On 08 May 20, one MiG-29 aircraft airborne on a training mission from an Air Force base near Jalandhar met with an accident. The aircraft had developed a technical snag and the pilot ejected safely as he was unable to control the aircraft. The pilot has been rescued by a helicopter. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the accident.
In a major success for India, security forces have eliminated Hizbul Mujahideen’s top leader and Jammu and Kashmir commander Riyaz Naikoo. He was active in the Valley for almost eight years. Top officials involved in the operation claim that after eliminating Naikoo, south Kashmir is almost free from terrorism. Naikoo was eliminated in the hours-long operation carried out by Indian Army, CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police in Beighpora area in Pulwama. At least two more terrorists were also killed by security forces in the encounter in Sharshali Khrew area of Awantipora.
The operation started late night on Tuesday after the forces got a tip-off about Naikoo hiding in the area. The security forces kept a larger base of “target” so that he couldn’t escape.
When the operation was about to end, Jammu and Kashmir Police asked all forces to stop convoy movements with immediate effect. The police said that all vehicles should be restricted across the Valley, adding that the movement of isolated vehicles should be avoided.
Cops also advised that the movement of Army and CRPF vehicles should not be allowed in the interiors, inter-district and intra-district. Naikoo had 12 lakh rupees bounty on his head and was in the hit list of security forces. He was the brain behind major terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir and was a high-value target for Indian forces after he took charge of Hizbul Mujahideen.
“Contact established in the third operation at Beighpor in Awantipur. Top terrorist commander is trapped. Exchange of fire on. Details shall follow,” Jammu and Kashmir Police had tweeted when operations were going on.
According to sources, Riyaz Naikoo was also involved in killings of jawans and planned attack on security forces and was the successor of Zakir Musa, who was eliminated by security forces in May last year.
“He planned massive activities in Kashmir during Ramzan so that he can raise more terrorists from local villages. In a conversation, which was recorded by security forces, a terrorist had said that Naikoo will be doing some operations directly, which became first tip-off of his location,” a senior intelligence officer told ANI.
Naikoo, a teacher by profession during his old days, was also famous for doing things on the ground as well as off ground. According to a senior police officer of the Union Territory, Naikoo also planned anti-India campaigns after abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir. “He used youths in spreading lies on social media to disturb law and order situation in the valley,” the source said.
Naikoo also started a campaign to promote terrorists killed in operations. He tried to make commander Zakir Musa famous in South Kashmir and started gun salutes to terrorists killed by security forces. Forces are claiming that after his death, Hizbul has no face or leader left in Jammu and Kashmir and it is unlikely to get a commander due to fraction after a new terror outfit, called The Resistance Front (TRF), was launched by Pakistan.
Jammu and Kashmir: One terrorist neutralised in Handwara, after terrorists attack CRPF patrol party near Qaziabad area. 3 CRPF personnel have lost their lives, 7 injured in a terrorist attack in Handwara(J&K), sources CRPF officials. More detailed awaited.
On 2 May 2020, Indian Army lost 5 brave soldiers including Col Ashutosh Sharma, SM(BAR), CO of 21 RR, Major Anuj Sood, Lance Naik Dinesh Singh, Naik Rajesh Kumar and JnK police Sub Inspector Shakeel Qazi. All brave men sacrificed their lives while saving local civilians who were trapped inside a house in Handwara. Major Anuj Sood was a brave young officer who followed his commander until his last breath and led from the front. Here are some inspiring facts about Major Anju Sood that will motivate generations to come.
1. Major Anuj Sood was a second-generation officer and always motivated to join the armed forces. He joined the NDA Alpha Sqn 120 course and got commissioned in Brigade Of The Guards from Indian Military Academy IMA 130 course. He was the alumni of PPS Nabha and was selected to join IIT but preferred to join NDA. He topped all classes in PPS Nabha. He was the NDA torch holder for all the six terms which is a unique distinction. Being an infantryman he has a done his M.Tech from IISc Bangalore and topped with distinction.
2. Major Anuj was an excellent student, EX-NDA(120/A), meritorious officer, JC did 2 years ago. Did extremely well in courses. He also got Best student award in one of the courses. He also did ADC tenure in Dehradoon.
3. “He has made a supreme sacrifice. It was part of his duty&what he was trained for. I feel sad for his wife as he got posted 3-4 months after marriage. He was meant to save lives: “Rtd Brig Chandrakant Sood, father of late Major Anuj Sood, who lost his life in an encounter in Handwara.
4. The 30-year-old wrote this in a recent social media post to describe the “life of a soldier”.”When you are older, you will realise the only thing that matters… that you had courage and honour. Lose those things and you won’t die any quicker, but you will be less than the dirt on your boots. you will still be dust, but you will have wasted your short time in the light #lifeofasoldier”.
5. Col Ashutosh Sharma and Major Anuj knew each other since IMA days! When on battalion trip to J&K in 2011, Col Ashutosh (then Major) was the officer in charge to brief the whole trip, from then only they had kind of bond between them, fortunately, Major Anuj was commissioned into the same battalion from which Col Ashutosh belongs! An excellent student, EX-NDA(120/A), meritorious officer, JC done 2 years ago, is no more with us. Finally, both left this world in the highest tradition of army together!
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Indian army young officer Major Anuj Sood sacrificed his life in the Handwara operation on 02 May 2020. Major Anuj Sood led the operation along with his CO Col Ashutosh Sharma and bravely fought the terrorists to save the civilians trapped inside a house. Highly reliable official sources told that after an initial fierce firefight, there was a lull following which five security men—a Colonel namely Ashutosh Sharma, a Major namely Anuj Sood and two soldiers of 21 Rashtriya Rifles besides a Sub Inspector namely Mohammad Sagier Qazi of J-K Police’s Special Operation Group —moved close to a cowshed near the house where the terrorists had taken refuge after escaping from nearby Rajwara forests on Friday afternoon. However, there was a standoff between them and terrorists amid inclement weather. The five army men lost contact with colleagues on ‘tour of duty’.
Major Anuj Sood was a second-generation officer and always motivated to join the armed forces. He joined the NDA Alpha Sqn 120 course and got commissioned in Brigade Of The Guards from Indian Military Academy IMA 130 course. He was the alumni of PPS Nabha and was selected to join IIT but preferred to join NDA. He topped all classes in PPS Nabha. He was the NDA torch holder for all the six terms which is a unique distinction. Being an infantryman he has a done his M.Tech from IISc Bangalore and topped with distinction.
Major Anuj was an excellent student, EX-NDA(120/A), meritorious officer, JC did 2 years ago. Did extremely well in courses. He also got Best student award in one of the courses. He also did ADC tenure in Dehradoon.
“He has made a supreme sacrifice. It was part of his duty&what he was trained for. I feel sad for his wife as he got posted 3-4 months after marriage. He was meant to save lives: “Rtd Brig Chandrakant Sood, father of late Major Anuj Sood, who lost his life in an encounter in Handwara.
The 30-year-old wrote this in a recent social media post to describe the “life of a soldier”.”When you are older, you will realise the only thing that matters… that you had courage and honour. Lose those things and you won’t die any quicker, but you will be less than the dirt on your boots. you will still be dust, but you will have wasted your short time in the light #lifeofasoldier”.
5. Col Ashutosh Sharma and Major Anuj knew each other since IMA days! When on battalion trip to J&K in 2011, Col Ashutosh (then Major) was the officer in charge to brief the whole trip, from then only they had kind of bond between them, fortunately, Major Anuj was commissioned into the same battalion from which Col Ashutosh belongs! An excellent student, EX-NDA(120/A), meritorious officer, JC done 2 years ago, is no more with us. Finally, both left this world in the highest tradition of army together!
The name of the 21 Rashtriya Rifles Commanding Officer, who lost his life in the Handwara operation, is Colonel Ashutosh Sharma. He had been part of several successful counter-terrorist operations in the past: Indian Army officials. The Commanding Officer who led from the front and made the supreme sacrifice, Colonel Ashutosh Sharma, was decorated with Sena Medal (Gallantry) twice. He made supreme sacrifice. Army Spokesperson on Handwara Operation in Jammu & Kashmir — Based on the intelligence input that terrorists were taking the civilian inmates of a house in Changimulla, Handwara of Kupwara district hostage, a joint operation was launched by Army and JK Police. Army Spokesperson — During the process, team was subjected to a heavy volume of fire by terrorists. In the ensuing firefight, 2 terrorists were eliminated&team of 5 Army& JK personnel comprising of 2 Army officers,2 Army soldiers& 1JK Police Sub Inspector attained martyrdom. Major Anuj Sood also lost his life in this operation.
4 Indian Army personnel incl the Commanding Officer Col Ashutosh Sharma, Major Anuj Sood of 21 Rashtriya Rifles unit along with 2 soldiers &one Jammu and Kashmir Police jawan lost their lives in an encounter in Handwara in Jammu and Kashmir. Two terrorists also killed in the encounter: Indian Army officials. Four Army personnel including Commanding Officer Col Ashutosh Sharma martyred in action along with a JKP police SI in Handwara ops. The team had entered a house to save civilians who were stuck. Team of 21 RR had entered the house of a civilian to prevent a hostage situation when they came under attack from terrorists who had already reached there.4 Armymen& a Sub Inspector lost their lives. Civilians stuck in the house were also safely evacuated: Indian Army Officials
Indian army soldier K Lakshmanna, who went out for his mother’s medicine on 25 Apr 2020 was brutally beaten by Kurnool Police of Andhra Pradesh. SP Kurnool said the action has been taken against the culprit policemen.
Earlier, a CRPF COBRA commando was beaten and abused by Karnataka Police.
Hello friends, I am Ayush Patil, currently staying in Pune. I cleared my 12th exams last year in 2019 from Pune itself. I got recommended for TES-43 from 24 SSB Bangalore on 6th January 2020 and for NDA-144 Army from 34 SSB Allahabad on 31st January 2020. I was declared medically fit for both courses from CHAF Bangalore and MH Allahabad. I was conferenced out thrice before getting recommended. My journey of SSB’s has been full of ups and downs. I would like to share my journey with all the defence aspirants and those who wish to join the defence forces.
I was motivated right from grade 6th to join the defence forces. I was preparing for JEE mains in standard 11th and 12th. While pursuing 12th I applied for the NDA-142 course written exam. I was appointed Mumbai as my centre for the exam. I gave my exam and was pretty sure I would clear it as I had prepared very well and was strong in mathematics. I cleared my written and was assigned Allahabad as my SSB centre. I had worked hard and had prepared well for my SSB. I had the guidance of Colonel Pradeep. I gave my SSB with full josh. But at the end of five days, I was disappointed on not hearing my name in the recommended candidates list. I was disappointed and could not think about why I was unable to make it. After returning home I analysed my performance and got to know that I was unable to perform in GTO.
With all my might I started preparing for my next attempt NDA-143. For the second time, I cleared my written and got my centre as Allahabad. I was a bit nervous about getting the same centre again. My SSB was in September. Again I started my preparation. For the second time, I was conferenced out. Sad and upset I returned home and didn’t know what next. I had a third attempt for Navy tech entry scheduled in October in Bangalore. I prepared for Navy SSB this time. For the third time, I was unable to make it. I was very disappointed and not able to think about where I went wrong. Meanwhile, I had applied for TES-43 SSB. Fortunately, the cut-off for TES-43 went down to 79% and I had qualified for the SSB. I was appointed Bangalore as the centre. This time I decided to give my best and improve on all the things I had done wrong in my previous SSB’s. I had met a recommended candidate for NDA-143 in my Navy tech attempt whose name was Ayan Haider Zaidi. I contacted him and took guidance for psychology and GTO techniques. He gave me appropriate guidance and help.
My SSB was scheduled on 2nd January 2020. About 143 candidates reported on the first day. The next day was our screening test. I gave my best in OIR tests. The next was PP&DT. I had written a short and crisp story. During the group round I narrated my story confidently and took active part in group discussion. There will be a fish market situation but the only way out is being calm, listening to everyone and choosing good points and forming a good group story acceptable to everyone. With this the results came out and 16 candidates were screened in. My chest number was 15.
The next day was our psychology tests. I had prepared my SDT beforehand. I went through it the night before. The next day tests started with TAT. I wrote good stories as I had practiced and was able to complete all the stories. In WAT I was able to attempt 52 words. I attempted 46 SRT’s in all. I completed my SDT in time. After the tests I was happy with my performance. The next day on the GTO day I spoke adequately in GD round and our group was cooperative enough. In GPE I gave valuable ideas in the group plan. In PGT I gave ideas wherever the group got stuck. In my lecturette I spoke confidently on consumer rights. I did 14 individual obstacles and was very happy with my performance. I got a circular command task and had to get out of the circle with help of subordinates and helping material. I completed it successfully. On the 4th day after GTO I had my interview. I was a bit nervous before the interview but then gained confidence. My interview went on for about 20 minutes. I was interviewed by the deputy president of 24 SSB. I was questioned about my life, my previous attempts and all. I came out and was thinking whether I would make it or not. That night all the candidates were enjoying the last day. We slept late that night. The next day was the D Day. The conference started nearly at 9 AM. I was the second last. I went in and was asked about my stay. My conference was held for about 30 seconds. I came out and saw nervous faces and I was one amongst them. After everyone was done we were made to sit in the room where results were to be declared. All of us were very nervous. The technical officer came in and gave a small talk about the process and all. He then opened the file and told that the one whose chest number is called has to come up and spell their name. The officer started. Chest number 15 he said. For a while I didn’t realise that I was the one. When I realised that I was recommended I was shocked and happy as well. I spelled my name and went forward. The officer then closed the file and said “Gentlemen that’s it only one of you has been recommended.” I was even more shocked on hearing this. The officer went out and everyone congratulated me. As soon as I called my parents who were waiting for my call they became even happier than me. I then thought that I had achieved something. My medicals were conducted and I was declared medically fit.
I returned home and now I had one aim- To clear my NDA SSB on 27th January in Allahabad.
I was confident this time.
Nearly 46 candidates reported on day 1.
The next day was screening. We were divided into groups of 10 each. The PP&DT was done. After the results were out 25 were screened in. I was given chest number 1. I was sure that I will be the first one to be interviewed. So I prepared for my interview the night before psychology tests. I gave my best the next day in psychology tests. I attempted all TAT stories, attempted 53 WAT, 47 SRT’s and the same SDT. After the tests as expected I was called for the interview. It went on for nearly 15 minutes. I was asked about my previous SSB’s and all. Then I was asked about general awareness which I was unable to answer. Here the IO started pressurizing me but I maintained my cool and said “Sorry Sir! I do not know the answer.” After the interview ended I was a bit afraid that I was unable to answer the GS questions. The next day my GTO went very smoothly similar to the TES attempt. I gave ideas wherever needed. I gave my lecturette on social media. I attempted 16 individual obstacles. I had performed very well in GTO. At the end of 4th day everything got over and that night tension was in the air. Then too we enjoyed our last night together. The conference started at 8:30 AM. I was the first to go in. The conference went on for about 30 seconds with usual questions like stay and all. After everyone was done we were seated back in the same room. The technical officer came in. He opened his file and started calling the chest numbers. The first was chest number 25. Next he called chest number 2. Here I thought that again I was going home as he had directly called chest number 2. I was sitting with my face down when I heard “CHEST NUMBER 1”. That was the best feeling of my life. I had finally got what I wanted. I was on the seventh heaven. I told my parents who were happy too. After 8 days I was declared medically fit by MH Allahabad.
All these SSB’s have taught me that that winning or losing doesn’t matter. What matters is after facing failure how we get up and fight back despite all odds. Hope this helps you and you too give your best in the SSB’s to come in future. Thank you.
Best of luck
