Yogi's Corner

Come January 2019, insurrection in Kashmir will turn thirty. How do we assess the present status of this insurgency in the Valley?   Indeed, insurgents are setting the narrative in Kashmir. A report compiled by the J&K Police, in August 2018, establishes this reality. Over the last decade, the number of active insurgents hovered around 200, even touching a low of 78 in 2013 – lowest since 1990. Police report projects their present figure to be 327 of which majority, 211, are locals. While Hizb-ul- Mujahideen (HM) and Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) - estimated cadres 141 and 128 respectively- retain their dominance, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) too have strengthened its base this year 1 . In the backdrop of high attrition rate, 200 in 2017 and 130 thus far this year, these numbers are ominous. The insurgency in the Valley has had its lows- periods of relative peace- yet it has sustained all this while and end to this conflict seems nowhere in sight. Over the last three decade...

Precedence has it that Independence Day address to the nation by the Prime Minister is supposed to be a report card of government's achievements and annunciation of future initiatives. Thus far, most PMs have refrained from lacing their speeches, from ramparts of Lal Qila, with any political rhetoric. This year, Modi made a departure by tweaking his address into a political one with an eye on forthcoming Bihar elections. His address, sans any reference to national security situation, foreign policy and, most importantly, to Naga Accord which still remains shrouded in a mystery, lacked luster, both in content and conviction. Post the address, veterans of Armed Forces, who are on a Relay Hunger Strike (RHS) at Jantar Mantar for more than two months now, were a disappointed lot. They expected Modi to announce implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP). That was not to be. Their honour having been bruised by Delhi Police a day earlier, veterans' anger against Modi Government is...

Ever since independence, Indian Army is a saga of having always risen to nation’s call; whether to preserve its territorial integrity or to maintain internal security in face of ever growing threats, both from outside and from within. Freedom never comes free and its perseverance is paid for in blood by the valiant officers and men of the Indian Army. After making supreme sacrifices, these bravest of the brave soldiers leave behind legends about their valour to motivate future generations to emulate their deeds. Such sacrifices are made unmindful of their families’ fates thereafter. Soldiers trust their governments to look after their brave mothers, proud wives or their children in event of their martyrdom. Unfortunately, this trust has mostly been betrayed by the very establishment on whose call soldiers put their lives in line of fire. Sadly, families of these braves, especially those from rural and semi-urban areas, are often neglected to suffer their miserable lot. Due to governme...