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Air Warriors Ready to defend in any eventuality

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major conveyed his warmest greetings and good wishes to all Air warriors, Non-Combatants Employees, Defence Security Corps personnel, civilians and all families on the eve of New Year’s Day 2009. In his message, he said,

“As the New Year dawns, the IAF celebrates by continuing its focused march towards becoming a truly balanced and modern Aerospace Force. The current and future inductions of a wide variety of assets would enhance our combat potential across the spectrum and promises to change the way we conduct operations. As air warriors, you are our true force enhancers and have full faith in your unwavering commitments, professionalism, ability to steer our force through this process of transformation.

The past year has been truly remarkable in many ways. We have accomplished all our assigned tasks successfully. The strategic community across the globe took notice of the new professional heights scaled by the Indian Air Force. We credibly demonstrated our strategic reach by deployment and sustenance of a potent composite force, thousands of miles away in USA, for more than two months. During this deployment, the IAF participated in the prestigious multilateral exercise Red Flag for the first time, winning the admiration of our peers. The Sarang and Surya Kiran Display Team (SKAT) also enthralled audiences in Germany, UK, China and Laos.

Training on the newly acquired Hawk AJT has commenced in right earnest. Our UN missions continue to bring us laurels. The IAF rendered timely assistance to our countrymen during the widespread floods across various parts of our country this year. We also provided aid to China after an earthquake in Chengdu, as also to Myanmar after a devastating cyclone.

I am confident that the numerous administrative measures like the implementation of the VIth CPC recommendations, increase in Air Force Group Insurance Society (AFGIS) cover, progress of Married Accommodation Plan (MAP) projects, and review of human resources policies, give all air warriors a reason to cheer.

The past year has also highlighted the danger posed to our Nation, by elements that seem intent on destroying our freedom. I exhort each one of you to remain increasingly vigilant at all our locations. I am convinced that, as we move into 2009, our Nation would increasingly look to us for solving the many security challenges that we face. I have no doubt, that the dedication, professionalism and commitment of our air warriors, will do us proud.

On this day, as we look back upon the achievements of the past year with pride, and usher in the New Year with hope, let us resolve to better our own high standards.”

Terrorism wont stop us, asserts Manmohan

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has said that The Mumbai terrorist attacks were an attack on India’s ambitions to emerge as an economic power. India would not accept a situation where terrorism is used as an instrument to cripple India’s economy or the values it stands for.

The Prime Minister referred to the international security environment, and said that threats such as terrorism and piracy required a well thought out strategy. India sought peace and stability in its neighbourhood.

The situation was however worrisome. Non-state actors were practicing terrorism aided and abetted by state establishments, he said addressing the Conference of Indian Heads of Missions organized by the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi yesterday.

Dr Singh’s remarks assume significance in view of the recent Mumbai terror attacks.

We will never fall, asserts Ratan Tata

Yes, we can!
Ratan Tata has proved it. The reopening of the Taj Mahal Hotel is a fitting tribute to martyrs of Mumbai Terror attacks as much as a fitting reply to terrorists who planned to blow up the Taj.

Here are some quotable quotes from Ratan Tata himself. Truly inspiring:

• We can be hurt, but we will never fall

• We have decided that we will now look at anti-terrorism or protection of our assets and our people ourselves and we will try to create a deterrent. We will not try to create heroes who will engage in the enemy but to try and find as many invisible…

• We cannot be knocked down — this is a memorable day and a tribute to those who saved many lives.

• There is still much work to do, but we are all determined to rebuild the Taj brick by brick until it outshines even its former glories.

• This (the reopen9ng of Taj M ahal hotel) “would send an even stronger message, not just for the Taj but for the community of Mumbai that we can be hurt but we cannot be knocked down.

Sachin on ‘Mission Mumbai’

God of Cricket Sachin Tendulkar had some marvelous words to say on his electrifying performance in the India-England test match played at Chennai. India has registered a comprehensive and highly convincing victory.

These wonderful words, like his bat, are truly inspiring!

• This is something I wanted to do.
• I play for India, now more than ever
• From my point of view, I look at it as an attack on India, and it should hurt every Indian, not only people from Mumbai
• I would like to dedicate this hundred to all those people who have gone through such terrible times.
• What happened in Mumbai was extremely unfortunate and I don’t think by India winning or my scoring hundreds, people who have lost their dear and loved ones would feel better.
• It’s a terrible loss and our hearts are with them. All I can say is that in whatever way we can contribute to make them feel better, we’ll make that effort.
• In no way am I trying to say that this will make everyone forget what happened in Mumbai. But I’d like to thank England for coming back to play Test cricket.
• We’ve witnessed a wonderful match. People are again enjoying cricket the way it’s meant to be.

Wanted – Memorial for Mumbai martyrs

Hi Big B…here is a suggestion from a small B

Let’s build a permanent memorial for all our martyrs and innocent victims of terror attacks on Mumbai at the Gateway of India – on the lines of the Amar Jyot at India Gate in Delhi.

This will serve as a reminder for the future generations of the great sacrifices made by the police, the Army, the NSG and above all the innocent people who fell victims to terrorists’ bullets and bombs.
Can we call the memorial – I love Mumbai!

(This m ail has also been sent to Malishka of Red FM)

Lalu announces lakhs of rupees! But will they get the money?!

Railway Minister Lalu Prasad has stressed the need to strengthen the Railway Protection Force in the light of changed security scenario in the country. Prasad was speaking at the Investiture Parade of RPF held Saturday.

Outlining various measures to strengthen RPF, the Minister pointed out that latest security equipments and vehicles will be provided to securitymen in all railway zones including those serving in Jammu & Kashmir. He informed that three new Battalions of RPF are proposed to be established and about 22000 posts in all railway zones will be created to meet the shortage of the manpower in RPF. Besides, 2 companies of Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) will be established for North East Frontier region, he added.

Underscoring the importance of training, the Minister announced that a special academy is proposed to be set up for RPF personnel where they will be trained about the most modern security arrangements. Some selected officers and staff of RPF will also be sent abroad for training to enable them to undertake study of railway security system in different countries facing similar problems.

Referring to the cases of thefts of Railway assets, the Minister pointed out that RPF act will be suitably amended to provide more powers to RPF so as to enable it to effectively prevent such thefts.

Lauding the valiant acts of Railway personnel during the recent Mumbai terror attacks, Shri Lalu Prasad announced cash award of Rs. 10 lakhs each to RPF head constable Jullu Yadav and Rs. 10 lakh award to Announcer Vishnu D. Jinde. He also announced Rs. 5 lakh each award to RPF inspector Sandeep Khiratkar and Sub-inspector  Kiran Bhonsle.

The Railway Minister also announced ex-gracia payment of Rs. 10 lakh each to the next of kin of persons killed in the CST attack and Rs. 50 thousand to the injured. The Minister also announced Rs. 35 lakh award to RPF for organizing successful RPF Investiture parade.

Speaking on the occasion, Ranjeet Sinha, Director General, RPF said that RPF is carrying out its responsibility with full dedication and sincerity. He said that RPF has undertaken special efforts to prevent crime and theft.

Earlier, the Railway Minister, Shri Lalu Prasad took the salute of the colourful parade by RPF/RPSF contingent including ladies platoon and dog squad.

He also presented medals to RPF personnel which included 7 Gallantry Awards, 22 Indian Police Medal, 4 President’s Police Medal, 3 Minister of Railways Medal for Bravery and 4 Cash Rewards – 3 for RPF personnel and 1 for a Commercial Department staff of Central Railway who successfully thwarted the terrorist attack on the CST station on 26.11.08.

Mumbai attacks: Sahara to pay five-fold salary to martyrs for 10 yrs!

The nation has been outraged by the heinous attacks by terrorists in Mumbai,which has wrecked carnage of unprecedented levels, causing loss of innocent lives.

Sahara India Pariwar has saluted the brave Army, NSG and police personnel who, in a display of unmatched valour, grit & courage,managed to subdue the nefarious deeds of these evil forces. No amount of words can suffice in expressing our immense pain & anguish towards many of those brave men who lost their precious lives.

As an expression of its emotional empathy & solidarity, Sahara India Pariwar has decided to pay per month an amount equivalent to five times the gross salaries of the personnel who sacrificed their lives, for the next 10 years to their respective families and if their children are not mature (after 10 years), then this shall continue until they reach 21 years of age. This is just a token tribute from Sahara India Pariwar to these brave men whose deeds shall be enshrined in letters of gold in the annals of Indian history.

For further information kindly contact :
Abhijet Sarckar
Head – Corporate Communications,
Sahara India Pariwar,
Ph. : + 91 522 2304230

Mumbai attacks: Do something fast, PM tells Maha CM

The Prime Minister has asked the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Ashok Chavan, who called on him in New Delhi Saturday to take all steps to restore the people’s faith in the law and order machinery in view of the terror attacks on Mumbai

Dr. Manmohan Singh said that Mumbai is the country’s financial capital and more over, 45 per cent of the country’s total industrial production comes from Maharashtra . Therefore, it was all the more important that the people’s confidence is restored quickly. He directed that the State Intelligence machinery should be strengthened.

Ashok Chavan informed the Prime Minister of the various actions already underway to fight terrorism including setting up of a State Security Council on the lines of the National Security Council, training of personnel, Police Reforms etc. which a Group of Ministers under the Chairmanship of the Maharashtra Chief Minister would oversee.

The Coast Guard would also be strengthened with additional speed boats and state of the art weapons. The Prime Minister assured that special attention would be accorded to Maharashtra with speedy clearance of their proposals by Central Ministries. The Chief Minister also apprised the Prime Minister of the development issues which are the priority of the State Government including the Mumbai Metro, new Mumbai Airport , Mithi River and coal supply to power plants.

PM apologises for Mumbai attacks

Here are highlights of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s intervention speech made during the Lok Sabha debate on Mumbai attacks:

Following are the excerpts of the statement by the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh in the Lok Sabha :
On behalf of the Government, I would like to apologise to our people for the fact that these dastardly acts could not be prevented.

As far as Mumbai is concerned, it was a very calculated and sinister attack, intended to cause widespread terror and damage to the image of India. The forces behind these attacks wanted to destabilize our secular polity, create communal discord and undermine our country’s economic and social progress.

Each one of us has condemned this horrible incident and also extended our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and sympathies to those who have suffered injuries. We have all saluted the courage and patriotism of the Police and security forces, including the special forces, like the NSG and the Naval Commandos.

This nation is proud of them. I also note with great sorrow the number of foreign nationals who have been victims of this onslaught. I have personally spoken and written to leaders of countries apologizing for the loss of their nationals.

Nothing that we can say or do will compensate for the lives that have been lost. But it is important to ensure that the memory of their sacrifice does not get dimmed with the passage of time. Parliament must resolutely reinforce our nation’s determination to defeat terrorism and destroy it root and branch.

The scourge of terrorism has to be, and will be, fought with determination. All means and measures needed for this purpose will be utilized.

Our immediate priority is to restore a sense of security to the people of India. We will not countenance a situation in which the safety and security of our citizens are violated with impunity by terrorists or other militant forces.

I believe that we have to work at three levels. Firstly, we have to galvanize the international community into dealing sternly and effectively with the epicentre of terrorism, which is located in Pakistan. The infrastructure of terrorism has to be dismantled permanently. This is for the good of the entire world community, including the well being of the people of Pakistan themselves.

Several Heads of State and Government have spoken to me in the wake of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai. Each one of them praised India for demonstrating restraint. They agreed that strong action should be taken against those responsible for these acts. I conveyed to them that we could not be satisfied with mere assurances.

The political will of the international community must be translated into concrete and sustained action on the ground. It is time for the international community to squarely confront the challenge of terrorism. The use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy is no longer acceptable. There should be no double standards in the global fight against terrorism. There are no good or bad terrorists. There is no cause that justifies the massacre and killing of innocent people.

We need effective steps not only to bring those responsible for the Mumbai attacks to justice, but also to ensure that such acts of terrorism do not recur.

I am happy that the United Nations has taken the step today to put sanctions on four individuals of the LeT, including Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, and on the front organizations under which the LeT was operating such as the Jamaat-ud-Daawa. This is the kind of purposeful action that we believe should be pursued in a sustained manner by the world community to ensure that the entire infrastructure of terror is dismantled.

Secondly, we have taken up strongly with the Government of Pakistan the use of their territory for launching an attack of this kind and the need for the strongest possible action against the perpetrators of such ghastly acts. The world community must be convinced that action by Pakistan against the brutal perpetrators of these crimes against humanity will be effective and will be sustained over time.

We have so far acted with utmost restraint. But let not our commitment to civilized norms be misconstrued as a sign of weakness. Every perpetrator, organizer and supporter of terror, whatever his affiliation or religion or location, must pay the price for such cowardly and horrific acts against our people. We have noted the reported steps that have been taken by Pakistan. But clearly much more needs to be done and the actions should be pursued to their logical conclusion.

Thirdly, we need to recognize as a nation that we cannot depend on either of these two approaches for obtaining the outcomes that we desire. The Mumbai incident has highlighted gaps in our preparedness to deal with these kinds of assaults. We need to equip ourselves more effectively to deal with this unprecedented threat and challenge to our country’s integrity and unity.

The Home Minister has already outlined a number of steps that are being taken. The Administrative Reforms Commission report has taken a comprehensive look at the problem of terrorism and the course of action that the Commission has indicated is under the active examination of the Government.

The need for stronger measures to protect our coastline has been highlighted before, but the progress on ground in this regard has obviously been tardy and too slow. We are strengthening maritime security against asymmetric threats from the sea. Since there are currently multiple agencies tasked with coastal security, it has been decided that the sole responsibility of guarding the coastline would be entrusted to the Coast Guard. The Indian Navy would provide the necessary back-up support to the Coast Guard for this purpose. This would come into effect immediately. Special security and protective arrangements are being put in place for all major ports. Similar steps have been initiated for guarding sensitive installations in the vicinity of our shore line.
Arrangements for securing our air space taking into account conventional as well as non-conventional threats have been streamlined. Real time monitoring of aircraft movement jointly by the Air Force and the civil authorities has begun. Air defence measures to prevent intrusion of rogue / unidentified aircraft are in place.

The attacks highlighted the need to be able to act in response to such incidents with much greater speed. We have worked out a mechanism for a comprehensive crisis management response. It has already been decided that the National Security Guard should be decentralized and dispersed and should be located in major metropolitan areas. At the same time, arrangements must be put in place such that rapid response units can reach other locations without loss of time. Till such time as the strength of the NSG is increased, and new units are trained, the Special Forces available with the Army, the Air Force and the Navy and other civilian agencies will be used. Commando units would be created by each State.

We have already decided to strengthen the legal framework to deal with terror and also to set up a national investigation agency. As promised by the Home Minister these Bills would be brought to the House at the earliest.

As has been indicated, mechanisms have already been put in place to provide more timely intelligence to pre-empt future terrorist attacks. Daily meetings at the level of the Home Minister are being taken. The Multi Agency Centre of the Intelligence Bureau will be concentrating exclusively on collecting, collating and disseminating information relating to terrorist threats. Integration and coordination among the various intelligence agencies is being improved. The States have been requested to energize intelligence collection at the district level to produce more actionable intelligence.

While we will be taking a number of short-term and long-term measures, there is a general consensus that the long-term strengthening of our security will only take place by strengthening the police establishment, particularly at the local level. We are committed to police modernization and will spare no effort and no resource to undertake this task within a definite timeframe. We must provide our security forces with the modern and sophisticated equipment they require to tackle the increasing sophistication of terrorist crimes. The morale of our security forces is of utmost concern and importance and if there are any deficiencies these will be made good. The country needs a modern and efficient police force to deal with the twin challenges of security and development in this day and in this age.

The terrorist attacks in India have tried to sow communal divide in the country and weaken our polity and our social fabric. We have emerged stronger with every challenge, and will do so again. I have no doubt that the Mumbai attacks will also fail in their nefarious designs. All political parties have an obligation to unite against communal hatred and discord. We cannot fight and win this war against terrorism if we are a divided house.

In conclusion, I wish to say that it is in times of adversity that the true mettle of a nation is tested. We must remain calm and be resolute. We should stand firm as one nation and one people to meet this challenge posed by terrorism. We will give a fitting rebuff to our enemies. The idea of India as a functioning democracy and a pluralistic society is at stake. This is a time for national unity and I seek your cooperation. Truth and righteousness are on our side and together we shall prevail.”