IKB-DEF-APR 29, 15 - Indicia Research & Advisory

Indicia Knowledge Brief
A Daily Assessment on Indian Defence and Internal/Homeland Security
April 29, 2015.
Primary aims of Indicia Daily Brief are two-fold. First, it distills infinite information into a
capsule form, thus saving precious time of its clients. Second, it tries to link micro-events
to larger strategic canvas through its analyses, thus providing support knowledge for
better understanding and decision-making.
Indicia Analysis of the Day
The new US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter will be visiting India in June
and will sign the enhanced Defence Framework Agreement for the next
ten years between the two countries. An important agenda will be the
nearly $2.5-billion deal for 22 Apache and 15 Chinook heavy-lift
helicopters.
Just ahead of the Union government’s decision to purchase 36 Rafale
aircraft from France in fly-away condition, the Indian Air Force (IAF) had
raised alarm with a Parliamentary panel that the already underway
drawdown would bring the IAF to just 25 squadrons in the next seven
years by 2022.
I. National Defence and Security:
US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter to visit India in June to ink defence
agreement:
The new US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter will be visiting India in June and
will sign the enhanced Defence Framework Agreement for the next ten years
between the two countries. Also on the agenda will be the nearly $2.5-billion
deal for 22 Apache and 15 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters besides taking forward
the talks on proposed co-development and co-production of military technology,
ranging from aircraft carrier launch systems to mini drones. Pointing out that
India and US are tracking some 77 different line of effort that came out of
President Barack Obama's visit here, US Ambassador to India Richard Verma
said, "We have re-energised or launched 30 new initiatives, 30 different
dialogue". He said that the US Embassy here has every element of American
government and at any given day, they are interacting with some element of the
Indian government, adding "we are not going to let the momentum go".....
Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/us-defence-secretary-ashton-carter-to-visitindia-in-june-to-ink-defence-agreement/articleshow/47080747.cms
*
India, US to sign defence framework agreement for next 10 yrs in
June:
Come June, India and the US will sign the enhanced defence framework
agreement for the next 10 years.This was disclosed by US ambassador to New
Delhi Richard Verma, who said the signing would take place when America's new
Defence Secretary Ashton Carter visits India in June. Verma said India and the US
were tracking some some 77 different line of effort that came out of President
Barack Obama's visit here in January."We have re-energised or launched 30 new
initiatives, 30 different dialogue", he said at the first US-India think tank summit.
The US ambassador added that $ 2.5-billion deal for 22 Apache and 15 Chinook
heavy-lift helicopters besides, co-development and co-production of military
technology, ranging from aircraft carrier launch systems to mini drones are on
the cards. He said that the US Embassy here has every element of American
government and at any given day, they are interacting with some element of the
Indian government, adding "we are not going to let the momentum go".....
Source:
http://www.saharasamay.com/nation-news/676571919/india-us-to-sign-defence-frameworkagreement-for-next-10-yrs.html
*
Modi-Ghani meet: India pledges support in defence, other
areas:
India today offered assistance to war-ravaged Afghanistan in diverse sectors
including defence as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghan President Ashraf
Ghani held extensive talks during which both leaders stressed the need for
concrete action to dismantle terror networks. According to sources, Indian side
told the Afghan delegation that Afghanistan should "let their defence
requirements be known" to India. Significantly, Ghani's predecessor Hamid
Karzai was strongly pushing for supply of military hardware by India to enhance
Afghan defence capability. In the meeting, Modi and Ghani, who is here on his
first visit after assuming office in September last, discussed host of key issues
including connectivity and security, with the Prime Minister making a strong
pitch for a positive and constructive approach from neighbours of Afghanistan
including to end support for violence. Asserting that Indo-Afghan partnership
has blossomed despite barriers of geography and hurdles of politics, Modi said
the success of an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process within the framework of
the Constitution of Afghanistan, without the shadow of violence was in their
shared interest. After the comprehensive talks with Ghani on entire gamut of
bilateral ties as well as on key regional and international issues, Modi, at a joint
press event with the visiting leader, said he conveyed India's support for his
vision for peace and stability in Afghanistan. "We have a shared interest in the
success of an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process. This should be conducted
within the framework of the Constitution of Afghanistan, without the shadow of
violence....
Source: http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/modi-ghani-meet-india-pledges-supportin-defence-other-areas-115042800716_1.html
*
Before Rafale deal, IAF rang alarm:
Just ahead of the Union government’s decision to purchase 36 Rafale aircraft
from France in fly-away condition, the Indian Air Force (IAF) had raised alarm
with a Parliamentary panel that the already underway drawdown would bring
the IAF to just 25 squadrons in the next seven years by 2022-thereby losing even
the “slight edge” the IAF has over “rival neighbouring nation.” The standing
committee on defence chaired by Maj Gen B C Khanduri (retd) on Monday
presented a report before the Parliament pulling the government for delays in
acquisitions which have affected the modernisation of the forces-mainly IAF and
the Army. “Representatives of IAF deposed before the committee that a
drawdown has already begun and, by 2022, the air force will have around just 25
squadrons, thereby losing even the slight edge over rival neighbouring nation,”
the standing committee report said. The IAF, which is down to 35 operational
squadrons against its stipulated strength of 42 received a reliever when Prime
Minister Narendra Modi, in his visit to France announced that 36 Rafale fighter
jets would be bought from France in fly-away condition. This number,
corresponding to just two squadrons is unlikely to help the IAF which is hoping
for a decision on more number of Rafale jets. The earlier on process, of procuring
126 jets, has already been scrapped.....
Source: http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/before-rafale-deal-iaf-rang-alarm/
*
OFB to get audited by globally reputed firm: Parrikar:
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in a Press Release informed that he has
initiated Quality Audit of eight factories which will be undertaken by a globally
reputed firm to improve upon the existing processes and attain Zero Defect
production system. of Ordnance Factory Board (OFB). The current move by
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has been seen as initiatives towards
improving the performance of OFB in this includes efforts to operate OFB on a
Corporate model (not Corporatise) with a commercial accounting system. The
procurement manual has also been revised keeping in view the Make In India
plan to facilitate long-term procurement. Parrikar also said that OFB is
undergoing a paradigm shift from that of a manufacturer of defence equipment
to a Complete Solution Provider. OFB’s new role will encompass design,
development, bulk production and life cycle sustenance equipment. he also
added that OFB would be made into a lead integrator of major platforms and as a
manufacturer of the world class defence equipment. With the offset regime in
place, OFB is also looking forward towards delivering many sub-systems to
leading overseas players.
Source: http://idrw.org/ofb-to-get-audited-by-globally-reputed-firm-parrikar/
*
Indigenous ‘Ghatak’ assault rifle cleared by Paramilitary
forces:
According to Ministry of defence, (MOD) Press Release ‘Ghatak’ assault rifle
(7.62X39mm) developed by Rifle Factory Ishapore (RFI) has been cleared by
Paramilitary forces. ‘Ghatak’ assault rifle (AR) has met all the technical
parameters of General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQRs) issued by
Paramilitary forces which fall under Ministry of Home affairs. Final User trails of
‘Ghatak’ assault rifle (AR) was found satisfactory by Paramilitary forces and
Ministry of Home affairs likely will place first batch order of 3000 rifles with
Rifle Factory Ishapore (RFI) soon. The rifle which weighs 3.65 kg (without
magazine) can hold 30 rounds in its magazine, which can be fired at Single shot
or in Automatic mode and rate of fire is 600 rounds per minute. ‘Ghatak’ assault
rifle (AR) is also been evaluated by Indian Army for its Ghatak Commando forces.
which as requirements for new Assualt rifles.
Source: http://idrw.org/indigenous-ghatak-assault-rifle-cleared-by-paramilitary-forces/
*
Trials a hit, desi Bofors outguns Swedish original:
This is one 'Make in India' defence project that is now finally booming. The desi
howitzer, christened Dhanush, can outgun the original Swedish Bofors 155mm
artillery gun in range, accuracy, reliability, angle of fire and shoot-and-scoot
capabilities. The Army is now getting set to induct the first battery of six
Dhanush guns, which will be the first 155mm howitzers to be acquired by the
force since the infamous Bofors scandal torpedoed all its artillery modernisation
plans in the mid-1980s. Recurring scandals in artillery procurement projects
kept it derailed thereafter, with the infamous Bofors ghost looming large over
attempts to plug the Army's operational gaps in long-range, high volume
firepower. Ironically enough, it's the original Bofors gun that came to the rescue
of the beleaguered force. The Army-DRDO-OFB team kicked off work on the longforgotten original designs, obtained under transfer of technology provisions in
the infamous Rs 1,437 crore Bofors contract of 1986, a few years ago. It has led
to the electronically upgraded Dhanush howitzer now.
Source:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Trials-a-hit-desi-Bofors-outguns-Swedishoriginal/articleshow/47076413.cms
*
Parrikar visits army base workshop, praises facilities:
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Saturday visited 512 Army Base
Workshop in Khadki. Parrikar was received by Lt Gen RJ Noronha, Chief of Staff,
Headquarters Southern Command. The minister was briefed by Brig Akash Popli,
Commandant and Managing Director 512 Army Base Workshop, on the range of
repair activities undertaken at the base workshop. 512 Army Base Workshop is
the flagship base workshop of the Indian Army and is currently engaged in the
overhaul of Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFV) of East European origin. The
workshop, set up in Mumbai in 1853, is today the largest base workshop of the
Indian Army, with civilians and combatants working together. In addition to
overhauling Infantry Combat Vehicles and Armoured Recovery Vehicles, engines
for meeting the requirement of the field army are also being overhauled. A press
release from the Defence PRO said that the minister appreciated the rerubberisation facilities. 512 Army Base Workshop is also one of the primary
spares supplier to the Artificial Limb Centre (ALC) at Pune, wherein spares for
prosthetic limbs are manufactured and supplied for the rehabilitation of disabled
soldiers. Parrikar was shown the indigenisation activities undertaken under the
Make in India initiative and was also briefed on the modernisation projects being
undertaken to lift the workshop to contemporary industrial standards.....
Source:
facilities/
http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/parrikar-visits-army-base-workshop-praises-
*
IAF to get trainer Mirage-2000 as Attrition replacement:
Indian air force request to procure Second hand French Mirage 2000 trainer
aircraft has been cleared. Aircraft will be supplied by French Armée de l’Air
(Airforce ) from their Reserve and will replace Mirage-2000TH trainer which had
crashed in 2012. IAF operated 10 Mirage-2000TH trainer aircrafts, but in 2012
IAF lost Two Mirage-2000s in accidents and both aircrafts were trainer variants.
now down to 8 trainers IAF had made a request to Ministry of Defense to buy 2
Mirage-2000TH trainer aircrafts as Attrition replacement but the purchase of
only one has been cleared by MOD. Trainer aircrafts play an essential role for
training fresh pilots on the aircraft type. IAF recently received first two upgraded
Mirage 2000 from Dassault. Sources close to idrw.org have not confirmed the
configuration of the Mirage-2000 to be acquired nor if it will be upgraded to
Dash V Configuration in near future. The Indian air force currently operates
three Mirage 2000 squadrons and with latest upgrades to Dash V Configuration,
Mirage will be part of the operational fleet of the Indian air force for next two
decades.
Source: http://idrw.org/iaf-to-get-trainer-mirage-2000-as-attrition-replacement/
*
Why S-400 for China is a Serious threat to Indian Air Space:
Moscow has agreed to sell China six battalions of the state-of-the-art S-400
missile system. While Chinese media has been propagating that new missile
systems will enhance its air defense capability against the United States and its
allies in the Western Pacific (Japan). Indian media or Armed forces are yet to
make any threat assessment of S-400 missile system sale to china and how it
could create a regional imbalance in south Asia. Missile sale will still pose a
serious threat to Indian Air Space not the only in the northeast but the also in the
western sector.
About S-400
S-400 uses three different missiles to cover its entire performance envelope.
Longest missile dubbed as the 40N6 has a range of 400km and Each battalion has
eight launchers, a control center, a radar and 16 missiles available as reloads.
Each launcher can fire two missiles simultaneously and all equipment is mobile.
S-400 missile can hit targets at altitudes as high as 31,000 meters and its radar
can acquire targets 700 kilometers away.S-400 is also capable of intercepting
missiles and air breathing targets at close range is immune to electronic
countermeasures .
Threat from North-East
China already operates older S-300s, which has a range of 300 kilometers. China
also has developed HQ-9 medium- to long-range, active radar homing surface-toair missile which has borrowed hardware from the Russian S-300PMU and is
capable of hitting a target up to 200km. China would no doubt attempt to reverse
engineer S-400 or borrow hardware from S-400 to develop its own new long
range Surface to air missile system as it has done with previous sales of the S300. What should worry India is that S-400 according to media reports will allow
China to strike any aerial target as far as New Delhi and Calcutta from its forward
operational bases which pose a serious threat not only to forward bases but also
to Strategic airbases operated by Indian Airforce . Missile likely will be deployed
in Tibet which will provide a crucial Aerial defense to its forward Airforce bases
against raiding Indian Airforce jets.....
Source: http://idrw.org/why-s-400-for-china-is-a-serious-threat-to-indian-air-space/
*
India to continue support for capacity-building of Afghan security
forces: PM Modi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that "the relationship between
India and Afghanistan is not just between two countries or governments. It is a
timeless link of human hearts". Addressing a joint press conference with
Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani in New Delhi, the PM said that "we admire
the courage and resolve of the Afghan people to seek a future of peace and
prosperity". "The partnership between India and Afghanistan has blossomed
despite barriers of geography and politics," PM Modi said. "We have a shared
interest in the success of an Afghan-led and owned process, within framework of
the Afghan Constitution," the PM said, adding, "We hope to quickly conclude
bilateral Motor Vehicle pact and I am also ready to take forward the Chabahar
port project." PM Modi also assured the Afghanistan president that India will
"continue its support for capacity building of Afghan security forces". "India will
walk shoulder to shoulder with you and the Afghan people in a mission of global
importance," the PM said adding, "We share Afghanistan's pain over persisting
terrorism and extremist violence that destroy lives and derail progress."
President Ashraf Ghani said, "We are determined to change regional nature of
cooperation,terror cannot be classified into good or bad."
Source:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-to-continue-support-for-capacity-building-ofAfghan-security-forces-PM-Modi/articleshow/47081826.cms
*
Defence show at Jaisalmer aimed at enhancing strike force:
To hone its combat skills and validate its strike capabilities Kharga Corps is
undertaking a major exercise in the area of Suratgarh in Rajasthan wherein more
than 20,000 troops are participating. The final show of the exercise will be done
in 2-3 days in the presence of lt Gen KJ Singh, GOC-in-C Western Command. The
exercise is aimed at improving defence cooperation between the various wings
of the army and air force and enhance their ability to operate as an integrated
force in a well-coordinated manner at the tactical level. Code named
Brahmashira the exercise aims to validate the battle readiness and operational
effectiveness of the Kharga Strike Corps along with all its affiliated components
and will witness display of seamless integration of air force as part of 'integrated
theatre battle concept'. The exercise will be witnessed by lt Gen K J Singh.
Defense spokesman lt Col Manish Ojha said, "The exercise envisages mechanised
manoeuvres in an entire spectrum of new generation of equipment, including
major weapon platforms. These combat manoeuvres also co-opt a significant
contribution from the fighter ground attack aircrafts from Indian Air Force,
attack helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, remotely piloted vehicles, and
utility helicopters. Strategic and long range vectors will also be employed during
the exercise. Troop insertion by air using third dimension will be integrated fully
in the exercise in the true spirit of jointness." He said "Intelligence, Surveillance,
Reconnaissance and Communication systems will be put to test in a network
centric battlefield environment during the exercise duly supported by enabling
operational logistics. The exercise will also provide an opportunity to all
Commanders in planning and conduct of large scale operations in an Integrated
Theatre Environment."
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Defence-show-at-Jaisalmer-aimed-at-enhancing-strikeforce/articleshow/47070124.cms
*
May consider sale of DRDO products to friendly countries: Govt :
The government could consider possible sale of DRDO-developed products and
systems like radars, missiles and torpedoes to friendly countries, Parliament was
today told. Informing Rajya Sabha about the export by India of three HullMounted Sonar systems to Myanmar, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said in
a written reply that said in a written reply that DRDO has developed sonars for
Indian Navy and transferred technology to Indian industries for manufacture
and supply of the same to Indian Navy. "Some of the DRDO developed
products/systems, like radars, electronic warfare systems, AEW&C systems,
bridging systems, missiles, torpedoes, decoy and fire control systems, among
others, can be considered for export to friendly countries," Parrikar said. He
added that Bharat Electronics Ltd ( BEL) has exported three Hull-Mounted
Sonars to Myanmar which were manufactured based on technology designed by
the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Source:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/may-consider-sale-of-drdo-products-tofriendly-countries-govt/articleshow/47084703.cms
*
Rajasthan offers tax sops for investment in defence sector:
To attract investors, the Rajasthan government has amended its investment
promotion scheme, 2014, to offer tax benefits for funding in the defence sector.
The amendment, made on April 24, 2015, would be effected from the
retrospective date of March 9, 2015, an official spokeman said. Enterprises,
making an investment equal to or above Rs 100 crore but below Rs 500 crore in
the defence sector will be given a number of benefits, the spokesman said.
Enterprises, making an investment equal to or above Rs 100 crore but below Rs
500 crore in the defence sector will be given a number of benefits, the
spokesman said. Investors would be provided investment subsidy of 50 per cent
on VAT and CST for seven years, employment generation subsidy up to 10 per
cent of VAT and CST for seven years, and 50 per cent exemption from payment of
entry tax on capital goods, for setting up plant for new unit or for expansion of
existing enterprise or for revival of sick industrial enterprise.....
Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/rajasthan-offers-tax-sops-for-investment-indefence-sector/articleshow/47088364.cms
*
'Shaheed' not defined in defence or central forces: Govt:
Government on Tuesday informed the Parliament that the term 'shaheed' or
martyr is not defined "anywhere" and there is no official order to accord the
same to defence or paramilitary personnel. "There have been demands for
giving shaheed/martyr status to the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and
Assam Rifles (AR) personnel killed in action. In the meeting of Committee of
Secretaries held on September 14, 2011, Ministry of Defence indicated that
shaheed/martyr is not defined anywhere and presently they are not issuing any
order/notification to this effect in respect of defence personnel. "Similarly, no
status of shaheed/martyr is given to the CAPF and Assam Rifles. However, their
families/next of kin are given full family pension under the Liberalised
Pensionary award rules and lump sum ex-gratia compensation of Rs 15 lakh as
per rules in addition to other benefits admissible," Minister of State for Home
Kiren Rijiju said in a written reply in Lok Sabha. The CAPFs like CRPF, BSF, ITBP,
CISF, SSB and NSG have made representations to the Union Home Ministry that
'shaheed' salutation is being demanded by the personnel of these forces. The
Central Reserve Police Force, last year, had, however, issued in-house orders
making it mandatory to use 'shaheed' before the name of a martyred personnel
and in all communications vis-a-vis its slain men and women.
Source:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Shaheed-not-defined-in-defence-or-central-forcesGovt/articleshow/47083975.cms
*
India set to scout for 100 naval choppers:
The armed forces' quest for new helicopters has seen controversies, scams and
scrapping of tenders, much like the lingering Bofors ghost not allowing the
induction of any new artillery howitzer in the Army for the last 30 years. In a bid
to break the jinx, the Centre is set to kick off the hunt for over 100 newgeneration naval utility helicopters (NUH), which will replace the obsolete
Chetak helicopters in the Navy, in a 'Make in India' project with foreign
collaboration for over $2 billion. Eleven Indian private sector companies, ranging
from Tata Advanced Systems, Bharat Forge, Mahindra Aerospace to Reliance
Defence & Aerospace and L&T, have already responded with proposed joint
ventures revolving around three foreign helicopters - AS565 MBe of Airbus, Bell
Helicopters-429 and Super Lynx 300 of AgustaWestland. With the armed forces
planning to induct well over 1,000 helicopters of different types in the next 1015 years, the Indian private sector eyes a big business opportunity in the
country's aerospace sector, which has largely been domestic PSU Hindustan
Aeronautics' preserve so far. "The formal tender for the over 100 NUH is now
being vetted before issuance. The project will give a fillip to the 'Make in India'
initiative in the aerospace industry, with transfer of technology in niche areas
not available here till now," said a source. Though the Army and IAF also require
384 light-utility helicopters, the NUH is different since it needs wheeled landing
gear, sea optimization, foldable blades and small dimensions to ensure it can fit
into warship hangars. The capability for anti-submarine warfare with torpedoes
and missiles is also required. But like the Army-IAF case, the Navy's earlier
tender for importing 56 NUH was cancelled to ensure the project becomes a 'Buy
& Make (Indian)' venture. In August last year, soon after the Modi government
came to power, the defence ministry had scrapped the long-pending acquisition
of 197 light-utility helicopters for Army-IAF from abroad due to irregularities.
Along with HAL's ongoing project to build 187 light helicopters, which was
sanctioned in February 2009, the ministry of defence decided all the 197
choppers would also be made in India with foreign collaboration. Officials, in
fact, say the 'Buy & Make (Indian)' categorization of the light-utility helicopters
has the potential to give Rs 40,000 crore worth of business to the domestic
industry....
Source:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-set-to-scout-for-100-navalchoppers/articleshow/47089953.cms
*
IAF Needs More C-17 but Boeing Plans to Shut Production Line:
Even as Boeing is eyeing to end production of C-17 Globemaster and close its
final assembly line three months prior than originally anticipated, Indian Air
Force has pressed for additional three such heavy lift aircraft. The Indian Air
Force C-17 Globemaster has been extensively employed in evacuation and rescue
operations ever since India bought 10 of them in 2013. The Globemasters have
had 100 or more sorties in the last two-three years saving thousands of lives in
Jammu and Kashmir floods, Yemen evacuation and most recently Nepal
earthquake relief effort. Impressed with the cargo carrier’s ability to deliver
humanitarian aid and rescue stranded people operations has initiated a proposal
to the Indian Government to buy additional three Globemasters. “IAF has
pressed the case for three more C-17s after it was informed that only five such
aircraft are left for sale as the US firm (Boeing) has closed down the production
line,” Economic Times quoted unnamed officials as saying today. India had an
option to buy six additional Globemasters as per the 2011 contract which was
worth $4.7 billion. The decision on buying the aircraft lies with Defense Minister
Manohar Parrikar led Defense Acquisition Committee. "Based on current market
trends and the timing of expected orders, Boeing anticipates completing C-17
production in mid-2015, an adjustment of approximately three months from an
initial estimate of late 2015," Boeing had said in a statement April last year. "It
takes a long time to build a C-17. The contractual cycle and the build cycle are
long and so the decisions had to be made now," Boeing spokeswoman Cindy
Anderson had said last year.
Source: http://www.defencenews.in/defence-news-internal.aspx?id=bGk5LXYWNFM=
*
Army’s Everest trek turns into rescue operation:
An Indian Army climbing expedition has turned into a rescue mission at the base
camp of Mount Everest. After a massive earthquake jolted the Himalayan region
and led to killer avalanches on Saturday, a 30-member team of soldiers which
had gone to peak the highest summit in the world escaped by the skin of their
teeth. They then started working to save lives on the harsh terrain and will be
the last to leave. "We have treated about 80 injured including foreign climbers
and sherpas. Around 10 of them had suffered head injuries," says Ritesh Goel, 28,
the only doctor in the team. The severely injured were evacuated on Sunday
morning. Around 15 bodies were also recovered and three people are known to
have succumbed to their injuries on their way down from base camp, which is at
a height of 17,700 feet. One Indian soldier who suffered a minor injury has also
been pulled out, according to army spokesperson Col Rohan Anand......
Source:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Armys-Everest-trek-turns-into-rescueoperation/articleshow/47089606.cms
II
Homeland Security
*
Centre accuses Kashmiri separatists of instigating locals against
govt:
Having prevailed over the J&K government to arrest hardline Hurriyat leader
Masarat Alam on charges of sedition, the Centre on Tuesday accused Kashmiri
separatists of instigating locals against the government and security forces by
exploiting emotive issues like alleged excesses by security personnel, misuse of
laws like AFSPA and PSA and perceived apathy of government towards families
affected by the recent floods. Minister of state for home Haribhai Parathibhai
Chaudhary, in reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, said the separatists had even
tried to undermine the relief and rehabilitation work done by various
government agencies during J&K floods last year, while projecting themselves as
"saviour of the Kashmiri people". Warning of stringent action against any illegal
activities of separatist elements, Chaudhary stated: "The government is
committed to ensure that no anti-national activities take place which destabilise
the situation in J&K, with consequences across the country". Ruling out a soft
approach towards any mischief by separatists, he did leave the door ajar for a
dialogue with "those who eschew the path of violence and are willing to work
within the framework of the Constitution"....
Source:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Centre-accuses-Kashmiri-separatists-of-instigatinglocals-against-govt/articleshow/47087125.cms
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