Assistance to Families of Martyred Soldiers of Indian Military

[Hindustani78]

Ghadge, 32, sustained a bullet injury in the head in Thursday's firing at the Line Of Control in Poonch district. He served in the 15 Maratha Light Infantry.
http://indianexpress.com/article/in...rs-body-to-reach-village-on-saturday-4563757/

By: IANS | Mumbai | Updated: March 10, 2017 7:03 pm
The body of Deepak J. Ghadge, a soldier killed in unprovoked firing by Pakistan, will on Saturday reach his village Fatyapur in Maharashtra, an official has said. Ghadge, 32, sustained a bullet injury in the head in Thursday’s firing at the Line Of Control in Poonch district. He served in the 15 Maratha Light Infantry.

The soldier from Satara district is survived by his elderly parents, Jagannath and Shobha, wife Nisha, son Shambhu, 4, and one-year-old daughter Pari, besides a sister who is married.


As the news of his death was received late on Thursday, the entire village of around 1,600 residents plunged into sorrow and observed a spontaneous shutdown on Friday. The body was scheduled to be brought here on Friday, but has been delayed due to severe weather conditions in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to a military spokesperson, the body will be able to reach Satara only by Saturday afternoon for the last rites. The Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked firing in Krishna Ghati sector of the Line of Control in Poonch district, according to the Army.

 

[Hindustani78]

Prime Minister's Office
11-March, 2017 12:58 IST
PM expresses sadness over the killing of CRPF personnel in Sukma

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed sadness over the killing of CRPF personnel in Sukma, Chhattisgarh.


“Saddened by the killing of CRPF personnel in Sukma. Tributes to the martyrs and condolences to their families. May the injured recover quickly.


Spoke to Home Minister Rajnath Singh Ji on the situation in Sukma. He is going to Sukma to take stock of the situation”, the Prime Minister said.

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[Hindustani78]

http://indianexpress.com/article/in...rpf-men-in-sukma-chhattisgarh-bastar-4565738/

In the biggest Maoist attack on security forces in over two years, 12 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed and two injured in an ambush in the Bhejji area of Sukma district in Chattishgarh on Saturday morning. All personnel belonged to the 219 Battalion of the paramilitary force, which has a post at Bhejji. The attack came on the same day as a Maoist strike in 2014 in Tahkawada region of Bastar that had killed 16, including 11 CRPF men, four police personnel and one civilian. The Maoists struck at 9 am, a kilometre from the Bhejji camp, towards Kottacheru, when more than hundred CRPF personnel were on their way for an area-domination exercise. Officials said the attack lasted for over an hour.

Security forces have launched a massive operation and manhunt to find two key Naxal commanders active in the area, identified as Hidma and Sonu, sources said.

The bodies of the killed CRPF personnel were brought to the state capital Raipur by helicopter. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who flew down from Delhi to take stock of the situation, attended a ceremony to honour them.

Acting CRPF DG Sudeep Lakhtakia told The Sunday Express, “The troops first came under heavy fire, and when they were trying to launch a counter-attack, hidden IEDs were triggered, leading to serial explosions… Eleven weapons and two wireless sets were also snatched by the Maoists.”

Lakhtakia added, “A 2-km road from Bhejji and Kokacherru is under construction and the CRPF team had gone to provide security for it. The area falls under Sukma district, which is the last bastion of Maoists in south Bastar.”

The CRPF team would have also provided security to the weekly bazaar held in the area. CRPF officers said a consolidation of their presence in the area and the reopening of this market by locals since last year had made the Naxals desperate.

Senior Chhattisgarh Police sources said primary information indicates that the Maoists were able to isolate one part of the CRPF unit, and suspect that the Maoists were keeping a watch on the men.

“This is an area where a road is planned, and while there is no active construction at the moment, the CRPF moves around as a routine area-domination excercise. According to our information, a total of 110 men left the post, but this was something they did every day. Therefore, prima facie indications are the Maoists studied their movements,” a senior police official said.

The deceased CRPF personnel were identified as Head Constables Jagdish Prasad Vishnoi and P R Minde, Inspector Jagjit Singh, Assistant Sub-Inspectors H B Bhatt and Narender Kumar Singh, and Constables Mangesh Pal Pandey, Rampal Singh Yadav, Goraknath, Nand Kumar Patra, Satish Kumar Verma, K Shankar and Suresh Kumar.


Constables Jaidev Parmanik and Salim are reported to be critically injured.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that he had spoken to Rajnath Singh on the matter. “Deeply pained to learn of the killing of CRPF personnel in Sukma. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. The Centre is in direct communication with the state government. Those who perpetrated this incident in Sukma will be brought to justice,” he wrote.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi also expressed her concern at the killings.

The NDA government has been claiming that since it came to power in 2014, Maoist violence has dipped by more than 40-45 per cent. In 2016, Chhattisgarh accounted for more than 37 per cent of the Naxal violence, followed by Jharkhand and Bihar

 

[Hindustani78]

CRPF jawans carrying the coffin of H C Premdas Mendhe, killed in an ambush by Naxals in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh, at Nagpur Airport on Sunday. PTI Photo

 

[Hindustani78]

In mourning:The mortal remains of CRPF constable K. Shankar who was killed by Maoists in Chattisgarh being laid to rest in his hometown in Kazhumaram near Thirukovilur in Villupuram district on Sunday.photo: t. Singaravelou

Shankar, the eldest of five siblings, was the sole breadwinner of the family. He joined the CRPF in 2000 and is survived by his wife Ezhilarasi, children Poovizhi (2), eight-month-old baby boy Darshan, parents Kathirvel and Manimuthu and brothers K. Satish and K. Rajavelu.

 

[Hindustani78]

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http://indianexpress.com/article/india/indian-army-major-stepwell-death/
By: PTI | Jodhpur | Published:March 13, 2017 9:28 pm
An Army major visiting the famous ‘Toorji ka Jhalra’ stepwell here along with his colleagues fell into it and died last night, police said. The 28-year-old Army officer, Major Sanjay Kumar Dwivedi, lost his balance and fell into the stepwell and was drowned said police adding his body could be recovered only this afternoon.

Police is awaiting the arrival of his family members from Dehradun, SHO (Kotwali) Indra Singh said.

Major Dwivedi was posted at the Signal Core in Jodhpur military station here.

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http://indianexpress.com/article/india/gurdaspur-crpf-man-killed-in-sukma-attack-cremated-4567390/

By: Express News Service | Amritsar | Published:March 13, 2017 5:06 am
CENTRAL RESERVE Police Force (CRPF) inspector Jagjit Singh was cremated at his native village Kotla Sharaf in Gurdaspur district on Sunday.

A large numbers of villagers attended the ceremony, apart from district administration officials. Jagjit Singh had joined the CRPF in 2002 and had been posted in Chhattisgarh recently. He survived by his wife, two children and mother. He was with 219 battalion of the CRPF.

His 10-year-old son Gurnur Singh performed the last rites. His daughter is three years old. His mother Narinder Kaur said, “I had requested him to get a transfer to a safer place but he told me not to worry about his posting. He has given his life for the country.”

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Home Affairs
14-March, 2017 12:56 IST
Text of statement of Union Home Minister regarding recent attack on security forces at Sukma, Chhattisgarh

Following is the text of statement of the Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh in Lok Sabha today regarding recent attack on security forces at Sukma, Chhattisgarh on March 11, 2017:


“On March 11, 2017 two companies of CRPF at Bheji in Sukma District of Chhattisgarh were providing security cover for road construction on Bheji-Gorkha-Injiram Axis. Around 0853 hrs, when this party reached a forested area close to Bankupara village, armed Left Wing Extremists ambushed them with heavy firing and simultaneous use of IED blasts. In this incident, unfortunately 12 personnel were martyred and 02 were seriously injured. The condition of injured personnel is stable and they are out of danger. 13 weapons and 02 Wireless Sets were taken away by the Left Wing Extremists. Names of the martyrs and injured are as follows:-


Names of the Martyrs



1.Insp Jagjeet Singh

2.ASI Hira Vallabh Bhatt

3.ASI Narender Singh

4. CT Suresh Kumar

5. CT Mangesh Bal Pandey

6. CT Rampal Singh Yadav

7. CT Gorakhnath

8. CT Nand Kumar Athram

9. CT Satish Chand Verma

10. CT K. Shankar

11. HC P.R. Mendhe

12. HC Jagdish Prasad Vishnoi


Names of the Injured



1.CT Jaydev Pramanik

2. CT Mohd Saleem Sagal


I express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the personnel who have lost their lives and I would like to say firmly that the entire nation is with them in their hour of grief. The nation will always remember their sacrifices. The injured personnel will be provided with the best possible treatment available. On behalf of the entire house, I pray for their health and wellbeing.


The unprecedented success of the Security Forces of late has led to evident uneasiness among the Left Wing Extremist Groups. The Forces have achieved tremendous success during 2016 in all LWE affected States and particularly in Chhattisgarh where 135 LWE cadres were eliminated, 779 arrested and 1198 surrendered. The number of violent incidents in Chhattisgarh also dropped by 15% from 466 in 2015 to 395 in 2016. Improved efficacy of the Security Forces is evident from the following indicators-


(a) The number of Left Wing Extremists killed increased by 150% (89 in 2015 to 222 in 2016) in 2016.


(b) Surrenders and arrests registered a combined increase of 47% over 2015 (2238 to 3282).


(c) Only 03 weapons were lost by the SFs in 2016 as against 15 in 2015.


(d) 67% of Encounters/Exchange of Fire resulted in neutralization of LWE cadres as against only 36% in 2015.


(e) Sustained operations by the Security Forces ensured that South Bastar districts, considered to be the nucleus of LWE strength witnessed a considerable fall in violence in 2016 (252 incidents as against 326 in 2015).


The Left Wing Extremists have suffered unprecedented losses in 2016. They have admitted so, openly in their documents and statements. They will continue to attempt such incidents to restore the flagging morale of their cadres. I believe that our brave soldiers and officers will continue to respond with a firm resolve and contribute whole heartedly towards elimination of Left Wing Extremism.


However there is a need for introspection on this incident. I have directed the DG, CRPF to conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident so that the lapses that led to the incident can be identified which will reduce the possibility of repetition of such incidents in the future.


I visited Chhattisgarh to pay my homage to the martyrs and met the two injured personnel on the day of the incident itself. Arrangements were made to ensure that mortal remains reach their respective families. Loss of life can in no way be compensated by money, however, the next of kin of the martyred CRPF personnel will be provided Rs 35 lacs as ex-gratia from the Central Government, Rs 20 lacs from the Risk Fund of CRPF and Rs 01 lac from the CRPF Welfare Fund. They will also get Rs 25 lacs as insurance benefits and Rs 03 lacs as ex-gratia from the Chhattisgarh Government. The next of kin will also be provided full salary till the age of superannuation of the personnel martyred under the Liberalized Pensionary Award (LPA).


I assure the house that the Government is committed to providing all support to the CAPF in order to prepare them for their tasks. In the same way the Government is also committed to supporting the States for training, capacity building, provision of CAPF battalions as required and intelligence sharing.


I would like to assure the nation through this house that we will not let Left Wing Extremists succeed in misleading the people and depriving parts of the country from the benefits of development.

I once again pay my homage to the martyred personnel and express heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I assure the house that their sacrifices will not go in vain.”


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[Hindustani78]

12 CRPF were personnel killed in an ambush by naxals in Chhattisgarh. (Photo: PTI)

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india...hhattisgarh/story-pZgnuxZzQTpWONpGsJqrEO.html

A CRPF jawan was on Tuesday killed by naxals at a local village fair in Chhattisgarh’s insurgency-hit Bijapur district.

Assistant constable Phagu Ram Mandavi (42) was axed to death with sharp-edged weapons by rebels at Bodli village ‘mela’ (fair) under Bangpal police station limits this evening, Bijapur superintendent of police KL Dhruv told PTI.

As per the preliminary information, a group of unidentified Maoists attacked Mandavi while he had gone to visit the fair along with his family, killing him on the spot, he said.

Soon after getting the news of the incident, a police team was rushed to the spot and the body was sent for post-mortem, he added.

A native of Mirtur police station area in Bijapur, Mandavi was posted with Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp at Pinkonda village in Mirtur, he said.

A combing operation was launched in the region to nab the assailants, he added.

 

[Hindustani78]

Indian Army personnel carry floral tributes as they prepare to accompany the funeral procession of Lance Naik Gopal Sinh Munim Sinh Bhandoriya along a street in Ahmedabad. | Photo Credit: AFP

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...6-says-govt/article17515545.ece?homepage=true


10 cases of terror attacks were recorded in 2014, followed by 11 in 2015, 15 in 2016 and three until March 15 this year.
There were 15 terror attacks on the army last year as the force lost 68 soldiers, the Lok Sabha was informed on Friday. 2016 also recorded 449 instances of ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the Jammu and Kashmir border.

In a written response to a question in Lok Sabha, Subhash Bhamre, Minister of State for Defence, said 10 cases of terror attacks were recorded in 2014, followed by 11 in 2015, 15 in 2016 and three until March 15 this year.

2015 and 2016 also saw a spike in the number of deaths of army personnel, recording 67 and 68 casualties respectively in terror attacks and along the border. In 2014, 38 army personnel died in terror acts while 13 have lost their lives this year.


Mr. Bhamre said, in 2016 the area along the Line of Control, which is under operational control of the army, saw 228 instances of ceasefire violations while the area along the international border in Jammu and Kashmir, under the control of the Border Security Force (BSF), recorded 221 instances of ceasefire violations. This accounts for more than one instance of ceasefire violation everyday.

In 2017, 30 instances of ceasefire violations were recorded along the LoC while six such instances along the international border were recorded until February 6 by the BSF.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
17-March, 2017 18:08 IST
Ceasefire Violations by Pakistan

Details of ceasefire violations during the last year and current year are as under:-

Number of ceasefire violations
Year

Along the line of Control in the State of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) under operational control of Army

Along the international border in the State of J&K under operational control of BSF

2016
228
221

2017
January
08
February
11
March (till 15th March)
11


06
(till 28th February)

Details of casualties suffered by security personnel/civilians in ceasefire violations during the current year are as under:-

2017
Army personnel#

Martyred
01
Injured
01

BSF personnel*
Martyred
00
Injured
00

Civilians*
Martyred
00
Injured
00

#till 15th March

*till 28th Feb

All violations of ceasefire are taken up with Pakistan military authorities at appropriate levels through the established mechanism of hotlines, flag meetings as well as weekly talks between DGMOs of India & Pakistan.

Details of ex gratia lump sum compensation being paid to the Next of Kin (NoK) of Defence personnel are as under:-

S. No.
Details
w.e.f.
01/01/2006
w.e.f. 01/01/2016

1.
Death in the course of duties attributable to acts of violence by terrorists, etc.
Rs. 10 lakh
Rs.25 lakh

2.
Death occurring during enemy action in war or border skirmishes or in action against militants, terrorists, etc.
Rs.15 lakh
Rs.35 lakh

3.
Army Group Insurance Fund
Upto 30/09/16
w.e.f. 01/10/16
Officers
Rs. 60 lakh
Rs.75 lakh

JCOs/Other Ranks
Rs.30 lakh
Rs.37.5 lakh

In addition, other benefits such as liberalised family pension, death-cum-retirement-gratuity, etc. are granted as per extant rules.

In case of civilians, as per Ministry of Home Affairs scheme, an amount of Rs. 5 lakh is given for each death or permanent incapacitation to the Nok/victims of cross-border firing.

Appropriate retaliation to these ceasefire violations have been carried out wherever necessary. During ceasefire violations, the inhabitants of border villages, which are vulnerable to shelling/firing, are shifted to safer locations to prevent any loss of life. All arrangements are made by the District administration for free boarding, lodging, medicare, water, electricity, food, sanitation and transport to safer places in such cases.

The defences along the border are adequately fortified to withstand enemy fire. Continuous improvements, including the usage of modern technology, in the defences are made to make them more robust and resilient to enemy fire.

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri Rahul Shewale and others in Lok Sabha today.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
17-March, 2017 18:12 IST
Terrorist Attacks on Armed Forces

Details of terrorist attacks on Army during the last three years and current years are as under:-

Year
No. of Attacks


2014
10

2015
11

2016
15

2017
(till 15th March)
03

Details of total number of soldiers who lost their lives on borders and in various terrorist activities in the country including Jammu and Kashmir during the last three years and the current year, are as follows:-

Year
No. of Soldiers died


2014
38

2015
67

2016
68

2017
13

The next of kin of martyred soldiers are given compensation as per extant provision in this regard. Details of such compensation is annexed.

As per existing policy the dependent family members of Government servants, both civilian as well as Armed Forces personnel who expire during service including those who are killed in action and those who retire / boarded out on medical grounds are eligible for consideration for compassionate appointment against 5% of direct recruitment quota vacancies in Group ‘C’ posts. There is no separate quota for next of kin of martyred armed forces personnel.

 

[Hindustani78]

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Ministry of Defence
21-March, 2017 14:26 IST
Protecting Defence Personnel from Natural Calamities

The number of defence personnel died/injured due to natural calamities during the last three year are as under:



Year
Fatal
Injured

2014
12
01

2015
24
06

2016
22
-


All personnel inducted into High Altitude regions are given adequate training in mountain craft, ice craft, and survival in glaciated terrain to cope with any eventuality like avalanches. Best quality of winter clothing and equipment is procured to prevent weather related casualties. Modern means of conveyance like snow scooters are utilized to ensure timely reaction to any eventuality and reduce fatigue. A number of specialized equipments have also been deployed in the avalanche prone areas.

For avalanche warning, 56 High Altitude Observatories and 55 Automatic Weather Stations have been set up by DRDO in Uttarakhand, Himachal and J&K. Further, based on advisories received from Indian Meteorological Department in respect of cyclones & floods and from Indian Tsunami Early Warning Center in respect of Tsunami, timely dissemination of information is ensured to all formations.

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri A. Vijaya Kumar in Rajya Sabha today.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
21-March, 2017 17:30 IST
Udhampur Martyr Capt. Tushar Mahajan's parents meet MoS Dr Jitendra Singh

The parents of Martyr Capt. Tushar Mahajan of Udhampur, Shri Dev Raj Gupta and Smt Asha Rani, who are currently in the Union capital to receive Shaurya Chakra (posthumous) on behalf of their son, called on the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh here yesterday. Pertinent to mention that Capt. Tushar had sacrificed his life in a counter-militancy operation early last year.

While acknowledging the well-deserved honour bestowed upon Late Capt. Tushar Mahajan, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the nation is eternally indebted and no award or prize can ever repay for the supreme sacrifice of brave hearts like Tushar. It is because of these young boys, he said, that we are able to carry on with our daily routine in safe environs. These youngsters stay awake when we sleep, they remain empty stomach when we eat and they lay down their life so that we can remain alive, he said.

Shri Dev Raj Gupta thanked Dr Jitendra Singh for all the timely and prompt assistance provided by him following the sudden demise of Tushar, in arranging the instant Visa and travel documents for Tushar’s elder brother who lives abroad, so that he could reach Udhampur to attend the last rites of Tushar.

In response, Dr Jitendra Singh said, nothing is enough to honour the memory of Capt. Tushar nor can there be enough of consolation for the parents who have lost their son. However, he said, he has taken up the issue of naming the Railway Station at Udhampur after the name of Martyr Capt. Tushar Mahajan and he soon plans to discuss the matter with Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh. Most of the formalities required for the naming of the Railway Station have already been completed, he said, and the procedure has been gone through different Departments and Ministries while the final call is to be taken by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

Dr Jitendra Singh appreciated the decision taken by Shri Dev Raj Gupta and his wife Smt Asha Rani to set up a Trust in the memory of Capt. Tushar and said that he would be keenly willing to contribute to the Trust in whichever manner possible. He said, he will always be available to arrange different kind of activities by the Trust as desired by Tushar’s parents and would also contribute required financial funds, as and when required.

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The parents of Martyr Capt. Tushar Mahajan of Udhampur, meeting the Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, in New Delhi on March 21, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

A grieving relative at the funeral of Captain Tushar Mahajan in Udhampur. (Express Photo)
http://indianexpress.com/article/in...fter-martyred-soldier-jitendra-singh-4580157/

The Udhampur railway station in Jammu and Kashmir is likely to be named after martyred Captain Tushar Mahajan, Union minister Jitendra Singh has said.

This was stated during the meeting Singh had with Tushar’s parents who were here to receive the Shaurya Chakra (posthumous) on behalf of their son on Monday.

He said he has taken up the issue of naming the railway station at Udhampur after the name of Martyred Captain Tushar Mahajan and soon plans to discuss the matter with Home Minister Rajnath Singh, an official release said.

“Most of the formalities required for the naming of the railway station have already been completed, he said, and the procedure has been gone through different departments and ministries while the final call is to be taken by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs,” it said.

Singh, the minister of state in Prime Minister’s Office, is a Lok Sabha member from the Udhampur constituency.

Tushar had sacrificed his life in a counter-militancy operation while fighting terrorists in Pampore area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district early last year.

Singh said the nation is eternally indebted and no award or prize can ever repay for the supreme sacrifice of brave hearts like Tushar.

“It is because of these young boys that we are able to carry on with our daily routine in safe environs.

“These youngsters stay awake when we sleep, they remain empty stomach when we eat and they lay down their life so that we can remain alive,” the Minister said.

Dev Raj Gupta, Tushar’s father, thanked Singh for all the timely and prompt assistance provided by him following the sudden demise of his son in arranging the instant visa and travel documents for Tushar’s elder brother who lives abroad, so that he could reach Udhampur to attend the last rites on time.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
24-March, 2017 14:42 IST
Welfare Of Families Of Martyred Soldiers

Assistance / other facilities provided to and welfare schemes for the families / Next of kins (NoKs) of martyrs and disabled soldiers are at Annexure. In addition, some State Governments also extend benefits to the families of martyrs.

Petitions are received from widows and dependents of Defence Personnel disabled, incapacitated or killed in action with regard to payment of family pension, special family pension, ex-gratia etc. from time to time. Efforts are made to dispose these petitions expeditiously, based on the Government policies in this regard and their disposal is monitored at appropriate levels.

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri Naranbhai Kachhadiya in Lok Sabha today.