Category Archives: Military

1965 – No Victor no Vanquished?

The 1965 India – Pakistan war was brought to an end on 22nd September 1965 by a ceasefire brokered by the United Nations. The situation on ground as on that day in various sectors was such that India had a … Continue reading

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Uniformly Crazy

Growing malaise of the misuse of articles of uniform by veterans while appearing on television and public functions needs to be curbed – by peer pressure, or else by enforcing regulations on the issue. Continue reading

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Gen Thimayya’s Resignation – Statement by Pt Nehru in Parliament and debate – 02 Sep 1959

In Aug 1959, Gen Thimayya submitted his resignation to the Prime Minister. There was a furore in the papers and in parliament, with questions being raised about the reasons behind it. Nehru gave a statement in parliament about the resignation. Here is the full text of his statement and the limited debate that followed. Continue reading

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The “White Mutiny” of Monghyr 1776

A lesser known mutiny during the early stages of the Raj was one by British officers in 1776
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Crisis of Confidence

The crisis of command between the COAS and the environment is alarming, and needs to be resolved at the earliest. Continue reading

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Nanda Sahib

      As teachers go, he was unusual. A short, bulky Khalsa with the customary bushy beard, with eyebrows to match, Naib Risaldar Gulzar Singh was my D&M (Driving and Maintenance) instructor when I joined the Regiment back in 1990. … Continue reading

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Rupnagar “Treaty” of 1831 – The Meeting Between Maharaja Ranjeet Singh and Lord Bentinck

In October 1831, the small town of Rupnagar (Ropar) on the banks of Sutlej witnessed a historic meeting between Maharaja Ranjeet Singh and Lord William Bentnick, the Governor General of Indian territory under the East India Company. Over eight days of … Continue reading

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CQMH Abdul Hamid – the Hero of Asal Uttar

As the COAS visits the village of CQMH Abdul Hamid, PVC, on the 52nd anniversary of his epic anti-tank battle, here is an extract from my book “Brave Men of War” about the hero of Asal Uttar.
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Appointment of Army Chief – if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it

Overlooking the principle of seniority in appointing the army chief could open door for future political interference in the armed forces. Continue reading

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Is the Indian Army in Danger of Being Politicised?

The following article appeared in The Quint. Original can be accessed here. Gen Dalbir Suhag, the present army chief is due to retire at the end of this month. However, in a surprising break from past practice, the name of … Continue reading

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