In a significant address on Friday, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) White Knight Corps, Lieutenant General Navin Sachdeva, underscored the persistent issue of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, attributing it primarily to external influences. He articulated that the Indian Army’s enhanced operational capabilities, coupled with a strong rapport with the local populace, would play a vital role in fostering peace in the region.

During a function in Poonch, Lt Gen. Sachdeva detailed the Army’s proactive measures to bolster security, noting the establishment of new patrol routes and posts in elevated areas of the mountainous terrain. He stated, “In recent times, all of you have witnessed that the Indian Army has significantly enhanced its operational capabilities and effectiveness.” Emphasizing the nature of challenges posed by residual terrorism, he remarked, “We know very well that the residual terrorism that remains here is due to external forces.”

Moreover, he expressed the shared aspiration for peace among the Indian Army, local communities, veterans, police, and civil agencies, asserting their collective resolve to facilitate stability and tranquility in the region. Citing the evolving relationship between the military and civilians, he pointed out, “The most gratifying aspect of this entire endeavor is the growing bond between the public and the security forces, which has reached a new level.”

Lt Gen. Sachdeva highlighted various community engagement initiatives, mentioning “Sadbhavana activities,” medical camps, and assistance with infrastructure projects as examples of how the Army and residents of Jammu and Kashmir are progressing together. The GOC encouraged attendees to disseminate the message of unity, assuring them, “I assure you that the Indian Army and security forces will always strive for the security and peace of this region.”

The event featured an Ex-Servicemen (ESM) rally organized by the Army in collaboration with the War Wounded Foundation (WWF), during which four modified scooters were presented to war-disabled soldiers. This initiative aims to enhance mobility and foster independence among differently-abled veterans. A defence spokesperson noted that the WWF has successfully distributed 22 modified scooters, alongside three auto-rickshaws and an electric wheelchair, with plans to extend the program to neighboring regions including Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Chandigarh.

Brigadier (Retired) Harcharan Singh articulated the importance of these mobility aids, asserting they not only offer physical assistance but also uplift the psychological morale of the soldiers, enabling them to integrate into society and pursue entrepreneurial endeavors. He also elaborated on WWF’s comprehensive support services, which include psychological counseling, assistance with pensions, and help with wedding expenses or business start-ups.

The rally served as a valuable opportunity for ex-soldiers to engage with welfare agencies, learn about government schemes, injury management, and employment opportunities. Lt Gen. Sachdeva personally presented the scooters to their new owners, reiterating the Army’s unwavering commitment to support its veterans, especially those residing in remote border areas.

Looking ahead, the next All-India War Wounded Soldiers Rally is scheduled for April 2025, reinforcing a vision focused on the dignified integration of differently-abled soldiers into societal frameworks, helping them lead fulfilling lives and contribute positively to their communities.

In a significant address in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant General Navin Sachdeva, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the White Knight Corps, articulated the persistent challenge posed by residual terrorism in the region, attributing it to external forces. He underscored the Indian Army’s enhanced operational capabilities and reinforced their commitment to fostering peace through a deeper connection with the local populace.

During the function, Lt Gen. Sachdeva highlighted the measures taken to improve security, noting the establishment of new posts and increased patrolling in the mountainous terrain. He stated, “In recent times, we have witnessed that the Indian Army has significantly enhanced its operational capabilities and effectiveness.” This proactive approach aims to preemptively address security concerns while ensuring the safety of the residents.

The GOC acknowledged that terrorism in the region is primarily influenced by external elements, reiterating the collective aspiration for peace among the Indian Army, local communities, veterans, police, and civil agencies. He expressed satisfaction over the strengthening rapport between the Army and the people of Poonch. “The most gratifying aspect of this entire endeavour is the growing bond between the public and the security forces,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of unity in achieving common goals.

Lt Gen. Sachdeva further elaborated on various initiatives aimed at building community relations, including Sadbhavana (Goodwill) activities, medical camps, infrastructure support, and recruitment rallies for local youth. He appealed to the gathering to spread the message of solidarity, assuring them that the Indian Army stands ready to support the community in every possible way and is dedicated to ensuring the region’s security and peace.

The event also featured an Ex-Servicemen rally organized in partnership with the War Wounded Foundation (WWF), where modified scooters were distributed to four war-disabled soldiers to enhance their mobility and independence. This initiative symbolizes the Army’s commitment to motivating differently-abled veterans, enabling them to overcome their physical challenges and pursue new opportunities in life. Since its inception, the WWF has provided a total of 22 modified scooters, along with three auto-rickshaws and an electric wheelchair, with plans to extend support to other states.

Brigadier (Retired) Harcharan Singh spoke about the various programs initiated by the WWF, including psychological counseling, pension assistance, and support for wedding and entrepreneurial expenses for war-wounded soldiers. He emphasized the importance of ongoing communication and research through the United Services Institution (USI) in New Delhi to ensure the soldiers’ needs are effectively addressed.

Furthermore, the rally allowed soldiers to interact with welfare agencies, gain insights into government schemes, and explore injury management and employment opportunities. Lt Gen. Sachdeva personally presented the scooters to the recipients, reaffirming the Army’s unwavering commitment to supporting its veterans, particularly in remote areas.

Looking ahead, plans for the next All-India War Wounded Soldiers Rally are set for April 2025, reflecting a vision of integrating differently-abled veterans into mainstream society with dignity and purpose. The initiatives signify a continued effort to improve the lives of those who have served, ensuring they receive the recognition and support they deserve.

In a significant advancement for the Indian Army, Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar, the Northern Army Commander, conducted a review of the Asmi machine pistol in Udhampur just days after the induction of 550 units into service. The Asmi, which translates to “self-reliant” in Hindi, is a product of innovation spearheaded by Colonel Prasad Bansod of the Indian Army in partnership with the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE). The manufacturing of this state-of-the-art weapon is being carried out by Lokesh Machines, a company based in Hyderabad.

The Northern Command took to social media to underscore the importance of this review, spotlighting the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, aimed at promoting self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing. This move not only reflects a push towards indigenization but also signifies a broader strategy to enhance operational capabilities and reduce dependency on foreign arms.

The Asmi machine pistol is characterized by its eight-inch barrel and a 33-round magazine, specifically designed for use with 9mm ammunition. Its semi-bullpup architecture allows for versatile handling, enabling operators to use the weapon confidently with one hand, whether in a pistol or submachine gun configuration. This compact and resilient firearm is ideally suited for close-quarter combat and specialized missions, where agility and ease of use are paramount.

Notably, the recent delivery of 550 Asmi submachine guns to the Northern Command marks a key milestone for Lokesh Machines Limited, which successfully completed its first major order for the military. Weighing in at less than 2.4 kilograms, the Asmi is engineered to be 10-15 percent lighter than many comparable international counterparts, providing Indian soldiers with a tactical edge in various combat situations.

The development of the Asmi machine pistol not only highlights the collaborative efforts of Indian Army personnel and domestic defense manufacturers but also reinforces the military’s strategic focus on self-reliance in weapon production. As India seeks to enhance its defense capabilities, initiatives like this serve as a testament to the growing expertise within the country’s defense sector and its potential to meet the demands of modern warfare.

In a concerning incident, an Indian Navy Scorpene-class submarine collided with a fishing vessel off the coast of Goa on the evening of November 21. The collision took place around 70 nautical miles northwest of Goa at approximately 9:30 PM while the submarine was traveling between two ports.

At the time of the incident, the fishing boat, named Marthoma, was carrying 13 crew members. Following the collision, the Indian Navy swiftly confirmed the incident and announced that immediate rescue operations were underway. A coordinated search and rescue mission was launched, involving six naval ships along with multiple surveillance aircraft. According to the Navy’s reports, 11 of the 13 crew members were successfully rescued shortly after the incident; however, two individuals remain unaccounted for, and search operations are ongoing. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Mumbai is overseeing the rescue efforts, and additional resources have been dispatched to assist in the recovery operation.

The submarine implicated in the collision is part of India’s advanced Scorpene-class fleet, which is designed to perform a variety of essential naval capacities, including anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and mine-laying, among others. Renowned for its stealth capabilities and low noise emissions, the Scorpene-class submarines are pivotal for contemporary naval strategies.

As investigations into the incident continue, the Indian Navy awaits the submarine’s arrival at its designated port to conduct a thorough evaluation of any damage sustained and to analyze the circumstances leading to the collision. This accident marks yet another challenging moment for the Indian Navy, which faced scrutiny earlier in July 2024 when the guided missile frigate INS Brahmaputra was severely damaged in a fire that led to its partial sinking while docked.

Notably, collisions between military vessels and civilian craft have occurred previously. The Indian Navy’s Kilo-class submarine, INS Sindhughosh, was involved in similar incidents in 2015 and 2008, both resulting in minimal damage without any casualties. The broader maritime context reveals that incidents between naval submarines and fishing vessels are not uncommon, as illustrated by various events involving fleets from the U.S., Russia, and other countries.

One notorious example occurred in 2001, when the U.S. Navy’s USS Greeneville collided with the Japanese Ehime Maru training vessel during a demonstration, resulting in the tragic loss of nine lives. This incident raised significant awareness regarding safety protocols within military operations, emphasizing the critical need for adherence to measures that prevent such accidents.

Another historical precedent includes the 1990 sinking of the British trawler Antares, which capsized after entanglement with the Royal Navy’s HMS Trenchant, leading to the loss of four lives. Such incidents have prompted naval authorities worldwide to reassess operational procedures to enhance safety, especially in waters frequented by fishing vessels.

As the Indian Navy navigates this latest collision and its implications, it remains essential to enhance safety protocols and ensure that such incidents are minimized to maintain both naval efficacy and public confidence in maritime operations. The continuing search for the missing crew members from Marthoma underscores the urgent need for immediate attention in rescue and recovery efforts while the military evaluates the circumstances surrounding the collision.

The reported torture of five civilians by Army personnel in Kishtwar has sparked an outrage among political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who has called for a full investigation and the court martial of those implicated in the incident.

The controversy erupted following an announcement from the Nagrota-based XV Corps that an inquiry would be conducted into allegations of severe mistreatment of five residents from Kuath village. Disturbing video footage that has surfaced online depicts the individuals struggling to walk, with visible injuries on their faces, raising serious concerns about the treatment they received.

Media reports indicate that on November 20, the daily wage laborers were summoned to a Rashtriya Rifles base in the Mughal Maidan area of Kishtwar for questioning. After hours of detention, they were released, yet they appeared to have endured significant abuse, with some reportedly needing to be carried from the site due to their injuries.

In light of these developments, the White Knight Corps acknowledged the troubling claims and stated, “An investigation is being launched to ascertain the facts. Necessary follow-up action will be ensured.” Abdullah, addressing the media, emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive and transparent inquiry, insisting that if evidence of wrongdoing by the soldiers is found, they must face court martial and appropriate punishment.

The Chief Minister reflected on the troubling history of such incidents in the region, remarking, “It is unfortunate that our people have not learned anything from the past.” He recalled previous occurrences where civilians faced grievous consequences after being summoned to military camps, some tragically losing their lives due to torture. Abdullah expressed gratitude that the recent victims survived, yet he lamented the persistent cycle of violence and abuse that has plagued the area, highlighting the need for accountability and reform within military practices to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

The Indian Navy is set to embark on a major Coastal Defence Exercise named ‘Sea Vigil-24’ on November 20 and 21, with participation from six ministries and 21 agencies aimed at bolstering security measures along the country’s extensive coastline. This major drill will focus on protecting critical coastal assets such as ports, oil rigs, Single Point Moorings, Cable Landing Points, and other essential infrastructure crucial for the coastal population.

Designed to enhance and validate the measures put into place following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, this year’s Sea Vigil stands out for its unprecedented scale and reach. Covering a massive 11,098 kilometers of coastline and a vast Exclusive Economic Zone of 2.4 million square kilometers, the exercise will fully engage the coastal security infrastructure, involving various maritime stakeholders, including local fishing communities and residents along the coast.

This marks the fourth edition of the Sea Vigil initiative, which was first conceptualized in 2018. The ongoing Coastal Defence and Security Readiness Evaluation (CDSRE) phase has been underway since October 24, guided by Naval Officer-in-Charges from all coastal states and Union Territories, including Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This phase involves a comprehensive audit of the coastal defence and security infrastructure.

For the first time, officials from the National Security Council Secretariat will be participating in the Indian Navy-led CDSRE teams, along with personnel from the State Marine Police, Coast Guard, Customs, and Fisheries departments. The active involvement of other branches of the armed forces, such as the Indian Army and Air Force, along with a planned deployment of a substantial number of ships and aircraft, marks a significant enhancement to the exercise.

A pivotal goal of the exercise is to foster awareness within coastal communities regarding their role in maritime security. Notably, the inclusion of local fishing communities, residents, and youth organizations such as the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and Bharat Scouts and Guides aims to elevate the overall understanding and capability of local populations in securing coastal areas.

While individual coastal states and maritime security agencies regularly conduct their own security exercises, Sea Vigil stands as a national initiative that offers a comprehensive assessment of India’s maritime security landscape. A Navy official emphasized that this exercise provides a valuable opportunity to evaluate the preparedness of all maritime security agencies, analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and improve the nation’s overall maritime defence framework.

As a precursor to the biennial Theatre Level Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX), Sea Vigil-24 is set to play an integral role in reinforcing India’s dedication to protecting its maritime boundaries while promoting cooperative efforts across all stakeholders involved in coastal defence.