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Indicia Knowledge Brief
A Daily Assessment on Indian Defence and Internal/Homeland Security
April 08, 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
French President Francois Hollande’s announcement that there will be no
news on the sale of Rafale fighter jets to India before the arrival of Prime
Minister Narendra Modi on April 09 for a state visit to France, confirms
that certain issues on which the deal is stuck, will be discussed during the
Prime Minister’s forthcoming visit.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar’s assertion that recent accidents
involving submarines were the result of not following Standard Operating
Procedures (SOPs) may have been intended for the Navy to follow such
procedures, even as the first of the Scorpene submarines rolled out of the
dock.
After the DRDO faced a setback after an Advanced Air Defence (AAD)
interceptor missile fell into the sea seconds after its launch, another test
being announced seems to show the urgency of an air defence shield.
I. National Defence and Security:
No Rafale sale announcement before Modi's visit to France: Hollande:
French President Francois Hollande said there will be no news on the sale of
Rafale fighter jets to India before the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on
April 09 for a state visit to France. "There will be no announcement on the Rafale
sales before the visit of Prime Minister Modi in France and I do not want the
Indian premier's visit to be put in the context of a contract," Hollande told
reporters in Paris. "We are working on it," Hollande added, when asked about
the proposed sale of 126 Rafale jets to India.
Source:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/No-Rafale-sale-announcement-before-Modis-visit-toFrance-Hollande/articleshow/46838647.cms
*
First scorpene submarine undocks:
Kalvari, the first of the Indian Navy's six Scorpene class stealth submarines, was
on April 06 "undocked" in Delhi, paving the way for sea trials and its eventual
commissioning in September 2016. The event was witnessed by defence
minister Manohar Parrikar, who warned that for future projects, there will be a
penalty for delay and reward for early completion. The six Scorpenes are being
built by Mazagon Docks Ltd in collaboration with French firm DCNS. Christened
'Project 75', the Scorpenes have already seen a delay of almost 40 months. While
the first delivery was scheduled for 2012, the revised date is September of next
year. The navy said that the project has "now been brought on track and the
delivery schedule for the successive submarines has been reduced". Parrikar
asked the defence public sector yards - MDL and Goa shipyard - to double their
production in the coming three years. "I have asked all the defence PSUs to
double their production in the next three years," he said. The defence minister
also said that as far as P75(I) Project was concerned, private players can also be
invited for a joint venture, which would help in the early completion of the
project. P75(I) is the next project of the Navy under which six submarines will be
built in India. He warned that if the project was not completed within the
stipulated timeframe, the defaulting yard would have to pay a penalty. Early
completion of the project, on the other hand, would be rewarded with a bonus,
he said.
Source:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/First-scorpene-submarineundocks/articleshow/46830847.cms
*
Defence Minister Parrikar will attend ‘floating out’ of Scorpene
sub:
In what may be viewed as a significant development for the Navy, whose
submarine fleet has been operating below the stipulated strength, Defence
Minister Manohar Parrikar will be witnessing the ‘floating out’ of the first
Scorpene submarine under project 75 in Mumbai on April 06. Parrikar, who will
be visiting Mazagon Docks Limited (MDL) will be reviewing the progress of the
project 75, under which construction of six Scorpene subs has been underway in
collaboration with French defence major DCNS. Parrikar will witness “floating
out of the first project 75 (Scorpene) Submarine on pontoon”, a Defence Ministry
statement said here. According to a senior submariner, the event assumed
significance since this will be the first time the submarine will be entering water
— albeit with the help of a pontoon — which signifies that its hull is complete
and critical equipment is in place. “While the launch would be a more significant
event, the floating out of Scorpene will commence its sea trials and more
importantly, clear the dry dock that it presently occupies for the construction of
the next one,” the official said.
Source:
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/parrikar-will-attend-floating-out-ofscorpene-sub-today/
*
Audacious Navy and Air Force Operations make 23 countries
request India to evacuate their citizens:
India's massive operation using assets at its disposal to evacuate its nationals
from strife-torn Yemen has made no less than 23 countries to seek help from it
to evacuate their nationals as well. Revealing this, foreign minister Sushma
Swaraj on April 06 tweeted: "Twenty three countries have requested India to
evacuate their citizens from Yemen." On April 05, the minister had assured that
all Indian nationals would be evacuated from the strategically-placed country in
the Middle East. The ministry of external affairs (MEA) had earlier confirmed
that 488 Indians had been evacuated from Sanaa, while a further 182 were
rescued from coastal town Ash Shihr. This followed the rescue of 439 Indians by
the Indian Navy's guided-missile destroyer INS Mumbai from Yemen's port city
Aden. Twenty three countries have requested India to evacuate their citizens
from Yemen. Earlier on April 06, defence minister Manohar Parrikar said "nearly
all Indians would be evacuated from Yemen by April 06 evening," as he praised
the Navy for facilitating safe return of people from the Arab country where
fighting is raging between security forces and Houthi rebels. Parrikar, who was
in Mumbai to inaugurate the undocking of first Scorpene submarine, said,
"Almost all Indians would be evacuated from the strife-torn Yemen by this
evening." Praising the Navy for its "great job" in ensuring safe passage of Indians
from the troubled spot under rescue exercise named "Operation Rahat", Parrikar
said "so far we have evacuated 3,000 Indians and some foreigners in desperate
situation." He said the operation was carried out effectively without causing
injuries or loss of life to any Indians. "Though it was a very volatile situation not
a single bullet was fired by the Indian Navy though adequate preparations were
made," he said.....
Source: http://www.defencenews.in/defence-news-internal.aspx?id=t11cyjrpIwQ=
*
Ignoring SOPs reason for submarine mishaps: Parrikar:
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar claimed that recent accidents involving
submarines were the result of not following Standard Operating Procedures
(SOPs). Mr. Parrikar was speaking to the press at the Mazagon Dock Limited
(MDL) after commemorating the undocking of the first of class submarine of
Project 75, named Kalvari, the Tiger Shark. It is the first of the six Scorpene
submarines in which DCNS of France is a collaborator with MDL as the builder.
Replying to the questions on the growing anxiety around safety of submarines,
Mr. Parrikar said: “Majority of accidents are the result of relaxed attitude
towards following SOPs. There would have been no accident had they acted as
per SOP. Now, we have asked the staff to follow SOP strictly,” he said. On the
Scorpene submarines, Mr Parrikar said, India will fulfil its requirement of
submarines to protect its sea waters by 2022. “We expect the rest of the
construction to be completed as per the schedule. Any delay in achieving the
deadline will result in heavy penalty,” he said. Acknowledging the efforts of MDL
in construction of this partially indigenous submarine, the Defence Minister said
the government had an ambitious plan to fulfil the requirements of the armed
forces as per which all Public Sector Undertakings would double their
production in the next two years. “We want to build a ‘Blue Water Navy’ which
can survive despite operating across the deep ocean waters without any
problems. We will ensure that we become one such navy,” he said. On the rescue
mission of stranded Indians from Yemen, Mr. Parrikar said almost all Indians
would be evacuated by April 06 night. Following the undocking of submarine on
April 06, the launching of the submarine will take place in September 2015. Till
September 2016, it will undergo rigorous trials and tests, both in harbour and at
sea, while on surface and underwater. Thereafter it would be commissioned into
the Navy as INS Kalvari.
Superior stealth
The state-of-the-art features of the Scorpene include superior stealth and ability
to launch a crippling attack on the enemy using precision guided weapons. The
attack can be launched with torpedoes, as well as tube launched anti-ship
missiles, whilst underwater or on surface. It is designed to operate in all theatres
including the tropics. All means and communications are provided to ensure
interoperability with other components of a naval task force. It can undertake
multifarious warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine
laying, area surveillance etc. Built from special steel capable of withstanding high
yield stress and having high tensile strength, it can withstand high hydrostatic
force and enabling it to dive deeper. The Scorpene is equipped with Weapons
Launching tubes (WLT) and can carry weapons on board which can be easily
reloaded at sea.....
Source:
completion/article7074142.ece
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/scorpene-submarine-nears-
*
To secure one navy bid, Airbus talks to six Indian partners:
European giant Airbus, which has failed to bag helicopter contracts in India since
2007, is making an all-out bid this time around to change that script. Sources told
FE that the Paris-headquartered firm has bid for a $2-billion naval utility
helicopter deal in association separately with the Tata Group, Punj Lloyd, L&T,
Pipavav, Mahindra & Mahindra and Reliance. Airbus Helicopters made separate
presentations with each of its six local vendors to the navy between March 30
and April 1, sources familiar with the matter said. However, the desperate move
by Airbus has the Indian Navy cautious. This is because some of the demands
from the multinational made during the presentations were in deviation of
Defence Procurement Procedure, 2013. Key changes requested by Airbus include
100% credits even if 30% Indian content is achieved, full management control
with 51% or higher equity stake and complete discretion on technology transfer.
In response to an email query, Airbus said: “The RFI for the Naval Utility
Helicopter (NUH) programme has been sent to multiple Indian companies under
the Buy & Make (Indian) category in accordance with DPP 2013. Under the Buy
& Make (Indian) category only Indian companies can reply to the RFI and the
terms of the competition allow them to discuss potential tie-ups with multiple
foreign OEMs (original equipment manufacturers).” The Airbus statement added:
“We, as a foreign OEM, are also allowed to talk to multiple Indian companies and
this is what we are doing at the moment. We have not formalised an exclusive
partnership with any Indian company as yet but will do so by the time the
response to the RFP is due.” During the recently concluded Aero India, vicepresident for sales and customer relations in India Rainer Farid had told the FE,
“Airbus Helicopters has initiated the process to get approval for a joint venture
with an Indian partner to manufacture helicopters in India, with a majority stake
held by the European company. And the company is going to compete for an
order for NUH to replace the Chetak, with their AS565 MBe Panther.”...
Source:
http://www.financialexpress.com/article/industry/companies/to-secure-one-navy-bid-airbustalks-to-six-indian-partners/61215/
*
India draws bottom line, warns Rafale:
India will not ink the mega $20 billion MMRCA (medium multi-role combat
aircraft) project to acquire 126 fighters till France agrees to stick to its original
pricing, which led its Rafale fighter to defeat the Eurofighter Typhoon in
commercial evaluation over three years ago. This is India’s “bottom line” on
which the outcome of long-drawn final negotiations with French aviation major
Dassault now hinges, even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to leave for
France on April 09 as part of his three-nation tour. “Dassault has to adhere to its
earlier commitments. No Indian government can finalize such a major project if
the L-1 (lowest bidder) pricing is changed… it can be a deal-breaker despite
political pressure from France,” said a top source. As first reported by TOI, the
defence ministry is upset with Dassault’s attempt to “change the price line”
because it will substantially jack up the production cost of the 108 Rafales to be
made by Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) in India after the first 18 are imported. As
per Dassault’s costing, there is now a “big jump in the man-hours needed” for
each jet to be produced by HAL after transfer of technology. In effect, each jet will
now cost much more than what was originally projected. “Hypothetically, if the
cost of each jet goes up by around Rs 30-40 crore, we will then be looking at a
hike of Rs 3,240-Rs 4,320 crore for the 108 jets to be made here. Dassault should
relent, become fully compliant to the RFP (request for proposal) and stand 100%
by its original offer. It can live with a slightly lesser profit margin,” said the
source. There is, however, progress on the other major stumbling block. A
mechanism is being evolved to ensure there are no penalties or liquidity
damages imposed on Dassault if HAL fails to deliver as per specified timelines,
sources said. The voluminous MMRCA contract was almost 90% done, with
technology transfer, offsets and other issues as well as the inter-governmental
agreement all ready, when pricing and guarantee issues stalled negotiations
almost a year ago. With continuing delay in finalization of the MMRCA project
and IAF down to just 34 fighter squadrons (14 of them made of old MiG-21s and
MiG-27s), India is also trying to fast-track the stealth fifth-generation fighter
aircraft project with Russia, as reported by TOI earlier. India has told Russia it
wants deliveries of the FGFA to begin 36 months after the main contract is inked,
instead of the 94 months envisaged earlier. For this, India is ready to switch from
the original co-development and co-production plan to direct acquisition of an
initial lot followed by co-production. India will spend around $25 billion on the
FGFA project if eventually 127 such fighters as planned.
Source: https://www.ibcworldnews.com/2015/04/07/india-draws-bottom-line-warns-rafale/
*
Interceptor missile fails; DRDO to conduct another test soon:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) faced a setback
after an Advanced Air Defence (AAD) interceptor missile fell into the sea seconds
after its launch. The missile was test-fired from DRDO's launch facility in
Wheeler Island, off the Odisha Coast. DRDO officials, who spoke to OneIndia said
that they would be back with another launch of the missile by the end of April
after studying what went wrong. "These are part and parcel of every missile
trails. We had six successive missions of the interceptor missile. We suspect that
one of the sub-systems in the missile might have failed," a top scientist not
wanting to be named, said. He said that April 06's test was to assess the
performance of the composite motor rocket and the missile's ejection from the
canister. "These two parameters have been successfully tested. There was no
target today. But one sub-system misbehaved and we are now analyzing some
more data," he added. DRDO says the missile's basic systems are all intact and
worked as per the textbook. "Random problems can occur while dealing with
complex systems. We will be back by the end of this month for another launch,"
he added. He said that the missile caught fire after falling apart. This was DRDO's
7th interceptor missile test.
Source:
http://www.oneindia.com/india/interceptor-missile-fails-drdo-to-conduct-another-test-soon1707957.html
*
Naval ship INS Guldar returns after upgradation:
After a major upgradation, naval ship INS Guldar returned to Port Blair.
Commissioned in 1985, the Kumbhir-class landing ship was sent to Cochin
Shipyard for a full fledged major upgrade. At a reception in Port Blair, INS
Guldar was welcomed by Naval officers of the Andaman and Nicobar command,
officials said. INS Guldar operates in close cooperation with the Army and Indian
Air Force to achieve perfection in complex amphibious operations. The ship,
capable of conducting opposed and combat beaching operations under diverse
conditions, is commanded by Commander Arun Bahuguna.
Source:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/naval-ship-ins-guldar-returns-afterupgradation/articleshow/46828309.cms
*
India and Japan hold 2+2 talks:
In a major development ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China
next month and in the wake of defence minister Manohar Parrikar’s recent visit
to Japan, India and Japan on April 06 held their “2+2” talks in New Delhi
comprising the foreign and defence secretaries of the two sides to discuss
strategic ties between the two nations. India had held “2+2” talks with Japan
earlier in 2010 and 2012. The ministry of external affairs (MEA) was extremely
tight-lipped about the talks but sources confirmed these had taken place in the
capital on April 06. The talks took place even as the United States is pushing for
making the “Malabar” Naval exercise with India a trilateral one involving Japan
as the third permanent participant, while the Malabar exercise is currently only a
bilateral one involving the Indian and US Navies. Japan is an important ally of the
United States. This the first time the talks were held during the tenure of the
current Modi government, in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s
successful visit to Japan last year. India and Japan have been discussing several
important aspects in their strategic ties including possible joint production of the
Japanese amphibious aircraft US-2, moving towards finalising a civil nuclear
deal, strengthening maritime security cooperation and considering possible
projects with Japanese support in north-eastern India. Japan’s ties with China are
marked by frequent tensions on account of maritime disputes between the two
countries, even as India too has a border dispute with China and is apprehensive
of its giant neighbour’s growing military might. In January external affairs
minister Sushma Swaraj had held talks with her Japanese counterpart Fumio
Kishida. More recently, during Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar’s visit to
Japan just last week, the two countries had “reviewed strategic developments
relating to international security situation with emphasis on the inter-connected
Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions” and “were of the view that in the interconnected Indo-Pacific region, India-Japan Special Strategic and Global
Partnership has a key role in maintaining peace and stability in the region”. But
more significantly, Mr. Parrikar was given a detailed briefing by the Japanese “on
Japan’s recent efforts related to Japan’s security policy”. India and Japan had also
“welcomed the progress made in bilateral defence exchanges following the
signing of Memorandum of Cooperation and Exchanges in the Field of Defence
during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Japan in September, 2014”.
The two sides had “also appreciated the on-going maritime cooperation as
exemplified by the bilateral Japan-India Maritime Exercises and participation of
Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force in India-US Joint Naval Exercises “Malabar
14” in July, 2014, which was held off the coast of Japan”.
Source: http://www.asianage.com/india/india-and-japan-hold-22-talks-882
*
Indian, Chinese defence officials to hold talks this week:
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's maiden visit to China next month, top
defence officials of India and China are set to hold talks here this week in the
backdrop of Beijing's call for linking each others' strategic projects in the Indian
Ocean. A high-power Indian military delegation headed by Defence Secretary R K
Mathur will arrive here tomorrow to take part in the seventh Annual Defence
Dialogue (ADD) aimed at improving military ties besides exchanging views on
number of regional and global security issues of mutual concern. The ADD will be
formally held on April 10, officials here told PTI. The talks, in which officials from
Army, Navy and Air Force would take part, are taking place ahead of Modi's visit.
Modi is expected to visit China in the middle of next month during which he
would hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on critical issues like the
boundary dispute as well as forging closer trade ties with Chinese investments.
Both the countries have recently held border talks in New Delhi aimed at
resolving the vexed issue. The meeting was attended by Special Representatives
Ajit Doval and his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi. The two sides have held 18
rounds of boundary talks to resolve the vexed border dispute.....
Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/indian-chinese-defence-officialsto-hold-talks-this-week/articleshow/46839701.cms
*
India, Japan to deepen defence ties:
India and Japan on April 06 decided to deepen their defence cooperation and
enhance strategic maritime ties. The two sides reviewed the entire gamut of
bilateral defence ties as top officials met here for the 4th Defence Policy
Dialogue. "All issues of mutual concern and interest were discussed today,"
defence sources said. The meeting was chaired by Defence Secretary R K Mathur
and Japanese Vice Minister of Defence for International Affairs Hideshi Tokuchi.
The meeting comes ahead of the annual India-China Defence Dialogue to be held
in Beijing this week. A high-power Indian military delegation headed by the
Defence Secretary will arrive in Beijing tomorrow to take part in the seventh
Annual Defence Dialogue aimed at improving military ties besides exchanging
views on number of regional and global security issues of mutual concern.
During the recent visit of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar to Tokyo, Japan had
sought enhanced cooperation with India in defence and security sector including
in the field of maritime security, amid increasing Chinese assertiveness in the
Indo-Pacific region. Parrikar had said that Japan is a privileged partner in the
'Make In India' initiative including the defence technology sector.
Source:
http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/india-japan-to-deepen-defence-ties115040701282_1.html
II
Homeland Security
*
BSF gets two state-of-the-art choppers to boost its air wing:
BSF will induct two new advanced MI-17 V5 choppers on April 06 to help boost
its air wing which has been suffering operational difficulties due to past-theirprime helicopters that the force has been using as of now. The two choppers are
part of eight MI-17 V5 sanctioned for the force by the government earlier. The
choppers will be inducted into the BSF air fleet by home minister Rajnath Singh
at Safdarjung Airport. Until now the force has been using six MI-17 1V, six ALH
(Dhruv) and one Cheetah helicopter. Sources say much of the six MI-17 1V,
though operational, are past their prime and the Russian made MI-17 V5 will add
to the strength of the fleet. The new choppers are armed with the latest avionics
and night flying capabilities which has been a long-time requirement for BSF and
other paramilitary forces engaged in anti-Naxal operations. BSF Air Wing has a
fleet of four Fixed Wing (FW) aircrafts (Embraer—1, Avro--2 and SKA B-200—1)
and 13 helicopters operating under aegis of MHA. BSF Air Wing is involved in
providing required air support to various paramilitary forces engaged in both
anti-naxal operations and border guarding since 1969. All helicopters are
presently operating from BSF air bases established at Ranchi, Raipur, Agartala,
Srinagar and Safdarjung Airport, New Delhi. Medium lift helicopters (MLH) MI17 1V fleet was inducted in BSF in 2003. These helicopters were procured under
J&K action plan. Earlier this fleet was mainly used for air logistics and
communication tasks. However, in the last few years their employment and the
scope of their utilization has extended to include disaster relief, special heliborne
operations (SHBO) for the National Security Guards, anti-naxal operations,
counter insurgency operations, air-maintenance of remote border out posts,
casualty evacuation etc. The versatility of the MI-17 platform has opened up new
avenues for additional tasks like reconnaissance, security, urban policing, VIP
movement etc. There is an expanding operational requirement to augment our
capacity of medium lift helicopters due to the dynamic nature of national
security threats, said a BSF officer. ...
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/BSF-gets-two-state-of-the-art-choppers-to-boost-its-airwing/articleshow/46841502.cms
*
Centre will not tolerate ceasefire violation in Arunachal Pradesh
: Rijiju:
Sending out a strong message to insurgent groups active in the North East, Union
Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju on April 07 said the Centre will not
tolerate any violation of ceasefire agreement. "If any group violates ceasefire
agreement, action will be taken against them. No group can operate outside the
ceasefire operation area," Rijiju said replying to questions by the media on the
ambush of an army convoy by suspected NSCN in Tirap district of Arunachal
Pradesh on April 2 last in which three jawans were killed. NSCN factions, he said,
cannot operate in the territory of Arunachal Pradesh which is against the
ceasefire agreement. "The group involved in the Tirap ambush has fled to
Myanmar and the MHA is chalking out strategies to counter such incidents," he
said adding action would be taken against those involved in it. "If they continue
to violate ceasefire agreement, there will be repercussion from our side too," he
said. Responding to a question on peace talks with the insurgent outfits of the
region, Rijiju emphatically said no talks were possible until the groups gave up
violence and surrendered. "They will have to surrender with arms and come to
the negotiation table. We will provide suitable rehabilitation package for them
and initiate dialogues," he said. Moreover there would be no more talks on the
political level for which the government had appointed interlocutors to initiate
dialogues with the ultra groups of the region. "We have already directed the
interlocutors to expedite the talk process for a permanent solution to bring
peace into the region," he added. Ceasefire between the Centre and NSCN(IM)
was signed for the first time in July 1997 and has been extended several times till
July 2007 when it was extended indefinitely. The ceasefire with Mynamar-based
NSCN(K) came into being in 2001 but the outfit had recently abrogated it.
Source:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Centre-will-not-tolerate-ceasefire-violation-inArunachal-Pradesh-Rijiju/articleshow/46836288.cms
*
BSF Losing More Men in Bike Accidents than on the Border:
In a worrying trend, country's largest border guarding force BSF has lost four
times more troops in off-duty bike accidents than at the borders or other conflict
theatres in the hinterland in the recent past. The death of 42 jawans in the last
one year (2014-March 2015) in motorbike accidents as compared to 12
personnel killed in action during the same time period in the Border Security
Force (BSF) has made the top brass of the paramilitary sit up and take steps to
clamp down on these instances. "We are losing about 5 jawans per month in bike
accidents. These accidents are majorly happening when these men are off-duty
or when they go home on leave. Those getting killed in such incidents are in the
prime of their lives, about 45-50 years of age. "Our personnel are our biggest
asset and we cannot let this happen. Deaths due to motorbike accidents is a big
concern for us and we are taking immediate remedial steps," BSF Director
General D K Pathak told PTI. He added the force has made some prompt
interventions in this regard which includes keeping an eye on rash drivers in the
paramilitary and starting a programme to initiate safe driving. All the
supervisory officers, in the field formations and headquarters, have been asked
to keep a check on their drivers and those found driving recklessly are being
pulled out and taken to task. "We are weeding out the bad drivers. A disciplined
force like BSF, which has onerous security tasks on its shoulders, cannot lose its
men in such freak accidents," Pathak said. The DG said the force headquarters
has initiated a new programme to initiate safe driving and good road discipline
skills in its men and women in uniform. "The course will be run at all the sector
and frontiers of the BSF. We are trying to make them understand that life is too
precious to be lost in such misadventures. They are trained to fight for the
country and in this pursuit our men have also laid down their lives. But these
(bike accidents) incidents are totally unacceptable to us," Pathak, who has
chaired half-a-dozen meetings with his force commanders in this regard in the
recent times, said.
Source: http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/BSF-Losing-More-Men-in-Bike-Accidents-than-on-TheBorder/2015/04/07/article2752323.ece
*
Five terror accused trying to flee gunned down in Telangana:
Police shot dead five terror accused as they tried to escape from their custody in
Telangana's Warangal district on April 07 when they were being brought to
Hyderabad, police said. Policemen opened fire when the accused tried to snatch
a weapon from a policeman in the vehicle near Pemburti in Jangaon mandal of
Warangal district. Viqaruddin Ahmed and his four associates, involved in the
killing of two policemen and several other extremist offences, were killed in the
incident that took place between 10 and 10.20 a.m. A police official said the
accused attacked policemen and tried to snatch weapons when the vehicle was
stopped to enable them to attend nature's call. "They tried to snatch weapons
from police and raised slogans. In the scuffle, there was an exchange of fire in
which five accused were killed," Deputy Inspector General of Police Malla Reddy
said. A policeman fell on the ground in the scuffle and sustained minor
injuries.There were 17 policemen escorting the accused involved in several
offences. The police identified them as Viquaruddin, Mohammed Zakir, Syed
Amjad, Izhar Khan and Mohammed Haneef. While Haneef, an Ayurvedic doctor
was from Gujarat, other accused hailed from Hyderabad or other parts of
Telangana. Police cordoned off the scene of offence on Warangal-Hyderabad
highway, leading to traffic jam. The bodies were later shifted to a hospital in
Jangaon, where an autopsy is being conducted. The accused were arrested in
2010 after a series of attacks on police in Hyderabad.According to police,
Viqaruddin had links with various terror outfits and was involved in several
incidents. He had also floated militant outfit Tehreek Galba-e-Islam (TGI). They
were shifted to Warangal Central Jail in 2011 after they attacked a prison official
in Cherlapally Jail in Hyderabad. Viqaruddin continued picking up fights with
staff in Warangal Jail. He also had fight with policemen escorting him and other
accused to the court. Viqaruddin and his associates had attacked policemen in
the old city of Hyderabad between 2008 and 2010 to avenge the police firing on
people protesting after the bomb blast at historic Mecca Masjid in 2007....
Source: http://www.deccanherald.com/content/470259/five-terror-accused-trying-flee.html
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