Congress Leader does not want Kargil Divas to be Commemorated

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Congress Leader does not want Kargil Divas to be Commemorated
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July 21, 2009 at 02:51 am
Expelled Bhujan Samaj Party leader Rashid Alvi joined Congress Party saying he wanted to strengthen the country's secular forces. This was in April 2004. The colour of politics is brighter for him than any feeling of nationalism or patriotism.
It is politics of the lowest kind. Mr Rashid Alvi, Congress stated that there was no need to commemorate India's victory in Kargil on 26 Jul 09 as it was an intelligence failure of the BJP Govt which resulted in the battle. Mr Alvi needs to remember that every war can be traced to a failure of intelligence or government policy.
Soldiers do not think who is running the country's govt when going to battle. Their only concern is to destroy the intruder in the homeland. Why must hte simple simple soldier be dragged into competitive politics?
Imagine a country not celebrating its greatest miltary victory in East Pakistan in 1971, because it will annoy Pakistan! The WW II Allies have still not stopped celebrating their victory over Germany, despite the fact that they are friends now.
"Come on Congress Party keep us soldiers out of your petty politics and give a public rap to Rashid Alvi." stated Lt Gen S K Bahri, who sent out a similar letter to editors of the Indian Express, The Week, The Times of India.
(Source - http://reportmysignal.blogspot.com/2009/07/honouring-kargil-martyrs.html )

IESM about to complete 1 Year by Gp Capt VK Gandhi

From: Vinod Gandhi vk_gandhi@yahoo.com

Subject: AN APPEAL TO ALL VETERANS TO JOIN IESM AND STRENGTHEN YOUR VOICE

Date: Wednesday, 22 July, 2009, 4:35 PM

Dear All

IESM is about to complete one year since its inception. This year has been full of events. IESM has been waging a battle with the Govt for acceptance of long pending demand of OROP for the of the ex servicemen. We have organised four rallies and given the call to ex servicemen to deposit their cherished medals for safe custody to The President of India, Supreme Commander of defence forces till our demands are met to our satisfaction. Ex servicemen have deposited 15000 gallantry medals with the President of India on the call of IESM.This had telling effect on the MOD and they have been forced to think about our demand of OROP and other demands. We thank the ex-servicemen in joining the IESM in large numbers and strengthening our hands.

Ex servicemen from all states of India have joined hands with IESM in agitating at Jantar Mantar for demonstration which lasted for more than 120 days including relay fast by ex servicemen.

Govt has announced in the President speech to both houses and in the budget that they have allocated Rs 2140 crores for the enhancement of pension of Ex servicemen. IESM has got a feeler that the OROP has not been granted but Govt is likely to grant only one time increase in pension . The details of this announcement are still awaited. The battle for OROP will be resumed with enhaced energy and renewed vigour if the demand of OROP is not sanctioned to the satisfaction of our veterans. IESM will not feel shy of taking a legal route also if required.

MOA of IESM and various other information is regularly promulgated in its Website www.iesm.org . This website is regularly updated. Ex servicemen can read the latest development on this website.

IESM is aware of the many problems being faced by ex servicemen. IESM has instituted following cells to look into the problems of the veterans and take up centrally with the Govt and authorities. These cells are headed by the experts in that field and will keep analysing the information received from Govt and accordingly inform all the vererans and update the website. These cells are

CELL DIRECTOR

· Pension Cell Vice Adm Barin Ghose,
· Media Interaction cell Maj Gen Satbir Singh
· Membership Drive cell Col Kirit Joshipura
· News letter cell Wg Cdr CK Sharma
ECHS CELL IESM is aware of the problems being faced by our veterans, who live in different corners of India, regarding inadequacy of medical services being given from ECHS. In view of these difficulties a cell is being formed of the experts to suggest to the Govt regarding improvements required in present model of ECHS to ensure that the best medical services are made available to all ex servicemen nearer to their home. The details of this cell will be announced soon.

Over this one year IESM has grown in stature and membership. Today IESM is a registered body and is following a federation model. As per this model it is possible to become member of IESM either individually or take block membership. Block membership is applicable to all registered bodies who have membership of more than 50 members. The rules and procedure are given in IESM website. These are reproduced below.

Individual membership All exservicemen can become member of IESM by filling a form and paying membership fee. It is also possible to take membership on line. First go to the HDFC bank (any branch) and deposit memebership fee in IESM ac no 06162000001330”. Go to the IESM website www.iesm.org and then to 'REGISTER' and fill up the form giving all the details of the bank deposit and submit the form. On receipt of the form either physically or elecronically and fee details, a membership no will be allotted to the veteran. Membership fee structure is given below.

Officers Rs 500/
JCOs Rs 200/
Sepoys Rs 100/
Widows Rs 100/

Associate membership

All Registered ESM organisations may become Associate members of IESM as an organisation. The current rules are;

1. The organisation should be a registered body (as a society or a trust etc).
2. It should have minimum 50 members.
3. Its Membership Fee will depend on the number of ESM on its rolls, as follows;

a) 40% of normal fee of individual membership, if the organization has 50 to 99 members.
b) 30% of normal fee of individual membership, if the organization has 100 to 499 members.
c) 20% of normal fee of individual membership, if the organization has 500 and above members.

4. All its members and the organisation will get an Associate Membership No.
5. The organisation would get one voting right for every 100 members.
6. Head of the Organisation would be included in the IESM Core Gp, for consultation and information about IESM and its activities.

IESM REQUESTS ALL EX-SERVICEMEN TO STRENGTHEN OUR HAND AND JOIN OUR STRUGGLE FOR WELFARE OF ALL VETERANS. JOIN IESM TO INCREASE STRENGTH OF YOUR VOICE TO REACH THE GOVT FOR YOUR OWN GOOD.

Please remember 'UNITED WE WIN DIVIDED WE FALL'.

Regards

Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM
L - 48, Sector - 25,
NOIDA. 201301
Tele no 01202519440
Mobile 09810541222

Pre 1996 Maj Gens & equivalent pension orders finally out by Maj Gen Suri

Subject: Pre 1996 Maj Gens & equivalent pension orders.

Hi,
It is my pleasure to send you the Govt Implementation letter in in pursuance of Supreme Court Judgement. Please give wide publicity.



At last our struggle has been successful, but Govt is bent upon harrassing us. Firstly, there is no way ALL effected offrs & widows will get this info with in a month ( therefore will not get 10% interest) & secondly, the operative portion of the SC Judgement quoted though correctly given is to be read in conjunction with paras where it states that our pension must be same as Post 1.1.96 Maj Gens & Equivalent.
Can the experts comment please?.
With best wishes & regards.
Satish
PS - chander , pl fwd to Naval Foundation & IESM & others, I do not have their e - mail ids.

Blood Donation at Wipro Okhla BPO ...Pictures Courtesy Wg Cdr CK Sharma

WG CDR CK SHARMA AT WIPRO BPO OKHLA , NEW DELHI 22 Jul 2009

Cakewalk on air By Air Marshal (retd) Vinod Patney

Cakewalk on air

By Air Marshal (retd) Vinod Patney


In early May 1999, there were reports of Pakistani infiltration into our side of the Line of Control (LoC) but there was little definite intelligence information. Reports on the number of infiltrators varied from a few ten to a few hundred. Even their locations were, at best, inaccurate approximations. Possibly, this was the main reason for some initial difficulty experienced in arriving at sound military responses. The situation was compounded by the earlier periodic intelligence reports that showed that Pakistani military capability was inadequate for a serious offensive to be launched against us.

The correctness of this estimate was borne out by subsequent events. Our military capability was indeed far superior. Western Air Command (WAC) was alerted on May 11 or 12, 1999. Within a day or two, reconnaissance missions were launched on a regular basis but no actionable intelligence was garnered. However, area familiarisation missions were flown, high-altitude air-to-ground attacks against pin-point targets practised, and operational readiness achieved in short order. We then waited for government clearance to launch air strikes.

The clearance was received on the evening of May 25, and the first operational missions took to the air in the early morning of May 26. The government clearance included a debilitating instruction prohibiting the Air Force to operate beyond the LoC. A few important aspects that were a fallout of this very stringent restriction merit mention.
First, in one fell swoop, we handed over the initiative to the enemy. It was now up to them to decide when and how to fashion the air war. The air war should be prosecuted in a proactive and bold manner but, perforce, we now had to adopt a reactive posture. Secondly, the LoC is a zig-zag line nowhere near clearly demarcated on the ground. Hence, particularly against targets close to the LoC, in our attempts not to cross the LoC, the planning and execution of the attacks was far from what could and should have been.

Thirdly, the infiltrators were in well-defended positions that were well-camouflaged and represented very small targets. The air force was hard-pressed to hit these targets effectively. Far greater dividends would have accrued if we were permitted to attack the feeder lines, logistics dumps and other well-defined targets. Fourthly and possibly most importantly, the enemy was well entrenched and at height, and our troops were out in the open with, literally, an uphill task to win back positions occupied by the enemy. They were extremely vulnerable to enemy air attacks and it was a major responsibility of WAC to ensure that enemy air was inhibited from taking action even when the Pakistanis began to suffer major reverses. This was achieved by giving clear signals that we were ready and willing for battle and waiting for the enemy to start. The unequivocal signalling was done by the manner in which our missions were launched throughout the Command, and the obvious preparedness of WAC.

We certainly succeeded as, in a very few days, it was obvious that the enemy would much rather avoid battle or escalation of the conflict. Indeed, civil air lines were soon permitted to commence operations from Srinagar.
Many innovative means were introduced for the safety of our aircraft in the air and to make our attacks against targets on the ground safer and more effective. The use of GPS, even the hastily procured handheld GPS, was a trailblazer. The use of fighter aircraft for attacks in night in mountainous terrain received accolades from professionals in the US and elsewhere. Another innovation was the use of handheld video cameras that were taken on board fighter aircraft to film the areas of possible enemy positions for better and speedier analysis.

All these measures helped. Our Mirage aircraft were locally modified for bombing from higher altitudes and the laser pods that were on trial were pressed into service. The bombing by Mirage aircraft of the Muntho Dhalo admin and logistics camp dealt a body blow from which the enemy just could not recover. The laser pod was used against the position at Tiger Hill and the success can be gauged from the report that when our troops reached the summit, there were only seven Pakistanis left to guard the area.
In spite of difficulties, the Air Force did what was required under the circumstances, and without the benefit of fanfare. There was complete unanimity between the Army and the Air Force in the manner in which the war should be fought, and, as it should be, every single position that was recaptured by our Army was first visited by our Air Force. The pilots, technicians and staff of WAC and those from other commands who fought alongside deserve praise for their professionalism and for a job well done.

I, however, have three regrets. First, one cannot but be saddened by the loss of two fighter aircraft, one helicopter and their pilots and crew. 'It happens in war' is an oft-quoted phrase but it cannot reduce the regret and sorrow of untimely deaths. Secondly, air power should have been used without its hands being tied. Possibly, the war would have been shorter and we would have suffered fewer casualties. Finally, it will remain a regret that we were not pitted against a more worthwhile adversary who was willing to offer combat.
Air Marshal Patney was Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, during the Kargil war.



Flying high

Operation Safedsagar, the air operations in Kargil, was a tough mission for the Air Force because of the difficult terrain and climate. The high altitude limited the bomb loads and the number of airstrips that can be used.
The Air Force's fist involvement in the conflict was on May 11, 1999, with helicopters.

On May 25, the cabinet committee on security authorised attacks without crossing the LoC.

...

Heights of bravery By General (retd) V.P. Malik

Heights of bravery

By General (retd) V.P. Malik



Kargil war will go down in the history of India as a saga of the nation’s determination to maintain territorial integrity under any circumstances, as well as unmatched bravery, grit and determination displayed by the armed forces. It is a symbol of great pride and inspiration. In a fiercely fought combat on the most difficult terrain, which gave immense advantage to the enemy, we were able to evict Pakistani troops from their surreptitiously occupied positions.

India won a politico-military victory after being surprised by Pakistani political perfidy and military initiative. As two former prime ministers of Pakistan stated, “Kargil war was Pakistan’s biggest blunder and disaster!” The fact that we were surprised cannot be denied. It reflected a major deficiency in our system of collecting, reporting, collating and assessing intelligence as well as poor surveillance on the ground.

As pointed out by the Kargil Review Committee, ‘the Pakistani intrusion was a complete and total surprise to the Government of India and its intelligence agencies.’ These failures prolonged the fog of war and cost us heavily during the initial days of combat. Our challenge was to vacate the intruders under the most adverse conditions. The adversity was compounded by the political mandate that the Line of Control shall not be violated. When the ground situation became clear, the armed forces decided to plan and fight the war jointly with an integrated strategy. It was necessary to maintain strategic balance and a deterrent posture all along the Indo-Pak front—on the ground, air and sea—should there be any escalation of hostilities. Our strategy made it clear that although a victim of intrusion and exercising restraint, India was determined to get the intrusion vacated.

A reflection on the war will never be complete without a mention of the brilliant junior leadership that was witnessed during the battles. Most of the credit for victory goes to the bravery and dedication of the soldiers and young officers on the battlefield. They were upfront, not hesitating to make sacrifices to uphold the regimental and national pride and dignity.

In a Sainik Sammelan at Dras, I said, “The enemy has started the fight, but it is we who will fire the last shot and the war will end only on our terms.” With great determination, high morale and brilliant junior leadership, our troops performed superbly to achieve this mission. There were countless acts of gallantry, displays of steely resilience, single-minded devotion to duty and tremendous sacrifices. Their legendary tales deserve mention not only in military history books but also in the textbooks of our secondary schools to inspire children. It was a privilege for me to lead such officers and men in the war.

Some strategic lessons that emerged from the war are:
u Acquisition of nuclear weapons by India and Pakistan has not reduced or eliminated the probability of a war between the two countries. A limited conventional war remains possible. A proxy war in the Indo-Pak security scenario can easily escalate into a conventional war.

We need to enhance border surveillance and close defence capability to prevent loss of territory in a surprise attack.

The new strategic environment calls for speedier, more versatile and more flexible combat organisations. The successful outcome of a border war will depend upon the ability to react rapidly in an evolving crisis.

A war these days requires close political oversight and political, civil and military interaction. It is essential to keep military leadership within the security and strategic decision-making loop.

Information operations are important in the growing transparency of the battlefield. Also, to retain moral high ground and to deny that to the adversary, one needs a comprehensive information campaign.
After the war, additional troops were deployed in the sector with enhanced surveillance and logistic capabilities. The Centre also reviewed the national security system. Several systemic changes were made in the ministry of defence. However, the appointment of the chief of defence staff, which is essential for integrated defence and operational planning, is still pending. Modernisation of armed forces continues to lag behind, thanks to inadequate self-reliance and inordinate delays in procuring essential weapon systems like fighter aircraft, submarines and medium artillery guns.

It must be realised that no one is affected more than the soldiers who have to remain prepared to fight in all kinds of contingencies. It was not the first time that Pakistan initiated a war. And we must not assume that it would be the last time. As a nation, we need to develop the will and capability to react with determination, sometimes proactively. The essence of military leadership lies in the manner in which we react to restore a situation in all adverse circumstances. The most important lesson, I believe, is that sound defence makes sound foreign policies.
Malik was chief of Army staff and chairman of the chiefs of staff committee during the Kargil war.

--------

IESM TAMILNADU MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 12 JULY 2009 by Col Raman

IESM TAMILNADU

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 12 JULY 2009

1. In the month of July there were two Meetings of ESM in Tamilnadu. The first was in Chennai, by the IESM. The second was by the IESL in Thanjavur.

2. I am forwarding the minutes of the IESM Meeting. In a couple of days I will forward a brief on Thanjavur Meet.

3. Contributions for the conduct of the Meet were received from the following Veterans:-
Cdr PV Francis, Col Ram Gulrajani, Lt Col N Padmanabiah, Col KV Balakrishnan, Lt Col R Rajakumar--- Rs 5,00/- each.
Lt Col C Sundaramurthy, Nb Sub(Hony) V Sitaram, Lt Col TPK Sundaram, Capt (Hony) R Ponnuraj----Rs 1,00/- each.

4. My sincere thanks to all the donors who volunteered to share the expenses of the Meeting.

5. The Meeting was chaired by Col (Retd) TN Raman, Convener IESM, Tamilnadu.

6. The Convener, at the outset clarified that the Meeting was organised to bring all the ESM of the State under one Umbrella & there was no tussle with the older organisations like IESL or FIESA. There definitely was a requirement to boost the membership of the IESM, since it was the only ESM Organisation, which took the Govt to task after the Sixth Pay Commission & focused the attention of the entire Nation on issues affecting the ESM Community. Though it spear headed the Movement, official recognition has been denied. The Govt’s announcement in the Parliament a few days back that the OROP issue has been resolved was far from the truth, which all ESM will realise sooner than later. He then requested the ESM from out stations to present their views.

7. JWO Kasi Viswanathan from Kunrakudi said that though he had been a member of FIESA affiliated ESM Association for more than a decade & half, this was the first time he found a credible leadership being provided for the ESM, in the form of IESM. His Association would always back the just cause of IESM. He thanked the IESM for giving an opportunity for airing his views.

8. W/O Shivraj from Coimbatore. (Chairman FIESA Tamilnadu). He said that he had already joined IESM as a member & many more like him from Coimbatore had done so, due to the efforts of Col A Sridharan. He pointed out the statement from Sgt Vasudevan who had exhorted the PBORs from accepting the increased pension unless the same was granted to the Officers also. He assured that the Officers need not take to the streets. They had to only guide from behind & all the PBORs would execute their orders. The Convener intervened at this stage to clarify that as per the ethos of Army, the Officers at the command level lead from the front. This was no different. All the agitations carried out so far by the IESM had full participation of the Officers, who led from the front. This was the main reason for the popularity of the IESM. At the same time, the contribution from the PBOR side had been overwhelming, which had left deep impression amongst all the Officers. As the time progresses, we would find all ranks of ESM of all the three Services, would be proud to call themselves simply as veterans.

9. Veteran Shivraj wanted to know whether IESM had any more agenda than the OROP. Similar query was also raised by ESM Sundarrajan, Secretary, Thiruvallur District ESM Association of FIESA. The Convener pointed out that there were four Core Issues including the OROP. Besides that, there were a number of side issues which had to be resolved. The IESM was here to stay on a permanent basis & had resolved to settle all the injustices & anomalies.

10. Then Sundarajan requested that the IESM should take up the following issues on Op Immediate basis.
a. Pay Disparity.
b. Pension Disparity.
c. Interpretation of Rules.
d. Improvement of the Morale of ESM & ECHS.
e. Lack of strength of ESM in an organised way.

11. The Convener assured the gathering that the following measures would be taken up forth with, by the IESM Tamilnadu.

a. A Pension Cell would be functional under Col N Viswanathan.
b. Cdr Vaidyanathan, from Trichy, volunteered to head the ECHS Cell.
c. The Convener pointed out that lack of resources would preclude opening of any Office at present. However, since most of the members know AWHO Parameswaran Vihar, an Office would be created in his own residence. The email ID & Phone Nos are already well known.
d. Regarding the strengthening of the Movement, the FIESA can help us out in a big way. The Core Group IESM had confirmed that the Associations forming part of FIESA could carry their own banners as well as operate with their own Office Bearers. They were requested to send Official Letters of confirmation for their support to IESM & also their affiliation.

12. Cdr Vaidyanathan brought out that FIESA had been in existence for more than 25 years & had 24 Associations affiliated to it in Tamilnadu. Similar was the case with IESL but none of them could make an impact at the Capitol. What Col Raman could achieve in a span of few months, others could not. Similar view was echoed by Nk JP Balakrishnan, from Thanjavur, who claimed that the IESL had nearly 15,000 members in Tamilnadu. Veteran Sundaramurthy also said that the FIESA did not enjoy the confidence of Delhi. The affiliation with IESM would prove beneficial for the ESM community.

13. Cdr Vaidyanathan stated that every Association must follow the democratic norms. Though the Agenda included the Election of New Office Bearers, considering the present strength of local members, he suggested that Col TN Raman to continue with his portfolio for the time being. Brig NL Narayanan supported the motion & the resolution was passed unanimously.

14. Then Col KS Chakravathy, effectively put across the points regarding the lack of unity amongst the ESM, which had encouraged the Govt to keep up their policy of divide & rule. He emphasized the need for IESM to be absolutely non political in its approach. He also brought out how disgraceful it was to read some Veterans casting aspersions on fellow veterans, just because they had different views. He emphasized that such unhealthy criticisms should cease forthwith.

15. Col P Radha Krishnan then summarised the decisions taken for the benefit of all:-
a. Increase the membership of IESM by fresh initiative.
b. All ESM should come under IESM either as members or by affiliation.
c. ECHS Cell & Pension Cell must be created.
d. The comments about the Budget & our Pensions must be made only after a careful study.
e. The present set up in Tamilnadu to continue.

16. The Convener in his closing remarks said that every nascent organization would have to go through the stages we were experiencing now. Inadequate resources or finance would not be a constraint to our growth. The very fact that representatives from far off Districts like Thanjavur, Trichy, Coimbatore & many places had come to attend the Meeting, spending from their own resources was a testimony to that fact. Unity of ESM was the crying need of the hour. IESM would not rest till every aspect of the ESM Welfare had been addressed to by the Govt & the results achieved.

17. He thanked the entire gathering for their cooperation & support.

Conclusion
18. There being no other points the Meeting was declared closed.

Col (Retd) TN Raman
Convener IESM Tamilnadu
E5/230, AWHO Parameswaran Vihar,
28, Arcot Road, Chennai- 600093
Ph: 044-42013210, 0 9840033326

ECHS AND ALL THAt by Maj Gen Satish Chandra

From: Satish Jalota satishjalota@gmail.com

Subject: ECHS AND ALL THAT

To: premprempb@rediffmail.com

Cc: "satish" satishjalota@gmail.com , "REPORT MY SIGNAL (CS Kamboj)" kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in

Date: Monday, 20 July, 2009, 7:57 AM

Dear Sir,

Two articles sent by you , highlighted, what has been happening since independence.
The law makers can make better laws for themselves. Our elders, in the name of IZZAT , always gave in.

But for the brave Serving Admiral, we would not have got , whatever has been given so far.

I have to add;
a Health care means different at different ages. A time comes when money or cars cannot help you. It has to be the system.

b The men in uniform did not understand what the ECHS would deliver. Why to blame Babu every time ? A few individuals saw some post retirement jobs for themselves.

c The serving officers in Sta HQ and Hospitals feel , the ESMs emit foul smell. You are better off in any MH, if you son or a friend is a Doctor there. It is still better if you are related to a medical service Havildar. This net works equally fast.

d Please do not think of "Col and below "and " Above Cols". We are in the same boat.

About two years ago, I had suggested to the IESM Core group, to take up PENSION as well as ECHS matters. Little extra money is less important than good heath care service.

Maj Gen Satish Chandra(Retd)
Ex TA (Defence) UK, and Director National Test Range for Missiles
+919810355010, Centrex-1826

Pioneer : Cong’s martyrs and BJP martyrs

Cong’s martyrs and BJP martyrs

Sidharth Mishra

July 26 is just a week away. Many may ask what's so important about July 26. To remind the nation — July 26 is Kargil Vijay Diwas. The day symbolizes emphatic Indian victory in a high altitude war show-casing unparalleled bravery and chivalry of Indian soldier. Unfortunately Kargil War has been treated by the Congress leadership with lot of caution always careful about not allowing the rival BJP-led National Democratic Alliance the unbridled credit for an emphatic victory.

Since Independence India has faced aggression on five occasion — 1948, 1962, 1965, 1971 and 1999. On four occasions — 1948, 1962, 1965 and 1971 — there was a Congress Prime Minister at the helm. In 1999 Atal Bihari Vajpayee of the BJP held charge. The war took place after his Government had lost majority on the floor of the House. Despite being in the caretaker capacity, Vajpayee showed exemplary statesmanship and effectively mobilized national efforts to record an emphatic victory.

Though this war was won at high rate of casualty of human life but at the end it led to India emerging a stronger nation not being forced to a negotiation table under pressure from super-powers and being made to cede advantages, something which so visibly happened during the 1948 and 1965 operations. Several historical documents have recorded Jawaharlal Nehru's folly in approaching the United Nations when Indian forces had reached dominating position in the 1948 war. Similarly Lal Bahadur Shastri was forced into signing the Tashkent Agreement after effectively winning the 1965 war.

Though 1971 once again had the Indian armed forces recording emphatic victory leading to the creation of Bangladesh, Simla Agreement has come in for criticism. It's said that despite the emphatic victory and a visibly beaten Pakistan, Indian did not push hard diplomatically to resolve the Kashmir issue once for all. In 1962, India faced a rout at the hands of Chinese and in 1987, the Congress Government launched operation in Sri Lanka, which turned out to be an absolute fiasco.

In the post-Independence military history, Kargil War stands out as a shinning star. Kargil also happens to be the best documented war. The presence of large media contingent especially television ensured that the vibrations of the war was even felt in the urban drawing rooms and rural chaupals. The 50-day war turned soldiers and their units into household names. To the credit of then Defence Minister George Fernandes, body of every Indian martyr was flown to his home and given ceremonial funeral. The Indian countryside is replete with the statutes of Kargil heroes standing in the middle of lush green fields. Even the Pakistani soldiers, whose body the enemy country refused to accept were given decent burial by the Indian establishment.

Kargil war did not end into an internationally monitored summit between Indian and Pakistani leadership. Indian leadership had shown the maturity of not crossing the Line of Control (LoC) though the temptation for the same must have been substantial. The Indian positions were cleared of illegal Pakistani occupation and war gains restricted to the restoration of Indian control. The event had huge political repercussions with Vajpayee-led NDA recording a huge victory in the Lok Sabha polls, which followed. Vajpayee's Pakistani counter-part Nawaz Sharif lost job to his Chief of Army Staff General Parvez Musharraf.

Kargil came to be celebrated in contemporary art inspiring Bollywood block-busters like LoC: Kargil, Lakhsya and Dhoop and several films in regional languages. There have been several theatre productions on Kargil operations and also television serials. But despite this, the UPA Government has been cagey in celebrating the Kargil success ever since it came to power in 2004. It's true that Kargil played an important role in the defeat of Congress party in 1999 but it should also be realised that one of the major factors for the same was the cantankerous posturing its spokesperson Ajit Jogi took on the television.

The present Congress leadership has shown a pragmatic approach on many issues. It has accepted that its adventures in Golden Temple and Sri Lanka were uncalled for. It has gone to the extent of apologising to the Sikh community for Operation Bluestar. It should now come to accept the Kargil victory as Indian victory and not that of a BJP-led Government. There are no Congress martyrs and BJP martyrs. In war with enemy country there are only national martyrs.

RTI Cell by IESM....Volunteers required...

Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.

Some of the emails received from the members are appended below for your perusal.
On behalf of YOU ALL, 'i' thank all the members who have sent these emails to us.

Very Important Announcement and Request for Veterans in NCR

There is an urgent need to create an RTI Cell by IESM. We have a highly experience leader to head this Cell, Commodore LK Batra, who has very wide experience in the field of RTI. Very successfully he is supporting number of NGOs for RTI activities.
What we need now is a few volunteer veterans at Noida and New Delhi to help Commodore LK Batra to file very large number of applications under the RTI Act to extract useful information from the Government files, which is required to support our case in the Courts.
We must create this cell without further delay. Please volunteer or suggest suitable names.
Please pass on this information to veterans who are not available on email.
The names may kindly forwarded to "Report My Signal" - email ID - kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in .
In the mean time, veterans in other cities are requested to think and advise what are the subjects on which applications under RTI should be filed.
As it appears from the expertise available, Naval Foundation is going to be the nucleus for the filing of Court Case (as and when filed), they are also requested to suggest topics for application under RTI Act.
The ideal thing would be that the Naval Foundation, who have a proper office and administrative support, should kindly provide the support to this RTI Cell being created.
Needless to say that veterans from All Three Services will assist the functioning of this cell, and will kindly operate under the Naval Foundation.
LET US ALL STAND SHOULDER TO SHOULDER/
LET US ALL SUPPORT THE MISSION -
JUSTICE FOR DEFENCE SERVICES.
IT IS NOW OR NEVER.
HONGE KAMYAB HUM EK DIN.

In Service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
--------------

IESM LAUNCHES THE KARGIL DIVAS CELEBRATIONS

Col RP Chaturvedi and Cdr Sharan Ahuja at Accenture Softwares B 9 Sec 62 Noida on 20 Jul 2009 the Inaugral day of Blood Collection Campaign by IESM




Dear Friends,

Jai Hind.

An email and its attachments, received from Col RP Chaturvedi, Member IESM Steering Committee and Coordinator Kargil Divas Celebrations, are reproduced below.

Col RP Chaturvedi, and other members of IESM Steering Committee have been working very hard for more than two months to organise Kargil Divas Celebrations.

On behalf of YOU ALL, 'i' congratulate IESM Steering Committee, in particular Col RP Chaturvedi, for a very successful launch of the Kargil Divas Celebrations.
The main Kargil Divas celebrations are on Sunday, 26 Jul 09.

Please do organise a function in your respective cities/localities to pay homage to all those Defence Personnel, Para Military Forces and Civilians who helped us in winning the Kargil War. Many sacrificed their lives, many were seriously wounded and many lost their near ones and dear ones.

ON 26 JUL 09, AT 8.00 PM, DO LIGHT A CANDLE AT YOUR DOOR
AND PLACE A MARIGOLD FLOWER (GENDA) BESIDE IT.

BEFORE LIGHTING THE CANDLE ALSO SAY A PRAYER FOR ALL THE HEROES OF KARGIL WAR WHO SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES AND SUFFERED INJURIES FOR THE SAKE OF INDIAN NATION.

PLEASE DO MOTIVATE YOUR NEIGHBOURS, PREFERABLY THE ENTIRE LOCALITY TO DO THE SAME.

In Service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
------------
From: Rakesh Prasad Chaturvedi rpchaturvedi@gmail.com
Subject: [Stg_Comm] Kargil Divas commences [4 Attachments]
To: edited
Date: Monday, 20 July, 2009, 7:25 PM

[Attachment(s) from Rakesh Prasad Chaturvedi included below]



Mission Control,
We have LIFT OFF !!

KARGIL DIVAS ACTIVITIES COMMENCED TODAY.

Cdr Sharan Ahuja accompanied me to Accenture and assisted initial settling down.

Col BK Kailash, a social worker and a Rotarian himself, relieved us and held fort for the latter part.
Thanks Kailash.

The Blood Donation camp at Accenture went very well.
We collected 57 units of blood from eager donors.

Pamphlets were distributed and perused by the visitors to the camp.
Attached are 4 photos.

Thanks to Kailash must feature in it.

Congratulations IESM !!

Well Begun is Half Done.
--
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi,
A-35, Sector 36,
Noida 201303.
Mob: +919891279035

TWO ITEMS OF INTEREST FROM THE TRIBUNE OF 19 JULY 2009.by Veteran Jaspal Bhinder

From: Jaspal Bhinder bhinder@ymail.com

Subject: Re: [indianveterans] Fw: TWO ITEMS OF INTEREST FROM THE TRIBUNE OF 19 JULY 2009.

To:TRUNCATED

Date: Sunday, 19 July, 2009, 7:53 AM

Dear All,
My heartiest congratulations to all the Lt Gens.they surely deserve this HAG and higher pension ,which was gross injustice done to them now rectified.
The minister said: “Since the issue on which they were agitating has been adequately addressed by the committee, the government expects them to honour their hard earned medals”.
It was was the peaceful Protests by veterans, the return of medals ,visit of Shri LKAdvani to the site of relay fasts, announcement of ''OROP'' by BJP in its manifesto, the call to support the BJP in elections which had shaken up the the Govt.
They lost no time in announcing formation of committee to look into ''OROP'' half way through the elections.My heartiest congratulations to Gen.Kadyan for these strategic moves and to all those who wrote articles,met Prime minister like Gen VPMalik and made all kind of efforts dilomatically to raise the issue including Shri Rajeeve Chadrashekhar and raised their voice against the injustice done to Veterans.My speacil thanks to those seniors who were already getting ''OROP'' but still continued to fight for us and pat on the back of those who were silent all through and continued at to look the other way till date and some of them who said it was below their diginity to protest as officers.
Long live all our seniors who fought this battle from the front.God bless them.The battle is still on but some victory has been acheived.
Regards,

bhinder

IESM has achieved a lot by Christopher D'Silva

From: Christopher D'Silva chrisdsilva41@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: TWO ITEMS OF INTEREST FROM THE TRIBUNE OF 19 JULY 2009.
To: "Cdr Krishan K. Punchhi" kkpunchhi@yahoo.ca
Cc: "Brig. Chander Kamboj" kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in , "VADM Heathwood Johnson" heathwood.johnson@gmail.com
Date: Sunday, 19 July, 2009, 8:24 PM
Krishan,

There was never any doubt in my mind regarding the profound effect the IESM agitation has had on the governent and the nation as a whole. If it was not for the agitation, along with the return of the medals and the advisory to vote BJP, this turn of events would never have taken place. Unfortunately, some ESM and the IESL do not want to accept this hard fact, which is staring in their faces. They are like the proverbial Ostriches, who have buried their heads into the sand!

There need be no tears, therefore, for the doubting Thomases. The IESM has, indeed, achieved something that was once beyond any normal expectation and is destined for further greatness. It must, therefore, bash on regardless. After OROP, there are many more things to be done and only a strong stand will always work miracles that are otherwise, unthinkable.

Regards

Chris

Politics at Lowest by Lt Gen SK Bahri

From: Satish Kumar Bahri skbahri1@yahoo.com
Subject: Commemoration Of Kargil Day
To: "Indian Express." editpage@expressindia.com , "The Week" editor@the-week.com , "Times Of India" mytimesmyvoice@timesgroup.com , "India Today" letters.editor@intoday.com
Date: Sunday, 19 July, 2009, 1:32 PM
May I request ALL OF YOU Editors to publish
this letter in honour of the Kargil Martyrs

Dear Sir,
It is politics of the lowest lowest kind. Mr Rashid Alvi, Congress stated that there was no need to commemorate India's victory in Kargil on 26 Jul 09 as it was an intelligence failure of the BJP Govt which resulted in the battle. Mr Alvi needs to remember that every war can be traced to a failure of intelligence or govt policy. The UK govt under Mr Chamberlain in the late 1930's was responsible for the start of World War II, due to its weak kneed policy of condoning of Hitler's annexation of smaller European countries. But it does not stop the successive govts in UK from celebrating the sacrifices of its soldiers, be it through the annual commemoration of Normandy Landings or VE Day.

Soldiers do not think who is running the country's govt when going to battle. Their only concern is to destroy the intruder in our homeland.. For heaven's sake keep the simple soldier out of your competitive politics. Imagine a country not celebrating its greatest miltary victory in East Pakistan in 1971, because it will annoy Pakistan! The WW II Allies have still not stopped celebrating their victory over Germany, despite the fact that they are friends now.
Come on Congress Party keep us soldiers out of your petty politics and give a public rap to Rashid Alvi.

Lt Gen SK Bahri (Retd)


E 403 Som Vihar Apts,
RK Puram
New Delhi 110022 - India

Defence Pension Adalat at Nasik on 06 and 07 Aug 2009

As per the Annual Action Plan of Controller General of Defence Accounts, New Delhi in consultation with the Ministry of Defence, the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts(Pensions) Allahabad will be organising the 93rd DEFENCE PENSION ADALAT at TOPACHI AUDITORIUM, HQ ARTY CENTRE, NASIK ROAD CAMP on 6th & 7th August'2009 for redressal of grievances of Defence Pensioners / Defence Family Pensioners / Defence Civilian Pensioners drawing pension through Public Sector Banks, Treasuries /Sub Treasuries in the State of Maharastra.

Objective

Any Defence Pensioners / Defence Family Pensioners / Defence Civilian and their families having any specific grievances relating to sanction or disbursement of defence pension are requested to submit their representation, in writing, in duplicate , to :


Sri P S Davakare,
Pension Adalat Officer
O/o Principal CDA (Pensions),
Draupadi Ghat,
Allahabad-211014,


A format of the representation is given on this website. Applicants are advised to apply as per the format, for easy processing of their applications.

Kindly Note
Applications can either be sent by post or by E-Mail
Two copies of the applications should be sent
Xerox copies of Pension payment order, Corr PPO, discharge certificate (wherever required) and other documents must be enclosed
Each application will be allotted a unique Adalat Registration Number. The same should be quoted in all future correspondence.
Individual call letters notifying the date and venue of the Adalat will be sent in due course
Incomplete and unsigned representations will be rejected.
The venue and date of Adalat will be notified in electronic and print media shortly.
TA/DA will not be reimbursed to pensioners/individuals attending the Adalat for redressal of their pension related problems.

Pls make a WILL.....Today incase not done already..

REGISTERED WILL


1. WHAT IS WILL

WILL is a legal declaration of the intention of the Testator (Writer of Will) with respect to his own property (NOT ANCESTRAL) which he desires to be carried into effect after one's death. It is revocable by Testator at any time during his lifetime. However, a registered WILL can be revoked by subsequent registered WILL only. A person writing WILL does a great service to his family and loved ones. There is no stamp duty for immovable property transferred through WILL. It is the prerogative of the person having property to distribute and disinherit anyone from his assets in the manner he considers appropriate and just. There is definite advantage at preparing WILL in comparison with not preparing a WILL.

When head of family is alive, one always says that my children are very good, obedient etc. and would never fight for property. In today's materialistic world, all such values have disappeared. Everyone is for own family and interest and don't underestimate the power of spouse of your son and daughter who often make brothers and sisters to fight for paternal property in courts. Hence, decide now the division of your property by writing and registering same before area SDM.

2. I AM TOO YOUNG TO BOTHER FOR WILL.

There is nothing you can guarantee yourself a ripe old age. Accidents happen and illness, terrorist attack and earth quake have been known to turn fatal. Age is not key factor. If you have spouse and children, you must write WILL. Don't just bless children. Leave them WILL and save them from harassment at MCD/DDA/Banks/Insurance and greedy relatives.

3. REASONS WHY SENIOR CITIZENS SHOULD WRITE & REGISTER WILL

.

Make a WILL when you are in sound physical and mental condition and get it registered. It acts as deterrent for miscreants to prove ownership with false documents or documents signed by the elderly under duress if a contesting REGISTERED WILL exists.



4. WILL ON PLAIN PAPER ONLY

WILL can be written on plain paper preferably typed double space (no stamp paper) witnessed by two persons putting one's signature on WILL. Witnesses need not know contents of WILL. It is advised that the witnesses should be young and reliable

In case one is very old it is desirable that a certificate with date from a doctor be obtained on WILL itself (both the copies of WILL) about the health and capacity of the person to write his WILL.

5. I DON'T HAVE A BIG ESTATE

Most have little idea of the size of our estate and are not sure how to calculate our net worth. Even a small flat costs Rs. 50 lacs in Delhi.

6. I HAVE NOMINEES FOR MY ASSETS, I DON'T NEED A WILL

Nominees only hold the asset in trust so it can be passed to the legal heirs. For immovable property, one can not nominate "Nominee". Hence you do need WILL for transferring immovable property, business, motor car etc.

7. CONSULT SPOUSE WHILE MAKING WILL.

IT IS RESPONSIBILITY OF WOMAN TO ENSURE THAT SPOUSE WRITES AND REGISTERS WILL. WOMAN SUFFERS MOST IN ITS ABSENCE. THIS IS ONLY WAY FOR SMOOTH TRANSFER OF PROPERTY (MOVABLE/IMMOVABLE) AND BUSINESS TO WIDOW/RELATIVE.

8. WRITE WILL EARLY IN LIFE AND REVISE PERIODICALLY.

One should make WILL as early as possible in life – say marriage, or buying property whichever is earlier. Death comes at all ages including young and without warning. It is never too early/late to write and register WILL.

For example, a person has a family of himself, his wife, two major sons and two major daughters. All are well settled and married. He desires to give away Rs. 15 lakhs to his wife and rest to his four children, he can do so by writing his intention in the WILL. However, if he does not make a WILL and were to die intestate, then his all assets will be divided amongst his wife and four children in equal proportion. Which of the options is more desirable?. However, if there is dispute between widow and four children, one has to obtain succession certificate from appropriate local court which may take 3 to 5 years and about 2.5percent of total cost of property and lawyer fee which generally depends upon valuation of total wealth including property and lot of accrimination between the five legal heirs.




9. DON'T NEGLECT THE MARRIED DAUGHTERS. Sons have no birth right to parental property. Daughters have equal rights for parental property. Son is a son till he gets married; daughter is daughter for ever.

10. MENTION NAMES AND AGE OF LEGAL HEIRS.

The WILL writer must mention the legal heirs, i.e. in the case of male mother, wife, son and daughter with their name, age and address and in the case of female husband, son and daughter. Someone in the family should know where registered Will is kept.

11. WHAT CAN BE BEQUEATHED IN WILL

All properties – movable & immovable self acquired property, i.e. generated through independent income, gift (not ancestral) can be bequeathed by WILL. Ancestral property is one obtained from parental, grand father, parental great grand father etc. However, property inherited from a person other than his father, paternal grand father or great grand father is considered to be self acquired property and therefore can be willed. Give full description and share of property, number, street, floor, area, city and description from whom bought etc. Similarly give description of business, share in business etc.

Generally all movable and immovable property is first bequeathed to spouse and one can mention, if necessary, on spouse demise to be distributed to son/daughter. One can also mention that spouse has full right to sell the immovable property.

It helps to have a clearly articulated WILL or succession plan. And it means clearly articulated. Take one case described by Subhash Lakhotia, a Delhi based Tax Consultant. Before his death, this client had equally distributed his property between his sons in a written WILL. The WILL also said "my wife will have the right to stay in the house owned by me". Guess, where his wife ended up: in a small garage that was part of house, thus technically meeting the requirements laid down by her husband.

Wording should have been "My wife would be permitted to stay at the same place occupied by me that includes my bedroom, drawing room, kitchen, lobby and garden".

12. BUSINESS & WILL

If you are a business man, you need to decide who will take over your business after your demise. In proprietary concern, if you don't leave Registered WILL, all legal heirs become owners of business. Hence in your life time, include your spouse as partner in business. .




13. REVISION OF WILL

Making WILL is not a one time affair. If circumstances change like death in family, purchase of house, shop, business and like, new WILL should be written and registered. An earlier registered WILL can be replaced by subsequent registered WILL only.

“One can revise one's WILL any number of times "


14. REGISTRATION OF WILL – A MUST FOR PRACTICAL & LEGAL REASONS

IF A WILL IS REGISTERED, it may be possible to get the leasehold property mutated in the name of beneficiary legal heirs in DDA/L&DO/MCD . It also removes any ground for suspicion. Registered Will is certainly superior to unregistered one. Registration cost in SDM Office in Delhi is nominal Rs. 100/- and time taken less than an hour. For registration, take two original copies of preferably typed WILL with photo pasted on right hand side top and your identity card and two young and reliable witnesses (male or female) with identity cards like passport, election card, driving licence. As soon as the WILL is signed on every page by the author of WILL and also signed by two witnesses to WILL, then the WILL is ready for being presented to Sub-registrar. A small receipt in duplicate evidencing the registration of WILL is given to the writer of WILL. On production of small receipt, the original registered WILL be returned to you duly stamped AFTER ONE HOUR... Registered Will is necessary for mutation purposes and is also useful for getting money from P.F., Gratuity, LIC policy, Banks, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Shares, Post Office deposits etc. in case there is no nomination. Even for transfer of motor car, one needs preferably a registered WILL.

WILL is registered in Delhi in the Office of Sub-registrar of area where property is registere

Delhi Administration has made special arrangement for senior citizens for registering of WILL. They need not stand in queue and can go straight to Asst. Registrar requesting for priority registration.

15. REMITTANCE OF MONEY ABROAD FOR SELLING ANCESTORAL PROPERTY

Large number of parents have their all children abroad and for them it is highly desirable or even essential to write and register WILL. The properties of such parents when dead are vulnerable to dishonest persons trying to grab the properties by any foul means on the death of the owner.


Government has now allowed proceeds of sale of such properties to be sent to children settled abroad. The issue of remittance is stipulated under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). As per FEMA, an amount upto US$ 1 million can be remitted outside India in a calendar year in case of sale of ancestral property through normal banking channels after obtaining a certificate from a Chartered Accountant certifying that all taxes have been paid. Evidence of inheritance of property like Will have to be shown to bankers for such remittance.


ALL THOSE WHO ARE CHILDLESS AND/OR SINGLE MUST WRITE AND REGISTER WILL

16. REGISTERED WILL & FREEHOLD PROPERTIES

During the last few years, large number of properties have become free hold from lease hold meaning thereby that such properties have no connection from the authorities from which they were purchased, i.e. L&DO or DDA. Hence, on demise of owner of property, there is no need to go to L&DO/DDA for mutation of property. In spite of this, one has to mutate all properties with MCD for Property Tax and other purposes like building plans, water, sewage etc. Hence, it is highly desirable, in fact essential, that as and when a property is purchased, a copy of Registered Deed is immediately submitted to MCD so that information regarding ownership is recorded in Municipal records. Similarly, in case of death, legal heirs should intimate to MCD in the proper forms with death certificate for mutation of property in their names. In case one fails to do so, property in MCD continues to be in the name of earlier owner and Property Tax is also deposited in the name of earlier owner, which is legally incorrect. If property is on rent to another party, property tax is deductible from house income for income tax purposes.

17. FREEHOLD PROPERTY AND REVERSE MORTGAGE

In case a property is freehold, one can have assured income after 58 years.

18. REGISTERED WILL AND DDA

So far DDA has been insisting that apart from Registered Will, transferee should also submit "No Objection Affidavit" from those legal heirs who have not been beneficiary of any property through the aforesaid Will. On the persistent follow up of undersigned with Vice-Chairman, DDA to remove this offensive clause, DDA has finally agreed through Principal Secretary DO No. PS/PC/DDA/2004/32-M dated 26.4.2004, which reads as follows:





Dear Shri Ahuja,

This is in reference to your letter dated 8.4.04 addressed to the Vice Chairman, DDA regarding clarification about the guidelines to transfer flat in death cases on the basis of registered WILL. It has been decided that in such cases no objection certificates will not be asked from the other legal heirs in case the 'WILL' is registered in favour of one/few family member/s. However, as per the Authority Resolution, the person in whose favour registered 'WILL' has been made, he/she will merely inform DDA about the other legal heirs in his/her affidavit but NOC from them will not be required.

19. PROPERTY IN JOINT NAMES

MOST BELIEVE ERRONEOUSLY THAT PROPERTY IS AUTOMATICALLY INHERITED BY SPOUSE . Legally not so. Property can only be inherited legally either by WILL or in the absence of WILL by the laws of intestate succession as applicable to religion.

If, however, property has been purchased jointly by paying proportionate cost of property, both owners should write separately their WILL only for the portion of which they are owner.

20. DDA/MCD prefer Registered Will for mutation of property.

Property received through WILL by a person is legally his own in all respects and should be mutated/transferred in DDA/MCD/ L&D Office and also in DJB and Electricity Office records by submitting Registered Will, death certificate and other required papers/documents at the earliest. Procure 20 original death certificates from MCD/NDMC because most authorities insist for original death certificate or notarized death certificate.

Guidelines are available for mutation in MCD/L&DO/DDA Office. Best guidance for filing of forms can be obtained from the typists sitting outside MCD and DDA offices.

21. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THERE IS NO WILL

It is not that property is not transferred if one has unregistered Will. In that case DDA insists that legal heirs should write revocation deed in favour of one to whom they wish property to go. This is in case where all legal heirs agree to give property to agreed person say mother.

If there is disagreement between legal heirs, only course is to approach local court for succession certificate, which will indicate how property will be distributed among legal heirs. For this, one has to apply to Court. Thereafter, Court issues notice to all legal heirs and also gets one legal notice in leading local newspaper printed for filing of objections. After matter is decided, Legal Heir Certificate on stamp paper of 2.5% of value of property is issued. If the total property is worth one crore, stamp duty shall be 2.5 lakhs. plus advocate fee and delay of five years.

22. MUTATION OF POWER OF ATTORNEY PROPERTY

If property (flat) on leasehold on power of attorney, get property mutated in your name in DDA by paying stamp duty and registering same. It is advisable to get property registered in female name because Stamp Duty is only 4% while in other case it is 6%. All properties purchased on Power of Attorney are not properties of POA holder in legal sense though fact of physical possession with other documents are in his favour.

Many people are reluctant to get the leasehold property converted into free-hold because they feel that it is not necessary since they are in physical possession of flat, have power of attorney and registered Will in their favour. Little do they realise that power of attorney lapses with the death of the person who issued same. Secondly, registered Will comes into force on the death of the person and one will never know when and where writer of Will dies and chances of getting the death certificate are remote. Also, DDA insists that in case of registered Will in favour of someone other than legal heir, no objection affidavit be brought from legal heirs. In such circumstances, it is doubtful if any legal heir will give 'No Objection' to POA holder.


The cost of converting the lease hold property to free-hold goes on increasing with the increase in land prices. Hence the necessity of converting leasehold into freehold at the earliest.


23. CONTENTS OF WILL SHOULD BE KEPT SECRET (IF NECESSARY)

Otherwise the beneficiaries might pick up a row and quarrel with the writer of WILL/beneficiaries as to quantum or proportion of properties disposed of by him as between the beneficiaries. Everyone including rich want free money. Original WILL and registration papers of properties can be kept in bank locker. Never keep any original document in Office.

24. NOTHING PASSES TO SPOUSE AUTOMATICALLY

Most believe that on their demise, property – flat/house/money/shares shall automatically pass on to their spouse. There is no such provision in any law. Property passes to legal heirs only and spouse gets a portion depending upon the number of legal heirs. If husband and wife have same or different properties both must write separate Wills.






25. WILL AND NOMINATION

Most believe that by making nominations, there is no need for writing WILL. Nothing could be more fallacious than this.

It is important to understand the distinction between a "WILL" and "NOMINATION". A Nomination does not lay down a separate Law of Succession. A nominee does not become owner of the property after the death of nominator. A nominee's name will come on Share Certificate of Society, Company, Bank FD/Account etc. but nominee does not become owner. A nominee is only a trustee of the legal heirs. In case of contradiction between the contents of a Will and those of Nomination, a Will contents prevail, as Nomination does not give any succession rights.

In case one wishes nominee gets legal title over property, one should write Will in favour of Nominee. In other words, nominee and person in whose favour WILL is written, are same.

26. POWER OF ATTORNEY/GIFT DEED/REVOCATION DEED OF PROPERTY TO R ELATIVES

Reply is emphatic 'No' because one may lose the total property and left in lurch on road. It has happened to many old persons.

27. ACTION TO BE TAKEN ON DEATH OF WRITER OF WILL


AS PER SECTION 57 READ WITH SECTION 213 OF SUCCESSION ACT, 1925 AND AS HELD IN RAM CHAND GANESH DAS VS. SARDARA SINGH (AIR 1962 PUNJAB 382) AND JAGDISH CHANDER TRIKHA VS. PUNJAB NATIONAL BANK AIR 1998 DELHI PAGE 275-276, IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO GET REGISTERED WILL PROBATED IN DELHI . However, in case some one challenges the WILL, it may become necessary to get WILL probated. The stamp fee for getting WILL probated is 2.5 per cent of the total property involved in WILL and lawyer fee.


Practical consideration demand that when property owner is no more, the name of deceased is withdrawn and substituted by legal heirs as soon as death certificate is received to prevent complications arising from long list of relatives and heirs who tend to surface from nowhere in any investment instrument. If property is on lease, tenant be informed of death alongwith death certificate with the request to draw new lease deed in favour of legal heirs.


If one is beneficiary of WILL, please read the contents of WILL and act according to the dictates of WILL.


28. RESIDUARY CLAUSE

By a Will one can bequeath one's property, present as well as future. A Residuary Clause(s) should make provision about properties not specifically identified in the Will. Clause can be written as follows:

"I GIVE, DEVISE AND BEQUEATH ALL MY MONEY AND OTHER PROPERTY – MOVABLE AND IMMOVABLE WHATSOEVER AND WHERESOEVER – NOT OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF BY THIS WILL AND ANY SUCH MOVABLE AND IMMOVABLE PROPERTY PURCHASED IN FUTURE IN THE MANNER DESCRIBED ABOVE, I.E. FIRST TO……………………………AND ON HIS/HER DEMISE TO MY………………………

29. DRAFTING OF WILL

Get WILL drafted from a person who is well versed with drafting of WILL. Every WILL is special keeping in view relationship in each family before and after death. Remember future peace of your spouse and family depends on WILL.

30. EMPOWER SPOUSE WITH FINANCIAL KNOWLEDGE

Most ladies(working as well as housewives) are not interested in financial matters. They feel that it is man's domain and consequently suffer heavily when one becomes widow. ONLY TIME A WIDOW IS RESPECTED AND LISTENED BY CHILDREN IS WHEN SHE HAS PROPERTY AND MONEY IN HER FAVOUR.

31. PREPARE AN ASSET REGISTER OF SELF AND SPOUSE giving details of movable and immovable property, pension file, income-tax file, Bank accounts, PPF, Senior Citizen Saving account, bank locker No., documents kept in locker, PLACE WHERE WILL kept, passport, other documents etc. Otherwise spouse, relatives spend months/years searching and listing assets. Also mention names of near relatives/friends who will help spouse (widow) for getting movable and immovable property in her name from various authorities.


32. Please do not part with your original / photocopies of WILL and any property documents in any circumstances because hostile person can destroy same. Original documents should be kept in locker and only photo copies with you.









Above are only some of the guidelines. One may act as per his/her circumstances.



REMEMBER

-YOU CAN WRITE/REWRITE WILL/CHANGE NOMINEE

BUT DON'T FORGET

60% Arrears this month.....by Lt Col VK Sood

Dear Sirs,

Understand banks have got instructions to pay the balance 60 %arrears this months. You may like to get in touch with your bankers for getting the credit.
Best Wishes,

Lt Col vk sood
vksood39@rediffmail.com

Kargil Divas Activities in NCR by Col RP Chaturvedi

From: Rakesh Prasad Chaturvedi

Sent: Sunday, July 19, 2009 9:50 AM

Subject: Kargil Divas Activities in NCR

Schedule of The Kargil Divas activities planned in NCR is attached for your information.
(Reproduced below)
We need volunteers to man the Blood Donation counters as IESM reps, to hand out the pamphlets and the program leaflets. ALSO take on questions etc from donors/ visitors.
DO YOU have it in YOU??
Please mail me if you want to assist. Particularly the Blood Donation Camps. Where?
Also, for Homage ceremony. Where can you contribute? Finances? Artistry- Can you paint our Heroes? Administration? Ushering? Parking guidance? Be a host for refreshments? Anything- if you have talent and a DESIRE to JOIN IN- JUST JOIN IN.
Thanks a lot.
--
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi,
A-35, Sector 36,
Noida 201303.
Mob: +919891279035

Centre Plans to revamp CGHS soon by Cdr PP Batra

From: premparkashbatra
To: Kamboj Chander ; TRUNCATED

Sent: Sunday, July 19, 2009 12:24 PM
Subject: News Item==More Revamp Of CGHS Soon By Center

19th/20th July 2009

INDIAN EXPRESS OF 17TH JULY 2009-PAGE 4

CENTRE PLANS TO REVAMP CGHS SOON
(The article published in Indian Express, mentioned above, is reproduced below this email)
Dear Sirs,
1. We are aware that Full Bench of Consumer Court Of India have elevated Medicrare to be part of Pension and other post retirement benefits. Still further Pension being deferred wages for services already rendered is a Right and not gratis under the Constitution. The Government is obliged to meet all expenses as authorised for Civil Hospitals including the difference between the CGHS rates and market rates.

2. I recall 1st MD/ECHS telling the audience at USI a few years back that IAS cannot countenance ECHS providing superior medical facilities than CGHS. The Senior Officers also wanted ECHS to be Army backed provider. CGHS has been already revamped majorly. Now as per news item reproduced below in full it would be seen that CGHS is gallopping ahead to even better provider than in the West and the other developed countries. Of course Health Insurance Sector also seems to nudging Government in this direction.

3. If one were to take what the ECHS professes that the Government is not favourably disposed to ECHS being made full scope health provider to Ex-Servicemen, then there seems to be gap between the two positions. Air Marshal Retired[Medical Services] who ushered in ECHS believed that the MOD if it accepted to services being provided as per the stated aim it would take 10 years to restructure but CGHS is already there in 5 years.

4. I would like to think that IESM which is tackling the anamolies of the 6th Pay Commission should also look into ECHS along with OROP! The question arises as to why DESA is permitting exploiation of Ex-servicemen particularly Cols and below and PBORs at ECHS Clinics and R&R Hospital. Why they should be saying this and that and be judgemental. If during 5 yearly review it was noticed that lot of undesiable things happening, then how come CGHS which had greater leaks is being revamped successfully. In fact ECHS Dispensaries in some areas provide Auyrvedic and Homeopathic treatment under the same roof in Delhi?

5. The Doctors and the Staff openly state that their first priority is to take care of serving personnel and rightly so. Till such times addtional infrastructure is in place, some temporary measure can be adopted. Digonistics can be done outside R&R. Medicines can be outsourced. R&R can function in multiple shifts like AIIMS. It can hire temporary Civil Professionals. Infact AIIMS biggest asset is number of PhDs undergoing training who not only assist the Professors majorly but also go down and man personally diagonistic centres and how knowledgable they are in getting down to the bottom of things. Because in the evening they have to face the whole department and collegues and no complaint of the patient is swept under the table.

6. It is sincerely hoped that all efforts would be made by those who can make a difference both on account of recommendations of 6th Pay commission and otherwise to benefit the Ex-Servciemen under the orignal objective of providing timely and comprehensive medical care would to all Ex-Servicemen.

With best regards,

Commander Prem P Batra
...
Indian Express
17 Jul 09
http://epaper.indianexpress.com/IE/IEH/2009/07/17/INDEX.SHTML
Centre Plans To Revamp CGHS Soon
Teena Thacker
New Delhi
Online reports, low-cost dialysis proposed
In a bid to make the Central Government Health Scheme more accessible to Central Government employees, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is ready with a slew of measures to revamp the scheme. The Government has not only proposed that sample collection services for various tests be available at the doorsteps of the beneficiaries but that reports may also be viewed online. "Hindustan Lever Limited will provide sample collection services. Along with their card numbers, the beneficiaries will be given a password which will help them in viewing their reports online sitting at home," said Dr S Bhattacharjee, Additional Director, CGHS.
The ministry has also recently got the nod from the Cabinet to empanel any state of-the-art hospitals located outside the cities covered by CGHS. "The Ministry is soon going to float another tender to empanel more hospitals.
The last tender was floated in 2006. There are no specialised hospitals for diseases like cancer, which will be taken care of this time even if they are outside the CGHS cities," Health Secretary, Naresh Dayal told The Indian Express.
The Government is also planning to do away with the time-consuming "referral letter" system where the patient is required to obtain a referral letter from the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) before being able to avail of services at CGHS-empanelled hospitals.
The alarming rise in lifestyle diseases has prompted the Ministry into looking at introducing free prevention health check-ups for all the beneficiaries aged 40 years and above.

The dispensaries will also be equipped with dialysis units, ultrasound machines and Xray machines. "We are entering into a Public Private Partnership (PPP) with Apollo hospitals which will provide instruments for dialysis. The dialysis will be done at as low a rate as Rs 1500," added Dr Bhattacharjee.

Moreover, since CGHS dispensaries are currently restricted to 25 cities, the Government has begun work on a health insurance scheme for Central Government employees after the Sixth Pay Commission recommendation last year. While, the Union Health ministry says that it is practically not possible to provide CGHS dispensaries in other cities, keeping in view the shortage of infrastructure, it has decided to make available the option of health insurance for government employees in non-CGHS areas. About 12 private companies have already sent their Expressions of Interest for the scheme.
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Views by Brig Kamboj & Cdr KK Punchhi on OROP

Dear Friends,

Jai Hind.

An email received from Cdr KK Punchhi, from Canada, is reproduced below.
On behalf of YOU ALL, 'i' thank Cdr Punchhi for sending this email to us.
His email ID is - kkpunchhi@yahoo.ca

Some of the ESM have been adversely commenting on the achievements of IESM.
The statement in Parliament by Shree MM Pallam Raju, Union Minister of State for Defence, should leave no doubt in the mind of ALL ESM and the Indian Nation as a whole, that it is the strategic move by IESM to deposit medals with the President of India that 'kick started' and made things move in favour of ESM.
It is time that All ESM Organisations and ALL ESM of All Ranks of All Three Services, stand shoulder to shoulder and carry on with the
MISSION -
JUSTICE FOR DEFENCE SERVICES.

IT IS NOW OR NEVER.

LET US ALL STOP CRITICISING ANY ESM ORGANISATION.
LET ALL ESM ORGANISATIONS MUSTER UNDER ONE UMBRELLA.

LET ALL ESM ORGANISATIONS FOLLOW THEIR OWN PHILOSOPHY
BUT THE ULTIMATE AIM SHOULD BE ONE.

We all need to appreciate the 'Great Step Forward' taken by Gen SK Bahri to once again unite the
ESM ORGANISATIONS. We all should pray for his success in this mission.

A large number of emails are still piled up in my in mail box. Will try and clear them as soon as possible.
In Service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
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From: Krishan K Punchhi kkpunchhi@yahoo.ca
Subject: FAUJIS BEING TAKEN FOR A RIDE, AGAIN.
To: "Chander Kamboj" kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Date: Sunday, 19 July, 2009, 7:49 AM

Dear Chander,

Please go through the excerpt from the news published in today's Tribune, which I have cut and pasted below..

The minister said: “Since the issue on which they were agitating has been adequately addressed by the committee, the government expects them to honour their hard earned medals”. He was pointing out to the fact that several officers and jawans had handed over their gallantry medals to President Pratibha Patil.

The minister in question is Sh MM Pallam Raju, Union Minister of State for Defence.

I have following comments..

A.... It is a pity that the Hon'ble minister still thinks that the faujis will be taken in by some half hearted, half baked, belated sops accompanied by sweet talk. Them days are gone forever. He and his ministry must shed their old thinking. Now the fauji wants justice and no half measures. For the first time, all ESMs and ESM orgs have decided to unite and put up a united front. It is time for the ministry to give a very serious thought to the demands of the services and the ESMs.

B.... It is nice that the hon'ble minister has described the medals as hard earned and wants the ESM to take them back. Thank God for little mercies and a belated acknowledgement. There is no doubt that the agitation and return of medals by IESM has had a tremendous effect. A united ESM fraternity will now be able to achieve full justice for the veterans.

C.... Since anomalies to the detriment of the services as well as ESM have increased with each central pay commission and also since the govt has concede that we all will have a separate pay commission, the govt should form a special pay commission for the armed forces right now. Serving and retired personnel should be on this commission and sort out hundreds of anomalies. Needless to say, the bureaucrats should be kept away from it.The decision making should be between the services and the politicians.


Kind regards
K K Punchhi
(Cdr KK Punchhi, Baker Sqn - 7th JSW Course, Founder Member of Naval Aviation and Pride of Naval Aviation, settled in Canada.
He was among the first few members of IESM who sent Rs 50,000.00 as contributions for IESM.)

Brand New Scale (and consequently pension) for all Lieutenant Generals by Navdeep

Saturday, July 18, 2009


Brand New Scale (and consequently pension) for all Lieutenant Generals

The Higher Administrative Grade (HAG) of Lieutenant Generals has been revised.

From the earlier Pay Band-4 + Grade Pay Rs 12,000, all Lt Gens have now been placed in a new scale of Rs 67000 – (3% increment) - 79000 with a jump of Rs 6000 within the scale on promotion to the rank. The corrigendum SAI has already been signed and issued.



Of course, the senior-most 33% of Lt Generals still remain in HAG+ which is an even higher grade (Rs 75500-80000).


As a result of this, the pension of pre-2006 retired Lt Generals would be placed @ Rs 36500 basic per month (50% of min of scale + Rs 3000 as notional MSP fitment). Pension of post-2006 retirees shall continue to remain a little higher at 50% of last drawn emoluments.


The decision has been implemented wef 1-1-06.


Don’t be surprised if in the coming days the same scale is also granted to all other HAG officers of the Central Govt. It may be recalled that most of the pre-2006 retired All India Service Officers (who were direct appointees) were from the HAG and if the same scale is implemented for them, they shall be placed at a basic pension of Rs 33500.


Posted by Navdeep

Report my signal (Regarding Welfare of PBORs and inportant infromation for Veterans

Dear Veterans,

Regards.

I am circulating a communiqué shot by our organization to Secretary (Ex-Servicemen Affairs) & Chairman High Powered Committee, Ministry of Defence on 18 May 2009 regarding the following points relating to PBORs Veterans and the response dated. 05 June 2009, received from Addl. Dte. Gen. Pers. Services Adjutant General's Branch Integrated HQs of MOD (Army) regarding the progress along with a letter from Army Group Insurance Fund AGI Bhawan dated. 07 July 2009.



1. Inadequate Promotion among the PBORs

2. Assured Career Progression Scheme (ACP Scheme) for PBORs.

3. Additional conditions imposed on the post retirement canteen benefits

of PBORs.

4. Extended Insurance (EI) Cover From AGIF are Veterans.

I hope this will be received by all the Veterans for their information in good sense and not otherwise.





Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

President.

Letter to Tribune...Kargil Divas ....Honour the Martyrs on 26 Jul 2009 by Brig Harwant Singh

Dear Editor ,

Tenth anniversary of victory in the 'Kargil War' falls on 26 July . Regretfully and ironically most of our countrymen are obvious of it . No govt function to honour the Martyrs is being planned . To keep their memory alive , the Ex-Servicemen are paying homage at the War Memorials across the country on that day.

A letter on the above subject is attached for publication in your Esteemed Paper/magazine . Least we can do is to light a candle for those who gave their lives for us .



With Warm Regards,

Brig Harwant Singh (Retd),GFOE

MANEKSHAW AND THE ACCESSION OF KASHMIR By Maj Gen VK Singh

From: vinay singh vinay16318@yahoo.co.uk

Subject: MANEKSHAW AND THE ACCESSION OF KASHMIR

To: kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in

Date: Thursday, 16 July, 2009, 8:40 PM
Dear Brigadier,

I read the account sent my Sunil Arya. There is still some doubt about when (25 or 26 October ?) and where (Srinagar or Jammu?) the Instrument of Accession was signed by Maharaja Hari Singh.

I am giving below an extract from the draft Chapter 2 of the Corps History, dealing with the 1947-48 operations. I would welcome clarifications or comments.

The anecdote concerning Manekshaw and Indira Gandhi during 1971 has been related many times. I am giving an extract from Manekshaw's biography that forms part of my book LEADERSHIP IN THE INDIAN A RMY - BIOGRAPHIES OF TWELVE SODLIERS. The draft was vetted by the Field Marshal in 1996.

Regards

VK Singh
(Maj Gen, Veteran)


EXTRACT FROM CHAPTER 2 OF THE HISTORY OF THE CORPS OF SIGNALS, VOL III
At nightfall on 26 October 1947, the raiders entered Baramula, a prosperous town with a large population of Hindus and Sikhs. For the next few days, the tribesmen indulged in an orgy of murder rape and loot that has few parallels. Homes and shops were systematically plundered before being set aflame. The men were killed and the women raped, with the younger ones being carried off as war booty. The Convent and Mission hospital were not spared, with the Mother Superior and several nuns being killed, along with some patients. Lieutenant Colonel Tom Dykes, then acting Commandant of the Sikh Regimental Centre, who was on leave to be with his wife during her confinement, was also killed. Carrying sacks full of loot and young girls that they had abducted, most of the raiders started back for Pakistan. Their leaders tried to impress on them the need to advance to Srinagar without wasting time, but the Pathans were in no mood to listen. For them, the security of the plundered wealth and the abducted girls were more important than the ‘holy war’ that they were fighting to free their oppressed brethren from the rule of the infidel Dogra Maharaja. Most went back to their villages, promising to return after depositing the looted treasure. Many of the abducted girls were sold in Rawalpindi and Peshawar, others taken to tribal villages, while some were left in a concentration camp at Alibeg in Kashmir state territory being run by the ‘Azad Kashmir Government’. Alibeg was reported to have held over a thousand Kashmir women of all religions of which only a couple of hundred survived.

Operation ‘Rescue’


Faced with the grave threat to his State, the Maharaja of Kashmir approached the Government of India for assistance on 25 October 1947. The Maharaja’s request was considered by the Defence Committee chaired by Lord Mountbatten. It was decided that military assistance would be extended only after the Maharaja had signed the instrument of Accession. On 26 October V.P. Menon flew to Srinagar to obtain the signature of the Maharaja. He was accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel (later Field Marshal) S.H.F.J. Manekshaw, then a staff officer in the Military Operations Directorate at Army HQ, who had been sent to assess the military situation. They returned the same night, after obtaining the signature of Maharaja Hari Singh on the Instrument of Accession. According to some accounts, the Maharaja had left for Jammu on 25 October with his family, and the Instrument of accession was signed at Jammu. This is at variance with the account given by Sam Manekshaw. In the Preface to Major General K.S. Bajwa’s book, Jammu and Kashmir War (1947-48) – Political and Military Perspective, he writes: “It was on the night of 26 October that the Maharaja acceded to India, and V.P. Menon and I flew back to Delhi that very night, with Sheikh Abdullah, Bakshi Gulam Mohd, DP Dhar and other lighting up the air strip with pine torches.

The Army had been warned to be ready to go to Kashmir as soon as the request for military assistance had been received from Maharaja Hari Singh. However, no troops had been earmarked for this assignment. It was only after the formal accession of the State on 26 October that orders were issued to the troops. Major (later Lieutenant General) S.K. Sinha was then a staff officer in HQ Delhi & East Punjab Command. He mentions that he was attending a party in the Delhi Gymkhana Club at about 10 pm on 26 October when he was summoned to an urgent conference at his headquarters. The Army Commander, Lieutenant General Dudley Russel, informed them that Jammu and Kashmir had acceded to India and sought military assistance to stop the raiders who had invaded the State. It had been decided that a battalion would fly to Srinagar early next morning and a brigade group move by road to Jammu. Being deployed on internal security duties in Gurgaon, close to Delhi, 1 Sikh was selected for Srinagar and 50 Parachute Brigade earmarked fro Jammu. An emergency signal was sent to the 1 Sikh before the meeting broke off ordering the unit less two companies to concentrate at Palam airfield by 4 am next morning and be prepared to fly on an operational mission. The rest of the battalion would join them next day. The battalion was told that operation instructions would be handed over at the airfield, along with ammunition, rations and warm clothing.

The instructions given to Lieutenant Colonel Dewan Ranjt Rai, CO 1 Sikh, at the airfield next morning were brief and succinct, primarily due to lack of precise intelligence about the situation in Kashmir. His first task was to secure Srinagar airport and civil aviation wireless station. Having done this, he was to drive the tribesmen away from Srinagar and aid the local government in maintaining law and order in the city. He was asked to land at Srinagar airfield only if he received clearance from the airport on wireless or by hand signals; in the absence of both, he was to circle the airfield and scan the countryside to confirm the presence of raiders. In case he found that they had occupied the airfield, he was to fly back and land at Jammu.

The first flight comprising of nine Dakotas, six from private airlines and three from then RIAF, took off at 5 am, carrying the tactical headquarters of 1 Sikh, one company of 1 Sikh and one composite battery of 13 Field Regiment. They landed at Srinagar at about 8.30 am. Fortunately, the raiders still not reached Srinagar. However, the situation was extremely critical. All that lay between the raiders and Srinagar were two platoons of State troops who were dug in about 5 km east of Baramula. Colonel Ranjit Rai appreciated that the State troops would not be able to stop the raiders, unless reinforced.. He decided to send forward his sole company for this task, informing Delhi of his plan. Later in the afternoon, Rai sent another message confirming the fall of Baramula. He stressed that the raiders were likely to reach Srinagar soon and unless 1 Sikh was built up to full strength by the afternoon of 28 October, he was not confident of being able to save Srinagar. Shortly afterwards, Brigadier Hira Lal Atal, who had accompanied 1 Sikh as Liaison Officer with the State Government, reported that the civil administration had ceased to exist, refugees were thronging the airport and at least one brigade was required for the defence of the Valley. In reply to his messages, Ranjit Rai was informed that the Air Force would be carrying out air strafing next day. Also, a brigade headquarters and an infantry battalion would be flown to Srinagar on 29-30 October, followed by another battalion very soon.

By the end of the day on 27 October, 1 Sikh had been built up almost to a battalion in strength. Early next morning, Ranjit Rai went forward with the rest of his battalion, with the intention of intercepting the raiders and preventing their advance into the Valley. Debussing his unit about two km short of Baramula, he deployed his troops in a defensive position on the hills. Then, he proceeded towards the town with a small escort. When they were about half way down the road, the party came under fire from a medium machine gun located on a hill to the south of the town and had to beat a hasty retreat. Ranjit Rai’s jeep got stuck and he started walking back, accompanied by some of his men who were wounded. Just then he was struck by in the face by a burst of automatic fire and was killed, along with the platoon commander who was by his side.


EXTRACT FROM BIOGRAPHY OF
FIELD MARSHAL S.H.F.J. MANEKSHAW, MC
(Leadership in the Indian Army - Biographies of Twelve Soldiers, Sage, New Delhi, 2005)

The most well known anecdote about Sam is the one he often relates himself. In 1971, when refugees from East Pakistan began to cross over into India, Sam was the Army Chief, Indira Gandhi the Prime Minister and Babu Jagjiwan Ram the Minister for Defence or Raksha Mantri. There was a meeting of the Cabinet on 27 April 1971, to which Sam was invited as the Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee. The Prime Minister appeared to be distraught and angry. Refugees from East Pakistan were pouring into West Bengal, Assam and other parts of Eastern India. Waving a telegram from the Chief Minister of one of the Eastern States, she asked Sam, "Can't you do something?"
"What do you want me to do?" asked Sam.
"Go into East Pakistan."
"This would mean war," said Sam.
"I know", said Indira Gandhi. "We don't mind a war."
"Have you read the Bible" asked Sam.
"What has the Bible to do with this?" asked Swaran Singh, the Minister for External Affairs.

"In the Bible, it is written that God said let there be light, and there was light. You think that by saying let there be war, there can be a war? Are you ready for a war? I am not."

The Prime Minister did not seem to be very pleased and there was a scowl on her face. Sam went on to explain the reasons for his reluctance to go to war with Pakistan immediately. In a few weeks, the monsoon would set in, making the ground unsuitable for operations as East Pakistan had a number of rivers, which were prone to flooding. All movement would have to be on roads, which could be blocked. The Air Force would not be able to support the ground troops due to bad weather. The armoured division was in Jhansi and one of the infantry divisions in Secunderabad. Moving them to the East would require time as well as all available road and rail space. The wheat crop was being harvested and movement of foodgrains would be adversely affected. Turning towards the Agriculture Minister, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, Sam said, "If there is a famine, people will blame you, not me."

The Agriculture Minister squirmed in his seat. Sam then turned to the Finance Minister, Y.B. Chavan, and said, " My armoured division has only twelve tanks which are operational. You know why? Because whenever we asked you for funds, you said you had no money."

Sam advised postponement of the operations till the winter months. This would give him enough time to build up the infrastructure required for large scale operations in the East. The Government would also get enough time to garner international support through diplomatic channels, so that other countries did not interfere or extend military assistance to Pakistan. During winter the Northern passes would be blocked with snow, eliminating the threat of intervention by the Chinese. Most members of the Cabinet seemed to see the logic of his arguments and nodded their heads, though Indira Gandhi seemed to be somewhat unhappy.

Finally, Sam addressed the Prime Minister herself. "As your Army Chief, it is my duty to put the facts before you. If your father had me as the Army Chief in 1962 instead of General Thapar, and he had told me to throw the Chinese out, I would have said the same thing and he would not have been shamed the way he was. If you still want me to go ahead, I will. But I guarantee you a one hundred percent defeat. Now tell me what you want me to do."

There was a stunned silence. Then the Defence Minister, Babu Jagjiwan Ram, said,"Shyam, - he always pronounced Sam as Shyam, a popular Indian name - maan jao na" (please agree).

Sam said, "I have given my professional assessment. It is now for the Government to take a decision."

The Prime Minister did not say anything. She appeared to be visibly angry. She closed the meeting, asking everyone to come back at four o'clock. As everybody rose and started leaving, the Prime Minister asked Sam to stay back. When they were alone, he offered to resign, either on physical or mental grounds.

"Sit down, Sam," she said. "I don't want your resignation. Just tell me, is every thing you said earlier true?"
"Yes, it is. Look, it is my job to fight, and fight to win. Today, if you go to war, you will lose. Give me another six months and I guarantee you a hundred percent success. But I want to make one thing quite clear. There must be one commander. I don't mind working under the BSF, the CRPF, or anybody you like. But I will not have a soviet telling me what to do. I must have one political master giving me directions. I don't want the refugee ministry, home ministry, defence ministry, all telling me what to do. Now, you make up your mind."

"All right, Sam, nobody will interfere," said the Prime Minister."You will be in command."

"Thank you," said Sam. "I guarantee you a victory." And so it was. Later, Sam was to recall that there is a very thin line between becoming a Field Marshal and being dismissed.

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