Every time a local militant is killed, the valley breaks out in protests. The most violent and prolonged protest in recent times was after the elimination of Burhan Wani, a militant who was more a poster boy, avoiding clashes with security forces. He was eulogised by the separatists, with Geelani announcing that he would be honoured with the “Tangma-e-Azeemat” (medal […]
In recent times, there has been an intense debate on the legality of Article 35 A of the Indian constitution, specifically as it concerns J and K. This article empowers the state legislature to define ‘permanent residents’ of the state, their special rights and privileges. It was added to the constitution through a presidential order of 1954 with the concurrence […]
The writing has been on the wall for a long time, yet the government hesitates to act. Management of defence at the national level, desperately needs restructuring. The Ministry of Defence (MoD), in its present form is unsuitable for meeting the challenges of the twenty first century. It is the only MoD, amongst all international military powers, which is more […]
Pakistan is now facing pressure from all directions. Internally it continues in turmoil, as Nawaz Sharif, though out of power, remains a force to be reckoned with. His rallies would draw immense supporters as the nation has realized that the judgement passed by the supreme court has been biased and delivered at the bidding of the army. Internal policies prevent […]
Afghanistan has remained an enigma for the US from the moment it entered the country. It defeated the Taliban, formed a government, but has never been able to establish control. Its casualties continue to mount, even though it has reduced its role from fighting to training. It cannot walk away leaving the country to its fate, as the Russians did, […]
The NIA’s investigation into hawala transactions involving the separatists and their ilk has entered a decisive phase. A sting operation, in which their members openly boasted of unlimited flow of funds to disrupt normal life and deny children even basic educational facilities by burning schools, opened a Pandora’s box. The trail is now being connected and source of funds being […]
Eighteen years ago, India declared victory in Kargil, after it reclaimed the heights occupied by Pakistan. The men fought valiantly, braving odds which were stacked against them, led by junior leaders who were resolute and uncaring for their personal safety, solely focussed on their mission and backed by dedicated Commanding Officers, many of whom were at the forefront of the […]
May to Jul 1999, the Indian army fought its last major conflict with Pakistan, thrust down by Parvez Musharraf as its army chief. There is no doubt that we had let our guard down enabling Pak to infiltrate and establish positions at heights which most armies would think twice about recapturing. That was exactly Pak’s thoughts too and they were […]
The recent fratricide incident in the valley, where a jawan reprimanded by his superior officer for using a cell phone on duty, shot him fatally in anger, has been quoted in sections of the media as an example of junior leadership and man-management failure. This has been linked to reports that the army has over one hundred stress related suicides […]
Afghanistan as a nation has rarely witnessed peace. It has been engulfed in some form of conflict throughout its history. Its inter-tribal rivalry and within tribes, inter-clan rivalry has always been its bane. It continues unabated even in present times, when other problems like the Taliban and ISIS appear more overbearing. It is evident as the nation is compelled to […]