. Many new upcoming local leaders have been identified and thus the mission is truly reaching the grassroots of ESM community.
The rally has been a thumping success. On behalf of the ESM community of the area, I thank all the honorable senior officers and my colleagues who took the time to attend and address the rally. With such successful rallies and drives I am certain that the day is not too far away when the government will have no option but to grant our just and legitimate demand of One Rank One Pension.
Some of the Photos and News cuttings are attached with this mail.
Jai Hind.
Kameshwar
--
Kameshwar Pandey
Sub/Maj Hony. Lt. (Veteran)
230, Pocket-1,
DDA SFS Flats, Sector-1,
Dwarka, New Delhi - 110 075
Cell : +91-9811059825
Home: +91-11-3296 6701
email: pandeykameshwar@gmail.com
Bet you didn't see this on TV or in newspaper
Mike Monsoor
The casketTo – Mr Navin Kini – for information.
The soldiers all over the world sacrifice themselves for their country.
Almost all countries give utmost respect to their soldiers – among the exceptions – India is on top to humiliate its soldiers. – Very sad story.
The Public needs to rise against this gross injustice to the Soldiers of India and wake up the Indian Government.
We once again thank you for your kind donations to IESM, which is fighting against Injustice to Defence Services in most disciplined and peaceful manner.
– Very fond regards – Chander Kamboj
From: Brig V A Subramanyam [mailto:vasubramanyam@gmail.com]
Sent: 30 April 2010 05:46
Subject: Bet you didn't see this on TV or in newspaper
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: sundara rao
Date: 30 April 2010 05:22
SMay Joy & Happiness govern your life.
I'LL BET YOU DIDN'T SEE THIS
IN THE NEWSPAPER OR ON THE 6 O'CLOCK NEWS"
~
The Sailor Pictured Below Is,
Navy Petty Officer,
PO2
(Petty Officer, Second Class)
EOD2
(Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Second Class)
Mike Monsoor"MIKE MONSOOR"
April 5th, 1981 ~ September 29th, 2009
Mike Monsoor,
Was Awarded "The Congressional Medal Of Honor" Last Week,
For Giving His Life In Iraq As He Jumped On And Covered With His Body A Live Hand Grenade, Saving The Lives Of A Large Group Of Navy Seals That Was Passing By!
~
During Mike Monsoor's Funeral, At Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery In San Diego, California.
The Six Pallbearers Removed The Rosewood Casket From The Hearse,
And Lined Up On Each Side Of Mike Monsoor's Casket,
Were His Family Members, Friends, Fellow Sailors, And Well-wishers.
The Column Of People Continued From The Hearse, All The Way To The Grave Site.
What The Group Didn't Know At The Time Was,
Every Navy Seal
(45 To Be Exact)
That Mike Monsoor Saved That Day Was Scattered Through-Out The Column!
~
As The Pallbearers Carried The Rosewood Casket
Down The Column Of People To The Grave Side.
The Column Would Collapse..
Which Formed A Group Of People That Followed Behind.
~
Every Time The Rosewood Casket Passed A Navy Seal,
He Would Remove His Gold Trident Pin From His Uniform,
And Slap It Down Hard,
Causing The Gold Trident Pin To Embed Itself
Into The Top Of The Wooden Casket!
Then The Navy Seal Would Step Back From The Column, And Salute!
~
Now For Those,
Who Don't Know What A Trident Pin Is,
Here Is The Definition!
~
After One Completes The Basic Navy Seals Program, Which Lasts For Three Weeks,
And Is Followed By Seal Qualification Training,
Which Is 15 More Weeks Of Training,
Necessary To Continue Improving Basic Skills And To Learn New Tactics And Techniques,
Required For An Assignment To A Navy Seal Platoon.
After successful completion,
Trainees Are Given Their Naval Enlisted Code,
And Are Awarded The Navy Seal Trident Pin.
With This Gold Pin They Are Now Officially Navy Seals!
It Was Said,
That You Could Hear Each Of The 45 Slaps From Across The Cemetery!
By The Time The Rosewood Casket Reached The Grave Site,
It Looked As Though It Had A Gold Inlay From The 45 Trident Pins That Lined The Top!
The casketThis Was A Fitting End To An Eternal Send-Off For A Warrior Hero!
This Should Be Front-Page News!
Instead Of The Garbage We Listen To And See Every Day.
~
Here's A Good Idea!
Since The Main Stream Media Won't Make This News.
Then We Choose To Make It News By Forwarding It.
~
I Am Proud Of All The Branches Of Our Military..
If You Are Proud Too, Please Pass This E-Mail On.
~
If Not,
Then Delete This E-Mail.
But Rest Assured,
That The Fine Men And Women Of Our Military
Will Continue To Serve And Protect Your
Freedom And Right To Do So!
<>
"GOD BLESS AND KEEP OUR TROOPS SAFE!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Letter to Smt Sonia Gandhi by Maj Gen NC Khanna
Hi every one,
I am enclosing a letter I sent to Smt Sonia Gandhi some time back. You may find it of interest. The earlier paras have been specifically written that at least then it may be put up to her.
... EDITED ...
I am away from Delhi for 6 weeks.
With kindest regards and God bless.
Nimmi Khanna
(Maj Gen NC Khanna, 4th IMA Course, Gunner, Former GOC 2 Mtn Div, 1979-81)
--------------
COPY OF LETTER SENT TO Smt SONIA GANDHI
By Maj Gen NC Khanna
The grief and hurt at losing a pure and a great soul still persists, in you at a very personal level, and in the nation substantially even if remotely. At the time of the loss we could not fathom then the reason and purpose but the Divine hand has surreptitiously and in a hidden way slowly started revealing His grand design.
Unbelievable as it may seem I inexplicably vision you as another Mother Theresa sent here from a far away land to tackle and reduce the kaleidoscopic miseries of India.
I am very much older than you and elder to all your cabinet. I therefore take the liberty to send you my blessings in your endeavours.
In recent months the happiness and cheerfulness I see on your face after decades of sorrow and grief truly reveal my faith in the Divine.
I therefore write this to you.
The nation today is pursuing the path of self destruction. The lackadaisical slow and tardy judicial system has created a law of the jungle pattern of governance. This is fully being exploited by the corrupt politician, the non accountable bureaucracy and the criminal.
Surprisingly and regrettably and in full awareness of the numerous cracks in our fragile national structure, we have in recent years even started demoralizing our prime saviour, the nation’s military power.
In recent months the Supreme Court has passed a number of adverse judgments castigating the Government. It even went to the extent of mentioning ‘Don’t treat Army men like beggars’. One needs to identify the sadistic genii whose constant design it has been to deny the Armed Forces their lawful rights. They have time and again appealed against every favourable judgment received by the Armed Forces from the high courts, and taken it up to the Supreme Court and thereafter suffer embarrassment. They by so doing have shamed the government on numerous occasions during the last 6 months at being castigated by the highest court of the land. This attitude has been causing unending avoidable agony to the servicemen and merits serious investigation, correction and punishment of the mala fide decision makers in such serious matters. The veterans have endlessly been so humiliated.
The nation’s leaders appear to have completely forgotten that their armed forces are their prime and exclusive instrument that upholds a nation’s sovereignty and should therefore constantly receive their sympathy and succor. Our leaders unquestionably appear to have become a prey to the cunningly mischievous ploy being employed that keeping the armed forces down in their pays, promotions and their correct precedence’s, was the best ways to prevent an army take over. You probably are not aware of what Katauliya advised King Chandragupta on soldiers and soldiering two centuries ago. Please read it. It speaks wisdom and in volumes.
It baffles one to observe that an apolitical Supreme Commander declined to repeatedly meet delegations of eminent and decorated veterans who so very respectfully and peacefully came personally to bring their grievances to the notice of their apolitical Supreme Commander.
In total disbelief and after being unjustly humiliated, they handed over in grief, their family heirlooms, 30,000 medals of courage and valour, to a junior official of H.E. the Supreme Commander for safe custody. On the last occasion they decided not to be humiliated any further and declined to hand over the additional thousands of medals they had brought, preferring to take them back.
This was the height of indignity inflicted upon the most valourous national elite of the past six decades who decade after decade had done the nation proud by their selflessness and devotion to their motherland, brought laurels to it in the 1949 J&K war, in the 1965 and of course the 1971 wars with Pakistan; suppressed a number of police mutinies, and came unhesitatingly in aid of civil power to camouflage the grievous and multiple inadequacies of bureaucratic and political governance. They not only upheld India’s security but also ensured that political leaders continued their pursuits from air conditioned sanctuaries and in safety.
As an anguished citizen it is my business to bring to your notice the fact that the umbilical chord between the veteran and the serving soldier is as strong if not stronger as that of mother and child. The trespass upon one is liable to have a deep impact upon the other and has the latent potential of undesirable consequences.
It is my hope that the your capable officials who undertake the sieving of citizen’s views before putting up the ‘true facts’ to our decision making top most leaders do not suppress the core of my message and just highlight its peripheral husk.
I am enclosing self explanatory thoughts of a humble but a proud citizen which shall startle you, so please go through these even at risk of being enlightened about the likelihood of the shroud of shame that the nation may soon be coerced to wear as a stigma of its incompetence.
I am sending copies of this letter to the Prime Minister, the Finance Minister, the Home Minister, the Defence Minister, the Foreign Minister and the Chiefs of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force.
With kindest regards and God bless.
Yours Sincerely
N.C.Khanna
Maj Gen(retd)
Shrimati Sonia Gandhi
Congress President.
10 Janpath
New Delhi 110001
Copy to
The Honorable Prime Minister of India
New Delhi 110001
The Honorable Finance Minister of India
New Delhi 110011.
The Honorable Home Minister
New Delhi 110011.
The Honorable Defence Minister
New Delhi 110011.
The Honorable Foreign Minister
New Delhi 110011.
The Honorable Chief of the Army Staff
New Delhi 110011.
The Honorable Chief of the Naval Staff
New Delhi 110011.
The Honorable Chief of the Air Staff
New Delhi 110011.
-----------
I am enclosing a letter I sent to Smt Sonia Gandhi some time back. You may find it of interest. The earlier paras have been specifically written that at least then it may be put up to her.
... EDITED ...
I am away from Delhi for 6 weeks.
With kindest regards and God bless.
Nimmi Khanna
(Maj Gen NC Khanna, 4th IMA Course, Gunner, Former GOC 2 Mtn Div, 1979-81)
--------------
COPY OF LETTER SENT TO Smt SONIA GANDHI
By Maj Gen NC Khanna
The grief and hurt at losing a pure and a great soul still persists, in you at a very personal level, and in the nation substantially even if remotely. At the time of the loss we could not fathom then the reason and purpose but the Divine hand has surreptitiously and in a hidden way slowly started revealing His grand design.
Unbelievable as it may seem I inexplicably vision you as another Mother Theresa sent here from a far away land to tackle and reduce the kaleidoscopic miseries of India.
I am very much older than you and elder to all your cabinet. I therefore take the liberty to send you my blessings in your endeavours.
In recent months the happiness and cheerfulness I see on your face after decades of sorrow and grief truly reveal my faith in the Divine.
I therefore write this to you.
The nation today is pursuing the path of self destruction. The lackadaisical slow and tardy judicial system has created a law of the jungle pattern of governance. This is fully being exploited by the corrupt politician, the non accountable bureaucracy and the criminal.
Surprisingly and regrettably and in full awareness of the numerous cracks in our fragile national structure, we have in recent years even started demoralizing our prime saviour, the nation’s military power.
In recent months the Supreme Court has passed a number of adverse judgments castigating the Government. It even went to the extent of mentioning ‘Don’t treat Army men like beggars’. One needs to identify the sadistic genii whose constant design it has been to deny the Armed Forces their lawful rights. They have time and again appealed against every favourable judgment received by the Armed Forces from the high courts, and taken it up to the Supreme Court and thereafter suffer embarrassment. They by so doing have shamed the government on numerous occasions during the last 6 months at being castigated by the highest court of the land. This attitude has been causing unending avoidable agony to the servicemen and merits serious investigation, correction and punishment of the mala fide decision makers in such serious matters. The veterans have endlessly been so humiliated.
The nation’s leaders appear to have completely forgotten that their armed forces are their prime and exclusive instrument that upholds a nation’s sovereignty and should therefore constantly receive their sympathy and succor. Our leaders unquestionably appear to have become a prey to the cunningly mischievous ploy being employed that keeping the armed forces down in their pays, promotions and their correct precedence’s, was the best ways to prevent an army take over. You probably are not aware of what Katauliya advised King Chandragupta on soldiers and soldiering two centuries ago. Please read it. It speaks wisdom and in volumes.
It baffles one to observe that an apolitical Supreme Commander declined to repeatedly meet delegations of eminent and decorated veterans who so very respectfully and peacefully came personally to bring their grievances to the notice of their apolitical Supreme Commander.
In total disbelief and after being unjustly humiliated, they handed over in grief, their family heirlooms, 30,000 medals of courage and valour, to a junior official of H.E. the Supreme Commander for safe custody. On the last occasion they decided not to be humiliated any further and declined to hand over the additional thousands of medals they had brought, preferring to take them back.
This was the height of indignity inflicted upon the most valourous national elite of the past six decades who decade after decade had done the nation proud by their selflessness and devotion to their motherland, brought laurels to it in the 1949 J&K war, in the 1965 and of course the 1971 wars with Pakistan; suppressed a number of police mutinies, and came unhesitatingly in aid of civil power to camouflage the grievous and multiple inadequacies of bureaucratic and political governance. They not only upheld India’s security but also ensured that political leaders continued their pursuits from air conditioned sanctuaries and in safety.
As an anguished citizen it is my business to bring to your notice the fact that the umbilical chord between the veteran and the serving soldier is as strong if not stronger as that of mother and child. The trespass upon one is liable to have a deep impact upon the other and has the latent potential of undesirable consequences.
It is my hope that the your capable officials who undertake the sieving of citizen’s views before putting up the ‘true facts’ to our decision making top most leaders do not suppress the core of my message and just highlight its peripheral husk.
I am enclosing self explanatory thoughts of a humble but a proud citizen which shall startle you, so please go through these even at risk of being enlightened about the likelihood of the shroud of shame that the nation may soon be coerced to wear as a stigma of its incompetence.
I am sending copies of this letter to the Prime Minister, the Finance Minister, the Home Minister, the Defence Minister, the Foreign Minister and the Chiefs of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force.
With kindest regards and God bless.
Yours Sincerely
N.C.Khanna
Maj Gen(retd)
Shrimati Sonia Gandhi
Congress President.
10 Janpath
New Delhi 110001
Copy to
The Honorable Prime Minister of India
New Delhi 110001
The Honorable Finance Minister of India
New Delhi 110011.
The Honorable Home Minister
New Delhi 110011.
The Honorable Defence Minister
New Delhi 110011.
The Honorable Foreign Minister
New Delhi 110011.
The Honorable Chief of the Army Staff
New Delhi 110011.
The Honorable Chief of the Naval Staff
New Delhi 110011.
The Honorable Chief of the Air Staff
New Delhi 110011.
-----------
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Views of Cdr PP Batra
--- On Sat, 10/4/10, prem parkash batra
From: prem parkash batra
Subject: Fwd:
To: gen_malik@airtelmail.in
Cc: DELETED
Date: Saturday, 10 April, 2010, 1:39 PM
Lt Gen Malik
Dear Sir,
1. Your views put in a concise form as you must have done when you were Deputy Chief of Army Staff. I hope it reaches the Parliament tables of Arun Jaitley and Sushma Swraj and other Leaders like Arun Shourie, Mulayam Singh, AMMA, etc., who are sensitve to strategic and defence matters. The way forward gets lost in the competiting turfs. They are immune; if they do not like what comes, another Committee is formed and things remained buried. There is no point in persisting with trying to milk the B--.
2. Atleast once in 2/3 months, Man Mohanji should set up his PMO in remote areas to get the feel of realities at ground zero, first hand. Today there is no problem in being in continous touch with South Bloc. And no heavens would fall during this period. In any case, he can be accessed in seconds. Further his Security Envelop follows him. That should be rural retreat though different from the Camp David Retreat which would give time to reflect and think and observe first hand things and problems of the poor away from hanger ons. Daily Yoga at home in A/C space is not sufficient and cannot subsitute open rempte areas.
3. Chidambram has put more than 6 billion dollars in his chosen Secretary, Pillai, who has never stepped in the thick of things [Jungles] but keeps the dollars in his pockets, jingling in Seminar after Seminar seeking latest toys for Internal Security. Pillai's last job was WTO and other Economic trade works as Commerce Secretary. Toys take a decade to take roots. A false senese of security gets embedded meanwhile but that does not deter the Risers. What is the problem for Chindraman camping in thick jungles. Let him take his security with him. Now only the Yuvraj goes to remote rurals to collect votes for them. Even a day spent there would give him enough mosquito bites and food off the Jungles but he would get cleansed internally and gain immensely. Let these Police Fat Cats consult him at his camping sites. He is more fitter than them. That would force the IPS Officers to lead from front.
Gadkari has told his Party Office Bearers to spend 8 days in a month with the grass root players. Moguls and British did go to camps before them. They even took their Ladies to the camp sites. Cooks and other personal staff went with them. Now of course suitable packed survival food kits are available. I recall Vice Admiral MP Awati then Captain Awati, Petyas Squadron Commander in 1970/71, took teams from all his 5 ships under their 2nd in Command for 3 days camp and military training to the East Coast Hills. He could assess the morale of his men and ability of his 2nd in command of the Ships. Awati from top to bottom is a born Leader and transparency made him famous with his beard as Leadership mark.
Our Political Leaders and Bureaucarts vociferously hold on to Raj privildges and trappings sans their good practices.
4. In my view, the Raj ended not because of DHARNAS/SALT MARCH/ DISOBEDIANCE MOVEMENT but because they simply could not divide & rule and hold on to an awakened people[s] any more in a vast country. Historically, time had come to withdraw from the rivers of milk and honey. Even if there were different set of Leaders this would have happened. Unforunately the Congress Leaders kept their grudge of Armed Forces for taking part in WW2 despite their contrary advice and keep till date! So all the advice from Armed Forces comes through one ear and goes out from the other. That is the sad part. Even the Lankan President had to give free hand to his Armed Forces to wipe out LTTE with Chinese aid but tpically post victory the President is hounding out his former Army Commander.
5. It is not to say Chindrabram is not the right person to hold the Office of Home Ministry. But he needs to:--
Shed his Legal mindset. Get out of his previous frame of mind. Instead adopt Bhagwat Gita, precisely what Lord Krishna advised Arjuna. Do what is your duty and not worry how a few people judge you for. Act. Not worry about NHRC, few Media personalities, etc. He should be true to himself and lean on his spiritulal powers.
Meet ordinary people, sandwhiched between two forces, who are sufferring. The Bureaucrats, the Judiciary, the Educationst, Health Care Providers, and others would follow him like the Pied Piper to the forests. Both writ of the Law and Development would happen slowly but surely.
6. All Political Parties should restrain their spokespersons, particularly appearing on the TV Debates to totallay avoid mutual recriminations. Give no exposure to Leaders like Mani Shankar, Natrajan. The TV Media should call only those who have the credentials even if they do not belong to any political. But above all there is nothing worse than the Anchor/the Host hoisting his own pre-determined agenda mandated by their owners. One may recall that the UN SWar were given precise 7 muntes to each Speaker-the Foreign Minister- to submit his Country's views. One can see the partisan participants intervening when some other is invited to speak on the TV. The worst offender is the Host himself!
With best regards,
Cdr Prem P Batra Retired.
Views of Lt Gen Satish Nabmiar
From: Satish Nambiar satishnambiar36@yahoo.co.in
Sent: 10 April 2010 20:17
To: gen_malik@airtelmail.in; prem parkash batra
Cc: Kamboj Chander; TRUNCATED
Subject: Re: Fwd:
Dear Prem,
As you are aware I receive and read your mails without fail. And am amazed at the level of stamina and perseverance you display. I have never found it necessary to respond because so many others do so with much articulation.
In this case I am taking the liberty because I had occasion to send the following mail a short while back to a media-person who had approached me for comments:
"Am sorry I was not able to access my mail over the last few days as I was busy with a workshop in Singapore. Just got back this afternoon and noticed your request.
Though it is too late to meet your deadline, it may be relevant to point out that what needs to be done about the Maoist challenge has been discussed at length at so many fora and any number of papers have been written on it. To be dealt with at two levels: first- address the genuine grievances of the tribals through effective governance; and second, tackle the armed Maoist cadres through well-planned and well-led operations.
And that leads me to your first query about what went wrong. Poor leadership and inadequate training. The answer is and always was: "lateral induction of Armed Forces personnel, including at the officer level, into the CRPF and other para-military forces, after they have done colour service of about seven or eight years in the Armed Forces in the case of the rank and file and in the case of short service commissioned officers, after they have done five or ten years. And since the problem is likely to remain with us for some time to come, I also reiterate my earlier suggestion that we resort to selective 'national service' to the extent that every individual who seeks to join the civil or police services at central or state government level, does compulsory service of a duration that can be determined in the Armed Forces, either at officer level or in the rank and file. I think our political leadership and civilian bureaucracy have ignored this essential component of our response to the internal turbulence long enough."
Warmest regards and keep the Brotherhood flag flying,
Satish Nambiar
Lt Gen Satish Nambiar (Retd)
"Aishwarya", N-19 Sector XI, NOIDA (UP) 201 301, India.
Telephone: 91-120-4335670
Sent: 10 April 2010 20:17
To: gen_malik@airtelmail.in; prem parkash batra
Cc: Kamboj Chander; TRUNCATED
Subject: Re: Fwd:
Dear Prem,
As you are aware I receive and read your mails without fail. And am amazed at the level of stamina and perseverance you display. I have never found it necessary to respond because so many others do so with much articulation.
In this case I am taking the liberty because I had occasion to send the following mail a short while back to a media-person who had approached me for comments:
"Am sorry I was not able to access my mail over the last few days as I was busy with a workshop in Singapore. Just got back this afternoon and noticed your request.
Though it is too late to meet your deadline, it may be relevant to point out that what needs to be done about the Maoist challenge has been discussed at length at so many fora and any number of papers have been written on it. To be dealt with at two levels: first- address the genuine grievances of the tribals through effective governance; and second, tackle the armed Maoist cadres through well-planned and well-led operations.
And that leads me to your first query about what went wrong. Poor leadership and inadequate training. The answer is and always was: "lateral induction of Armed Forces personnel, including at the officer level, into the CRPF and other para-military forces, after they have done colour service of about seven or eight years in the Armed Forces in the case of the rank and file and in the case of short service commissioned officers, after they have done five or ten years. And since the problem is likely to remain with us for some time to come, I also reiterate my earlier suggestion that we resort to selective 'national service' to the extent that every individual who seeks to join the civil or police services at central or state government level, does compulsory service of a duration that can be determined in the Armed Forces, either at officer level or in the rank and file. I think our political leadership and civilian bureaucracy have ignored this essential component of our response to the internal turbulence long enough."
Warmest regards and keep the Brotherhood flag flying,
Satish Nambiar
Lt Gen Satish Nambiar (Retd)
"Aishwarya", N-19 Sector XI, NOIDA (UP) 201 301, India.
Telephone: 91-120-4335670
Rally at Kapurthala
Respected Veterans,
Jai Hind.
You may like to compliment Maj Gen Satbir Singh, SM, Vice Chairman IESM for the DHAAKAD Gaurav Senani Rally at Kapurthala (Punjab) on Wednesday, 7 April 2010.
I would request Gen Satbir Singh to put out the highlights of the Rally.
Regards,
Col Rajan
Jai Hind.
You may like to compliment Maj Gen Satbir Singh, SM, Vice Chairman IESM for the DHAAKAD Gaurav Senani Rally at Kapurthala (Punjab) on Wednesday, 7 April 2010.
I would request Gen Satbir Singh to put out the highlights of the Rally.
Regards,
Col Rajan
RS 38-LAKH RELIEF TO KIN OF SLAIN CRPF MEN
From: ramantn sarma
Sent: 09 April 2010 00:57
To: DELETED
Subject: RS 38-LAKH RELIEF TO KIN OF SLAIN CRPF MEN
Dear Veterans,
I entirely agree with the views of Col Chakravarthy.
There were 76 Personnel of the CRPF brutally massacred by the Maoists Terrorists. They were our brethren in Uniform, may be of different hue & colour. They also have families who have lost their bread winners. Today, I watched the last rites being performed & patiently heard the Taps, for most of them. Three of them belonged to Tamilndu.
Is it proper for us to start grumbling on the financial package being offered to them posthumously? Did they not die in similar circumstances like many of our own men & for our country? A veteran goes to the extent of condemning the gesture as a compensation for inefficiency. Similar incompetency had been exhibited by the Army also, on a few occasions. Does it debar a man from being compensated for his death due to enemy action?
I appeal to the Veterans to be magnanimous in sympathising with the death of Uniformed men from what ever organisation they belonged.
Our own case for equality or more in compensation for our Soldiers may be taken up for discussion when the occasion arises in future.
Veteran Raman
Sent: 09 April 2010 00:57
To: DELETED
Subject: RS 38-LAKH RELIEF TO KIN OF SLAIN CRPF MEN
Dear Veterans,
I entirely agree with the views of Col Chakravarthy.
There were 76 Personnel of the CRPF brutally massacred by the Maoists Terrorists. They were our brethren in Uniform, may be of different hue & colour. They also have families who have lost their bread winners. Today, I watched the last rites being performed & patiently heard the Taps, for most of them. Three of them belonged to Tamilndu.
Is it proper for us to start grumbling on the financial package being offered to them posthumously? Did they not die in similar circumstances like many of our own men & for our country? A veteran goes to the extent of condemning the gesture as a compensation for inefficiency. Similar incompetency had been exhibited by the Army also, on a few occasions. Does it debar a man from being compensated for his death due to enemy action?
I appeal to the Veterans to be magnanimous in sympathising with the death of Uniformed men from what ever organisation they belonged.
Our own case for equality or more in compensation for our Soldiers may be taken up for discussion when the occasion arises in future.
Veteran Raman
Rs 38-lakh relief to kin of slain CRPF men
From: Christopher D'Silva chrisdsilva41@hotmail.com
Sent: 08 April 2010 23:15
To: Cdr Krishan K. Punchhi; CS Kamboj; TRUNCATED
Subject: RE: [MilitaryVeterans] Rs 38-lakh relief to kin of slain CRPF men
This is a God given opportunity to ensure that the 'Faujis' also get similar benefits for dying, spilling blood and getting maimed in guarding the nations borders and the people of India.
The IESM may consider obtaining a copy of the 'Pioneer' in which the benefits for those who died in the Dantewada operation have been published and file a Writ in the Supreme Court to compel the Government to sanction the Faujis, similar financial and allied benefits, as extended to these CRPF personnel.
There should also be an Armed Forces Risk Fund, like the one operated by the CRPF besides other financial ex-gratia and other payments and jobs for the next of kin, forthcoming from the Central and State Governments and other agencies. In fact, lateral induction into other Central, State Forces, Public and State Sector units, etc., should be made a right for the personnel of the Defence Forces, who retire early in life
Secondly, it should be made mandatory that, when soldiers are killed in action and other counter insurgency actions or on internal security duties, their bodies are sent to their native places and their funerals conducted with the necessary military honours and attended by the State and Local Officials and Dignitories.
Chris
Sent: 08 April 2010 23:15
To: Cdr Krishan K. Punchhi; CS Kamboj; TRUNCATED
Subject: RE: [MilitaryVeterans] Rs 38-lakh relief to kin of slain CRPF men
This is a God given opportunity to ensure that the 'Faujis' also get similar benefits for dying, spilling blood and getting maimed in guarding the nations borders and the people of India.
The IESM may consider obtaining a copy of the 'Pioneer' in which the benefits for those who died in the Dantewada operation have been published and file a Writ in the Supreme Court to compel the Government to sanction the Faujis, similar financial and allied benefits, as extended to these CRPF personnel.
There should also be an Armed Forces Risk Fund, like the one operated by the CRPF besides other financial ex-gratia and other payments and jobs for the next of kin, forthcoming from the Central and State Governments and other agencies. In fact, lateral induction into other Central, State Forces, Public and State Sector units, etc., should be made a right for the personnel of the Defence Forces, who retire early in life
Secondly, it should be made mandatory that, when soldiers are killed in action and other counter insurgency actions or on internal security duties, their bodies are sent to their native places and their funerals conducted with the necessary military honours and attended by the State and Local Officials and Dignitories.
Chris
Rs 38-lakh relief to kin of slain CRPF men
From: subhash kapoor
To: militaryveterans@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thu, April 8, 2010 10:35:15 AM
Subject: [MilitaryVeterans] Rs 38-lakh relief to kin of slain CRPF men
Respected Veterans:
I came across the following news report about the relief being given to slain CRPF cops. Some of us whose area of specialisation is the quantum/promptness/ delay in giving pension/relief to the next-of-kin of the martyred soldiers, may look at this report with more than just casual interest.
Warm regards.
Wg Cdr SC Kapoor (retd)
------
THE PIONEER DT. APRIL 8, 2010
Rs 38-lakh relief to kin of slain CRPF men
Pioneer News Service | New Delhi
The Centre on Wednesday announced a compensation package of Rs 38 lakh and last drawn salary as monthly pension to the kin of each of the 75 CRPF men killed in the Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district on Tuesday. The Government also announced a compassionate recruitment to the kin of the martyrs.
“The kin of the deceased personnel will receive funds of over Rs 38 lakh which includes Rs 15 lakh as ex-gratia from the Central Government, 10 lakh from CRPF risk fund ( is there such a fund as armed forces risk fund? If not, why not? It is not too late to start one now!!), Rs three lakh as ex-gratia from the State Government, Rs 10 lakh from State Government as part of a scheme for anti-Naxal operation and Rs 60,000 from CRPF central fund,” the Home Ministry said in a statement( Do armed forces personnel also get ex gratia awards? If not, why not? Or is it the prerogative of the clueless, inefficient, ill trained and careless to get killed and in the bargain receive Kirti Chakra etc plus money!! ).
Liberalised Pensionary Award (LPA) under EOFP Rules, which is equivalent to the slain personnel’s last drawn salary, will also be provided to them, the statement said. “In addition to the above, one eligible family member will be provided employment in CRPF on compassionate ground as per rules,” it said. ( More rewards for inefficiency....last drawn pay as lifelong family pension plus a job on compassionate grounds !! Just why do they forget these nice measures while dealing with the faujis ?? )
-----------
To: militaryveterans@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thu, April 8, 2010 10:35:15 AM
Subject: [MilitaryVeterans] Rs 38-lakh relief to kin of slain CRPF men
Respected Veterans:
I came across the following news report about the relief being given to slain CRPF cops. Some of us whose area of specialisation is the quantum/promptness/ delay in giving pension/relief to the next-of-kin of the martyred soldiers, may look at this report with more than just casual interest.
Warm regards.
Wg Cdr SC Kapoor (retd)
------
THE PIONEER DT. APRIL 8, 2010
Rs 38-lakh relief to kin of slain CRPF men
Pioneer News Service | New Delhi
The Centre on Wednesday announced a compensation package of Rs 38 lakh and last drawn salary as monthly pension to the kin of each of the 75 CRPF men killed in the Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district on Tuesday. The Government also announced a compassionate recruitment to the kin of the martyrs.
“The kin of the deceased personnel will receive funds of over Rs 38 lakh which includes Rs 15 lakh as ex-gratia from the Central Government, 10 lakh from CRPF risk fund ( is there such a fund as armed forces risk fund? If not, why not? It is not too late to start one now!!), Rs three lakh as ex-gratia from the State Government, Rs 10 lakh from State Government as part of a scheme for anti-Naxal operation and Rs 60,000 from CRPF central fund,” the Home Ministry said in a statement( Do armed forces personnel also get ex gratia awards? If not, why not? Or is it the prerogative of the clueless, inefficient, ill trained and careless to get killed and in the bargain receive Kirti Chakra etc plus money!! ).
Liberalised Pensionary Award (LPA) under EOFP Rules, which is equivalent to the slain personnel’s last drawn salary, will also be provided to them, the statement said. “In addition to the above, one eligible family member will be provided employment in CRPF on compassionate ground as per rules,” it said. ( More rewards for inefficiency....last drawn pay as lifelong family pension plus a job on compassionate grounds !! Just why do they forget these nice measures while dealing with the faujis ?? )
-----------
The Army’s new role in Kashmir
The Army’s new role in Kashmir
Factor in threat dynamics, preserve gains
by Maj-Gen Ashok K. Mehta (retd)
Last week, Defence Minister A.K. Antony warned the Army to expect a hot summer in Jammu and Kashmir not due to climate change but Pakistan’s resolve to escalate violence. Recent calls for jihad in Kashmir by the United Jihad Council and the threat of water wars against India by Lashkar chief Hafiz Saeed are part of the new game plan.
Of the 42 terrorist training camps, 32 are known to be operational with 2,500 militants, some equipped with GPS and sophisticated Thuraya sets ready to breach the fencing on the LoC to reinforce the dwindling strength of militants declined from a high of 3000 to 3500 in 2001-02 to just 600 today.
The calls for withdrawal of the Army are, therefore, insane and claims on deinduction of 35,000 troops not entirely correct. The two Divisions withdrawn are part of theatre reserves and were deployed during Operation Parakram. These were later relocated along the fencing and have been redeployed in their original locations on restoration of normalcy.
With militancy brought down in 2008-09 to the lowest levels in two decades, Jammu and Kashmir is ripe for a political solution which could lead to demilitarisation of forces.
The Army was rushed into Srinagar in October 1947 to save it from the onslaught of Pakistani raiders. It has not ceased battling infiltrators since that day but over time has created conditions for the political process which has lagged behind to take over. The strategy followed by New Delhi has been to keep insurgencies under control, the military employing minimal force in good faith. The government has shown neither any urgency for conflict resolution nor concern for civilian and combatant casualties which have exceeded the collective fatalities of all the wars. India has missed at least two opportunities in 1971 and 2007 to resolve the Kashmir dispute on its terms or ones favourable to it.
The Army is deployed in Jammu and Kashmir both in its war locations on LoC as well as in the counterinsurgency grid, the latter in aid to civil authority. This is unique: the Army performing its primary and secondary roles in one geographical entity. The intention has been to free the Army from its counter-militancy role, with Central and state police forces gradually taking charge. That began to happen in the late 1980s just before crossborder infiltration and militancy rocketed in August 1989.
Srinagar garrison duties were taken over from the Army’s fighting formation by the Sub Area headquarters which handed over to the BSF. While Srinagar is under the CRPF charge today, the idea is for state police forces to eventually take over CIS duties. The CRPF in Anantnag and the BSF in Sopore are just the preliminary steps towards demilitarisation.
In 2007, a committee under Defence Secretary Shekhar Dutt had evolved a relocation plan for troops to vacate orchards, hotels, schools and other civilian premises affecting business and livelihood. Not only has the Army relocated but also paid a modest compensation.
Political initiatives were launched by the NDA government to defuse tension on the LoC and minimise violence in the state. NSA Brajesh Mishra and his Pakistani equivalent, Tariq Aziz working back channel produced the first ceasefire in November 2003. It has held with some violations but over all, provided immense relief to both sides and in financial terms, amounting to Rs 500 crore annually. The big lacuna of the case fire was that cross-border infiltration was excluded as the ceasefire was between the two armies.
The other ceasefire that materialised all too briefly during 2000-01 was internal between the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen and the government. At least twice, UJC chief Salauddin offered conditional ceasefires but these never took off. Operationally, the internal ceasefire had limited utility as foreign militants who constitute 60 per cent of the armed militants were not part of it. Some conversations did take place between intelligence agencies and the Hizb.
The scaling down by the Army of the militant population from a high of 3000 fighters to the current 600 has taken over a decade of hard work. The balance of advantage shifted in the Army’s favour only after it ensured that the attrition of militants outstripped their rate of reinforcement. Fencing along the LoC and a more proactive CIS strategy backed by high-tech equipment blunted militancy that in 2004 it was near-zero infiltration.
The Army’s elaborate Sadbhavna programmes and sensitivity to human rights helped to wean away the people from the militants, especially in the rural areas. The challenge for the Army and security forces is not just to “keep the cap on 600” but to reduce this figure further.
The call for troop withdrawal for reasons of political expediency does not factor in the threat dynamics and the imperative to preserve the hard-earned gains. What is politically correct is operationally fatal. The other demand for repealing the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) is intimately linked to providing legal safeguards for troops fighting militancy.
AFSPA was notified in 1989 by declaring three districts of Jammu and Kashmir as disturbed areas — the Kashmir Valley and Doda. The ministries of Home and Defence are engaged in making AFSPA more people-friendly and humane but as long as cross-border activities continue, its repeal will undermine the operational effectiveness of troops.
Reducing the stress and strain on security forces is the moral responsibility of the military and political leadership. It is the failure of governance that leads to the political mess which the administration expects the Army to clean up. There is no Sri Lanka-type solution in Jammu and Kashmir and what had been achieved represents the best feasible for transition to the political process.
In 1971, the government frittered away the political and diplomatic gains of the historic military victory in East Pakistan. For more than two decades after that missed opportunity, the government took no substantive action towards a political solution. In 2006-07, back channel talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s envoy on Pakistan, Satinder Lambah and the Musharraf-confidant Tariq Aziz produced the four-point Kashmir formula. India could not have expected a better agreement.
Unfortunately, the front channel was unable to capitalise on it. Srinagar lies in the flight path of the Taliban suicide bomber who arrived in Muzaffarabad across the LoC earlier this year. The last and only human bomber to strike in India was LTTE’s Dhanu who took out Rajiv Gandhi.
Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed only fidayeen attacks which is kid stuff compared with multiple suicide bombings, now routine in Pakistan. The Army should be prepared to deter this challenge as the growing turbulence in Af-Pak is bound to rock Kashmir soon. Sixty-two years after it launched its first post-independence, expeditionary forces in Jammu and Kashmir the Army must be ready and willing to stick it out for at least a half century and more, with a fair likelihood of it getting sucked into the Maoist cauldron too.
That’s the price the country has to pay for political shortsightedness and preference for conflict management rather than its resolution.
Factor in threat dynamics, preserve gains
by Maj-Gen Ashok K. Mehta (retd)
Last week, Defence Minister A.K. Antony warned the Army to expect a hot summer in Jammu and Kashmir not due to climate change but Pakistan’s resolve to escalate violence. Recent calls for jihad in Kashmir by the United Jihad Council and the threat of water wars against India by Lashkar chief Hafiz Saeed are part of the new game plan.
Of the 42 terrorist training camps, 32 are known to be operational with 2,500 militants, some equipped with GPS and sophisticated Thuraya sets ready to breach the fencing on the LoC to reinforce the dwindling strength of militants declined from a high of 3000 to 3500 in 2001-02 to just 600 today.
The calls for withdrawal of the Army are, therefore, insane and claims on deinduction of 35,000 troops not entirely correct. The two Divisions withdrawn are part of theatre reserves and were deployed during Operation Parakram. These were later relocated along the fencing and have been redeployed in their original locations on restoration of normalcy.
With militancy brought down in 2008-09 to the lowest levels in two decades, Jammu and Kashmir is ripe for a political solution which could lead to demilitarisation of forces.
The Army was rushed into Srinagar in October 1947 to save it from the onslaught of Pakistani raiders. It has not ceased battling infiltrators since that day but over time has created conditions for the political process which has lagged behind to take over. The strategy followed by New Delhi has been to keep insurgencies under control, the military employing minimal force in good faith. The government has shown neither any urgency for conflict resolution nor concern for civilian and combatant casualties which have exceeded the collective fatalities of all the wars. India has missed at least two opportunities in 1971 and 2007 to resolve the Kashmir dispute on its terms or ones favourable to it.
The Army is deployed in Jammu and Kashmir both in its war locations on LoC as well as in the counterinsurgency grid, the latter in aid to civil authority. This is unique: the Army performing its primary and secondary roles in one geographical entity. The intention has been to free the Army from its counter-militancy role, with Central and state police forces gradually taking charge. That began to happen in the late 1980s just before crossborder infiltration and militancy rocketed in August 1989.
Srinagar garrison duties were taken over from the Army’s fighting formation by the Sub Area headquarters which handed over to the BSF. While Srinagar is under the CRPF charge today, the idea is for state police forces to eventually take over CIS duties. The CRPF in Anantnag and the BSF in Sopore are just the preliminary steps towards demilitarisation.
In 2007, a committee under Defence Secretary Shekhar Dutt had evolved a relocation plan for troops to vacate orchards, hotels, schools and other civilian premises affecting business and livelihood. Not only has the Army relocated but also paid a modest compensation.
Political initiatives were launched by the NDA government to defuse tension on the LoC and minimise violence in the state. NSA Brajesh Mishra and his Pakistani equivalent, Tariq Aziz working back channel produced the first ceasefire in November 2003. It has held with some violations but over all, provided immense relief to both sides and in financial terms, amounting to Rs 500 crore annually. The big lacuna of the case fire was that cross-border infiltration was excluded as the ceasefire was between the two armies.
The other ceasefire that materialised all too briefly during 2000-01 was internal between the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen and the government. At least twice, UJC chief Salauddin offered conditional ceasefires but these never took off. Operationally, the internal ceasefire had limited utility as foreign militants who constitute 60 per cent of the armed militants were not part of it. Some conversations did take place between intelligence agencies and the Hizb.
The scaling down by the Army of the militant population from a high of 3000 fighters to the current 600 has taken over a decade of hard work. The balance of advantage shifted in the Army’s favour only after it ensured that the attrition of militants outstripped their rate of reinforcement. Fencing along the LoC and a more proactive CIS strategy backed by high-tech equipment blunted militancy that in 2004 it was near-zero infiltration.
The Army’s elaborate Sadbhavna programmes and sensitivity to human rights helped to wean away the people from the militants, especially in the rural areas. The challenge for the Army and security forces is not just to “keep the cap on 600” but to reduce this figure further.
The call for troop withdrawal for reasons of political expediency does not factor in the threat dynamics and the imperative to preserve the hard-earned gains. What is politically correct is operationally fatal. The other demand for repealing the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) is intimately linked to providing legal safeguards for troops fighting militancy.
AFSPA was notified in 1989 by declaring three districts of Jammu and Kashmir as disturbed areas — the Kashmir Valley and Doda. The ministries of Home and Defence are engaged in making AFSPA more people-friendly and humane but as long as cross-border activities continue, its repeal will undermine the operational effectiveness of troops.
Reducing the stress and strain on security forces is the moral responsibility of the military and political leadership. It is the failure of governance that leads to the political mess which the administration expects the Army to clean up. There is no Sri Lanka-type solution in Jammu and Kashmir and what had been achieved represents the best feasible for transition to the political process.
In 1971, the government frittered away the political and diplomatic gains of the historic military victory in East Pakistan. For more than two decades after that missed opportunity, the government took no substantive action towards a political solution. In 2006-07, back channel talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s envoy on Pakistan, Satinder Lambah and the Musharraf-confidant Tariq Aziz produced the four-point Kashmir formula. India could not have expected a better agreement.
Unfortunately, the front channel was unable to capitalise on it. Srinagar lies in the flight path of the Taliban suicide bomber who arrived in Muzaffarabad across the LoC earlier this year. The last and only human bomber to strike in India was LTTE’s Dhanu who took out Rajiv Gandhi.
Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed only fidayeen attacks which is kid stuff compared with multiple suicide bombings, now routine in Pakistan. The Army should be prepared to deter this challenge as the growing turbulence in Af-Pak is bound to rock Kashmir soon. Sixty-two years after it launched its first post-independence, expeditionary forces in Jammu and Kashmir the Army must be ready and willing to stick it out for at least a half century and more, with a fair likelihood of it getting sucked into the Maoist cauldron too.
That’s the price the country has to pay for political shortsightedness and preference for conflict management rather than its resolution.
National Military Memorial at Bangalore By Col Raman
From: ramantn sarma
Subject: Re: [indianveterans] National Military Memorial at Bangalore
To: indianveterans@yahoogroups.com
Cc: "Sreedhar GV"
Date: Friday, 9 April, 2010, 1:58 PM
Dear Veterans,
While seeing the merit in Col GV Sreedhars' appeal, I would like to make the following suggestion, which can be taken up legally.
The CM of Tamilnadu faced a similar problem, when he decided on a new State Legislative Assembly, in the Govt owned Omandur Estate, housing the Rajaji Hall & Kalaivanar Arangam. The environmental Group filed a PIL for the same reasons, which are quoted against the construction of War Memorial in Bangalore.
The Govt in its counter agreed that some trees are bound to be cut & the thick under growth in some areas will have to be cleared. But it gave a solemn undertaking that for each tree felled they would plant six more trees & also ensure that the entire building will be designed & constructed in a ecological friendly way. The entire area will be restored of the lost greenery under the supervision of any expert who may be appointed by the Court, if need be. The Madras High Court agreed with the suggestion & dismissed the petition. As we all are aware, the New Assembly Building was inaugurated last month in the presence of the PM & Sonia Gandhi.
If the area where the construction of War Memorial is planned has been designated as park, then assure the Court that the dual purpose War Memorial as wll a a Public Park, will be ensured, for the good of all citizens.
The Committee constituted for the construction of War Memorial may follow this line of argument, instead of abinitio raising the pitch to the National level agitation by the ESM.
Veteran Raman
--- On Fri, 9/4/10, Lt Col GV Sreedhar Chandan wrote:
Dear All,
The war memorial issue has reached the High Court of Karnataka. A PIL has been filed in the court against felling of trees, construction of structures in the area designated as Park and the very selection of the location.
This is the level to which our Civil Society has stooped down. For the sake of their morning walk they have fallen in love with craggy trees like Ashoka, Eucalyptus and even shrubs. They are sure that their apartments including this place dedicated for walking is safe from enemy shelling. Place worth Rs 500 Crores is too precious to be wasted for the memory of twenty thousand Soldiers, Sailors and Air Men of Indian Armed Forces. It is not a surprise that there is not a single voice from Compatriots in protest against the moves by these Rich and Famous but not so much evolved group of influential because international border is at a comfortable distance away..
This is right time we ESMs of colors join hands and march for the sake of WAR Memorial in Bangalore. This being the first War Memorial in the country after 1947, a Pan Indian ESMs effort is quite in place and honorable too.
Veteran Sreedhar.
-----------
Subject: Re: [indianveterans] National Military Memorial at Bangalore
To: indianveterans@yahoogroups.com
Cc: "Sreedhar GV"
Date: Friday, 9 April, 2010, 1:58 PM
Dear Veterans,
While seeing the merit in Col GV Sreedhars' appeal, I would like to make the following suggestion, which can be taken up legally.
The CM of Tamilnadu faced a similar problem, when he decided on a new State Legislative Assembly, in the Govt owned Omandur Estate, housing the Rajaji Hall & Kalaivanar Arangam. The environmental Group filed a PIL for the same reasons, which are quoted against the construction of War Memorial in Bangalore.
The Govt in its counter agreed that some trees are bound to be cut & the thick under growth in some areas will have to be cleared. But it gave a solemn undertaking that for each tree felled they would plant six more trees & also ensure that the entire building will be designed & constructed in a ecological friendly way. The entire area will be restored of the lost greenery under the supervision of any expert who may be appointed by the Court, if need be. The Madras High Court agreed with the suggestion & dismissed the petition. As we all are aware, the New Assembly Building was inaugurated last month in the presence of the PM & Sonia Gandhi.
If the area where the construction of War Memorial is planned has been designated as park, then assure the Court that the dual purpose War Memorial as wll a a Public Park, will be ensured, for the good of all citizens.
The Committee constituted for the construction of War Memorial may follow this line of argument, instead of abinitio raising the pitch to the National level agitation by the ESM.
Veteran Raman
--- On Fri, 9/4/10, Lt Col GV Sreedhar Chandan
Dear All,
The war memorial issue has reached the High Court of Karnataka. A PIL has been filed in the court against felling of trees, construction of structures in the area designated as Park and the very selection of the location.
This is the level to which our Civil Society has stooped down. For the sake of their morning walk they have fallen in love with craggy trees like Ashoka, Eucalyptus and even shrubs. They are sure that their apartments including this place dedicated for walking is safe from enemy shelling. Place worth Rs 500 Crores is too precious to be wasted for the memory of twenty thousand Soldiers, Sailors and Air Men of Indian Armed Forces. It is not a surprise that there is not a single voice from Compatriots in protest against the moves by these Rich and Famous but not so much evolved group of influential because international border is at a comfortable distance away..
This is right time we ESMs of colors join hands and march for the sake of WAR Memorial in Bangalore. This being the first War Memorial in the country after 1947, a Pan Indian ESMs effort is quite in place and honorable too.
Veteran Sreedhar.
-----------
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Judgment IV pay commission rank pay anomaly implementation
From: RDOA India [mailto:rdoaindia@gmail.com]
Sent: 31 March 2010 19:26
To: "REPORT MY SIGNAL" (CS Kamboj)
Cc: anand.vkanand49@gmail.com; paramjit_49@yahoo.com; bhupendra sharma; satty; vinod suri
Subject: Judgment IV pay commission rank pay anomaly implementation
Dear Sir,
It is intimated that the core gp of RDOA met the Raksha Mantri at his
residence on 31 mar 2010 at 1030 hrs and apprised him of the judgment
given by the apex court being upheld in the rank pay anomaly case. He
was requested for implementation of the judgment. A certified copy of
the judgment was handed over to the Hon'ble Minister.
The Minister assured us that he would look into the matter.
It is requested that this be given vide publicity through RMS
Thanking you
secy rdoa
Visit Us At :
http://rdoaindia.googlepages.com
http://retiredofficersforum.googlepages.com
------------
From: jaspal bhinder bhinderjs@gmail.com
Sent: 01 April 2010 09:26
To: CS Kamboj
Subject: IN THE ARMED FORCES TRIBUNAL,MAIN BENCH,NEW DELHI
http://aftdelhi.nic.in/benches/principal_bench/judgments/court_2/ta_87_2009_colglnkeshav_25022010.pdf
Dear All,
The link above relates to a case filed in THE ARMED FORCES TRIBUNAL,MAIN BENCH,NEW DELHI for refusal of the authorities to grant ''Compensatory Field Area Allowance''
to Col. GLN Keshav.Kindly click the above link for rest of the details
1. Col. GLN Keshav, the appellant herein, seeks to quash the order dated 3.9.2007 passed by the Controller General, Defence Accounts, New Delhi, which was communicated vide D.O Letter No. AT/I/1216/XIV, declining to grant Compensatory Field Area Allowance (CFAA). He also seeks to grant appropriate direction granting him CFAA from the date of his posting in Leh till date and onwards till being posted out of the sector of Leh in accordance with the Regulations on the subject.
2. According to the appellant, on 19.12.2006, he was posted as........cont.
Regards,
bhinder
Gp.Capr(Retd)
Sent: 31 March 2010 19:26
To: "REPORT MY SIGNAL" (CS Kamboj)
Cc: anand.vkanand49@gmail.com; paramjit_49@yahoo.com; bhupendra sharma; satty; vinod suri
Subject: Judgment IV pay commission rank pay anomaly implementation
Dear Sir,
It is intimated that the core gp of RDOA met the Raksha Mantri at his
residence on 31 mar 2010 at 1030 hrs and apprised him of the judgment
given by the apex court being upheld in the rank pay anomaly case. He
was requested for implementation of the judgment. A certified copy of
the judgment was handed over to the Hon'ble Minister.
The Minister assured us that he would look into the matter.
It is requested that this be given vide publicity through RMS
Thanking you
secy rdoa
Visit Us At :
http://rdoaindia.googlepages.com
http://retiredofficersforum.googlepages.com
------------
From: jaspal bhinder bhinderjs@gmail.com
Sent: 01 April 2010 09:26
To: CS Kamboj
Subject: IN THE ARMED FORCES TRIBUNAL,MAIN BENCH,NEW DELHI
http://aftdelhi.nic.in/benches/principal_bench/judgments/court_2/ta_87_2009_colglnkeshav_25022010.pdf
Dear All,
The link above relates to a case filed in THE ARMED FORCES TRIBUNAL,MAIN BENCH,NEW DELHI for refusal of the authorities to grant ''Compensatory Field Area Allowance''
to Col. GLN Keshav.Kindly click the above link for rest of the details
1. Col. GLN Keshav, the appellant herein, seeks to quash the order dated 3.9.2007 passed by the Controller General, Defence Accounts, New Delhi, which was communicated vide D.O Letter No. AT/I/1216/XIV, declining to grant Compensatory Field Area Allowance (CFAA). He also seeks to grant appropriate direction granting him CFAA from the date of his posting in Leh till date and onwards till being posted out of the sector of Leh in accordance with the Regulations on the subject.
2. According to the appellant, on 19.12.2006, he was posted as........cont.
Regards,
bhinder
Gp.Capr(Retd)
SCPC: Anamoly Committee laid to rest by Cdr KK Punchhi, Canada
Dear Chander,
With quite a few strictures recently passed against G of I by the Supreme Court, High Courts and Armed Forces Tribunals, time has come to press hard for a permanent solution. We all should unite and ask for the Military Pay Commission to be convened NOW. Let it look into and sort out all the anomalies created deliberately and intentionally by the Indian Anomalies Service people manning the Ministry of Delays. Needless to say, the IAS people should be kept far away from the commission as also from any consideration of its recommendations. Let there be a direct interaction between the military and the politicians, let the sun set on the civil servant supremacy.
Regards,
Cdr KK Punchhi, (Retd)
With quite a few strictures recently passed against G of I by the Supreme Court, High Courts and Armed Forces Tribunals, time has come to press hard for a permanent solution. We all should unite and ask for the Military Pay Commission to be convened NOW. Let it look into and sort out all the anomalies created deliberately and intentionally by the Indian Anomalies Service people manning the Ministry of Delays. Needless to say, the IAS people should be kept far away from the commission as also from any consideration of its recommendations. Let there be a direct interaction between the military and the politicians, let the sun set on the civil servant supremacy.
Regards,
Cdr KK Punchhi, (Retd)
OROP by Cdr Hirak Nag
Dear Sir,
The learned Supreme Court is supporting our cause, leading newspapers and magazines are highlighting the cussedness of our bureaucrats, but till date like Nero, they are unmoved and our dependant politicians will not act. To my mind, the Service Chiefs need to demand, as they did in the case of the Lt.Cols & equivalents being placed in PB4. It has been dissapointing to me that the IESM's 'dharanas', return of medals and continual efforts for OROP have not elicited any known help from the leaders of the serving fraternity. There is, I feel, a limit to our long-cherished non-intereferance in political matters.
Regards, Hirak Nag
The learned Supreme Court is supporting our cause, leading newspapers and magazines are highlighting the cussedness of our bureaucrats, but till date like Nero, they are unmoved and our dependant politicians will not act. To my mind, the Service Chiefs need to demand, as they did in the case of the Lt.Cols & equivalents being placed in PB4. It has been dissapointing to me that the IESM's 'dharanas', return of medals and continual efforts for OROP have not elicited any known help from the leaders of the serving fraternity. There is, I feel, a limit to our long-cherished non-intereferance in political matters.
Regards, Hirak Nag
Friday, April 2, 2010
Sahara India National Channel 7 PM today 01 May 2010
SAHARA INDIA NATIONAL CHANEL PROGRAMME ON ESM
AT 7 PM TODAY
Dear Veterans
Sahara India National Chanel is conducting half an hour programme on Ex Servicemen (ESM). I will be one of the Guest Speaker. You are requested to kindly watch at 7 PM today Live.
With Kind Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement
Mobile: 9312404269, 0124-4110570
Email: satbirsm@yahoo.com
AT 7 PM TODAY
Dear Veterans
Sahara India National Chanel is conducting half an hour programme on Ex Servicemen (ESM). I will be one of the Guest Speaker. You are requested to kindly watch at 7 PM today Live.
With Kind Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement
Mobile: 9312404269, 0124-4110570
Email: satbirsm@yahoo.com
DON'T TREAT SOLDIERS LIKE BEGGARS: SUPREME COURT by Col Raman
From: ramantn sarma colram40@yahoo.com
Sent: 02 April 2010 07:17
To: CoreGpIESM@yahoogroups.com
Cc: REPORT MY SIGNAL (CS Kamboj); TRUNCATED
Subject: DON'T TREAT SOLDIERS LIKE BEGGARS: SUPREME COURT
Dear Veterans,
The comments passed by the honourable judges in the open Court will also be treated as part of their judgement. The Govt Counsel might have persuaded the Judges to tone down their written judgement to exclude the word 'Beggar', but this phrase may be quoted by many Veterans to support their struggle, in future.
Some Veterans have, to my mind have rightly accused the Organisation under which the Petitioner served, for the case being dragged to the level of Supreme Court. Brig Kamboj has requested for toning down our expression of anguish. He may have valid reason. But, unless such incidents are exposed, the Service HQ may not try & shake off its own culpability, in such matters. We have a number of examples like the cases of Nakra, Dhanabalan, Vains etc., where the Services HQ could have minimised the damage, by clearly & firmly telling the MOD of the mitigating factors in favour of the Petitioners or the affected lot of its own personnel, both serving & retired. Majors Pension is another classic example. Our long standing demand of OROP is also there.
I want to share my own experience in this regard. In 1970, a Major (Acting) from the EME Centre, Secuderabad, was hit by a Water Truck within the premises of the Centre. He was travelling on his scooter & was on duty. He was killed on the spot. A court of Inquiry was held which found the Driver of the Vehicle guilty. He was charged under Rash & Negligent Driving & sentenced.
After the trial of the Driver & his punishment, the widow of the Officer claimed for adequate compensation to educate & bring up her two Children. The main plea was that her husband in normal circumstances would have retired at the age of 50, but died due to no fault of his at the age of just 28. She worked out a figure of Rs 1, 83,000. The MOD felt that the amount claimed was exorbitant. The lady went to Hyderabad High Court. The MOD then directed the Army to counter the case, to bring down the amount of compensation to 80,000 or in that region. Arty Centre, Hyderabad was given the task to pursue the Court Case. I was appointed as the Officer to assist the Govt Lawyer.
After going through the case, I was convinced that the lady's claim was legitimate. Later, when I had the opportunity to talk to the Centre Commandant, I expressed my opinion. He readily agreed, with a comment, "you do not have to blame on some others to cut your own hand. The AHQ will do it for you". I conveyed our feeling to the Lawyer, who himself was astonished at the lack of sensitivity to the plight of a brother officer's widow. He volunteered with additional information that such frivolous cases are proceeded only by the Armed Forces. "Have you ever seen such cases in the MOD itself?"
Let the bye gones be bye gones. At least from now onwards, let the Services HQ show some gumption in resisting the directions from the MOD, which are based purely on a matter of convention that no remedy should be given without a legal battle.
The pronouncement of the Honourable Judges that, " Do not treat the Soldiers like beggars" is equally applicable to the Services HQ also.
Veteran Raman
(Col TN Raman, Convener IESM, Chennai)
Sent: 02 April 2010 07:17
To: CoreGpIESM@yahoogroups.com
Cc: REPORT MY SIGNAL (CS Kamboj); TRUNCATED
Subject: DON'T TREAT SOLDIERS LIKE BEGGARS: SUPREME COURT
Dear Veterans,
The comments passed by the honourable judges in the open Court will also be treated as part of their judgement. The Govt Counsel might have persuaded the Judges to tone down their written judgement to exclude the word 'Beggar', but this phrase may be quoted by many Veterans to support their struggle, in future.
Some Veterans have, to my mind have rightly accused the Organisation under which the Petitioner served, for the case being dragged to the level of Supreme Court. Brig Kamboj has requested for toning down our expression of anguish. He may have valid reason. But, unless such incidents are exposed, the Service HQ may not try & shake off its own culpability, in such matters. We have a number of examples like the cases of Nakra, Dhanabalan, Vains etc., where the Services HQ could have minimised the damage, by clearly & firmly telling the MOD of the mitigating factors in favour of the Petitioners or the affected lot of its own personnel, both serving & retired. Majors Pension is another classic example. Our long standing demand of OROP is also there.
I want to share my own experience in this regard. In 1970, a Major (Acting) from the EME Centre, Secuderabad, was hit by a Water Truck within the premises of the Centre. He was travelling on his scooter & was on duty. He was killed on the spot. A court of Inquiry was held which found the Driver of the Vehicle guilty. He was charged under Rash & Negligent Driving & sentenced.
After the trial of the Driver & his punishment, the widow of the Officer claimed for adequate compensation to educate & bring up her two Children. The main plea was that her husband in normal circumstances would have retired at the age of 50, but died due to no fault of his at the age of just 28. She worked out a figure of Rs 1, 83,000. The MOD felt that the amount claimed was exorbitant. The lady went to Hyderabad High Court. The MOD then directed the Army to counter the case, to bring down the amount of compensation to 80,000 or in that region. Arty Centre, Hyderabad was given the task to pursue the Court Case. I was appointed as the Officer to assist the Govt Lawyer.
After going through the case, I was convinced that the lady's claim was legitimate. Later, when I had the opportunity to talk to the Centre Commandant, I expressed my opinion. He readily agreed, with a comment, "you do not have to blame on some others to cut your own hand. The AHQ will do it for you". I conveyed our feeling to the Lawyer, who himself was astonished at the lack of sensitivity to the plight of a brother officer's widow. He volunteered with additional information that such frivolous cases are proceeded only by the Armed Forces. "Have you ever seen such cases in the MOD itself?"
Let the bye gones be bye gones. At least from now onwards, let the Services HQ show some gumption in resisting the directions from the MOD, which are based purely on a matter of convention that no remedy should be given without a legal battle.
The pronouncement of the Honourable Judges that, " Do not treat the Soldiers like beggars" is equally applicable to the Services HQ also.
Veteran Raman
(Col TN Raman, Convener IESM, Chennai)
SUPREME COURT TELLS GOVT - STOP TREATING ARMY MEN LIKE "BEGGARS"
From: Khushminder Sahasi colsahasi@hotmail.com
Sent: 02 April 2010 06:41
To: Kamboj Chander
Subject: RE: SUPREME COURT TELLS GOVT - STOP TREATING ARMY MEN LIKE "BEGGARS" - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 159/2010 - 01 APR 2010 (H to Z)
Let Veterans suit Union Govt, MOD and IAS secretaries responsible for this plight even appex court has indicted.
Regards
(Colonel) Khushminder Sahasi, PE,MASCE
3110 Dunsanay Ct
FREMONT, CA
94536
USA
Tel: +1 (609) 230 6501
e-mail: colsahasi@hotmail.com
Sent: 02 April 2010 06:41
To: Kamboj Chander
Subject: RE: SUPREME COURT TELLS GOVT - STOP TREATING ARMY MEN LIKE "BEGGARS" - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 159/2010 - 01 APR 2010 (H to Z)
Let Veterans suit Union Govt, MOD and IAS secretaries responsible for this plight even appex court has indicted.
Regards
(Colonel) Khushminder Sahasi, PE,MASCE
3110 Dunsanay Ct
FREMONT, CA
94536
USA
Tel: +1 (609) 230 6501
e-mail: colsahasi@hotmail.com
CALLOUSNESS TOWARDS BRAVE JAWANS - THE SUPREME COURT
From: Christopher D'Silva chrisdsilva41@hotmail.com
Sent: 02 April 2010 03:55
To: CS Kamboj
Subject: CALLOUSNESS TOWARDS BRAVE JAWANS - THE SUPREME COURT
Dear Chander,
Herewith, is a link from The Hindu, apropos the subject matter. You may like to place it on 'Report My Signal' for the information of all concerned.
http://www.hindu.com/2010/04/02/stories/2010040256650100.htm - The Hindu Online, April 02, 2010 - Supreme Court: Why this callousness towards brave jawans?
The IESM should leverage this and get it debated in the Parliament when it reconvenes and concurrently make a push for OROP, the resolution of all anomalies (Past and VI Pay Commissions) and the implementation of all Supreme Court/AFT Judgements without any further delay or litigation, in the first instance.
Regards
Chris D'Silva
(Capt Christopher Lucian Newman D'Silva, IN, Watertown, USA)
-----------
THE HINDU
Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Apr 02, 2010
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version
Front Page
Supreme Court: why this callousness towards brave jawans?
J. Venkatesan
New Delhi:The Supreme Court has expressed anguish over the shabby treatment meted out to retired army officers, particularly disabled personnel, who are given a pittance as pension.
In its order, a Bench of Justices Markandey Katju and A.K. Patnaik said: “We regret to say that army officers and army men in our country are being treated in a shabby manner by the government.”
Pointing out that in the present appeal by C.S. Sidhu, who was posted in a high altitude field area and who met with an accident in the discharge of his duties, was granted a meagre pension of Rs.1,000 per month plus dearness allowance, the Bench said: “If this is the manner in which the army personnel are treated, it can only be said that it is extremely unfortunate. The army personnel are bravely defending the country, even at the cost of their lives and we feel thatthey should be treated in a better and more humane manner by governmental authorities, particularly, in respect of their emoluments, pension and other benefits.”
In the instant case, the respondent officer was given a Short Service Commission in June 1968. In November 1970, while on duty he met with the accident and his right arm had to be amputated and he also suffered a compound fracture in the thigh and jaw.
After he was discharged from service in 1978, the Army did not take into account the full Pay Commissioned Service, but considered only the period June 1968-November 1970 for pension. On a petition, the Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered calculation of the disability pension for the full period. The Union of India filed an appeal against this judgment.
The Bench, dismissing the appeal, said, “We see no reason to interfere with the impugned judgment and order of the High court.” It directed payment of arrears to the respondent with eight per cent interest per annum within three months.
---------
Sent: 02 April 2010 03:55
To: CS Kamboj
Subject: CALLOUSNESS TOWARDS BRAVE JAWANS - THE SUPREME COURT
Dear Chander,
Herewith, is a link from The Hindu, apropos the subject matter. You may like to place it on 'Report My Signal' for the information of all concerned.
http://www.hindu.com/2010/04/02/stories/2010040256650100.htm - The Hindu Online, April 02, 2010 - Supreme Court: Why this callousness towards brave jawans?
The IESM should leverage this and get it debated in the Parliament when it reconvenes and concurrently make a push for OROP, the resolution of all anomalies (Past and VI Pay Commissions) and the implementation of all Supreme Court/AFT Judgements without any further delay or litigation, in the first instance.
Regards
Chris D'Silva
(Capt Christopher Lucian Newman D'Silva, IN, Watertown, USA)
-----------
THE HINDU
Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Apr 02, 2010
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version
Front Page
Supreme Court: why this callousness towards brave jawans?
J. Venkatesan
New Delhi:The Supreme Court has expressed anguish over the shabby treatment meted out to retired army officers, particularly disabled personnel, who are given a pittance as pension.
In its order, a Bench of Justices Markandey Katju and A.K. Patnaik said: “We regret to say that army officers and army men in our country are being treated in a shabby manner by the government.”
Pointing out that in the present appeal by C.S. Sidhu, who was posted in a high altitude field area and who met with an accident in the discharge of his duties, was granted a meagre pension of Rs.1,000 per month plus dearness allowance, the Bench said: “If this is the manner in which the army personnel are treated, it can only be said that it is extremely unfortunate. The army personnel are bravely defending the country, even at the cost of their lives and we feel thatthey should be treated in a better and more humane manner by governmental authorities, particularly, in respect of their emoluments, pension and other benefits.”
In the instant case, the respondent officer was given a Short Service Commission in June 1968. In November 1970, while on duty he met with the accident and his right arm had to be amputated and he also suffered a compound fracture in the thigh and jaw.
After he was discharged from service in 1978, the Army did not take into account the full Pay Commissioned Service, but considered only the period June 1968-November 1970 for pension. On a petition, the Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered calculation of the disability pension for the full period. The Union of India filed an appeal against this judgment.
The Bench, dismissing the appeal, said, “We see no reason to interfere with the impugned judgment and order of the High court.” It directed payment of arrears to the respondent with eight per cent interest per annum within three months.
---------
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Balia Rally ....Pic courtesy Hony capt S N SharmaHEALTH BULLETIN MAJ GEN PK RENJEN, MEMBER IESM GOVERNING BODY
Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
Maj Gen PK Renjen, Member IESM Governing Body and Former Treasurer IESM, who has been ill for some time, is now well towards full recovery of his health.
The email received from him is appended below.
His email ID is - prenjen@hotmail.com .
Pravesh Renjen has always been a strong pillar of the IESM activities to get justice for Defence Services.
We wish Pravesh Renjen full and quick recovery.
May God bless him and his family.
In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj
-------------
From: pravesh renjen
Sent: 31 March 2010 17:02
Subject: THANK YOU FOR YOUR BLESSINGS; SURGERY SUCCESSFUL.
Friends,
Let me first thank you all for your good wishes and blessings; many have called and many others have written. Thank you. The great thing is that these have worked so superbly; just as I had said in my last mail - that they certainly would.
First surgery - removal of growth in the Larynx - was done on 22 March. Successful. Biopsy report came yesterday. IT IS ALL CLEAR, THANK GOD.
Next surgery - removal of growth in the salivary gland - will be done late April. With your blessings and God's Grace, that too would turn out to be all clear; the tumour is progressively shrinking.
I have been advised restraint in speaking for another week; but, will be 'shouting fit' by the coming week-end.
God bless you,
Maj Gen (Retd) PK Renjen, AVSM
91-9810044542 (cell),
0124-6523963 (home)
Jai Hind.
Maj Gen PK Renjen, Member IESM Governing Body and Former Treasurer IESM, who has been ill for some time, is now well towards full recovery of his health.
The email received from him is appended below.
His email ID is - prenjen@hotmail.com .
Pravesh Renjen has always been a strong pillar of the IESM activities to get justice for Defence Services.
We wish Pravesh Renjen full and quick recovery.
May God bless him and his family.
In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj
-------------
From: pravesh renjen
Sent: 31 March 2010 17:02
Subject: THANK YOU FOR YOUR BLESSINGS; SURGERY SUCCESSFUL.
Friends,
Let me first thank you all for your good wishes and blessings; many have called and many others have written. Thank you. The great thing is that these have worked so superbly; just as I had said in my last mail - that they certainly would.
First surgery - removal of growth in the Larynx - was done on 22 March. Successful. Biopsy report came yesterday. IT IS ALL CLEAR, THANK GOD.
Next surgery - removal of growth in the salivary gland - will be done late April. With your blessings and God's Grace, that too would turn out to be all clear; the tumour is progressively shrinking.
I have been advised restraint in speaking for another week; but, will be 'shouting fit' by the coming week-end.
God bless you,
Maj Gen (Retd) PK Renjen, AVSM
91-9810044542 (cell),
0124-6523963 (home)
VISIT TO JATH By Cdr Pathak / Col VD Patil and Col BS Deshmukh
From: Ravindra Pathak
Sent: 31 March 2010 11:44
To: IESM Core group on Yahoo
Subject: VISIT TO JATH
Dear Sir
Yesterday Lt Col V D Patil and self visited Jath in Sangli district. Distance 280 Km from Pune.
We were accompanied by Col Bhagat Singh Deshmukh the Ex Director Rajya Sainik Board.
The meeting was organized by Hon Capt Takale and was attended by a group of 150 Veterans who included Reps of the neighborhood Tehsils and an Ex Havaldar who was a Minister rank official for 15 years.
We were well received and heard patiently. I briefed them on OROP and IESM and Col Patil on ECHS.After us Col Deshmukh and Ex MLC addressed the meeting and the common call was to strengthen IESM at Center and work towards a Federation of Veteran Organizations at State level.
I question asked was WHY WIDOWS WERE NOT GIVEN ANYTHING IN THE SO CALLED OROP.
Of course we had no answer and the reply given was let us unite and ask our MP and government why?
Expect a good response to membership.
We have also requested the Rep of Sangli Dist Ex Servicemen organization who was also present to plan a District level meet at Kavathe Mahankal soon. Shall follow up on that.
I have an invitation to visit Umarga about 8 hrs drive from Pune next month and also Gadhinglaj list of 1000 members is ready and they want us to come there too.I intend to go to Gadhinglaj only when Col Joshipura plans his visit.
Brgds
Ravi
Cdr Ravindra Waman Pathak I.N.(Retd)
Member and Coordinator IESM Pension Cell
(Mobile 919822329340)
1 Surashri, 1146 Lakaki Road, Shivajinagar, Pune 411016
Sent: 31 March 2010 11:44
To: IESM Core group on Yahoo
Subject: VISIT TO JATH
Dear Sir
Yesterday Lt Col V D Patil and self visited Jath in Sangli district. Distance 280 Km from Pune.
We were accompanied by Col Bhagat Singh Deshmukh the Ex Director Rajya Sainik Board.
The meeting was organized by Hon Capt Takale and was attended by a group of 150 Veterans who included Reps of the neighborhood Tehsils and an Ex Havaldar who was a Minister rank official for 15 years.
We were well received and heard patiently. I briefed them on OROP and IESM and Col Patil on ECHS.After us Col Deshmukh and Ex MLC addressed the meeting and the common call was to strengthen IESM at Center and work towards a Federation of Veteran Organizations at State level.
I question asked was WHY WIDOWS WERE NOT GIVEN ANYTHING IN THE SO CALLED OROP.
Of course we had no answer and the reply given was let us unite and ask our MP and government why?
Expect a good response to membership.
We have also requested the Rep of Sangli Dist Ex Servicemen organization who was also present to plan a District level meet at Kavathe Mahankal soon. Shall follow up on that.
I have an invitation to visit Umarga about 8 hrs drive from Pune next month and also Gadhinglaj list of 1000 members is ready and they want us to come there too.I intend to go to Gadhinglaj only when Col Joshipura plans his visit.
Brgds
Ravi
Cdr Ravindra Waman Pathak I.N.(Retd)
Member and Coordinator IESM Pension Cell
(Mobile 919822329340)
1 Surashri, 1146 Lakaki Road, Shivajinagar, Pune 411016
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