Tensions escalated in Imphal West on Tuesday following the alarming disappearance of Laishram Kamalbabu Singh, a 55-year-old member of the Meitei community. Singh, who was employed at the Leimakhong Army Camp in the Kangpokpi district, was last seen on Monday as he left his village, Loitang Khunou, to report for duty. His family, increasingly anxious, reported that his mobile phone has been turned off since he departed, deepening concerns about his well-being.

In response to the situation, police and military personnel are conducting joint search operations in the surrounding areas, particularly near the Kuki-majority Kangpokpi district. Singh has been stationed at the army camp amid ongoing ethnic tensions that erupted in May 2023, resulting in the displacement of numerous Meitei families from Kuki-dominated regions.

As news of Singh’s disappearance spread, residents from Loitang Khunou attempted to travel to Leimakhong in search of him. However, their efforts were thwarted by security forces stationed at Kanto Sabal, who aimed to prevent any potential unrest. Frustrated by the blockage, the villagers resorted to obstructing the road with rocks in protest.

The disappearance of Singh occurs against a backdrop of heightened ethnic strife between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which has already claimed over 250 lives and displaced thousands. The atmosphere remains tense, and authorities are urging the public to maintain calm as investigations into the incident continue.

In a recent communication, a senior Indian Army officer has highlighted concerns regarding the leadership styles of women commanding officers, noting a tendency towards a “my way or the highway” approach. Lt. General Rajeev Puri has emphasized the need for a reassessment of the performance and effectiveness of female army colonels, claiming that such issues negatively impact unit cohesion and overall command efficiency.

The remarks made by the top general have sparked a significant debate within military and public circles about gender dynamics and leadership styles in the armed forces. Critics point out that labeling women officers as lacking empathy and exhibiting ego issues can contribute to unnecessary stereotypes, potentially undermining the progress made toward gender inclusion in the military.

General Puri’s comments suggest that he believes women in authoritative roles should consider adopting a more collaborative and approachable leadership style to foster better relationships with their subordinates. This call for a change is rooted in anecdotal evidence and observations made during his tenure, where he has purportedly identified common challenges faced by women in commanding positions.

While some support the general’s push for performance reviews aimed at enhancing leadership capabilities, others argue that such critiques may overshadow the achievements of women officers and reinforce biases. There’s a growing concern that focusing on the shortcomings of women leaders could distract from the broader issues of institutional sexism and support needed for all officers, irrespective of gender.

As the discourse progresses, advocates for gender equality within the military stress the importance of a shift towards a more inclusive environment that appreciates diverse leadership styles. Many are calling for root cause analyses of the challenges faced by women in command roles, which could extend beyond personal leadership styles to systemic factors within the Army.

In response to the general’s assessment, stakeholders are advocating for comprehensive training programs that encompass emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills for all officers, emphasizing the value of diversity in leadership rather than simplifying it to gender-based attributes. The conversation initiated by General Puri’s statements highlights the essential need for continued dialogue regarding gender neutrality and the evolution of leadership within India’s armed forces.

In a significant engagement aimed at reinforcing the morale of frontline troops, Lt Gen Naveen Sachdeva, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the White Knight Corps, alongside the GOC of the Cross Swords Division, conducted a visit to the forward areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Sunderbani sector.

The visit, which took place on Tuesday, underscores the Indian Army’s ongoing commitment to monitoring and securing the sensitive border regions amid prevailing tensions. Lt Gen Sachdeva took the opportunity to commend the soldiers stationed in the area for their persistent vigilance and steadfast dedication to their duties, which remain crucial in ensuring the safety and security of the nation.

During his interactions with the troops, the GOC emphasized the importance of maintaining professionalism across all operations. This directive highlights the Indian Army’s focus on disciplined conduct and strategic execution in the face of challenging conditions.

In addition to his interactions with the troops, Lt Gen Sachdeva received comprehensive briefings from field commanders regarding the overall security situation along the LoC. This exchange of information is vital for assessing current challenges and ensuring readiness to respond effectively to any potential threats.

The visit by the GOC serves as a reminder of the critical role played by the Indian Army in safeguarding the nation’s borders and maintaining peace in the region, reflecting the unwavering resolve of the armed forces in the face of evolving security dynamics.

In a deeply moving event that resonated throughout the community, hundreds gathered in Kajra village in Jhunjhunu district to pay their last respects to 39-year-old Army havildar Vinod Singh Shekhawat, who passed away while on duty in Manipur. The procession took place on Tuesday, drawing immense participation from villagers and family members alike, who honored Shekhawat’s sacrifice with a heartfelt tricolor procession stretching 7 kilometers from the outskirts of the village to the cremation site.

The atmosphere was charged with a sense of pride and loss as participants chanted patriotic slogans, celebrating the life of a man who served his country with dedication. Singh’s cremation was conducted with full military and state honors, underscoring the respect and reverence the community had for him and his contributions to the nation.

Vinod Singh Shekhawat, a member of the 2nd Mahar Regiment, fell ill during a surveillance operation in Manipur on November 23. Despite immediate medical attention and being rushed to a hospital in Imphal, he tragically succumbed to his illness in the early hours of November 24, as confirmed by an Army spokesperson. He leaves behind a grieving family, including his wife Suman Kanwar, and three children: son Rajyavardhan, age 11, and two daughters, Nancy, 17, and Khushi, 14.

The family’s grief was palpable as the mortal remains of the soldier returned to their ancestral village around noon on Tuesday. Hundreds of villagers showered flowers on the procession, symbolizing their respect and honor for Shekhawat’s ultimate sacrifice. The funeral saw participation from senior district officials, including collector Ramavatar Meena, Superintendent of Police Sharad Chaudhary, and Surajgarh MLA Shravan Kumar, who all came to pay homage.

In an emotionally significant moment, Rajyavardhan Singh Shekhawat bravely performed the final rites by lighting his father’s funeral pyre, a poignant act that evoked both sadness and a sense of duty. Military personnel provided a guard of honor, a traditional recognition of service that highlighted Shekhawat’s commitment to his role. Local residents participated wholeheartedly in the tricolor rally, at one point showering flowers from a JCB machine, an act that further emphasized the unity of the community in mourning their lost hero.

Shekhawat’s family had recently made a significant decision to relocate to Jaipur, seeking better educational opportunities for their children, while he continued his service in Manipur. This move, however, highlights the profound impact of his passing, as his daughters, currently studying in Class 11 and Class 9, along with his son in Class 6, remembered him as a devoted father. They reflected on his love for the nation, which inspired them and instilled a deep sense of patriotism that they will carry forward in his memory.

Kochi: In a dramatic display of military might, the Indian Navy showcased its amphibious warfare capabilities with the tank landing ship INS Shardul conducting a series of exercises off the Kochi coast ahead of the Navy Day celebrations scheduled for December 4. The demonstration, taking place 25 nautical miles off the coast, aimed to highlight the strategic and combat roles of the INS Shardul, which serves as a formidable asset in the Navy’s operations.

The INS Shardul is designed to transport a variety of military cargo, capable of carrying over 12 armored vehicles and several tanks, depending on their size. Additionally, it possesses the ability to store approximately 1,100 tonnes of fuel, enabling it to supply other vessels in need while on duty. Its tactical versatility extends to hosting multiple Landing Craft Assault (LCA) units, essential for troop movement from ships to hostile shorelines, alongside rigid inflatable boats (RIB) for specialized operations.

During the exercise, Navy officers illustrated the capabilities of INS Shardul in both offensive and training scenarios. One of the highlights included the deployment of a visit board search and seizure (VBSS) team, which was showcased by lowering an RIB into the water. The commandos executed a boarding maneuver on a mock suspect vessel, demonstrating techniques for conducting thorough searches and inspections. The exercise also included the use of long-range acoustic devices (LRADs) designed to issue warnings in multiple languages, contributing to the ship’s tactical communication capabilities.

The training session emphasized the importance of emergency response protocols, including managing potential flooding incidents aboard the ship. Commander Devidas Bhandary, the captain of INS Shardul, emphasized that the ship primarily functions as an amphibious platform, capable of embarking army troops along with their equipment, and is prepared to undertake various roles such as a hospital ship, conducting evacuation operations, or providing assistance during natural disasters on short notice.

Commander Bhandary elaborated on the goal of the demonstration, stating, “As part of Navy week, we are trying to showcase the maritime capabilities of India in a very short time frame. The demonstration included the kind of activities that we undertake and the kind of security that we provide at sea.” Furthermore, INS Shardul plays a key role in training navy officers from allied nations, with personnel from the Ghana Navy and the Sri Lankan Navy participating in the exercise.

Adding to the naval operations, INS Sujata, under the command of Commander Rajneesh Kumar, was also involved in the exercises, further highlighting the collaborative nature of the Indian Navy’s operations. The exercises not only serve to bolster India’s amphibious and maritime capabilities but also showcase the Navy’s commitment to maintaining regional security and fostering international partnerships.

In a significant development concerning India’s naval capabilities, Larsen and Toubro (L&T) and its Spanish partner Navantia have showcased the integration of a crucial Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system during a demonstration of an under-construction submarine for the Spanish Navy. This announcement comes amid the ongoing negotiation of a massive Rs 70,000 crore deal for the Indian Navy’s procurement of six new, AIP-fitted submarines.

The AIP technology enables submarines to operate submerged for extended periods—reportedly up to three weeks—without surfacing, enhancing their stealth and operational effectiveness. L&T and Navantia are positioning themselves as strong contenders in this strategic procurement, where their AIP system is presented as a third-generation, state-of-the-art solution that meets the specific endurance requirements set by the Indian Navy.

Jose Manual Mondejar, Navantia’s Chief of Commercial and Business Development, emphasized the capabilities of their proposed AIP system. He asserted that it is the same system set to be deployed by the Spanish Navy, thereby eliminating the need for any major reengineering when adapting the technology for Indian submarines. Mondejar stated, “We are offering a very capable AIP system to the Indian Navy… This is a very important aspect of our programme.”

The Indian Navy has already conducted comparative trials of the AIP systems offered by both the Spanish and German competitors. The latter comprises Indian Mazagon Dockyards Limited teaming up with the German firm ThyssenKrupp. Following these evaluations, the Indian Navy submitted its assessment report to the Defence Ministry, which has subsequently established a Technical Oversight Committee tasked with reviewing the trial results.

As the deal progresses, industry experts speculate that the government will conduct thorough due diligence, paving the way for its anticipated finalization. The integration of AIP technology represents a pivotal step for the Indian Navy, reinforcing its strategic capabilities as it seeks to bolster its underwater warfare potential in an increasingly complex maritime environment.

Recent findings from a detailed study highlight that current challenges faced by women officers in the Indian Army only scratch the surface of deeper gender-related issues. The report emphasizes that rectifying certain missteps could significantly enhance the quality of command in future military units. Among the key recommendations is the urgent need for a comprehensive policy centered on gender neutrality. This would include a thorough review of existing spouse posting policies and specialized training for instructors at military training institutes, aimed at fostering gender-neutral assessments in course performance.

The study expresses concern regarding the portrayal of women officers in empowerment roles. It suggests that activities exclusive to women, such as bike adventure outings, should be limited to prevent reinforcing gender stereotypes. Such measures are intended to promote a more inclusive environment where the capabilities of women officers are recognized visibly in all areas of military operations.

Furthermore, the report advises an incremental increase in human resources management training for upcoming cohorts of senior command training programs tailored for women. A focus on case studies is recommended to draw out essential lessons, which would better equip these officers for leadership roles.

In January 2023, a significant milestone was achieved when the first 108 women officers received postings to various command assignments across multiple military branches, including Engineers, Signals, and Army Air Defence, among others. As part of their career progression, officers ranked Colonel and above are selected through a rigorous board process, with Colonels commanding independent functional units. Higher ranks are tasked with overseeing larger formations, indicating the critical nature of command roles in the Indian Army.

Given that the command position is pivotal not only in operational readiness but also in career progression for women officers, the study underscores the necessity for a pragmatic evaluation of the performance of women Commanding Officers. Such assessments are essential for fostering an equitable environment that recognizes and nurtures the leadership potential of women in the forces.

The recent visit by a US Army delegation to the Indian Army’s High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) in Sonamarg, Jammu and Kashmir, has highlighted an increasing focus on operations in extreme cold environments as geopolitical dynamics shift. This engagement comes against the backdrop of India’s long-standing expertise in high-altitude warfare, shaped by its historical deployments along the Himalayan frontier in response to threats from Pakistan and China.

The need for such emphasis has intensified following the 2020 standoff with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). In recent years, the Indian military has adapted its strategies to prioritize prolonged deployments in ‘super high altitude’ areas, which previously received less attention. The Indian Army is now equipped to sustain a significant number of troops in challenging high-altitude conditions, underscoring a comprehensive approach that includes training, physiological studies, equipment development, infrastructure construction, and logistical support.

Simultaneously, reports suggest that the US military, after decades of engagement in the Middle East and Afghanistan, is recalibrating its focus towards potential engagements in the Arctic. This pivot is driven by apprehensions regarding the increased collaboration between Russia and China, who are seeking greater access to the Arctic for trade and military advantages.

In alignment with this shift, a US Army website announced the establishment of a new strategy for cold-weather combat, indicating that the warming Arctic, influenced by climate change, will become more navigable and strategically significant in the coming years. The website emphasized the need for readiness to operate effectively in such environments.

During the recent visit of the US delegation, discussions at HAWS centered on training methodologies, tactical operations, and potential collaborations for future joint exercises. HAWS, founded in 1948, is dedicated to snowcraft and winter warfare, offering specialized courses for defense personnel in high-altitude and snowbound terrains. The Mountain Warfare Course and the Winter Warfare Course prepare soldiers for challenging conditions, grooming personnel stationed in locations like the Siachen Glacier to endure and excel in extreme environments. The school also attracts individuals from various allied nations, including the US, UK, and Germany, for specialized training and winter sports activities.

On the US side, the Army Mountain Warfare School (AMWS) located at Camp Ethan Allen Training Site in Vermont runs multiple programs focused on mountain warfare and cold weather tactics. Additionally, the reactivation of the 11th Airborne Division, stationed in Alaska, marks a renewed emphasis on Arctic operations, positioning it for potential conflict scenarios just a few kilometers from Russian territory.

This collaboration between the Indian Army and the US Army reflects a broader strategic understanding of the importance of preparing for operations in icy terrains, aligning with both countries’ security interests amid evolving global challenges.