Indian Army finds mortal remains of missing soldier after 38 years

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August 16, 2022

northen commond — Northern Army Commander, Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi and all ranks salute LNk (Late) Chander Shekhar
(Photo: Twitter Northern Command)

The Northern Command of the Indian Army on Monday said that they have recovered the mortal remains of a soldier who went missing during an Army operation in Siachen in 1984.

The Indian Army said that Lance Naik Late Chander Sekhar had been missing since 29 May 1984 in Siachen.

“A patrol of the Indian Army recovered the mortal remains of LNk (Late) Chander Shekhar who was missing since 29 May 1984 while deployed at Glacier due to an Avalanche,” Northern Command of Indian Army said in a tweet.

The Indian Army said that a late soldier was identified with the help of the identification disk bearing his Army number.

“LNk (Late) Chander Shekhar was identified with the help of the identification disk bearing his Army number which was entangled along with the mortal remains,” it said, adding that further details were recovered from official Army records.

According to the Indian Army’s records, a Late soldier had been deployed for Operation Meghdoot at Gyongla Glacier in 1984.

“The Northern Army Commander, Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi and all ranks salute LNk (Late) Chander Shekhar who made the supreme sacrifice while being deployed for Operation Meghdoot at Gyongla Glacier in 1984; mortal remains will be handed over to the family shortly,” it added.

‘Operation Meghdoot’, the code-name for an Indian Armed Forces operation, was launched 38 years on April 13.

Launched in 1984 to capture the Siachen Glacier in Jammu and Kashmir, precipitating the Siachen conflict, this military operation was unique as the first assault was launched at the world’s highest battlefield.The military action resulted in Indian troops gaining control of the entire Siachen Glacier.

The Siachen Glacier is the highest battleground on earth, where India and Pakistan have fought intermittently since 1984. Both countries maintain a permanent military presence in the region at a height of over 6,000 metres (20,000 ft).

More than 2,000 soldiers have died in this inhospitable terrain, mostly due to weather extremes and the natural hazards of mountain warfare.

Seven People arrested in Delhi for posing Mumbai police officers and robbing wellness centre

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PTI

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August 15, 2022

Seven people were arrested for allegedly posing as officers of Mumbai Police and robbing a wellness centre here after getting inspired by Bollywood flick ‘Special 26’, officials said on Sunday.

The accused were arrested from Delhi, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh, they said. The police said the incident took place Wednesday afternoon when four people, including a woman, entered the centre’s office at Netaji Subash Place Complex here after posing as Mumbai Police officers.

On the pretext of conducting a raid, which went on five hours, they robbed Rs 5-7 lakh, police said.

The victim was threatened at gunpoint and had to call his wife who then took out Rs 5 lakh that was collected by the female accused, police said Apart from cash, the accused also fled with a laptop, 10 phones and bank documents of the victim, police said.

“We registered a case and started looking for the accused. Initial investigation revealed that the accused were accompanied by a group of people who stood guard outside the office.

“They kept roaming outside at the time but didn’t enter. We started looking for them. Based on technical surveillance and local enquiry, one of them was identified and arrested,” said Usha Rangnani, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northwest).

The arrested accused, Prashant Kumar Patil (29), revealed that he and his six associates committed the crime. Based on his questioning, two women — Jyoti (30) and Neha (22), were arrested from Rohini, she said.

Other two accused, Jahid Khan and Sanjay Manocha, were arrested from Mewat while two others, Faisal and Imran, were arrested from Madhya Pradesh, she added. “Seven out of eight accused involved were arrested and they revealed that they were inspired by the Bollywood movie ‘Special 26’.

“Faisal, Imran, Neha and Majid had entered the office while others stood guard. Prashant and Jahid knew the complainant so they stood outside,” the DCP said.

The police said Prashant had a central government job but he was suspended after a case was registered against him by the Bhopal Crime Branch over allegations of sanctioning loans to fake companies.

“Prashant was lodged in Bhopal Jail where he met co-accused Majid who was lodged there in a cheating case. They made the plan to rob the victim in Delhi. Neha is a computer expert and made the fake police IDs and documents, the DCP said. The police recovered part of the robbed cash, phones and the laptop along with fake Mumbai Police IDs.

‘Look inwards and on BJP’s attitude towards women’, says Opposition on “Nari Shakti” remark

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PTI

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August 15, 2022

Opposition parties on Monday called out Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he hailed ‘nari shakti’ in his Independence Day speech, asking him to look inwards and on his party’s attitude towards women.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Modi urged people to pledge not to do anything that lowers the dignity of women, saying a mentality to insult them in speech and behaviour has crept in.

TMC MP Derek O’ Brien took a swipe at Modi and reminded of the “Didi o Didi” comment made by him on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during an election rally in the state.

“Let’s pledge to wipe out misogyny’ said Prime Minister @narendramodi today. Completely agree, Sir. Should we start with you, leading by example,” wrote O’Brien on Twitter, attaching a video of the PM making the reference to Banerjee in his speech. CPI general secretary D Raja too urged the PM to examine the attitude of his own party men with regards to women.

“It is not just about women. All humans should be treated with respect in society. This is not happening because the mindset is being controlled by a party which believes in the Manusmriti, patriarchy and caste system. This government has the numbers in both the Houses of Parliament, yet they have not passed the women reservation bill. “His speech is mere rhetoric and there is no serious commitment whether towards women or towards the socially backward,” said Raja, who also raised incidents against women and the Dalits where the PM has chosen to remain silent.

Shiv Sena leader and Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said that Modi’s words did not match the actions on the ground. “If we look at Maharashtra not having any woman in cabinet with even the women and child portfolios being handed by male ministers. Even the labour force participation is rapidly decreasing and the government is not able to address them,” she said.

“There is also the matter of 33 per cent reservation being championed by the BJP, and despite having a full majority, it has not been implemented. So, those are the issues that we are looking at in 25 years from now. We also have to look at how policies have impacted the women on ground,” Chaturvedi said.

She also referred to the ‘Sulli and Bulli deals’ incident in which women were berated and ‘auctioned’ on social media.

2 soldiers were injured in encounter with militants in Nagalan

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PTI

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August 15, 2022

army representative 1 — Image: Representative Image

At least two jawans of the Assam Rifles were injured in a gunfight with militants of NSCN-K (Yung Aung) in Nagaland’s Mon district in the early hours of Monday, officials said.

The incident happened around 2.35 am in Nyasa village in Phomching area of the district along the inter-state boundary with Arunachal Pradesh, they said.

In wake of heightened security in the run-up to Independence Day, troops of the Assam Rifles were proactively dominating the sensitive areas with a deployment posture designed to thwart any unwarranted attempt by the insurgent groups to disrupt peace in the region, the force said in a statement.

Acting on a tip-off about the movement of militants, the troops laid multiple ambushes to dominate the area, it added.

Around 2.35 am, the alert personnel noticed suspicious movement on a jungle track between Zankham to Nyasa, the Assam Rifles said.

On being intercepted, the militants opened fire, which was appropriately retaliated, causing severe casualties in the militant group, it said.

Two Assam Rifles’ jawans sustained injuries and were evacuated to the Jorhat Air Force Hospital for further treatment, it said.

They were evacuated with the help of local villagers, who have provided all the support to the security forces, the force claimed. Search operations in the area is underway, it said.

Mon’s Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Verma told to the agency that the administration is yet to receive any report of casualties on the other side. The situation is now normal and the Independence Day celebrations have been peaceful, he said.

The Yung Aung faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) has Nagas mostly from Myanmar, and the group is active in some eastern districts of Arunachal Pradesh.

UK PM Borris Johnson talks about strengthening ties with India

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PTI

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August 15, 2022

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday congratulated the people of India on 75 years of independence and highlighted the thriving Living Bridge between the two countries. “Congratulations to the people of India on 75 years of independence.

During my recent visit to Gujarat and New Delhi I saw for myself the thriving Living Bridge between our countries. I look forward to seeing these bonds go from strength to strength in the next 75 years,” tweeted Johnson.

Wishes are pouring in for India on the occasion of its Independence Day.

Congratulating India on the occasion, US President Joe Biden said that he was confident that the two largest democracies of the world (India and US) will stand together to defend rules-based order, and advance a free and open Indo-Pacific.

“I am confident that in the years ahead our two democracies will continue to stand together to defend rules-based order; foster greater peace, prosperity and security for our people, advance a free & open Indo-Pacific and together address challenges we face around the world,” Biden said in a statement.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday (local time) wished India on its 75th Independence Day and lauded its achievements. Wishing all those marking India’s Independence Day a wonderful celebration, Albanese said in a statement, “All Australians applaud India’s successes and the many achievements that define this great country and its people.

We also give thanks for the contribution of our Indian-Australian community to our society, to our culture, to our country, and to the links between our nations.” French President Emmanuel Macron also extended his wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion.

“Dear friend @NarendraModi, dear people of India, congratulations on your Independence Day! As you proudly celebrate India’s stunning achievements in the past 75 years, you can count on France to always stand by your side,” tweeted Macron.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had, on March 12, 2021, launched the “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of independence that started a 75-week countdown to the anniversary of independence.

This Mahotsav is dedicated to the people of India who have not only been instrumental in bringing India thus far in its evolutionary journey but also hold within them the power and potential to enable Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of activating India 2.0, fuelled by the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Several events have been held over the last 75 weeks to celebrate the 75 years of India’s independence.

While addressing the nation for the ninth time today from the Red Fort on the occasion of Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the youth to dedicate the next 25 years of their lives to the development of the nation and highlighted five resolves to accomplish the same.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor states “MLA K T Jaleel should apologise to the nation”

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PTI

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August 15, 2022

Senior Congress leader and Lok Sabha member Shashi Tharoor on Monday said that ruling LDF MLA K T Jaleel should not just ”grudgingly withdraw” his controversial remarks, but also apologise to the nation ”forthwith”.

Taking to Twitter, Tharoor said that an MLA who has sworn an oath on the Constitution ”has no business” making such ”anti-national” remarks.

”On the @ktjaleel controversy, I do believe that an MLA who has sworn an oath on the Constitution has no business using anti-national terms like ”Azad Kashmir” & ”Indian-Occupied Kashmir”. He should not just grudgingly withdraw these terms but apologise to the nation forthwith,” the Congress leader tweeted.

On Sunday, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan had termed as ”very unfortunate” and ”totally unacceptable” the recent controversial remarks on Kashmir made on social media by Jaleel.

The ruling CPI(M) has distanced itself from the former minister’s remarks, saying they were not the party’s view.

After his remarks kicked up a row, Jaleel withdrew his statement and at the same time claimed that the same was misinterpreted.

Union Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan, reacting to the incident, had said that the Kerala government should not think that making Jaleel withdraw his comments was the end of the matter.

He had said the BJP will take the issue forward till a permanent solution was found.

Meanwhile, a complaint has been made at the Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) state secretary N C T Sreehari seeking strict action against the MLA for his remarks.

In his social media post on August 12, the Kerala MLA had said, ”The part of Kashmir annexed to Pakistan was known as ‘Azad Kashmir’ and it was an area where the Pakistan government does not have direct control.” Jaleel, who was a minister in the previous CPI(M)-led LDF government, had also said ”Indian adheena Jammu and Kashmir” consists of parts of Jammu, Kashmir Valley and Ladakh.” The comments had invited severe criticism from several people, especially BJP leaders.

Telangana Chief Minister states alleges NDA government is hurting federal values

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PTI

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August 15, 2022

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Monday launched a broadside against the NDA government at the Centre, alleging that it is hurting federal values, weakening the states financially and also centralising powers.

In his Independence Day address after hoisting the national flag at the historic Golconda Fort here, he said the makers of the nation’s Constitution put in place a federal structure as they wanted the Centre and states together to lead the march of progress.

“The present Central government in Delhi is hurting federal values. The Centre is indulging in conspiracies that weaken the states financially, as if cutting the branch on which one is seated,” he said.

Rao, also known as KCR, alleged that the states are supposed to get 41 per cent share in revenue accruing through taxes collected by the Centre, but the Central government is acquiring income indirectly by imposing cess instead of taxes to reduce the states’ share.

Through this, the Centre is reducing the states’ share of income by 11.4 per cent in 2022-23, he said.

The Centre is causing injustice to the states by providing only 29.6 per cent share where 41 per cent should have been provided, he said.

As if that is not enough, the Centre is also imposing various restrictions hurting the freedom of the states in the economy, he charged.

The Central government which talks about the ideals of cooperative federalism is, in reality, indulging in centralisation of powers, he claimed.

The Centre is thrusting upon states decisions taken on issues in the concurrent list without consultation, he alleged citing the examples of farm laws which have now been withdrawn.

Rao hit out at the present NDA regime for allegedly trying to portray farmers protesting in Delhi against farm laws as betrayers of the nation. The Prime Minister had to finally apologise to farmers, he claimed.

The Centre is imposing enormous burden on poor and middle classes by imposing taxes on various products, including milk and construction of graveyards, he charged.

Wading into the row over freebies, the Chief Minister said, “People’s welfare is the primary responsibility of the governments. It is blame-worthy that the Centre, without properly fulfilling that responsibility, is insulting by calling welfare schemes as freebies,” Rao said.

He alleged that, due to the shortcomings in the Centre’s management, the country’s economic growth slowed down, inflation is rising, value of rupee is declining and unemployment growing in the country.

Those in power at the Centre, to hide their failures, are indulging in tactics of dividing people with hate politics, he further alleged.

Highlighting the nation’s unity in diversity, he claimed that “those in constitutional posts are indulging in fascist attacks” to hurt India’s peaceful coexistence.

Rao further claimed that destructive forces are trying to foment communal trouble in Telangana and to hurt peace and development.

He said it is the responsibility of every Telangana citizen to safeguard the ‘Ganga Jamuna tehzeeb’ (fusion of Hindu-Muslim cultures) in the state.

Referring to criticism of his government taking heavy debt, he said the state’s debt was over Rs 2.25 lakh crore in 2019-20. Telangana inherited a debt of Rs 75,577 crore in 2014 when the state was formed. The debt taken by the state government was thus Rs 1.49 lakh crore which was used to build projects and provision of infrastructure, he said.

Rao, who highlighted numerous welfare schemes and progress achieved in Telangana during the last eight years of his rule, said the state’s revenue was Rs 62,000 crore in 2014-15 which rose to Rs 1.84 lakh crore by 2021.

Telangana emerged as a mighty economic powerhouse in a short period of eight years, he said.

Manoj Sinha aim to makes J&K corruption and illegal drugs free

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ANI

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August 15, 2022

With India celebrating its 76th Independence Day, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to take a pledge to make the Union Territory Nasha-Mukt (free of drugs), Bhrashtachar-Mukt (corruption free) and Rojgaar-Yukt (employable).

“Jammu and Kashmir is on the move. I call upon every section of the society to make their valuable contribution to a happy, peaceful and prosperous Union Territory. On this Independence Day, let us take a pledge to make Jammu and Kashmir Nasha-Mukt, Bhrashtachar-Mukt and Rojgaar-Yukt,” he said while addressing the people of Jammu and Kashmir today.

Sinha said that the administration has decided that August 5 will be celebrated as Freedom from Corruption day every year in Jammu and Kashmir and continuous drives against corruption will be done throughout the year.

“Three years back, PM Modi lit a lamp of modern economic and social development in Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir administrations achieved notable achievements. Despite various challenges, we completed 50,726 projects in last financial year with a five-time speed,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor said that in the new Jammu and Kashmir, the base of the 21st century for realising the dreams and hopes of the youth is being prepared. Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the nation for the ninth time from the ramparts of the Red Fort in Delhi on the occasion of Independence Day, said that India is the “mother of democracy” and everyone is working towards empowering every Indian at every corner of the nation.

Addressing the nation today on this historic day, PM Modi said, “India is the mother of democracy. India has proved that it has a precious ability and faced many challenges during its journey of 75 years.”

The Prime Minister recalled the philosophies of the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. “Based on the philosophy of Gandhi ji, we are working towards empowering every Indian at every corner of the nation … be it Dalit, women, farmers, Divyang … from north to south, east to west,” said PM Modi.

“An aspirational society is important for any nation. Today, we are proud that these aspirations are present in every household in India. Every citizen is enthusiastic and works with progress for the progress of New India. This Amrit Kaal is providing us with a golden opportunity to fulfill the dreams and goals of this aspirational society,” said the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister said that despite challenges faced post-Independence, nothing could hamper the zeal of Indian citizens. “This soil has power. Despite many challenges, India did not stop, did not bow down and kept moving forward,” PM Modi said.

Speaking at the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Indians must work towards a developed country and remove any vestiges of colonialism. He added that Indians must also retain their roots while ensuring unity in diversity. PM Modi said that citizens must also carry out their duties.

In view of the 75th Independence Day celebrations, a multi-layered security cover along with Facial Recognition System cameras have been installed at each entry/exit point at Red Fort in the national capital where Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on August 15, Delhi police said on Sunday.

PM Modi states ” Transparency should be brought to gain success in sports arena”

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ANI

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August 15, 2022

Narendra Modi, Prime minister — Image: PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India has come a long way on the front of transparency in the national selection of athletes and that has been key to the country’s success at multi-sporting events.

Modi said nepotism’s negative influence was not just restricted to politics but the menace, at one time, also affected the sporting arena. ”Just like Bhai-Bhatijawaad (nepotism) in politics, there was a lack of transparency in the selection of players for sports competitions.

This was a huge factor due to which our players’ talent was wasted,” Modi said while addressing the nation on the country’s 76th Independence Day.

”They used to struggle all their lives against such difficulties. But the situation has changed now and players are touching the sky. The shine of gold and silver medals is boosting the confidence of our youngsters.

”This is just the beginning because India will neither get tired nor stop here. Days are not far when we will win several gold medals,” Modi added.

In last year’s Tokyo Olympics, India signed off with a record of seven medals (1 gold, 2 silver, 4 bronze) and then followed that performance with 61 medals, including 22 gold at the just-concluded Birmingham CWG.

Modi has been consistent in meeting and interacting with sports persons before and after the big-ticket events. He had hosted the Indian contingents after the Tokyo Olympics and the recently-concluded Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

During his address, Modi stressed the need to weed out corruption and dynasty politics from all institutions of the country, including the sports federations.

”The shadow of parivarvaad lies on several institutions. Our many institutions are affected by the family rule, it harms our talent, and nation’s capabilities and gives rise to corruption. ”We have to develop an intolerance for this to save institutions.

The welfare of the family has nothing to do with the welfare of the nation. Let’s cleanse India’s politics and institutions from the shackles of parivaarwad,” he said. ”We need to discourage this in institutions, in sports. We need to start a revolution against it. This is our social responsibility. We need transparency.” The Sports Authority of India’s Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) has been a game changer when it comes to supporting and developing athletes.

SAI keeps a track of supported athletes’ performances throughout the year and ensured that the selection in TOPS is transparent.

Indian sports fraternity extends Independence Day wishes to nation

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ANI

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August 15, 2022

As India celebrated its Independence Day, the Indian sports fraternity extended wishes to the nation on Monday.

India skipper Rohit Sharma tweeted, “75 years of independence. Happy independence day.”

Taking to Twitter former India captain Virat Kohli wrote, “75 glorious years. Proud to be an Indian. Happy Independence Day to all. Jai Hind.”

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya wished the nation and wrote, “To all my fellow Indians, happy Independence Day.”

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah also took to Twitter and wrote, “The goosebumps we Indians get on seeing our #Tiranga standing tall is something indescribable. On the auspicious occasion of 75th Independence Day, remember all our freedom fighters and soldiers for their contribution to our Nation. Jai Hind.”

India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja wrote, “Saare Jahan Se Accha Hindustan hamara. On this special day I wish all my fellow Indians a very Happy Independence day.”

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh tweeted, “#Best wishes for Independence day. Today is an opportunity to remember the sacrifices made for our freedom and rededicate ourselves to the cause of unity, peace, prosperity and brotherhood in our country. Let us make India the strongest and most prosperous with our collective efforts. Jai Hind.

Commonwealth Games 2022 gold medallist Mirabai Chanu said on Twitter, “Happy Independence Day to all. Jai Hind.

As an athlete wearing the Indian colours means the world to us. We carry our Tirangas in our heart. Wishing each of my fellow Indians a very #HappyIndependenceDay, today! #IndiaAt75 #HarGharTiranga #AmritMahotsav,” Indian para shooter Avani Lekhara tweeted.

Commonwealth Games 2022 gold medallist wrestler Bajarang Punia also wished the nation and tweeted, “Happy #IndependenceDay to all the countrymen. Hail India #hargharTiranga.” Indian wrestler Deepak Punia wrote, “Happy independence day #HarGharTiranga #75thIndependenceDay.”

Indian men’s hockey team goalkeeper PR Sreejesh said that the people should never forget the sacrifice of thousands who have laid down their lives.