Home Minister Rajnath Singh to visit forward areas along Pakistan, China borders tomorrow

[Hindustani78]

Last Updated: Sunday, September 20, 2015 - 10:10
Rajnath Singh to visit forward areas along Pak, China borders tomorrow | Zee News

New Delhi: Home Minister Rajnath Singh will undertake a three-day visit to forward areas along the borders with Pakistan and China, including Chumar in eastern Ladakh which saw a fortnight-long stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops a year ago.


During his visit to the forward areas of Jammu and Kashmir, he will inaugurate a new officers' mess at the camp of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) force in Samba and may also go to posts in the sector which has often witnessed firing from across the border.

Singh will then visit border posts in Chumar in eastern Ladakh where Indian and Chinese troops had eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation in sub-zero temperatures in September 2014.

It will be followed by a visit to the police memorial in Hot Spring and ITBP posts in Thakung and Chushul, official sources said.

Following a flag meeting at Spanggur Gap, both the forces had decided to de-escalate the standoff by pulling back troops in the Himalayan plateau after a fortnight last year.

The Home Minister will review the situation along the Sino-Indian border and interact with troops of ITBP, which guards the border.

He is also expected to chair a meeting with local administration and Border Roads Organisation about the development activities being carried out in the forward areas.

Indian and Chinese troops recently had a face-off along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, the same area where People's Liberation Army had pitched camps in April 2013 that had led to a three-week-long stalemate.

According to officials in the know of developments, the Chinese troops had built a temporary hut in Burtse, north of Ladakh, which was demolished by ITBP and army jawans on September 12.

The Home Minister's visit was earlier cancelled twice -- first due to inclement weather and then due to a key BJP meeting on Bihar last week.

PTI

 

[Tiger Genie]

I am impressed how low key Rajnath has managed to be in this 2nd most important ministry in the government. To recall, he was the crucial ally of Modi that helped land BJP safely through the Advani-Modi disagreements. Fortunately for India, the three of them (Advaniji, Rajnathji and Modiji) were mature enough to do that without damage. Good show Rajnathji!

 

[Arya Desa]

I honestly expected this guy to be a horrible minister. Turns out I was wrong.

 

[BATTLE FIELD]

HOME MINISTER and P.M are the most hard working members of the party.

HOME MINISTER and P.M are the most hard working members of the party.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Home Affairs
21-September, 2015 14:01 IST
Terrorism, Infiltration and border transgression should be stopped by the neighbours: Rajnath Singh

Union Home Minister begins three-day visit to border areas of J&K

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh has said that terrorism, infiltration and border transgression should be stopped by the neighbours for better relations with India. He was addressing the jawans after inaugurating the newly constructed Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Camp in Samba sector of Jammu and Kashmir today. The Union Home Minister is on a three-day visit to the State.

Shri Rajnath Singh said that the ITBP is guarding 3,488 km long India-China border which is one of the most inhospitable and difficult borders. There are issues of road connectivity and telecom connectivity and the Ministry of Home Affairs is working for improving these issues, he added.

The Union Home Minister said that India has always been a peaceful neighbour willing to maintain good relations with all its neighbours. Shri Rajnath Singh said that the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi made it very clear to China that resolving all outstanding issues including border disputes is the key to improved bilateral ties. The Union Home Minister said that the ITBP is not only guarding the borders but also protecting India’s assets in countries like Afghanistan. He lauded the role played by ITBP in defending the Indian Consulate at Herat from a terrorist attack last year. Terming ITBP as the first responders to natural calamity situation in the Himalayan region, Shri Rajnath Singh hailed the force’s role in saving lives.

***

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh inspecting the Guard of Honour, at ITBP Camp, in Samba sector, Jammu and Kashmir on September 21, 2015.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh unveiling the plaque to inaugurate the newly constructed building, at ITBP Camp, in Samba sector, Jammu and Kashmir on September 21, 2015. The Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Nirmal Kumar Singh is also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

No compromise on security, India wants better relations with neighbours: Rajnath Singh | Zee News
Last Updated: Monday, September 21, 2015 - 13:58

Samba: Asserting that India does not have expansionist ambitions, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said it has always endeavoured to have better ties with neighbours particularly Pakistan and China and all issues including border disputes and terrorism can be resolved through talks.

"We want better relationships with China and Pakistan. Peace cannot prevail in Asia and the continent cannot prosper on the path of development" till India's relations with them improve, Singh said while addressing ITBP troops, who guard India's border with China, at a function here.

"Whether it is a question of border disputes or issues of terrorism, I feel all the issues can be resolved through talks," he said, adding, "India is a peace loving country. We only want to defend our borders."

"India has never been an expansionist country. Neither we have been expansionist nor we will be in future.

"Why I am saying this with full determination because India is the only country in the world where saints and sages have not only considered people living within the borders as its citizens, but also the other people living in the world," he said.

"We have given the message to the world about the philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' -- the whole world is a family... Due to this we want good relations with all,"

Not only with China, but Indian wants "heart-to-heart" relationship with all neighbouring countries, he said.

Earlier speaking to reporters, Singh said, "I always wish for better relationship with our neighbours. It is always an endeavour from our side. We have extended our hand (of friendship to Pakistan and China)."

He was replying to a volley of questions about major ceasefire violations by Pakistan and transgressions on Sino- Indian border.

On the issue of dialogue with Pakistan in the backdrop of heavy shelling and firing on Indian civilian population, he said, "I have said that India wants better relations with the neighbours. Better relations can be built. Pakistan should come forward, both the sides should come forward. India is ready to take lead."

Replying to a question about increase in border skirmishes and plight of people living along border, Singh said, "I want to reassure the people of the country that there will be no compromise with the security, honour and dignity of the country by our government."

PTI

 

[Hindustani78]

Work being expedited on improving connectivity on China border: Rajnath Singh | Zee News

Samba: Work is being expedited on improving surface connectivity and communication along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, with 1425 kms of road length being taken up, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said today while acknowledging problems on these aspects.


He also said that ITBP, which guards 3488 kms of the border with China with "determination and dedication", should get better equipment and a large number of facilities which are scarce for them.

The Minister, while interacting with ITBP officers and jawans here, also said that he will try to clear "within days" the proposal of setting up of 8 battalions of ITBP, 40 border posts, 12 subsidary posts and 12 staging camps.

On communication front, he said the government has given approval for mobile towers to 34 BOPs and that work has started on setting up of mobile towers.

"I was telling your DG that I do not want to make only promises to you," Singh said as he, accompanied by ITBP chief Krishen Choudhary, began a three-day visit to Jammu and Ladakh to take stock of the situation on the International Border in the Jammu region and the LAC between India and China in the Ladakh region of the state.

"There is a problem of road connectivity in these areas. I have knowledge of this. There is also problem of communication along the borderline," the Home Minister said.

"In 2008, construction of 804 kms of road length along India-China border was approved but due to some reasons, 804 kms road length could not be constructed but 191 km road length has been set up and work is on for the rest (613 kms) of the project," he said.

"In second phase, we have decided to construct 812 km of road length," he said.

He said he also feels that jawans of ITBP should get better equipment and there is scarcity of large number of facilities which should also made available to them.

"The biggest problem on Sino-India border is road

connectivity.... "I want to assure you... I am always committed to removing your difficulties because you are guarding the Indo-China border", the Home Minister said.

Singh, before flying to Leh, said "I am happy to meet the officers and jawans who are serving in most difficult and remote areas while guarding the borders."

He said the government wants to strengthen and equip the guarding border forces and "we are working on it".

He said he got to know about difficulties and problems faced by para military forces when he took the responsibility of Ministry of Home Affairs.

"One of the DGs of the para military forces told me that the biggest problem with our jawans is that if a jawan gets injured in an operation or is hospitalized, they are considered as 'off duty'. I was pained after hearing this and September last year, I issued an order that they should be treated on duty during the period," the minister said.

On LTC, he said that he will take up the matter with Department of Personnel after returning to Delhi.

Medals for jawans posted in high altitude areas above 9000 feet will also be approved, he said.

Singh said there is a proposal for setting up a transit camp for 240 persons in Leh to ensure better acclimatization and this proposal is going to be approved soon.

"There are 7 battalions of ITBP in Ladakh. They are posted in high altitude areas," he noted.

The Home Minister, who was to inaugurate an ITBP camp in Samba which is close to Pakistan and far away from China border, made it clear that ITBP is not being posted to guard the International Border with Pakistan in Jammu region where BSF is deployed.

"The campus of ITBP which has been set up here is carved out under special experiment. I can say that Samba is the first step on road to Ladakh. It is a place where 'Him Vir'(snow warriors) are being trained and prepared for their onward journey to Ladakh. It is because of this reason that I have started three days visit to Ladakh from this place," he said.

"I consider the ITBP jawans not only 'him vir' but also the sons of Himalaya. On one side, the natural ranges of Himalaya are standing tall like the guardians of our borders and in their lap, our jawans guard the borderlines with China with vigilance and alertness," the Home Minister said.

He said said earlier the DG of para military forces could spend upto Rs five crore without MHA approval and the cap has now been raised to Rs 20 crore by him.

"You are not only guarding the border along India-China but also actively taking role in rescue and relief operation during national calamity, earthquake and floods. You are the first respondents to such calamities," Singh said.

"You have saved the lives of many people by undertaking rescue and relief operation. People of the country have full faith on you," he said.

Apart from border guarding, Singh said ITBP had done superb work when there was an attack on Indian Consulate in Afghanistan and the personnel of the force played a miraculous role by saving the lives of people.

"When the people got reports about your role played during the attack through news channels and print media, people felt proud about your act. It is because of that ITBP got Shourya Chakra," he said.

The Home Minister said initially he was not aware that ITBP is also used in fight against naxalism and believed that only CRPF is engaged in it. "Now I am happy. I feel proud of you that people have faith in you," he said.

He said the governments of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Maharashtra have asked for ITBP for their security duty in naxal areas as they have power to give them befitting reply.

He said for Jammu and Kashmir, there is a relaxation in the height for those being recruited in the forces. For the boys category, it is 165 centimeter and for girls category it is 155 centimeters as compared to 170 centimeters for boys and 157 centimeters for girls elsewhere in the country.

PTI

 

[Hindustani78]

Rajnath Singh leaves for India-China border | Zee News

Last Updated: Tuesday, September 22, 2015 - 14:41
Srinagar: Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday left Leh by road to visit the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on the India-China border.

The minister was originally scheduled to fly to the LAC in Chushul and Nobra areas but bad weather forced a change in his plans, a senior police officer told IANS. The region is around 250 km from Leh.

Besides some home ministry and district officials, Rajnath Singh is accompanied by Indo-Tibetan Border Police Director General Krishna Chaudhary.

The ITBP guards the India-China border in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir.

Rajnath Singh reached Leh on Monday and met senior ITBP officials and a local delegation.

The minister arrived in Jammu on Monday on a three-day visit to the international border and the LAC in Jammu and Kashmir.

Both the international border and the LAC are guarded by the paramilitary Border Security Force and the ITBP in Jammu and Kashmir.

IANS

 

[Hindustani78]

Ahead of UN meet, India sends tough message to Pakistan, China - The Hindu

Home Minister Rajnath Singh at the inauguration of the headquarters of the 47th Battalion of ITBP in Samba, Jammu on Monday.
Desist from provocative actions such as border transgressions: Rajnath
With the Line of Control (LoC), International Border (IB), Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Jammu and Kashmir witnessing hot postures by Pakistan and China, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday made it clear that the neighbours should stop promoting terrorism, infiltration and desist from provocative actions such as border transgressions for better relations with India.

He also struck a conciliatory note, saying peace and prosperity in the Asian continent cannot prevail until India’s relations with Pakistan and China are harmonious.

“It has always been our endeavour to have friendly relations with neighbours. We have extended our hand of friendship to Pakistan and China,” said Mr. Rajnath Singh, while addressing Indo-Tibetan Border Police personnel in Jammu’s Samba district, which has witnessed a number of militant attacks since last year.

“Pakistan should come forward with zeal. India is ready to take the lead,” he added.

The statement can bring a much-awaited thaw in the relations after the National Security Advisers’ meeting in August was called off over invitation to separatists.

Mr. Singh’s remarks also assume significance as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistan counterpart Nawaz Sharif are heading to the U.S. to attend the United Nations General Assembly session soon, with no proposal to meet so far.

India has no expansionist plans and is always ready to take the lead for friendly relations with neighbours, the Minister said.

“We want better relations with China and Pakistan but will not compromise on our honour and dignity,” he added.

Calling for “heart-to-heart” relationship with all neighbouring countries, Mr. Singh said, “Whether it is a question of border disputes or issues of terrorism, I feel all the issues can be resolved through talks. India is a peace-loving country.”

Ex gratia increased

On a three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Minister enhanced the ex gratia from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh to the victims of border shelling in the State. He said a proposal for the construction of bunkers is under consideration.

Special emphasis is being laid on strengthening the ITBP to fill the gaps in border security, particularly in Jammu region, where both the IB and LoC have witnessed more than 100 ceasefire violations till date this year alone.

Mr. Singh’s visit also comes in the wake of increased fidayeen (suicide) attacks by militants in Jammu’s Samba and Kathua districts, which have left more than a dozen civilians and security personnel dead and several others injured.

Calling for stepped-up measures to “stop infiltration and transgressions from across the border,” Mr. Singh said, “India only wants to defend its borders.”

He will review the situation on the LAC bordering China in Ladakh.

Flag meeting

Meanwhile, amid continuing ceasefire violations and civilian casualties in the Pir Panchal Valley’s Poonch area, a flag meeting between border forces was held on the LoC. The forces reportedly decided to de-escalate tension.

The Indian Army, represented by Brigadier H.S. Sarin, raised a host of issues, including ceasefire violations with Brigadier Usman, representing the Pakistan side.

Northern Command spokesman Colonel S.D. Goswami said, “A brigade-level flag meeting was held at Chakan Da Bagh crossing point on the LoC in Poonch district for one hour.” Besides the ceasefire violations, the specific issues of targeting of civilian areas and sniper actions on the LoC were raised during the meeting.

The two sides decided “to ensure restraint and respect for ceasefire agreement.”

 

[Hindustani78]

Rajnath to stay at border outpost in Himalayas overnight | Zee News
Last Updated: Tuesday, September 22, 2015 - 19:49
Leh: Bad weather on Tuesday forced Rajnath Singh to abandon his helicopter and take a road trip to Dungti, some 200 kms from here on the icy heights of Himalayas, for a night halt at a border outpost, the first by a Union Home Minister.

Singh, on a three-day visit to border areas of Jammu and Kashmir, decided to drive down to the Dungti border post in Demchok at a height of 13,648 feet above sea level, after low lying clouds made flying impossible.

Demchok has seen repeated incursions by Chinese People's Liberation Army last year, including the one that led to a face-off with the Indian Army at Charding-Nilu Nullah Junction (CNNJ). The PLA had entered the area on vehicles in the wee hours claiming it to be Chinese territory.

Accompanied by senior officials, including Director General of ITBP Krishna Chaudhary, the Home Minister will spend the night with officers and jawans of the border guarding force for a first hand feel of conditions they work in.

Tomorrow, the Home Minister will address a 'Sainik Sammelan' after inaugurating an officers' hut at the outpost.

The Indo-Tibet Border Police, which is under the control of Home Ministry, is the designated force to man 4,056 km-long Line of Actual Control streching from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh.

This area was important during the 1962 Sino-India war as an entire army brigade received supplies from here.

 

[Imran Khan]

same old bla bla on borders barking neighbors and creating more hate ,no difference in terrorists and politicians

 

[Hindustani78]

same old bla bla on borders barking neighbors and creating more hate ,no difference in terrorists and politicians

India do have border disputes with China and Pakistan and our lands have been occupied and this is reality.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh at the ITBP Tagyarmale post near LAC in forward areas of Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir on September 22, 2015.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh interacting with the ITBP jawans, at Dungti BoP, in Ladakh sector, Jammu and Kashmir on September 23, 2015.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh addressing at the ITBP Camp, at Leh, Jammu and Kashmir on September 23, 2015.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Home Affairs
23-September, 2015 18:48 IST
Rajnath Singh says government committed to strengthen road and telecom connectivity in far flung border areas

Union Home Minister concludes three-day visit to Forward Areas of J&K
The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh has said that the government is committed to strengthen its road and telecom network to improve connectivity in the far flung border areas of the country. Concluding his three-day visit from 21st to 23rd September, 2015 to the Forward Areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Rajnath Singh remarked that there are issues of road connectivity and telecom connectivity in Ladakh region where ITBP personnel are serving at very high altitude in the Forward Areas.

Union Home Minister had to travel to DBO, Track Junction, Murgo, Burtse, Chungtash, Chusul and Chumar Border Outs Posts (BOPs) yesterday and today but due to bad weather, the visit by air to these BOPs could not be possible. Shri Rajnath Singh immediately decided to visit Loma, Dungti and Tagyarmale , BOPs by road. The Home Minister travelled about 400 km by road yesterday and perhaps become the first Home Minister to spend night at Dungti BOP in the forward area with ITBP Jawans. During his eight hours long journey, he interacted with local people at Hamiya and defence personnel at Chumathang.

Shri Rajnath Singh said that it was an amazing learning experience for him. “On reaching Tagyarmale post, I had the firsthand account of the situation near the Line of Actual Control (LAC)” he said. The ITBP jawans were thrilled to have the Union Home Minister amidst them. They also shared their harsh and treacherous working conditions and freely expressed their experiences with the Union Home Minister.

The Union Home Minister said that our ITBP jawans are working in extremely harsh and inhospitable conditions. “I salute the ITBP jawans & officers for their courage, steadfastness and their indomitable spirit to conquer all odds,” he said.

Shri Rajnath Singh interacted with the Jawans at Tagyarmale BOP last night and Dungti, BOP today morning. On his return to Leh, he had a detailed interaction, with ITBP personnel and assured them that he will do his best to see that the “Him Veer” or “Him Putra” as he called the ITBP personnel, get all necessary assistance and care from the Government since they are committed for the safety and security of the country. He also lauded the role of ITBP in participating in the Swach Bharat and clean Ganga Programme started by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

Earlier, on the first day of visit, Shri Rajnath Singh had visited the ITBP camp at Samba in Jammu region. Addressing the jawans, he had said that terrorism, infiltration and border transgression should be stopped by the neighbours for better relations with India.

Shri Krishna Chaudhary, Director General of ITBP thanked the Union Home Minister for sparing three days out of his busy schedule for visiting forward areas being serviced by ITBP. He said that the entire ITBP family is extremely happy as the last night spent by the Union Home Minister with the Jawans at the Dungti BOP has raised their level of confidence and morale to take up their assignments more effectively.

***

 

[Hindustani78]

An IAF Advanced Light Helicopter landing at during the inauguration of the Advanced Landing Ground at Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh on March 12, 2016. — Photo: Special Arrangement
http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...lian-engineers-upsets-army/article9272142.ece


Parrikar approves plan to post ADGs to Northern, Eastern commands
The Army’s top brass is upset with the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) move to create two senior civilian positions to look after engineering projects in army commands responsible for both Pakistan and China borders.

Army sources said the decision was taken by the MoD unilaterally without taking the Army leadership into confidence. Ministry sources said they were going ahead with implementation of the decision.

The MoD recently issued orders, with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar’s approval, to create the new posts of Additional Director General (ADG) for both Udhampur-based Northern Command and Kolkata-based Eastern Command. Most engineering projects in the two commands would now be administered by the newly appointed ADGs, whose offices are not to be based in command headquarters but in Jammu and Guwahati.

As a consequence, Command Chief Engineers, who now look after all engineering and construction projects, will be merely responsible for engineering regiments. Key projects such as construction of forward military bases, facilities for the new Strike Corps against China, and modernisation of Advanced Landing Grounds along the China border will come under the civilian officer, because Military Engineering Service (MES) offices and Chief Construction Engineers (CCE) will report to the civilian ADG.

A senior Army officer called it a disruption of the military’s functioning and said the Army leadership had made a representation to the Ministry, following which a temporary hold was put on the orders.

When contacted, a senior Defence Ministry official said, “The decision was taken at the level of the Defence Minister and so all concerned would have been taken on board.” He said there was no hold on the orders issued.

In an October 13 order, MoD Under Secretary Anurag Sharma wrote to the Engineer-in-Chief of the military, “The competent authority has decided to create a post of ADG (North) by suppressing the post of ADG (D&C) Pune with headquarters at Jammu to look after the work services and infrastructure projects pertaining to Army and Air Force in the geographical jurisdiction of Northern Command (Army).” The newly created ADG (North) will be “responsible for overall monitoring and supervision of all MES works in the Northern Sector under all Chief Engineers Zones (Army and Air Force) and CCE of Northern Command.”

The order also said the newly created ADG (North) will directly report to the Engineer-in-Chief, and not to the Command Chief Engineer. “This issues with the approval of the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri,” the order said.

A similar order was issued on October 17 for the Eastern Army Command.

‘Not consulted’
“None of the stakeholders were taken into confidence, neither the Engineer-in-Chief, nor the chiefs of the three services, nor the Army commanders,” a senior Army officer said.

He pointed out that there was a “great deal” of coordination between the MES and Corps of Engineers in the command areas in executing strategic projects. “Now that they are splitting the command authority, it could lead to serious coordination issues and ego clashes,” he explained.

Several projects are taken up by Engineering Regiments and MES border jointly, including putting up operation shelters.

For years now, other tensions have simmered. Civilians get promoted to only staff appointments beyond the rank of Zonal Chief Engineers. And they have regularly petitioned the government about ‘discrimination’. The new ADG posts might have been devised to address the issue.

Tensions between civilians and military engineers increased after the 6th Pay Commission recommendations were implemented in 2008. Junior civilian officers got better perks, such as business class tickets and better pay bands, than military officers senior to them.