Guwahati witnessed a vibrant celebration of Assam’s cultural heritage as the Indian Army’s Spear Corps marked Asom Diwas on December 3. The event took place at Bhimbor Deori LP School in Jagun, Tinsukia district, attracting an audience of 100 enthusiastic students and eight dedicated teachers. The initiative aimed to instill a sense of pride and awareness among the younger generation, highlighting Assam’s rich history and its significant contributions to the nation.

The program featured a variety of engaging activities designed to immerse students in the essence of their cultural legacy. Participants showcased their creativity through rhythm, movement, and expression, echoing the historical narratives, traditions, and societal values intrinsic to Assamese culture. By integrating education with cultural exploration, the event sought to cultivate an appreciation of heritage among the youth, encouraging them to actively participate in preserving their unique identity.

Additionally, the event included an interactive session with members of the Indian Army, allowing students to engage directly with the armed forces. This opportunity sparked thoughtful discussions, as the young audience posed incisive questions about the Indian Army’s illustrious history and its pivotal role in the country’s defense. The exchange fostered a deeper connection between the students and the military, enriching their understanding of national pride and duty.

The celebration of Asom Diwas reaffirmed the importance of cultural awareness and the vital role it plays in shaping the identities of future generations, emphasizing the need for young individuals to cherish and uphold their rich heritage.

The Manipur High Court has taken significant steps in addressing the case of Laishram Kamal, a 56-year-old man who has been missing since November 25 from the Leimakhong Army Camp. In response to a petition filed by his brother, the court has established a committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding Kamal’s disappearance.

During a hearing on Wednesday, Justices D Krishnakumar and Golmei Gaiphulshillu discussed the case, recalling that the court had previously issued notices to relevant parties on November 27, urging them to report on Kamal’s whereabouts. However, the court noted that the respondents had failed to submit the required reports, prompting the formation of the investigatory committee.

This committee is comprised of key officials, including the District Magistrate (DM) and Superintendent of Police (SP) from Kangpokpi, the SP of Imphal West, and a Colonel serving as the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the Army’s 57 Mountain Division. The court’s directive mandates the committee to ascertain whether Kamal was kidnapped within the premises of the Army camp or if he left voluntarily.

The High Court has emphasized the need for collaboration from Kamal’s family, instructing them to provide any relevant evidence or documentation that could assist in the investigation. The District Magistrate, as the head of this committee, is responsible for notifying the petitioner and his family members to attend the inquiry. The committee’s findings are expected to be presented to the High Court during the next scheduled hearing on December 11.

In his petition, Kamal’s brother has expressed concerns that his sibling was abducted by Kuki militants from within the high-security area of the Army camp. Additionally, a formal complaint was lodged with a local police station regarding Kamal’s disappearance shortly after he went missing on November 27. According to the petitioner, Kamal was employed as a supervisor with a construction company operating within the confines of the Leimakhong Army campus.

As the investigation unfolds, the case has garnered attention, highlighting security concerns in the region and the potential implications of military operations. The community awaits the outcomes of the committee’s inquiry, as the family seeks answers regarding the fate of Laishram Kamal.

In a remarkable display of military training and readiness, the Indian Army celebrated the graduation of Agniveers from the prestigious training centres located in Secunderabad and Hyderabad. This event signified a crucial step forward in enhancing the country’s defense capabilities.

The celebrations commenced with the passing out of 592 Agniveers at the 1 EME Centre, where Brigadier Prashant Bajpai, the Commandant of the Centre, reviewed the Passing Out Parade. During this significant event, he recognized the hard work and dedication of the recruits, who endured a rigorous 31-week training program that equipped them with essential military and technical skills. The graduates, upon their completion, are now poised to serve as technical specialists adept in areas such as Armoured Fighting Vehicles, telecommunications, military vehicles, and refrigeration systems. The ceremony also highlighted exceptional performers, with A.V. Rustam Kumar Maurya being acknowledged for his excellence in drill and A.V. Abhishek Rawat awarded as the overall best Agniveer, further exemplifying the outstanding caliber of the graduating class. The event was marked by an emotional atmosphere, with proud parents and relatives cheering on their loved ones during this pivotal moment in their lives.

The celebrations continued at the Artillery Centre in Hyderabad, which played host to an equally grand ceremony. Major General Punit Mehta, an esteemed officer of the Indian Army and Colonel Commandant of the Regiment of Artillery, presided over the occasion. This specific graduation batch, characterized as one of the largest in the history of the regiment, saw over 2,600 Agniveers successfully completing their training. The ceremony was a vibrant affair, featuring a spectacular Agniveer combat display at Makhan Singh Stadium, which included displays of martial arts, Mallakhamb, torch performances, and a captivating military symphony.

In his speech, Major General Mehta underscored the vital role that Agniveers will play in shaping the future of the Indian Army and, by extension, the nation. He emphasized the values of discipline and camaraderie that were instilled during the training, noting that these principles would benefit them both in military service and in their civilian lives. In a poignant moment, a wreath was laid at the War Memorial in tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of fallen heroes, reminding all present of the noble legacy that these new recruits are now a part of.

This graduation not only marks the entry of these young soldiers into the Indian Army but also reflects the ongoing commitment of the armed forces to adapt and evolve in response to contemporary challenges, fostering a new generation of capable, motivated personnel ready to serve their nation.

CHENNAI: The Indian Army has mobilized four columns of personnel on standby to assist with rescue and relief efforts in the severely impacted Union Territory of Puducherry. According to a defense release issued on Tuesday, two of these columns, drawn from the Dakshin Bharat Area of the Indian Army, initiated their rescue operations in the flood-affected regions of Puducherry starting December 1.

Additionally, another column from the Madras Engineers Group based in Bengaluru, which consists of 66 members, has arrived in Chennai early this morning, armed with essential relief materials. These resources will be deployed to Puducherry as needed.

On the ground, a joint reconnaissance mission was conducted this morning involving civil administration officials, column commanders from the Indian Army, and representatives from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Following this assessment, the two Army columns from the Dakshin Bharat Area, which have been active for the past two days, have been dedicated to ongoing rescue operations.

The first operational column, led by Major Ajay Kumar Sangwan and comprising 61 Army personnel, has been dispatched to Kambalikaran, located in the Kuppam area of Embalam. In parallel, the second column, under the command of Major Solar Mani Pradhan, is focused on rescuing stranded individuals in Karaiyamputhur, an area near Bahour.

In a move aimed at ensuring optimal coordination during the operations, the Commanding Officer of the Indian Army’s 16-Madras Corps is present in Puducherry, closely liaising with civil administration officials and overseeing the ongoing rescue missions.

Since the commencement of the operations, more than 1,000 stranded individuals have been successfully evacuated by Indian Army personnel. Rescues have taken place across severely affected neighborhoods including Krishna Nagar, Kuber Nagar, Jiva Nagar, and NR Nagar in Puducherry. The Indian Army remains committed to providing support and ensuring the safety of those affected by the flooding.

In a stunning display of creativity and patriotism, renowned international sand artist Manas Kumar Sahoo has unveiled a remarkable sand art installation on the Golden Beach of Puri to celebrate Indian Navy Day. This evocative artwork, titled “The Crown Jewel,” spans an impressive 20 feet and was meticulously crafted using 10 tons of sand.

Sahoo dedicated seven hours to complete this intricate masterpiece, pouring his skills and passion into a depiction that embodies the valor and dedication of the Indian Navy. The sand sculpture not only showcases the Navy’s pivotal role in safeguarding the nation but also serves as an inspiring tribute to its contribution, instilling a sense of pride among those who view it.

The vibrant piece is an integral part of the Indian Navy Day celebrations held in Puri, capturing the essence of naval excellence and resonating with themes of service and sacrifice. As visitors gather to admire the magnificent artwork, it stands as a powerful reminder of the Indian Navy’s enduring legacy and significance in national security.

The sand art serves to elevate the celebrations, igniting admiration and respect for the servicemen and women of the Navy while enriching the coastal atmosphere of Puri during this important commemorative occasion.

In a significant escalation of violence in Indian-administered Kashmir, security forces reported the death of a suspected rebel during a gunfight in the Zabarwan forest area near Srinagar, marking a critical moment in a region that has seen increased armed confrontations in recent days. The Indian army’s Chinar Corps confirmed the neutralization of the rebel, amidst ongoing operations against armed groups in the region.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence, with two separate gun battles currently unfolding in the Chaas area of Kishtwar district in southern Jammu and in Baramulla district, north of Srinagar. These confrontations occur just days after rebels from the Kashmir Tigers armed group claimed responsibility for the killings of two members of a government-backed militia known as the Village Defense Group in Kishtwar.

The controversial situation in Kashmir has long been fueled by separatist sentiments, with many local Muslims either advocating for independence or calling for integration with Pakistan. This desire for autonomy has led to significant violence, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians, rebels, and security personnel since the outbreak of armed rebellion. The Indian government has responded to the unrest by deploying more than 500,000 soldiers to the region, seeking to quell the ongoing conflict.

New Delhi has consistently attributed the rise in militancy to support from Pakistan, alleging that Islamabad provides weapons and logistical assistance to the rebel factions—a claim that Pakistan vehemently denies. Both countries share a historic contention over the Kashmir region, with each claiming the territory in full yet governing only portions of it. The area has been the flashpoint of two wars between India and Pakistan and decades of conflict against Indian rule.

In recent weeks, the frequency of attacks has surged. Since October, there have been multiple exchanges of fire between rebel groups and Indian forces, including a targeted assault on an army convoy and an attack on a construction site, resulting in seven fatalities. In a particularly brazen act, a rebel threw a grenade into a crowded market in Srinagar, injuring twelve individuals.

The Indian military is actively conducting operations to dismantle rebel presence; just last week, troops raided a village near Sopore after receiving intelligence about armed rebels. During the ensuing confrontation, two fighters were reportedly killed.

Following the recent violence, Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister expressed his concerns on social media platforms, urging security forces to enhance their counter-terrorism measures to prevent future attacks.

The political landscape in Kashmir is also experiencing changes, with the newly elected regional assembly passing a resolution last Wednesday that calls for the restoration of the region’s special status, which was revoked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government in 2019. This action was accompanied by extensive security measures, including mass arrests and a prolonged communications blackout in the region.

Modi’s administration responded firmly to the assembly’s resolution, asserting that there is no possibility of reinstating Article 370, which previously granted partial autonomy to Kashmir, highlighting the persistent tensions that define the region’s current socio-political climate.

The Supreme Court has ordered the Indian Army to pay ₹50,000 in costs to the widow of a soldier who lost his life while partaking in Operation Rakshak in Jammu and Kashmir. The directive came during the hearing of a special leave petition from the Union government challenging the Armed Forces Tribunal’s (AFT) decision to award the widow the benefits of the Liberalised Family Pension (LFP).

Presiding over the case, Justice Abhay S. Oka emphasized the necessity of a compassionate approach in such matters, stating that the widow should not have been compelled to pursue her case in court. He underscored the expectation that those responsible for decision-making should show empathy towards the families of deceased soldiers.

The soldier in question was engaged in an Area Domination Patrol aimed at controlling the Rangwar gap near the Line of Control as part of the Anti-Infiltration Obstacle System. In January 2013, he experienced severe breathlessness under extreme weather conditions. Despite the critical nature of his condition as assessed by the regimental medical officer, bad weather hindered his air evacuation, and he had to be extracted on foot. He ultimately succumbed to cardiopulmonary arrest. Initially labeled a “battle casualty,” his death was subsequently reclassified as a “physical casualty” linked to military service.

The deceased soldier’s widow received all terminal benefits, including a special family pension. However, she sought further assistance from the AFT after being denied the Liberalised Family Pension. In August 2019, the AFT ruled in her favor, directing the Indian Army to provide her with the LFP and a lump sum ex-gratia payment applicable in cases of battle casualties who die while in service.

In the Supreme Court proceedings, the Union government’s representatives contended that the AFT’s characterization of the deceased’s death was incorrect, arguing that it was merely due to cardiopulmonary arrest and should be classified as a “physical casualty” eligible only for a special family pension.

The Supreme Court, however, acknowledged the initial categorization of death as a “battle casualty” by the Commanding Officer, noting the extreme conditions under which the soldier was operating at the time of his death. The Court concluded that the soldier’s death could indeed be linked to an illness exacerbated by the severe conditions he faced, thus categorizing it as a “Battle Casualty.”

With the dismissal of the Union government’s appeal, the Supreme Court reaffirmed the Tribunal’s stance. It ordered that the AFT’s judgment be implemented within a three-month period, instructing the responsible authorities to remit the ₹50,000 costs to the widow within the stipulated two-month timeframe.

In a notable development aimed at bolstering India’s defense capabilities, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has sanctioned five significant capital acquisition projects totaling over ₹21,772 crore. The Ministry of Defence made this announcement, underlining the critical nature of these procurements for the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force (IAF), Indian Army, and the Coast Guard.

Among the key acquisitions for the Indian Navy is the procurement of 31 New Water Jet Fast Attack Crafts (NWJFACs) alongside 120 Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC-1). These modern vessels are specifically engineered for low-intensity maritime operations, which include surveillance, coastal patrols, and search-and-rescue operations. The Ministry highlights that the NWJFACs will play an integral role in anti-piracy efforts, particularly around India’s strategically significant island territories. Additionally, the FIC-1 vessels are set to fulfill multiple operational roles, including the protection of high-value naval assets such as aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, and submarines, thereby enhancing coastal defense.

The Indian Air Force also stands to gain from this decision, with the DAC approving the acquisition of an advanced Electronic Warfare Suite (EWS) for the Sukhoi (Su)-30 MKI fighter jets. This sophisticated suite includes external airborne self-protection jammer pods, next-generation radar warning receivers, and related equipment, which are expected to significantly boost the operational effectiveness of the Su-30 MKI. This upgrade will augment the aircraft’s ability to evade enemy radars and weapon systems during missions that involve adversaries secured by air defense mechanisms. Moreover, the DAC has greenlit the overhaul of Sukhoi fighter engines, a strategic move intended to extend the operational lifespan of these vital assets.

In addition to enhancements for the Navy and Air Force, the Indian Coast Guard is set to receive a boost in operational capability with the acquisition of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mark-III (MR). These helicopters are expected to strengthen the Coast Guard’s coastal security and surveillance operations significantly.

The Defence Acquisition Council operates as the supreme authority concerning defense policy and capital procurement in India. The recent approval of Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) represents the initial step in the procurement process, reflecting the government’s robust commitment to enhancing national security and ensuring the preparedness of the armed forces across all domains.