Is the media distorting the reality in Kashmir? Daily O 17 Jun 17

Is the media distorting the reality in Kashmir? Daily O 17 Jun 17

Encounters with militants result in casualties to security forces. Incidents of stone throwing, protests and anti-national comments by the Hurriyat dominate headlines at regular intervals. Local poster boy militants, scared of challenging the army, secure in their hideouts or homes, issue statements on social media, asking people to support them, which are widely circulated. Security forces operations against them are […]

Srinagar should be the only capital of J and K The Statesman 13 Jun 17

Srinagar should be the only capital of J and K The Statesman 13 Jun 17

Twice a year, the J and K state machinary moves along the national highway, spending summers in Srinagar and winters in Jammu. It maintains this practice of pre-Independence India. This shift of the state government, termed darbar move, involves movement of staff, families and resetting up government offices. While the move is in progress, the working of the government comes […]

Prakash Karat’s views on the Indian army shows he’s living in the wrong country Daily O 07 Jun 17

Prakash Karat’s views on the Indian army shows he’s living in the wrong country Daily O 07 Jun 17

Fading Indian politicians seek limelight solely hoping for a boost in their careers. A few minutes of media glare, they hope, would re-open doors to a flagging career and maybe their party would suddenly recognize their capability. Mani Shankar Aiyar rushed to Srinagar, seeking to hobnob with the Hurriyat, knowing that even when his party was in power, they had […]

Understanding what the army chief meant The Statesman 06 Jun 17

Understanding what the army chief meant The Statesman 06 Jun 17

The army chief, General Bipin Rawat, gave an interview to a national news agency last week. Opposition parties and media have accused him of making intemperate comments during his interaction. The statements, some partially misquoted, include phrases ‘dirty war in Kashmir’, ‘firing weapons instead of throwing stones’, ‘adversaries and your people should be afraid of you’ and his continued support […]

Enlarging the role of Army’s public information directorate Bharat Shakti 02 Jun 17

Enlarging the role of Army’s public information directorate Bharat Shakti 02 Jun 17

Militancy in J and K assisted by stone throwing, increased militant encounters, Chinese intrusions, regular firing incidents on the Pak border and aid to civil authorities ensure that the army remains in the limelight throughout. The nation witnesses’ discussions on TV concerning actions of the army, where veterans join a multitude of politicians spread across party lines, security analysts from […]

How many lies by politicians will it take to know they’re not fighting corruption DailyO 31 May 17

How many lies by politicians will it take to know they’re not fighting corruption DailyO 31 May 17

The nation is aware, Lakshman had amply illustrated it in his cartoons, that finding an honest politician is akin to seeking a needle in the haystack. The needle may still be found, an honest politician unlikely. Politics is never the art of caring for the common human, but first of filling pockets, then possibly catering to the needs of the […]

Shifting to Unified Command system The Excelsior 17 May 17

Shifting to Unified Command system The Excelsior 17 May 17

A recent press statement suggested that within the military there appears to be a disagreement, in the establishment of Unified Commands. This flows from the views being projected by service HQs on the Shekatkar committee report, which had recommended establishing Unified Commands in the country. This is in sharp contrast to another recent event where the three service chiefs stood […]