AN INDIAN ARMY PUBLICATION - April 2021
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
No. 04/2021 AN INDIAN ARMY PUBLICATION April 2021
BATTLE OF BURJ (06 DECEMBER 1971)
Sepoy Pandurang Salunkhe
Maha Vir Chakra
I
n October 1971, 15 MARATHA LI was 100 yards of Tur, the Infantry assaulted Tur Post
tasked to defend an important location in from the South and advanced towards Dhussi
general area NE of Amritsar. Four platoons Bund. During the assault, a grave threat arose
were sent as screens to Chhan Kalla, Vera, Tur due to effective enemy anti tank fire. Seeing
and Bhindi Aulakh. The gaps were filled up by the danger being caused to own tanks, Sepoy
the BSF platoons. Pandurang Salunkhe charged towards enemy
RL, and destroyed it. His action resulted in
On Night of 3/4 December, enemy’s elimination of threat to own tanks, but he
43 BALUCH attacked own BSF post ‘Burj’ succumbed to his injuries. Fierce hand to hand
and captured it. The platoon at Vera post was fighting ensued and bunkers had to be cleared
withdrawn to prevent any further progress physically. Startled by the unexpected attack,
by the enemy. Enemy however, continued to the enemy withdrew in sheer fear, leaving
build up for operations towards Bhindi Aulakh behind 52 dead bodies. Many enemy soldiers
which had two rifle companies and two BSF were drowned in Ravi River while withdrawing
platoons under Major Ranbir Singh, 2IC of the in haste. The Battalion also captured several
Battalion. At around 1230 Hr on 06 December, enemy weapons including 11 BMGs, one
the enemy attacked left flank of Bhindi Aulakh 75 mm RCL and a full truck load of ammunition
Post which was held by a platoon. Major Ranbir and other equipment.
Singh reinforced the platoon, which held on
the defensive position and engaged the enemy For the gallant act of valour and singular
effectively. Being pinned down, the enemy act of bravery, Sepoy Pandurang Salunkhe was
withdrew gradually. awarded the Maha Vir Chakra (Posthumous),
while Major Ranbir Singh was awarded Vir
Major Ranbir Singh then decided to attack Chakra for his outstanding leadership. For the
Tur Post with one rifle company including unit’s gallant participation in the 1971 War,
35 BSF men (of 23 BSF Battalion) and one 15 MARATHA LI was awarded with Battle
Armour Troop from 66 Armoured Regiment. Honour ‘Burj’ and Theatre Honour ‘Punjab’.
The Armour Troop assaulted Tur Post from
the East. After the tanks had gone upto
2 Baatcheet April 2021
April 2021
From the Editor’s Desk
S
outhern Command was raised on 01 April
1895 at Pune. During the Second World
War, it was designated as the Southern
Army and was shifted to Bengaluru. On 01 July
1946, it was re-designated as Southern Command
and reverted back to Pune. Lieutenant General
KS Rajendra Sinhji, was the first Indian General
Officer Commanding-in-Chief after India
attained freedom in 1947. Lieutenant General JS
Nain, is the 37th General Officer Commanding-
in-Chief, post- independence.
Southern Command has a unique area of Battle of Burj (06 December 1971)............................. 2
responsibility which includes the deserts, most of Chief’s Page................................................................ 4
Peninsular India and the Rann of Kutch including
In Focus...................................................................... 5
the Creek areas. It comprises of approximately 40%
of the Indian land mass, consisting of 11 States Snippets...................................................................6-7
and four Union Territories including an Island Southern Command ‘Saga’ of Courage,
territory. It covers approximately 1240 kilometres Valour & Wisdom.....................................................8-9
of the International Border with Pakistan which
includes more than 100 kilometres of Sindh- Jammu & Kashmir Diary........................................... 10
Kutch Border. North East Diary........................................................ 11
Southern Command is the oldest Field Army Communique............................................................. 12
of the Nation and has a distinct saga of valour, Welfare and Empowerment....................................... 13
victory and sacrifice.
Training..................................................................... 14
Sports & Adventure .................................................. 15
Ceremonial Events ................................................... 16
CONTACT FOR QUERIES
Publisher : Additional Directorate General of Strategic
Communication, IHQ of MoD (Army)
Office : B-30, South Block, New Delhi - 110011
Tele : Off - 23018665, 33332/33249
Indian Army Website : www.indianarmy.nic.in or
www.indianarmy.gov.in
Facebook : www.facebook.com/indianarmy.adgpi
Twitter : www.twitter.com/adgpi
Editor Baatcheet Email : editorbaatcheet@gmail.com
ADG Strat Comn : adg-adgpi@nic.in
Brig PI : ddg-adgpi@nic.in
Colonel IO : dirioadgpi@gmail.com
Colonel Media : dir4media@gmail.com
Colonel Social Media : socialmedia.adgpi@gmail.com
Webmaster IA : webmaster.indianarmy@nic.in
Contact No : 011-23018665, 33249 (ASCON)
Printer : Xtreme Office Aids (Pvt.) Ltd, N D-46
Ph : 011-45627583
Baatcheet April 2021 3
We request our readers to send good quality, high resolution photographs for cover page of Baatcheet.
CHIEF’S PAGE General MM Naravane, COAS visited Mhow on 10 March 2021. At Army War College, he addressed the faculty & student officers attending JOCAP on the aspects of Military Strategy, Joint Planning & Joint Operations and emphasised on professional excellence through creative learning. At Infantry School, the COAS interacted with the faculty & student officers attending various courses and impressed upon the faculty to further align the training curriculum with contours of future conflicts. The COAS visited Rura Village in Sitapur District, Uttar Pradesh on 19 March 2021 to pay homage and dedicate the memorial of Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey, PVC. Family members of the PVC awardee, senior government officials and ex-servicemen were also present during the occasion. Later, the COAS visited HQ Central Command in Lucknow and was briefed by the GOC-in-C on the state of operational preparedness of the Central Army. Retiring Officers’ Seminar for officers superannuating The COAS had a telephonic interaction with General on 31 March was conducted at New Delhi on 23 March Nam Yeong Shin, Chief of Staff of Republic of Korea on 2021. The COAS commended all retiring officers for their 18 March 2021 and discussed issues of bilateral defence service to the Nation and bid them adieu. cooperation. 4 Baatcheet April 2021
In focus
EXERCISE VAJRA PRAHAR 2021
The 11th edition of Indo-US joint special forces ‘Exercise Vajra Prahar 2021’ was conducted at Special
Forces Training School located at Bakloh, in Himachal Pradesh. The exercise was aimed at improving
interoperability between the special forces of the two countries, which shared best practices and
experiences in areas such as joint mission planning and operational tactics. Bilateral military exercises
and defence exchanges are an important facet of deepening bilateral defence cooperation between the
two countries.
EXERCISE 'DUSTLIK II'
Second edition of annual India – Uzbekistan joint military exercise ‘DUSTLIK II’ was conducted at
Foreign Training Node Chaubatia, Ranikhet (Uttarakhand) from 10 March to 19 March 2021. The first
edition of the exercise was held at Uzbekistan in November 2019. 45 Soldiers each from Uzbekistan and
Indian Army participated in the exercise. Both contingents shared their expertise and skills in the field
of counter terrorist operations in mountainous/rural/urban scenario under UN mandate. The exercise
culminated with a 36 hours joint validation exercise on 17-18 March 2021. This joint exercise provided
impetus to the ever growing military and diplomatic ties between the two Nations and also reflects their
strong resolve to counter terrorism.
Baatcheet April 2021 5
snippets
Cultural programme to commemorate 50 years of victory of Indian Armed Forces in 1971 War was organised at Police
Parade Ground in Tirupati. GOC Dakshin Bharat Area handed over the Swarnim Vijay Mashaal to the CM of Andhra
Pradesh. The CM felicitated the veterans during the event and announced 10 times increase in monetary benefits for
gallantry awardees from the state to honour the bravehearts.
Lieutenant General CP Mohanty, VCOAS visited Bengal 9 DOGRA Infantry Battalion Group ‘INDBATT-XXI’
Engineer Group & Centre at Roorkee on 11 March 2021. has been awarded the coveted ‘Head of Mission &
He interacted with Afghan National Army personnel Force Commander Unit Appreciation’ for its significant
undergoing Field Engineering training at the Centre. contribution in maintaining peace & stability in South
Lebanon.
GOC-in-C South Western Command visited Ranbankura Airawat Division organised awareness drive on 22 March
Division on 15 March 2021 to review operational 2021 for water conservation, rain water harvesting, reuse
preparedness. He lauded the Formation for high level of water and intensive afforestation. The drive created
of professionalism displayed in ‘Exercise Yudh Abhyas’ awareness and gave impetus to the ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’.
and exhorted all ranks to be ready for emerging security
challenges.
6 Baatcheet April 2021
snippets
Central Command Investiture Ceremony was held at Jabalpur on 27 February 2021. GOC-in-C, Central Command
presented gallantry & distinguished awards to 31 personnel including two Next of Kin of posthumous gallantry award
winners and 15 units of Central Command for their meritorious & outstanding performance. The Army Commander
congratulated the awardees & recipients of unit citations and exhorted all ranks to emulate the awardees.
Lieutenant General CP Mohanty, VCOAS interacted CDM Secunderabad, conducted a webinar on
with Colonel Kadirjon Abdipattaevich Tursunov, ‘Transformation: Imperatives for the Indian Armed
Deputy Minister of Defence of Republic of Uzbekistan Forces’. During Keynote address, the CDS emphasised
for combat training & discussed aspects of bilateral that India is facing a complex security environment,
defence cooperation. which dictates enhancement of military capabilities &
requires addressing voids in National war-fighting ability.
Spear Corps constructed a community football field, for Amogh Division organised a 'Victory Run' for all ranks
nurturing sports talent of locals at New Makhan village and families of Sriganganagar Military Station on
in Manipur. The ground was inaugurated on 21 March 14 March 2021, to honour the bravehearts of 1971 War.
2021 by GOC Red Shield Division in presence of Dr Enthralling martial music by Army Band added zest to
Lorho S Pfozhe, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha. the event.
Baatcheet April 2021 7
SOUTHERN COMMAND ‘SAGA’ OF
History
Southern Command was raised on 01 April 1895 at Pune and
has participated in almost all major operations conducted by
the country which includes:-
• Operation Polo – Integration of Hyderabad in 1948.
• Operation Vijay - Liberation of Goa in 1961.
• Indo-Pak Wars of 1965 & 1971.
• Operation Pawan from 1987 - 1990.
• Operation Cactus -1988
• Operation Vijay in 1999.
• Operation Parakram in 2001 – 02.
Ex AMPHEX 21. 91 Infantry Brigade participated in the exercise
comprising of ship familiarisation, dry/wet shod training and
validation of combat cargo loading at Vizag, followed by the main
tactical beaching exercise at Andaman and Nicobar Islands. OAMP
validation was also carried out by C-17s of the IAF. The exercise has
enhanced the synergy between the three Services with respect to
conduct of amphibious operations.
Ex Jalprahar- 2020. The exercise was conducted at Kakinada Beach
to train a Company Group in all facets of amphibious operations
& enhance inter-operability at functional level. Joint training with
IN was highly valuable in terms of learning & retaining skills, battle
procedures & essential drills. Capacity Building and National
Integration Tour (Operation
Sadbhavna). Anantnag Women’s
Cricket team from Kashmir visited
Southern Command AoR from 04
to 15 February 2021 promoting
sports and enhancing interaction
between the population from
borders areas and the mainland of
the Country.
8 Baatcheet April 2021
F COURAGE, VALOUR & WISDOM
Combined Commander’s Conference (CCC). Hon’ble
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired the CCC at
Kevadia, in Gujarat with the Defence Minister, National
Security Advisor, Chief of Defence Staff and the three
Services Chiefs in attendance. Multiple Vivechna &
Manthan deliberation sessions with senior Commanders,
selected officers, JCOs and other ranks of the Armed
Forces were undertaken focusing on the ongoing
modernisation of Armed Forces and infusion of modern
technologies.
Flood Relief Operations. Flood
Relief Operations in Maharashtra,
Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu
and Puducherry in August 2020
were carried out. Medical aid
and distribution of relief material
were also undertaken during the
Operations.
Southern Command Investiture Ceremony
2021, Jodhpur. GOC-in-C, Southern Command
felicitated 43 Army persons including a Next
of Kin and 22 units of Southern Command
on 12 February 2021. The Army Commander
congratulated the awardees and recipients of unit
citations and exhorted all ranks to emulate the
awardees and give their best to make the nation
proud of its Army.
Prime Minister Celebrated Diwali with Army Soldiers. The PM
visited Longewala in Jaisalmer to celebrate Diwali with Indian Army
soldiers. PM took a ride on Arjun tank during his visit to Longewala
Inauguration of New Command post and laid a wreath at the war memorial.
Hospital Pune. The COAS visited
HQ Southern Command from 07
to 09 January 2021 and inaugurated
the new Command Hospital
building at Pune and witnessed
the Research and Development
initiatives undertaken by Bharat
Forge and the Armament (ARDE),
towards modernising the Indian
Armed Forces.
Baatcheet April 2021 9
Jammu and Kashmir diary
Chinar Corps organised ‘Rasool Mir Fest 2021’ in Doru, GOC-in-C Northern Command accompanied by GOC
Anantnag to celebrate the renowned poet of Kashmir Chinar Corps reviewed the security situation in Kashmir
‘RASOOL MIR’ who changed the dynamics for Kashmiri on 20 March 2021. He visited Aishmuqam to review
culture & Kashmiriyat. The event witnessed more than preparations for Amarnath Yatra and also paid obeisance
1000 locals from all over the Kashmir Valley. at holy shrine of Ziyarat Sharief, Aishmuqam.
HQ Northern Command signed an MoU with IIT First of its kind in North Kashmir, Community Radio
Jammu on 05 March 2021. It will leverage academic Station ‘Radio Chinar 90.4, Har Dil Ki Dhadkan’ was
& technological prowess of IIT Jammu and domain inaugurated by GOC Chinar Corps, in presence of
expertise of Northern Command in development of various Army & civil dignitaries, on 04 March 2021 at
high tech & innovative solutions to weapon systems & Mazbug, Sopore.
equipment needs of Army.
White Knight Corps organised ‘Waadi-E-Marwah On World Hearing Day, White Knight Corps distributed
Volleyball League’ at Navapachchi in Kishtwar district. 200 hearing aids to hearing impaired persons in Mendhar,
16 Teams comprising 175 youth from Marwah valley primarily to Gujjars and Bakarwals. The camp was one
participated in the league. of the first in the region to be exclusively focused on
‘Hearing Impairment Relief ’.
10 Baatcheet April 2021NORTH EAST DIARY
Gajraj Corps organised an ‘Inter-School Lecturette Trishakti Corps organised a veterans rally at Bengdubi.
Competition’ on climate change at Jawahar Navodaya GOC-in-C Eastern Command interacted with veterans
Vidyalaya, Kalaigaon (Assam). Aspects related to traffic including from nearby districts of Nepal. He lauded the
rules & waste management were also covered during the veterans for their significant contribution and sacrifices in
event. service of the Nation.
Eastern Command assisted 29 tourists stranded at Dimapur Battalion of Assam Rifles organised Weapon
Lukrep in Sikkim due to skidding of vehicles and Display and interactive session for NCC Cadets on
accident. Accommodation, food and medical support 06 Mar 2021. Advanced weapons showcased during the
was provided to these tourists on 02 and 04 March 2021 display immensely encouraged the cadets. 171 NCC
respectively. Cadets from Nagaland witnessed the weapon display.
Operational Group meeting chaired by GOC Gajraj NH 310 in East Sikkim was blocked near Milestone 16
Corps was held at Narangi Cantt on 06 March 2021. due to a massive landslide on 25 March 2021. Black Cat
The meeting was attended by senior functionaries of Division Sappers along with a team of BRO removed the
State Administration, Security Agencies and Army, to huge boulders using explosives & specialised equipment
review security situation in entire North East & Assam and cleared the highway despite inclement weather.
in particular.
Baatcheet April 2021 11Communique
IMPORTANT UPDATES
ANNUAL RENEWAL OF CSD CARDS BY EX SERVICEMEN
• The Canteen Services Directorate has issued instructions with regard to the annual renewal of CSD
Smart Cards.
• Procedure. Ex Serviceman to come in person for the Card renewal. Copy of PPO/Discharge Book/
Discharge Certificate/Service Particulars Booklet be produced.
• Note: The Annual Renewal can be done from the nearest URC. PAN and Aadhar Cards need to be
carried.
MOU SIGNED BETWEEN DIAV AND MRS VEENA NAYYAR TO SUPPORT
FAMILIES OF SERVICEMEN DECEASED IN THE LINE OF DUTY
• Directorate of Indian Army Veterans (DIAV) and Mrs Veena Nayyar, wife of Late Vice Admiral KK
Nayyar, former Vice Chief of Naval Staff signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to pledge
Rs Two Crores for welfare schemes run by the Army, Navy and Air Force.
• Mrs Veena Nayyar presented a Cheque of Rs 2 Crores to three Services which was received by
Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff, Gen MM Naravane, Chief of the Army Staff and
Air Marshal VPS Rana, Air Officer in Charge of Administration at Army Headquarters, New Delhi.
• The MoU will facilitate various welfare schemes instituted for Next of Kin of service personnel died
in harness. The welfare schemes include Education Scholarships & Computer Grant for wards &
widows of deceased service personnel, Grant for Higher Education of widows and Marriage grant
for widows & daughters.
12 Baatcheet April 2021welfare and empowerment
On 08 March 2021, Womens’ Day was celebrated at Rising Star Corps organised a seminar on ‘Corps
Chandimandir wherein experts from various fields Augmented Wellness Support’ at Pathankot to ensure
delivered talk on women health, domestic & other stress free & serene environment for personnel & families
challenges during the pandemic. Initiatives by women and to suggest timely remedial measures. Panelists
who have excelled in diverse spheres of life were also included Counsellors, Psychiatrists & Scientists from
showcased. DIPR.
Paying tribute to the heroic acts of the great tribal leader, Assam Rifles celebrated International Women’s Day on
8 BIHAR unveiled the statue of Vir Birsa Munda at 08 March 2021 at Mokokchung, Nagaland. Representatives
Sevoke Road Military Station. Lance Naik Karamdeo from diverse fields of various Self Help Groups shared
Oraon, Shaurya Chakra (retired) inaugurated the statue. their stories, experiences and expectations, to motivate
women to strive for their rightful place in the society.
PRATIBIMB – an exhibition showcasing artistic and entrepreneurial endeavors of talented members of Army Wives
Welfare Association was organised at Pacific Mall, Tagore Garden and DLF Promenade Mall, Vasant Kunj in Delhi from
05 to 08 March 2021. The handcrafted artwork displayed the vivid colours of nature and was very well appreciated by
all the entrepreneurs, which worked as a platform to interact with other artists also.
Baatcheet April 2021 13TRAINING
Attestation cum Passing out Parade of 298 Recruits of Nine Army Aviation pilots graduated from Instructor's
Kumaon Regimental Centre at Ranikhet, was reviewed Course at Combat Army Aviation Training School,
by the Centre Commandant. The young soldiers took Nashik. The instructor badges were awarded by the
oath to guard the Nation even at the peril of their lives. Commandant, Combat Army Aviation School.
110 young Sappers passed out from Bengal Engineer After rigorous training, 409 soldiers passed out from
Group & Centre, Roorkee on 20 March 2021. The Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry Regimental Centre,
Commandant reviewed the parade and appreciated the Srinagar on 20 March 2021. The parade was reviewed by
passing out Sappers and instructor staff for the excellent the Commandant OTA Chennai, who complimented the
drill during the parade. young Soldiers & impressed upon the basics of soldiering
& loyalty towards the Nation.
Exercise ‘Silver Strike’, an integrated firing & manoeuvre exercise conducted by White Tiger Division was witnessed
by GOC-in-C Southern Command and GOC Sudarshan Chakra Corps at Babina Field Firing Ranges on 12 March
2021. The firing exercise showcased the integrated application of surveillance, manoeuvre and fire power resources of
Armoured, Mechanised Infantry, Artillery, Air Defence & Aviation assets for destruction of targets.
14 Baatcheet April 2021SPORTS & ADVENTURE
Naib Subedar Avinash Sable created a new national record Subedar Neeraj Chopra of Rajputana Rifles created a
in men’s 3000m steeplechase to win the Gold Medal on new meet record (87.80 m) and won Gold Medal at ‘24th
17 March 2021, at ‘24th National Federation Cup Senior National Federation Cup Senior Athletics Championship’
Athletics Championship’ held in Patiala. held in Patiala.
Subedar Manish Kaushik of ASI Pune won a Gold National Tent Pegging Championship was conducted at
Medal in 63 kg category at 35th Boxam International Gautam Budh University, Noida on 03-04 March 2021.
Boxing Tournament Spain, while Subedar Mohammed 61 Cavalry team won two Gold Medals in the team event,
Hussamuddin won a Silver Medal in 57 kg category. while Sowar Ganesh won a Gold medal in Lance Tent
Pegging and Lance Daffadar Ahsan Khan won a Silver
medal in Lemon & Peg Tent Pegging.
Inaugural events for commemoration of 75th anniversary of India’s Independence as ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’
commenced on 12 March 2021. As part of these events, Indian Army organised Victory Runs for serving personnel
and veterans at Trivandrum, Jabalpur, Yol, Guwahati, Jalandhar and Chandimandir. Patriotic songs and martial tune
played by the military bands added to the celebratory mood.
Baatcheet April 2021 15Ceremonial Events
Konark Corps celebrated its 34th Raising day
on 26 February 2021. GOC Konark Corps laid
a commemorative wreath at the Konark War
Memorial, to honour the bravehearts and war heroes
who have laid down their lives for the Nation. The
Corps which came into existence on 26 February
1987, is responsible for protection of the Desert
Sector falling in Rajasthan and Gujarat. It has also
provided humanitarian assistance to the civilians and
local authorities in times of natural calamities and
disasters.
Vajra Corps was the first Army Corps raised post
independence, on 01 March 1950. 71st Raising Day
of the Corps was celebrated at Jalandhar Cantt on
01 March 2021, wherein, GOC Vajra Corps laid a
wreath and paid homage to the fallen soldiers at
Vajra Shaurya Sthal. The Corps has proved its mettle
on the Western Front and has witnessed some of the
fiercest battles in history during the 1965 & 1971
Wars. From the graveyard of Patton tanks at Khem
Karan to the capture of Barki and Dograi, numerous
acts of individual and collective bravery, gallant
sacrifices and inspiring leadership have ensured that
Vajra Corps played a pivotal role in shaping history
of the Nation.
Lieutenant General DP Pandey took over as the GOC
of coveted Chinar Corps from Lieutenant General
B S Raju on 17 March 2021. On assuming command,
he conveyed his best wishes to the Kashmiri awaam.
He reassured his commitment to closely work with
various instruments of State and civil society to
pursue peace in Kashmir. He urged civil society to
work jointly with Security Forces to address scourge
of terrorism in the Kashmir Valley.
Golden Arrow Division paid rich tributes to
the brave sons of India; Bhagat Singh, Rajguru
& Sukhdev at the ‘National Martyrs Memorial’
in Hussainiwala, Punjab on 23 March 2021.
Tribute was paid by the GOC and other officials
to honour the freedom fighters, who inspired the
Nation to fight for its independence. The event
was also streamed live on YouTube to inspire all
ranks and their families.
Next Edition of Baatcheet will cover the theme ‘Central Command Special’.
16 Baatcheet April 2021You can also read
