Does India have a Defence Minister, wonders Shiv Sena
Mumbai, June 18 : Launching a fresh salvo at the Central government against the backdrop of the Jammu and Kashmir violence, the Shiv Sena on Monday asked whether "India really has a Defence Minister?".
Without naming Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ally attacked her as "a very weak and ineffective, faceless personality, who is at the helm, which is detrimental to the country".
"Our three services chiefs have always assured that the country's armed forces are forever prepared to tackle any challenges. We have full faith in the capabilities of our armed forces - but the leadership is inept," the Sena said in editorials in the party mouthpieces, Saamana and Dopahar Ka Saamana.
Otherwise, it pointed out, the terrorists would not have dared to kill the brave Indian Army soldier, Aurangzeb Mohammed Hanif, so brutally during the Holy month of Ramadan.
Aurangzeb, a soldier of 4 J&K Light Infantry, was posted in Shopian and was proceeding to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with his family in Rajouri on Thursday.
However, en route, he was kidnapped by terrorists who tortured him and shot him dead at Gussu village in Pulwama district.
The Sena said it had always criticized Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb who came to destroy India's Swaraj, "but we adore this (soldier) Aurangzeb of Jammu & Kashmir who has been martyred".
"Aurangzeb (Hanif)'s bravery and sacrifice will inspire the entire country for long... The government must honour the martyrdom of this nationalist," the Sena urged.
Aurangzeb's crime was he fought and destroyed the terrorists who propounded the cause of Pakistan in J&K, especially Hizbul Mujahiddeen commander Sameer Tiger, who spread mayhem in the valley with guns and bombs.
The martyred Aurangzeb was a front-ranking member of the commando team which had eliminated Sameer Tiger and he had carried out other major anti-terror operations in the areas.
"He was a fearless anti-terror fighter and a true patriot... That's why he caught the attention of the terrorists who kidnapped him when he was going for Eid holidays and later killed him," the Sena said.
Before killing him the terrorists shot a video in which Aurangzeb was interrogated and tortured, "but never did he look frustrated staring at death in the face, was not terrified and did not surrender".
"He became a martyr for the cause of the country in the month of Ramadan, which became holier with his sacrifice," the edits said.
Terming the violence in the valley in the name of Islam as "shocking", the Sena said that many other Muslim soldiers like Aurangzeb are dying for the country.
"Not only the Muslims, but the Hindus shall be forever proud of them", as the country remains united because of their martyrdom, said the Sena.
It called upon "those who seek votes in the name of Emperor Aurangzeb in Jammu and Kashmir and Maharashtra, to bow their heads in honour of the martyred soldier Aurangzeb, and offer a special 'namaaz' in his memory".
"We submit to his martyrdom, offer flowers on his grave and cry... Such Aurangzebs must be born in every Muslim home in India. Aurangzeb's martyrdom is immortal..." the Sena concluded.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Rajnath Singh chairs IGoM meet, urges constant vigil over West Asia crisis
New Delhi (PTI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday emphasised the need for round-the-clock monitoring of the West Asia conflict and called for a calibrated response to deal with any eventuality to ensure that national interests remain protected.
Singh made the comments while chairing a high-level meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM) set-up to monitor the situation in West Asia.
The meeting was attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Power Minister Manohar Lal, Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister J P Nadda, Consumer Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi and Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw.
In view of the "uncertain situation", the defence minister underlined the importance of round-the-clock monitoring of the situation and the need to respond in a calibrated manner to deal with any eventuality, an official readout said.
He stressed on the need to leave no stone unturned to ensure that the people of the country face the minimum effect of the conflict, it said.
It was the second meeting of the IGoM after it was set up last month.
The IGoM was apprised of the measures being taken by the government in the wake of the ongoing West Asia conflict, Singh said on social media.
"We also deliberated upon the next steps to be taken by the government to mitigate any adverse impact arising due to the ongoing conflict," he said.
The defence ministry said in the readout said, "In the meeting, the seven empowered groups of secretaries briefed the IGoM on the steps being taken to tackle the situation."
"The IGoM was apprised about measures undertaken by the Ministry of Finance to address concerns arising due to global trade disruptions and provide relief and support to the industry, especially manufacturing, and bolster investor confidence," it said.
It listed measures including notification issued on Wednesday on full customs duty exemption on 40 critical petrochemical products till June 30.
The ministry also mentioned announcement of a special one-time relief measure for eligible units in SEZs to sell manufactured goods in Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) at concessional customs duty rates to be effective from April 1 to March 31.
It also noted another notification issued by the Department of Revenue clarifying that the provisions of GAAR (General Anti Avoidance Rules) will not be invoked in respect of investments made prior to April 1, 2017.
"These measures will reduce cost pressures on downstream sectors including textiles, packaging and pharmaceuticals, facilitate supply stability in the country and provide requisite clarity for investors contemplating investments in India," the readout said.
Defence Minister Singh appreciated the government's decision to impose a 25 per cent cap on the monthly increase in aviation turbine fuel prices for domestic operations, with effect from April 1.
This step will help protect the people from sudden increase in fares, he said.
The government has accorded highest priority to domestic LPG supply, with refinery production enhanced to fully meet consumption requirements, according to the readout.
"The IGoM was informed that there have been no reports of dry-out at LPG distributorships, and delivery of domestic LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinders continues as per the normal schedule. The temporary supply concerns arose due to instances of hoarding and black marketing, which triggered panic buying in certain areas," it said.
The ministers were informed that strict enforcement action is being undertaken, with raids being carried out across multiple states and Union territories to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG, the ministry said in the readout.
Action has also been taken against some LPG distributors who engaged in malpractices, it said.
"To support migrant labour and low-consumption households, the government is ensuring adequate availability of 5 kg free trade LPG cylinders, and since March 23, over 4.3 lakh such cylinders have been sold. Special focus is being given to states where demand is higher," it said.
The IGoM was apprised that industrial requirements dependent on commercial LPG are being met, with over 80 per cent of pre-crisis supply levels being maintained to ensure continuity of operations.
"Special meetings have been held with ministries and stakeholders of different industries to understand their demand and meet their needs. Oil PSUs are ensuring continued supply of Auto LPG across the country," the readout noted.
"However, some supply constraints are being faced by private operators due to their procurement challenges, which is why lines are being observed at PSU auto LPG pumps. Wherever the autos are dual feed and can use petrol, they are being encouraged to use petrol," it said.
