National
25th year of Kargil Vijay Diwas: 'Operation Safed Sagar' proved 'Airpower is decisive and non-escalatory'
New Delhi, July 25: The Indian Air Force (IAF)’s exceptional professionalism was on full display, deploying aerospace power at the highest known height in the world for the operations named ‘Operation Safed Sagar’. The IAF aircraft operated at altitudes over 20,000 feet, a feat not attempted before by any Air Force of the World, successfully surmounting the difficulties posed by extreme elevation and inclement weather conditions.
The rapid technological innovations and modifications proved to be highly advantageous to emerge victorious in this conflict, which took place at the highest battleground in the globe.
The Beginning
Pakistan code name for Kargil War was ‘Operation Koh-e-Paima’, which was approved on January 16, 1999, by the Pakistani COAS Op Koh Paima, less than five weeks before the two prime ministers signed the momentous Lahore Declaration on February 22, 1999.
The Pakistani Army initiated the occupation of territory in the Kargil region shortly afterwards.
On May 3, 1999, the Indian Army discovered that the Pakistanis were present on Indian territory. The infiltration and combat occurred in ridges that overlook the road connecting Srinagar and Leh.
The military outposts situated on the elevated areas above the roadway typically had altitudes of around 5,000m (16,000 ft), with a few risings as high as 5,485m (18,000 ft).
The Indian Air Force (IAF) received its initial request for air support on May 11, 1999, specifically for the helicopters.
Subsequently, on May 25, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) granted permission to the IAF to launch offensive operations against the infiltrators while ensuring they do not breach the Line of Control (LoC).
Air Operations
Kargil war was a conflict that underscored the need for a robust and responsive defence strategy. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, in an event in New Delhi on July 18, 2024 to mark 25 years of Kargil Vijay Diwas, said: “The Kargil conflict highlighted the significance of maintaining vigilance and preparedness for safeguarding our borders. It also emphasised the importance of public and international diplomacy, a strategy which was used effectively to maintain the neutrality of inimical nations and gain global support.”
The Indian Air Force’s operations during the Kargil conflict are a prime illustration of operational preparation, intelligence collection, and diplomatic initiatives while encountering numerous impediments.
Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities were limited, affecting target identification and battle damage assessment. The reconnaissance mission by IAF’s Canberra aircraft played a crucial role in the Kargil conflict, detecting the level and limits of Pakistani intrusions and providing vital intelligence.
This early detection was instrumental in the IAF’s subsequent operations. The IAF’s fighter jets, including MiG-21s, MiG-27s, and Jaguars, then provided close air support to ground troops and attacked enemy positions.
The Mirage-2000 aircraft carried out precision strikes using laser-guided bombs, targeting enemy bunkers and supply depots.
Total of 7,631 sorties were flown — then the IAF had 42 fighter sqns in 1999 but only 90 aircraft were deployed, 45 in the valley and 45 out of the valley.
Fighter flew 1,730 sorties (Day ops sorties:1,643 & Night sortie:87), Helicopter: 2,474, Transport ac: 3,427 (Max).
During the conflict, the IAF’s role in transporting over 20,000 troops, 1,500 tonnes of equipment, and 1,200 tonnes of ammunition was a testament to their logistical capabilities and the scale of their operations.
Full Force Braveheart Operations: IAF aircraft conducted night operations using available technology such as night vision goggles and navigation systems, demonstrating their adaptability and commitment to mission success.
IAF transport aircraft and helicopters ferried troops, equipment, spares and other support supplies to forward bases, maintaining a steady supply chain.
IAF helicopters, including Mi-17s and Mi-35s, conducted daring rescue missions, evacuating wounded soldiers from forward areas.
Coordination with Army: The IAF’s close coordination with the Indian Army, providing real-time intelligence and strike support, was a testament to the strength and unity of the Indian defence forces, reassuring the nation of their combined capabilities.
Effective coordination between the IAF and the Indian Army played a vital role in accurately striking enemy locations during the Kargil War.
Decisive Operations: High altitude posed unique operational difficulties in targeting the enemy. Professionally conducted IAF airstrikes disrupted Pakistani troop movement and logistical support, making it difficult for them to reinforce their positions or retreat effectively.
The swift technical modifications and on-the-job training held IAF in good stead in its employment of air power to win this war fought at the highest battlefield of the world.
Overall, IAF flew around 5000 strike missions, 350 reconnaissance/ ELINT missions, and around 800 escort flights. The IAF also flew over 2,000 helicopter sorties towards casualty evacuations and air transport operations.
The successful air strikes on Tiger Hill, MunthoThalo, and Toling changed the direction of the operations towards India.
Limitations Encountered: In the report compiled by the Kargil Review Committee (KRC), the many constraints that were associated with airpower operations during the Kargil War were brought to light.
The following were the limitations that were encountered during Kargil operations.
(a) Weather Conditions: Harsh weather, including dense fog, clouds, and gusty winds, hindered air operations.
(b) High-Altitude Challenges: Operating at extreme heights posed significant challenges for aircraft and crew.
(c) Logistical Challenges: Transporting fuel, ammunition, and spare parts to forward bases was a significant logistical challenge.
(d) Limited ISR and Air Defence Capabilities: IAF’s air defence systems had limited capabilities against Pakistani missiles and aircraft.
It is testament to the exceptional skills of the IAF and, especially, to their resiliency that they were able to successfully overcome such difficult conditions, which inspired everyone who observed their remarkable efforts.
The IAF was able to achieve significant success in the Kargil War by adapting to new circumstances and utilising its strengths.
Lessons Learnt
The Kargil Conflict led to significant changes in the IAF airpower operations, including:
(a) Modernised IAF: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has included advanced fighter aircraft, including the Rafale, Tejas Mk1A, and MI-17 V, to replace its outdated fleet of MiG series jets, thereby modernising its aircraft fleet.
(b) Enhanced Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Capabilities: The ISR capabilities have been enhance capabilities to identify targets and assess combat damage.
(c) Network-Centric Operations (NCO) capacity: The establishment of a network-centric warfare capacity has allowed for the improved situational awareness, leading to timely decision-making.
(d) Advanced Training Incentive: All pilots get comprehensive training for both day and night missions. Regular joint exercises are held to strengthen operational readiness and interoperability.
(e) Logistics and Maintenance Upgrades: Requisite enhancements have been implemented in the logistics supply chain to guarantee accessibility in all types of terrain for all support and maintenance infrastructure.
Conclusion
Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on July 26 to commemorate India’s victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War of 1999. The IAF’s airpower operations played a crucial role in the Indian military’s victory in the Kargil War.
Without a shadow of a doubt, the efficient utilisation of air power has prevented more losses and significantly shortened the period of time during which our Army has made such significant advancements on the ground.
(Dr. DK Pandey was the Group Captain in IAF. He undertook AD operations in the Western, J&K and NE sectors. He has commanded six Air Defence (C&R) Units. He was Director Air Staff Inspections and retired as Director, Joint Control and Analysis Centre)
–IANS
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National
PM Modi to give certificates to 11 lakh Lakhpati Didis; roll out Rs 2,500 crore fund
New Delhi, Aug 22 (IANS) Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will give certificates to 11 lakh new ‘Lakhpati Didis’ at a special function to be held at Jalgaon in Maharashtra on August 25 (Sunday).
The programme will have nationwide participation through the virtual mode.
The Prime Minister will release a revolving Community Investment Fund of Rs 2,500 crore, which will benefit about 48 lakh members of 4.3 lakh women Self Help Groups (SHGs), Shivraj Singh Chouhan said.
PM Modi will also release a bank loan of Rs 5,000 crore, which will benefit 25.8 lakh members of 2,35,400 Self Help Groups (SHGs).
Shivraj Singh Chouhan also said that people from about 30,000 places across 34 states and union territories including state capitals and district headquarters will join this program through the virtual route.
He said that Lakhpati Didis are women who earn Rs 1 lakh or more per annum. These Lakhpati Didis have not only pulled their families out of poverty but are also becoming role models for the rest of society, the Union Minister said.
“The Rural Development Ministry has already created 1 crore Lakhpati Didis. Now our target is to create 3 crore Lakhpati Didis in the next 3 years. It is heartening to note that one of these community resource persons has created 95 Lakhpati Didis,” Shivraj Singh Chouhan said.
He further explained that the Ministry has adopted a structured process to enable the SHG families to earn an annual income of Rs 1 lakh or more.
This includes capacitating National Resource Persons and developing Master Trainers in each state.
These Master Trainers further train the Community Resource Persons on business planning, financing and convergence process.
The cadre of 3 lakh Community Resource Persons, who have been specially trained in business planning and the skilling of SHG members, are doing a great service in this regard, the minister added.
Some of these community resource persons will also be facilitated.
As of now, the Ministry of Rural Development has formed 15 lakh Lakhpati Didis during the first 100 days which has succeeded the 11 lakh target for the period, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said.
–IANS
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National
Tripura flood death toll rises to 12, more NDRF teams deployed (Lead)
Agartala, Aug 22 (IANS) The flood situation in Tripura, which has been lashed by heavy rains for the last four days, remained grim on Thursday and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) retained its ‘Red alert’ for all eight districts, officials said.
They added that more National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed as the rains and floods continue to play havoc.
Till Thursday, 12 deaths, including that of a 12-year-old girl and a woman were reported from South Tripura, Gomati, and Khowai districts and two persons were also said to be missing.
A Disaster Management Department official said that two more fresh casualties due to the floods were reported from south Tripura and Gomati districts, while around 65,500 people are taking shelter in 450 relief camps in all eight districts.
He said that 17 lakh people were affected in the entire state, which witnessed the monsoon flood in such a catastrophic manner for the first time in several decades.
Chief Minister Manik Saha, who is supervising the disaster management work, spoke to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the second day on Thursday and apprised him of the prevailing scenario.
Home Minister Shah said in a post on X, “Spoke with CM Tripura, Dr Manik Saha, and took stock of the flood situation in the state. The Centre is rushing teams of NDRF, apart from boats and helicopters, to the state to assist the local government in relief and rescue operations. Assured of all possible assistance from the Centre as and when required. The Modi government firmly stands with our sisters and brothers in Tripura during this hour of crisis.”
Later, the Chief Minister while expressing gratitude to the Home Minister said that HM Shah informed him that 11 NDRF teams would be sent to Tripura from different locations in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
He said arrangements would also be made for choppers to airlift stranded people in the flood-affected areas.
“More number of boats would also be sent along with the NDRF teams. The entire state government machinery has been working round the clock to tackle the unprecedented natural calamity. I thank public representatives, social workers and the people at large for cooperating with the state government in this hour of crisis,” CM Saha said.
The central government has provided two helicopters for airlifting stranded people in Gomati and South Tripura districts.
Following the directions of the state government, due to the heavy rain and flooding, all educational institutions remained closed.
An India Meteorological Department (IMD) official said that though a ‘heavy’ to ‘very heavy’ rainfall alert has been continued and a ‘Red alert’ has been sounded in all eight districts, the rain is likely to reduce slightly from Thursday evening.
“The low pressure area over north Bangladesh and neighbourhood persisted over the same region on Thursday. The associated cyclonic circulation now extends up to 9.4 km above mean sea level. It is likely to move nearly westwards across West Bengal during the next 48 hours. Additionally, a cyclonic circulation is likely to form over North Bay of Bengal and neighbourhood on August 24,” the official said.
The IMD recorded 233 mm rainfall in Agartala from 8.30 A.M. on August 21 to till 8.30 A.M. on Thursday.
According to Disaster Management Department officials over 1,055 houses were damaged either fully or partially and hundreds of trees were uprooted blocking many important highways.
Landslides occurred in 2,032 places across the state, out of which 1,789 locations were cleared by Thursday evening.
As per preliminary estimates, around 5,000 hectares of vegetable farms and 1.20 lakh hectares of other crop lands are still submerged.
Water Resource Department officials said that most of the prominent rivers in Tripura were either flowing above ‘critical’ or ‘danger’ levels while the state’s main river Gomati has crossed the ‘extreme danger’ level in many places of Gomati and Sepahijala districts, as rainfall has continued.
The Northeast Frontier Railways (NFR) has cancelled 10 local trains in Tripura.
An NFR spokesman said that due to heavy rain railway tracks were damaged in Gomati district, forcing the authorities to cancel these trains.
A Defence spokesman said that following the requisition from state administrations, four columns of Assam Rifles were deployed in different districts and they were working in close coordination with the civil administration to rescue civilians stranded due to floods.
First aid and essential items have been distributed by the Assam Rifles to hundreds of stranded people and those in relief camps.
–IANS
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National
Waqf Amendment Bill is unconstitutional, undemocratic & unfair: Maulana Madani
New Delhi, Aug 22 (IANS) The Muslim organisation on Thursday criticised the Union government over the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, calling it unconstitutional, undemocratic and unfair as it goes against the freedom of religion guaranteed by the Constitution.
“Amendment bill being brought to Waqf is unconstitutional, undemocratic and unfair. The proposed amendments to the Waqf Act are also against the freedom of religion provided by the Constitution and also violates articles 14-15 and 25 of the Constitution,” said Jamiat-i-Ulama Hind, President, Maulana Arshad Madani while addressing a joint press conference of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind and Muslim Personal Law Board at the Constitution Club in New Delhi.
He added that the amendment bill is also the government’s interference in religious matters which Muslims will not accept.
“Under the guise of the amending bill, an attempt is being made to deprive the Muslims of this great country and of its heritage which our forefathers have left in the form of Waqf for the betterment of the poor, destitute and needy people of the country,” said Maulana Arshad Madani.
He said that amendments have been made in the bill without consulting the Muslim religious figures and taking the Muslims into confidence while Waqf is a purely religious and Shariah matter because once the Waqf is applied.
“The donor does not remain the owner of the property rather that property is transferred to the ownership of Allah,” he explained.
Maulana Madani said that while presenting the Amendment Bill in the parliament, it was claimed that it would bring transparency to the work and would benefit the weak and needy people of the Muslim society.
“This bill is proof of the malicious intent of the government and its dangerous plans. If this bill is passed not only the protection of Waqf properties across the country may be in danger but also a door of new conflicts will be opened and the status of those mosques, tombs, buildings, imam badas and lands which are Waqf properties or which are located on Waqf land will be made doubtful,” Maulana Madani said.
He added that instead of the Waqf Tribunal and Waqf Commissioners, all powers under this bill will be transferred to District Collectors.
“By increasing the number of members of the Central Waqf Council and Waqf Boards, their status is also being changed and the door is being opened to appoint non-Muslims in it as well. This bill will also remove the requirement of being Muslim for officers and members,” he said.
Maulana Madani said that this is not a Hindu-Muslim issue but a constitutional problem and this bill is also against Muslim religious freedom.
He said that the Shrine Board, which was formed for the maintenance and protection of Hindu religious places, had a clear explanation that Jains, Sikhs or Buddhists would not be its members.
He questioned that if Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists cannot be members of the Shrine Board, how can the nomination and appointment of non-Muslims be justified in the Waqf Board?
“While Jainism and Buddhism are not considered separate from Hinduism, they are considered a separate sect. If they cannot participate in the shrine board even if they are Hindus on the basis of being a sect, then why is the nomination and appointment of non-Muslims in the Waqf boards made mandatory?” Maulana Madani asked.
He said that there are laws in Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh etc. that those who manage the affairs of the Hindu religion’s property must be Hindus.
“Just as no other religious group can interfere in the religious affairs of Hindus, Sikhs and Christians in the same way, the management of Waqf properties should also be done only by Muslims. We do not accept any such proposal in the endowment system,” he added.
He said that it is clear that the intention of the government is not pure and through this bill, its purpose is not to bring transparency in the work and to benefit the Muslim community but to deprive Muslims of their Waqf properties and to weaken the claim of Muslims from the Waqf properties.
Maulana Madani said that an endless series of new conflicts can start in this way and taking advantage of the weak legal status of Muslims in the amendment bill may make it easier to occupy Waqf properties.
He added that we are not talking about one or two amendments but most of the amendments in the bill are unconstitutional and dangerous and destructive for the Waqf.
“This bill is also an attack on the constitutional powers given to Muslims. If the Constitution has given religious freedom and equal rights to every citizen then some special powers have also been given to the minorities living in the country. And the amendment bill negates all these powers completely,” he said.
Maulana Madani added that under the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, it has been suggested that Section 40 of the current Act should be removed while the 2006 Joint Parliamentary Committee on Waqf and Justice Sachar Committee reported that a large number of Waqf properties are illegally occupied while the incumbent government is also referring to the same Sachar Committee report.
“Despite this, it has been suggested in the 2024 bill that the State Waqf Board shall not be empowered to identify properties which are illegally occupied and to try to recover them. This proposal of the government is very harmful to the existence of endowments,” he said.
He added that during the last ten years, the minorities of the country, especially the Muslims, were put on the margins, and to make them believe that now, as citizens, they have no rights and powers, many laws have been forcibly brought and implemented.
“This Waqf Amendment Bill is also one of them by passing it in any way there is a conspiracy to forcefully apply it on Muslims, which we cannot accept,” he said.
–IANS
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National
Calcutta HC questions Bengal govt's 'late realisation' to probe financial irregularities at RG Kar
Kolkata, Aug 22 (IANS) The Calcutta High Court on Thursday questioned the decision of the West Bengal government to set up a special investigation team to probe the alleged financial irregularities at the state-run R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata when the controversial former principal Sandip Ghosh was in charge of the institution, even as the state health department was informed about the irregularities last year.
A single-judge bench of Justice Rajarshi Bhardwaj made this observation while hearing a petition by the whistle-blower in the matter — former deputy medical superintendent of RG Kar — Akhtar Ali, who had sought the High Court’s intervention to seek protection in anticipation of security threat for being vocal against Sandip Ghosh.
On Wednesday, Ali also filed a public interest litigation seeking a probe by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe into the alleged financial irregularities at RG Kar.
During the hearing, Justice Bhardwaj observed that “from the inclusion of senior police officers in the special investigation team, it is evident that the matter is serious, and wondered why the team was constituted a year after the matter was brought to the notice of the state government”.
The state government counsel argued that the petition has been deliberately filed at this moment amid the recent incident of the rape and murder of a woman doctor in the R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital.
The state government counsel also questioned why the petitioner remained silent for one year after the complaint was not acted upon as claimed by him.
The Calcutta High Court also directed the state government counsel to present a detailed argument on the formation of SIT on Friday.
The West Bengal government earlier this week announced the formation of a special investigation team comprising four senior IPS officers and headed by an officer of the rank of Inspector General of Police to prove the allegation of financial irregularities at RG Kar since 2021, when Sandip Ghosh was the principal there.
Opposition parties have already claimed that the formation of SIT by the state government was nothing but an eyewash, and it had been created not with the intention of revealing the truth behind the financial irregularities, but rather with the motive of destroying evidence in the matter.
–IANS
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National
Odisha: RDC-level probe to be launched soon into spurious liquor deaths
Bhubaneswar, Aug 22 (IANS) Amid the furore over two deaths caused by the consumption of spurious liquor in Ganjam district, Odisha Excise Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan announced on Thursday that a probe by the Revenue Divisional Commissioner into the hooch tragedy will be initiated soon.
At least 23 persons from Moundpur, Jenapur, and Karabalua in Chikiti block had consumed country liquor from an unlicensed shop on Monday evening. They later fell ill and were admitted to a nearby hospital, where two of them died during treatment on Wednesday, prompting Harichandan to direct the officials to take all necessary steps to stop the illegal trade of liquor in the state.
Speaking to mediapersons, Harichandan said, “An RDC-level probe will be launched in this matter within the next couple of days. Action will be taken based on its report which will be submitted within two months. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will soon take the decision in this regard.”
He also vowed that the network of illegal liquor trade in the state will be completely destroyed within a year.
“As many as 217 illegal liquor manufacturing units have been identified in the state which will be demolished soon. Instructions have already been issued in this regard. Around 117 persons have so far been arrested following raids in different districts,” Harichandan.
He also assured the people that no illegal liquor unit will remain in existence in the state.
The Minister said the Excise Superintendent in Berhampur, Pradip Panigrahi, has been transferred for negligence in duty on Wednesday, while the government has also suspended Excise Inspector Ramesh Chandara Mohanty and Sub-inspector Prasanna Kumar Jali for similar lapses.
The deceased have been identified as Jura Behera and Lokanath Behera from Jenapur village, who died at the MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur.
The opposition BJD has also the issue in the state Assembly on Thursday, demanding resignation of the Excise Minister.
–IANS
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