The Union Public Service Commission will conduct the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2019 at various Centres/Venues all over India on 08th September, 2019 (Sunday). The Commission has uploaded the e-Admit Card of the admitted candidates on its website (http://www.upsc.gov.in). The admitted candidates are advised to download their e-Admit Card for Examination and take a printout thereof. The admitted candidates will have to produce the printout of their e-Admit Card at the allotted Venue for appearing in the Examination along with proof of Identity (as entered in Online Application) such as Aadhaar Card/ Voter Card/ PAN Card/Passport/Driving Licence/Any other Photo ID Card issued by the State/Central Government. In case the photograph is not visible or available on the e-admit Card, candidates are advised to carry three (3) identical photographs (one photograph for each session) along with the printout of e-Admit Card at the Venue of the Examination for appearing at the Examination with an undertaking.
No paper Admit Card will be issued for the Examination by the Commission. In case of any discrepancy in the e-Admit Card, the same may be communicated to the commission immediately at e-mail ID: [email protected] latest by 03rd September, 2019 to enable the Commission to take a decision in the matter. The candidates are advised to take a printout of the e-Admit Card well in advance to avoid last minute rush. “Important Instructions to the candidates” must be read carefully by the candidates. It may also be noted that entry into the Examination Venue, shall be closed 10 minutes before the scheduled commencement of the Examination. No candidate shall be allowed the entry into the Examination Venue after closure of the entry.
Candidates should also note that they shall not be allowed to appear at any other Examination Venue except the Examination Venue mentioned in the e-Admit Card. Candidates are also advised to bring black Ball Point Pen to the Examination Hall for this Examination. Candidates may submit representations, if any, on the questions asked in the Question Papers of this Examination to the Commission through the “Online Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep)” only by accessing the URL: https://upsconline.nic.in/miscellaneous.QPRep within a period of Seven (07) days from the date of Examination. No representation through any other mode and received after the above period shall be accepted by the Commission.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the creation of the much-awaited Chief of Defence Staff position, on the country’s 73rd Independence Day. The appointment will create a single point of contact for all matters on defence and will serve to bolster inter-services cooperation ensuring operational synergy. The Kargil review committee first recommended the need for Tri-services chief in 2000. With the green light finally given to the appointment, here are three things you must know about the CDS position!
Chief’s of the three services
1) Recommended two decades ago due to
security lapses in Kargil:
Soldiers celebrating hard earned victory at Kargil
Following significant lapses in security which led up
to such a large-scale intrusion by the Pakistan army in 1999, the government
was prompted to set up the Kargil Review Committee in 2000, to analyse how
things went so wrong and suggest recommendations. The KRC cited the lack of
synergy as a critical failure in the Kargil conflict and recommended the
creation of the Chief of Defence Staff two decades ago.
More than 500 soldiers lost their lives in Kargil, countless were injured
2) Reservations from the bureaucracy:
The recommendation was not adhered to as it faced
stiff resistance from the bureaucracy, civilian leadership and from a few
within the military. Resistance from the administration resulted in the
creation of the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) as a compromise.
Parliament of India
The role of the IDS was to assist the chairman of the
chief of staff committee (Chairman CoCS), and is widely considered by many in
the military, and strategic community to be a toothless position, many whom
have routinely commented on the issue. This appointment is considered to be a first
among equals and cannot give direction to other arms of defence forces than the
one the persons heads.
Tri service chief’s at the CoSC
3) Armed Forces have lacked synergy for the longest time:
It is an open secret that the three-armed forces;
Army, Navy and Airforce lack synergy! Operating independent service commands
instead of the theatre command system used by other robust democracies. A
Theatre command means that all three arms of the military would work under a
unified command – modelled after the CDS at the central level.
Personnel of all three services in formation to create the tri-services crest
As aforementioned, India does not follow such a
structure, unlike other powerful militaries, despite demands for such among
senior military men and strategic experts. It follows a single-service command
structure with the Indian forces having 19 commands – six of the Indian Army,
three of the Indian Navy, seven of the Indian Air Force, one tri-service
command at Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Strategic Forces Command (SFC).
Tri services exercise to boost cooperation
Each of these commands reports through separate chains to their respective chiefs, who as mentioned, are not known for best of coordination. Take another example. All three forces have separate Eastern, Western and Southern commands. Army and air force also have Central and South-Western commands. Same name, same regions, different headquarters and at times diverging strategies, this has and continues to prevent seamless performance in the times of conflict or war.
Lt. Gen. P.S. Rajeshwar taking charge as the 12th Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to Chairman COSC,
So, the CDS, when appointed, will be the overall commander-in-chief, and his command shall flow to individual theatre commanders. Given India’s long and porous land borders with varying topography, and two major seaboards, coupled with hostile adversaries in the countries immediate neighborhood, a “theatre” system of tri-service command is best suited for the optimum management of both external and internal security challenges.
Trishakti Complex the cradle of Tri services jointmanship
Frequently the clashing egos of the top brass leads to devasting results in the lives and serving conditions of the men and women doing the legwork. After all, success in modern war hinges on the formulation of a joint military strategy and its collective and integrated execution. Therefore, the need for a single point military advice for India’s civilian political masters cannot be overemphasised.
4) Highest Defence Appointment:
Representational image
While it is still unclear whether the post will be
headed by a five-star officer as initially recommended by the Kargil Review
Committee or a four-star general, which is at present the highest rank a
defence services officer can reach, the selection of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) will create the
most senior position in the Indian Armed forces, heading all three services.
5) Army Chief General Bipin Rawat
frontrunner:
Army Chief General Bipin Rawat
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Bipin Rawat is the
frontrunner for the prestigious military appointment. General Rawat in his
tenure as army chief has led a successful clandestine operation against Pakistan
based terror group Jaishe-e-Mohammed (J-e-M) and has been proactive about
several issues plaguing the Indian army, such as posting grievances on social
media, stone pelting and the proportionate use of force, treating stone pelters
as terrorists, announcing several reforms during his term as Army Chief such as
the implementation of integrated Battle groups to restructure the Army,
enhancing its tail to teeth ratio.
General Bipin Rawat adressing the media
The creation of the Chief of Defence Staff will bolster India’s defence capabilities allowing the forces to deal with the evolving nature of threats.
The Indian Navy is introducing computer-based examination for the selection of Direct Entry Officers after graduation. The first Indian Navy Entrance Test (Officers), i.e. INET (Officers), is scheduled in September 2019 in various centers across the country. INET (Officers) will be used for screening for Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission Officer candidates for all graduate entries other than those that are screened by UPSC or University Entry Scheme.
INET Navy will be conducted in Sep 2019, admit card for INET can be downloaded soon from the official website.
Currently, officer candidates are shortlisted for interviews by Services Selection Board (SSB) on the basis of marks scored in graduation (or post-graduation for certain entries). Henceforth, shortlisting for SSB will be undertaken on the basis of marks scored in INET (Officers).
INET Navy Notification and Exam Date
Under the new process, only one advertisement will be published every six months and applicants would need to exercise their option for entries that they wish to be considered for, on the basis of their educational qualification. Details of entries, age and educational qualifications are available on www.joinindiannavy.gov.in. Candidates are advised to register once on the website to fill in their personal, communication and educational particulars, as well as upload their supporting documents. Doing this before the application submission window opens, is advisable in order to save time. Eligible candidates will receive automated email alerts when the application submission window opens.
INET Navy Exam Pattern and Question Papers
INET (Officers) will have four sections, viz English, Reasoning and Numerical Ability, General Science and Mathematical Aptitude, and General Knowledge. Candidates would need to pass in each section to be considered for a SSB call. Candidates will be called up for SSB interview on the basis of performance in INET (Officers) and their entry preference. To be considered for final Merit List, candidates would need to qualify in SSB and subsequent Medical Examination. Merit List will be drawn up on the basis of marks scored in INET (Officers) and SSB Interview marks. Selected candidates will undergo Basic Training at the Indian Naval Academy.
Jitendra Singh, the security guard from Surat, who has written over 4,500 letters to the families of martyrs, had been invited to Delhi by eminent military writer Rachna Bisht Rawat. The patriotic security guard received an invite to the launch of her new book Kargil the untold stories from the war, held at the United Services Institution in Delhi. For the man who writes letters to families of martyrs, this trip from Surat to Delhi was a soul touching experience, a journey he says he cherishes and will never forget!
Military Writer Rachna Bisht Rawat With Jitendra Singh
“I contacted Rachna Bisht Rawat last year,” says Jitendra explaining how he got in touch with the military writer. “I had read the Hindi copy of her book, The Brave a few years ago and wanted to tell her my life story, so I asked an acquaintance for her number.” he further explains, “I spoke to her, we had a great conversation and since then have stayed in touch!”
Jitendra Singh at his village displaying his life work
The Kargil war changed the course of Jitendra’s life. Unable to participate in the war due to medical rejection at a recruitment rally. A young Jitendra was forced to helplessly watch the consequences of the conflict through the sidelines. He witnessed the ravages of battle, not on the front lines but through the eyes of the families left devastated at the loss of their sons. He saw coffins draped in the tricolour arrive at his village every day.
With letters from young soldiers telling their families not to worry reach weeks after the news of their death broke them. Observing helplessly he vowed that, it would not be the last letter the families receive and their stories will not die with them.
“I made a promise to those who did not return that their letters will not be the last their families receive! Their memories will live on forever, I will make sure of it” says Jitendra 20 years later with the same conviction! Jitendra Singh’s promise has taken almost everything from him, his youth, social relations and a significant bit of his vision.
“I earn a meager salary of about rupees 10,000, over 3,000 goes in paying rent and 6,000 in stationary and other supplies needed to continue my vision.” says an exasperated Jitendra.
“Night duty pays more.” He elaborates saying, “however I cannot put in night shifts since I have developed a cataract from writing in dimly lit rooms for all these years.” “They won’t hire me!” Jitendra says helplessly.
Expressing his pride, he talks about the happiness his work has brought to the families, highlighting an incident. “I had written to the brother of Devaram a martyr hailing from the Barmer District of Rajasthan, he was a soldier serving in the Jat Regiment and had lost his life in the war of 1971.”
Elaborating further Jitendra says “His brother received the letter and contacted me expressing his joy and disbelief, he told me its been more than 50 years since my brothers death and people of the country he fought to protect still remember him, I am proud and have no complaints from the nation!”
Jitendra Singh at his Surat Residence
Rachna Bisht and Jitendra had kept in touch with Jitendra assisting her by providing the renowned writer with some information on Kargil martyrs. “I had helped Rachna with some information on Lance Naik Bachan Singh,” he says, “she told me she is working on a book on Kargil. “A few months later invited me for the launch, she wanted people to know my life story!” Jitendra proclaims joyfully. The patriotic security guard soon went on his second flight, with his first sponsored by Bajaj for being an invincible Indian.
A Life Changing Journey:
He left for Delhi on 8 August and was soon in for a heartwarming surprise! “The people from Indigo received me at the entrance of Surat airport and took me straight up to the VIP lounge, and all the staff took pictures with me! They were very courteous; they never let me stand in line throughout my journey!” says Jitendra vividly recollecting his journey.
Jitendra Singh Being Greeted On board By The Indigo Airlines StaffCabin Crew Takes Picture With Jitendra Singh
Speaking about his overall experience travelling to Delhi he says “The journey was excellent! The people at Indigo treated me with the utmost respect, I felt honoured nearly in tears!” he says with genuine happiness in his voice. “The staff clapped at my arrival on board the plane. Both the pilot and the Air Hostess made announcements telling the rest of the passengers my life story; the pilot said I am a national pride! Everybody on board clapped with sincerity!” There are sparkles in his eyes! “Seeing all the passengers on board genuinely care about who I am and what I do was overwhelming, I got emotional and nearly broke down in tears! It was a moment of pride like I had achieved something, I’m not crazy!”
Jitendra Singh Clicking Pictures With Indigo Staff
Upon landing Delhi, the cabin crew and the pilot took a series of pictures with the man who writes letters before being given a bouquet with his name on it. Following which he was boarded onto a private Indigo vehicle to the departure terminal.
Indigo Staff Giving Jitendra Singh a Bouquet after landing
Kargil: Untold Stories From The War
Reaching the venue Jitendra Singh was stunned by the sight of the place, “It was a huge place!” says Jitendra visualising the United Services Institution hall. Within a short time after his arrival, he met Colonel VN Thapar, the father of Kargil War hero and household name Captain Vijayant Thapar. Captain Thapar was a young officer from the Rajputana Rifles who was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra for acts of raw courage. “Colonel Thapar called me enthusiastically and said ‘how are you Jitendra?’ I was proud!”
Jitendra Singh With Colonel VN Thapar
Jitendra Singh fondly recalls his conversation with Kargil hero Colonel Sonam Wangchuk nicknamed the Lion of Ladakh! “I went up to Colonel Wangchuk and told him that I knew he celebrated his sons birthday on those icy unforgiving peaks during the war.” He was further narrating to him every detail of his units bravery. The Lion of Ladakh was visibly impressed and said to him “You are a great man! how do you remember so much?” Jitendra replied to the gallant officer’s appreciation, telling him that he had spent 20 years keeping the memories of soldiers alive! “Receiving admiration from a man of his stature assured me that I took the right call in life!”Jitendra elaborates with intoxicating passion!
Jitendra Singh Next To The Lion Of Ladakh Colonel Sonam Wangchuk
Jitendra Singh went on to meet many military stalwarts and families of decorated warriors who never came home, he passionately shared to them his life story earning the respect and admiration of all those present.
“It was the most important moment of my life, I experienced my purpose in this world, as I looked at the crowd sharing my life journey, I went back to the day I started on this path and smiled to my younger self, it was surreal!” Says jitendra with his voice quivering.
Jitendra Singh Sharing His Experiences As The Man Who Writes LettersJitendra Singh Winning The Crowd With His Story
Jitendra Singh has expressed his appreciation towards Rachan Bisht Rawats efforts and his gratitude towards everyone for the respect given to him. Most importantly he was proud to witness the lives he has touched under one roof .
Picture with Rachna Bisht taken from Jitendra Singh’s Phone
The man who writes letters will continue his excellent work with the satisfaction of knowing that he is making a difference. And despite not getting the opportunity to serve in uniform, the men in olive consider him no less a soldier!
Indian Air Force officer, Squadron Leader Minty Agarwal has been conferred the Yudh Seva medal for her efforts, as a flight controller during the aerial combat between India and Pakistan on February 27 following Operation Bandar. The IAF had launched the clandestine air force mission dubbed Operation Bandar, on 26 February 2019 is response to the Pulwama terror attack which claimed the lives of over 44 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Personnel.
The IAF launched airstrikes led to to a series of military escalation, prompting the Pakistani Air Force to cross over to Indian territory to strike Indian military installments. Anticipating a possible Pakistani misadventure, the IAF was on high alert and countered the Pakistani aerial intrusion.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B1LMgbUghzW/
13 Indian Air Force Personnel Have Been Conferred Gallantry Awards This Independence Day
It was during this incident that Squadron Leader Minty Agarwal’s responded to the air based thereat by directing the Indian fighter pilots in a tactically superior manner. Her alertness and presence of mind in the face of an imminent threat deterred the enemies incursion effort, giving the Indian fighter pilots the assistance required to engage the enemy in aerial combat.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B1OqP5RgcFB/
Squadron Leader Agarwal Provided Assistance To The MiG-21 Bison’s
Squadron Leader Agarwal, a fighter controller from the Administrative branch, is one of 13 Air force personnel to be awarded this year on the countries 73rd independence day.
Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal, has posthumously been conferred the Shaurya Chakra, on the countries 73rd independence day. The army major has been given the award for acts of gallantry showcased during the counter-terror operations following the events of the Pulwama terror attacks. The attack carried out by the Pakistan based terror outfit, Jaish-e Mohammed (J-e-M) claimed the lives of over 44 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel on 16 February 2019.
Aftermath Of The Pulwma Terror Attack
The Uniform Was His Passion:
Major Dhoundiyal was born in Dehradun in Uttarakhand, a part of the country known for its contribution of soldiers to the Indian Army. He was near the olive greens all his life, with both his father and grandfather having worked in the office of Controller of Defence Accounts.
Major Vibouti Shankar Dhoundiyal
Donning the uniform had been Major Dhoundiyal’s ambition. He had given the National Defence Academy (NDA) examination after his 12th boards but was unable to clear it. He had gone on to write the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE) after his graduation intending to train at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun. However, he was unable to clear it in that attempt
Sudan Block Of The National Defence Academy
Undeterred Major Dhoundiyal persisted and was finally selected to join the prestigious Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai. Following nine months of rigorous training at OTA, Vibouti Dhoundiyal was commissioned as a freshly minted Lieutenant into the Army’s Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) on 17 June 2011.
OTA Cadets Keeping The Josh High!
Rashtriya Rifles & Post Pulwama Operation:
After a few years in his parent unit, Major Dhoundiayal went on deputation to the Army’s premier counter-insurgency outfit the Rashtriya Rifles, serving in its 55th battallion. His stint in 55 RR, gave him extensive counter-insurgency experience and transformed Major Dhoundiyal into a battle-hardened combat leader. The Rashtriya Rifles were on high alert following the Pulwama terror attack, with a massive counter-terrorism effort launched to capture the perpetrators of the heinous crime.
Soldiers From The Rashtriya Rifles Operating In The Valley
Security forces operating in the valley received actionable intelligence the day after the Pulwama bombing about the presence of terrorists in Pinglan village of Pulwama district. Based on the intelligence inputs 55 RR along with the Special Operation Group (SOG) of J&K Police launched a search and destroy operation at the home of the terrorist, who had attacked the CRPF convoy.
Aftermath Of A Counter Insurgency Operation In Pinglam
Major Dhoundiyal was part of the assault team spearheaded by Brigadier Harbir Singh, a senior army officer. The team zeroed in on the extremists’ location, upon being challenged, the terrorists opened fire on the assault team halting their movement. The counter-terror operation was intense lasting for over 20 hours finally resulting in several hardcore terrorists, who were responsible for the attack on CRPF convoy being killed. However, during the heavy exchange of fire, came at a cost, eleven personnel from the assault team got injured, including the leader of the group, Brigadier Singh. The injured soldiers were immediately evacuated to the Army Hospital; however, it was too late.
Family of the Martyred Major paying their respectsShaurya Chakra
Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal and three of his men, sepoy Ajay Kumar, Hari Singh, and Havaldar Sheo Ram succumbed to their injuries. Major Dhoundiyal’s wife, family and colleagues, remember the martyred army major, as a valiant army officer who always led from the front. His uncompromising service to bring the perpetrators of a national tragedy that is still fresh in the minds of the people have earned him the Shaurya Chakra!
Elite Special Forces soldier Sandeep Singh has been posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra for his acts of courage, on the countries 73rd Independence day. Lance Naik Sandeep Singh was an elite commando belonging to the Indian Army’s elite 4 Para Special Forces AKA ‘The Daggers’. He had joined as an infantry soldier in the army’s Sikh Regiment on 18 June 2007 before opting to join the 4th Battalion of The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) on 5 July 2008.
Lance Naik Sandeep Singh Was From The Elite 4 PARA (SF)
Intelligence inputs suggested the presence of an externally supported terror cell in the Kashmir valley. The extremist group consisted of highly trained foreign terrorists operating at altitudes of around 12,500 feet; the terrain was unforgiving! Given both the complexity and tactical advantage of the terrorist position, the army had called in the Daggers, specialists in Counter-Terrorism and Mountain Warfare.
Operators From The Special Forces With Israeli Tavor Rifles
Captain Gurjeet Saini led the Special Forces team, with Lance Naik Sandeep Singh tasked as the lead scout. The elite commandos closed in near the suspected terrorist position, halting to carry out surveillance. Sandeep observed his surroundings and soon tracked the precise location of the terrorists, proceeding to inform his squad. The well-trained terrorists were alerted of the presence of the commandos and resorted to heavy active fire, being able to pin the commandos due to their dominant position.
Special Forces Tab Earned After Completing 90 Days In Hell!
Acutely aware of the enemy’s superior position and the imminent threat to the lives of his comrades, Sandeep closed in on one of the terrorists killing him with precise rifle shots in extremely close quarters. Taking advantage of Sandeep’s daring manoeuvre, another terrorist lobbed a fragmentation grenade at the Special Forces soldier, grievously injuring him. The terrorists then proceeded to re-engage the rest of the specialised commando unit with fierce AK rifle fire.
Special Forces Operatives Closing In On A Terrorist Location
Sandeep despite being severely injured, stealthily crawled toward the other terrorists and engaged them. During the violent exchange, the already wounded commando got shot by one of the terrorists, resulting in Sandeeps assault rifle to fall in a nearby gorge. Undeterred the special forces soldier grabbed the terrorist who shot him and engaged with him in vicious hand to hand combat! During this brutal exchange with the terrorist, Sandeep got shot by another extremist, mortally wounding him and ultimately taking his life.
Elite Commandos Operating In KashmirThe Red Devil’s Taking Part In The Republic Day Parades
Lance Naik Sandeep Singh’s raw courage and ferocity distracted the enemy redirecting their fire toward him. Sandeep’s complete disregard for his safety allowed his comrades to move to a tactically superior position and eliminate the foreign terror cell, earning him the Shaurya Chakra.
All due care has been taken in preparation of the list of candidates who have made it to the merit and conferred Honorary Captain and Honorary Lieutenant on active list on occasion of Independence Day 2019. However, this list should not be taken as an authority for claiming Honorary Commission. The final authority on conferment of Honorary Commission is the Draft Gazette Notification of India, which can be obtained from respective Record Offices or Headquarter Commands.
The Mirage 2000 pilots who flew across the heart of enemy territory to carry out precision air strikes, on Jaish-e-Mohammed Terror camps are to be awarded the Vayu Sena Medal for acts of gallantry showcased during ‘Operation Bandar.’ The recipients of the gallantry awards are: Wing Commander Amit Ranjan, Squadron Leader Rahul Basoya, Squdron Leader Pankaj Bhujade, Squadron Leader Shashank Singh and Squadron Leader BKN Reddy.
Mirage 2000 Fighter Air crafts Used In Operation Bandar
What happened during Operation Bandar?:
Over 350 Terrorists and 25 Trainers of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) were killed, in a covert-airstrike by the Indian Airforce (IAF) dubbed ‘operation Bandar’. The Airstrike was in response to the Pulwama Terror attack, which had claimed the lives of over 44 Central Reserve Force Police Personnel (CRPF) on 14 February, 2019.
Aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack
At around 4:00 am on 26 February, 2019, 12 Mirage 2000 fighter jets of the IAF dropped a 1000 kg ‘payloads’ of over 6 laser guided bombs, on Terror camps in Balakot, Pakistan.
The highly coordinated covert-operation took place following actionable intelligence regarding the location of a 5-star resort style hilltop camp, around a thickly-forested area, where several top Jaish commanders among other terrorists from various terror outfits were being accommodated and trained.
The clandestine airstrike was carried based on sound intelligence sources on the ground, with every camp meticulously identified and was specifically targeted at the (JeM). According to reports One of the targets destroyed by IAF Mirage jets was in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa area. Following the intelligence inputs, fighter jets of the IAF took off from several air bases under the Western and Central commands at about the same time. The operation was an ‘intelligence-based counter-terror strike’ and not a ‘military action’ for the sake of war.
Splitting the anatomy of the Balakot strikes
The airstrike had resulted in the elimination of an entire terror setup in the suicide bombing training centre at Balakot, with over 350 terrorists, including top Jaish commanders having been neutralised in the covert operation by the IAF. An ammunition dump containing more than 200 AK series of rifles, uncountable rounds hand grenades, explosives and detonators were also blown up during the covert-op.
The Pakistani establishment had given out a public statement less than an hour after the attack, stating that India has violated their airspace, summoning India’s acting high commissioner and condemning the strike as a “violation of its territorial sovereignty” by Indian jets.
Confrontation between India and Pakistan
The Indian side had acknowledged the operation a few hours later, with India’s foreign secretary confirming that India struck the biggest training camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Balakot, in the early hours of Tuesday. This was unlike any previous strike, as it is for the first time that India had struck deep inside Pakistan territory, since the Indo-Pak war of 1971.
Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal had exhibited unparalleled valour and exceptional leadership qualities in various operations resulting in elimination of five terrorists and recovery of 200 Kilograms of explosive material. On 17 February 2019, when input of presence of terrorist group in a village was received, the officer planned a Battalion level operation. During search, officer was fired upon by terrorist hiding in a cow shed resulting in multiple gunshot injuries to him. Despite being severely injured, officer maintained his tactical composure and retaliated terrorist fire. Exhibiting utter disregard to his personal safety, officer crawled closer to cow shed in line of fire to bring down effective fire on hiding terrorists. Subsequently, when terrorists moved out of the cow shed firing indiscriminately, the officer fired on fleeing terrorists facilitating in elimination of one terrorist. Officer succumbed to his injuries at operation site while fighting with terrorists. Terrorist eliminated was identified a foreign terrorist of category, responsible for IED attack on security forces.
For displaying conspicuous bravery and unparalleled courage resulting in elimination of one terrorist Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal is recommended for the award of “SHAURYA CHAKRA (POSTHUMOUS)”.
