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Boeing handovers first Apache Helicopter to Indian Air Force

News Intervention Bureau
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Boeing handovers first Apache Helicopter to Indian Air Force

First AH-64E (I) – Apache Guardian helicopter was formally handed over to the Indian Air Force at Boeing production facility in Mesa, Arizona, USA on  10 May 19. Air Marshal AS Butola, represented the Indian Air Force and accepted the first Apache in a ceremony at Boeing production facility, representatives from US Government were also present.

IAF had signed a contract with US Government and M/s Boeing Ltd in Sep 2015 for 22 Apache helicopters. The first batch of these helicopters is scheduled to be shipped to India by Jul this year. Selected aircrew and ground crew have undergone training at the training facilities at US Army base Fort Rucker, Alabama. These personnel will lead the operationalisation of the Apache fleet in the IAF.

The addition of AH-64 E (I) helicopter is a significant step towards modernisation of Indian Air Force’s helicopter fleet. The helicopter has been customized to suit IAF’s future requirements and would have significant capability in mountainous terrain. The helicopter has the capability to carry out precision attacks at standoff ranges and operate in hostile airspace with threats from ground. The ability of these helicopters, to transmit and receive the battlefield picture, to and from the weapon systems through data networking makes it a lethal acquisition. These attack helicopters will provide significant edge in any future joint operations in support of land forces.

Update Conversation with Md. Sazzadul Hoque

Scott Douglas Jacobsen
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Update Conversation with Md. Sazzadul Hoque

Md. Sazzadul Hoque is an exiled Bangladeshi secularist blogger, human rights activist, and atheist activist. His writing covers a wide range of issues, including religious superstition, critical thinking, feminism, gender equality, homosexuality, and female empowerment. He’s protested against blogger killings and past/present atrocities against Bangladeshi minorities by the dominant Muslim political establishment. He’s also written about government-sponsored abductions and the squashing of free speech; the systematic corruption in everyday life of Bangladeshis; and the denial of the pursuit of happiness.

In 2017, after receiving numerous threats, he was forced to leave Bangladesh out of safety concerns.

Scott Douglas Jacobsen: We can see the development of ex-Muslim councils around the world. Council of Ex-Muslims of Bangladesh is a new one. Why found one amongst the most dangerous regions, and countries, for ex-Muslims?

Md. Sazzadul Hoque: We do things not because it is easy, but because it is hard (JFK). either we confront the evil now or later, regardless the cost is high relative to the time when it is fought. We must live free or die trying. We must stir and start the process of contradiction in the subjugated mind of Bangladesh. Bangladesh is the ground zero to kill this evil.  Historically Bangladesh was Shanatan then Buddhist then turned to Shanatan (Hindu) then to Muslim. If we can change Bangladesh, it will change the surrounding country.  Majority of Bangladesh population is growing population, if we can have the right kind of message to these people, they will bring about the change Bangladesh had seen historically. If Bangladeshi changes India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Iran will follow. Just these mentioned countries combined over a billion people.

Jacobsen: How does this council provide a beacon of light in a shroud of some fundamentalist darkness there?

Hoque: Information is power, information is the gateway to freedom, this council will with the help of the right kind of people have the right kind of information to change minds. We as Bengali are not new to this fundamentalism. We must have a platform where people can draw their inspiration seeing other Ex-Muslim in such platform.

Jacobsen: What are volunteer opportunities through the Council of Ex-Muslims of Bangladesh?

Hoque: There many people out there, but there is not a single unified platform from where people can collectively work together. People are working from their point of view and position, to my understanding it is time to act collaborate with Bangladesh and internationally. 

Jacobsen: How can ex-Muslims protect themselves?

Hoque: The majority of these people are in hiding, to protect them self-one should write under a pen name in both internet and while publishing on paper, however they must take serious consideration to preserve their identity. If they are using the internet, they may use VPN service to mask their IP address.

Jacobsen: What will be the goals for the Council of Ex-Muslims of Bangladesh in 2019/2020 as it is starting up?

Hoque: The activity of 2019/2020 is to inform people such a platform exists, and we are here to stay.

Our mission to have a platform where we are able to collectively express our views or feelings, most importantly a place where ex-Muslim can safely empathize with one another, a place where we are able to tell the world how we are brutalized by this hate mongering repressive regressive faith that subjugate. Our platform is to convey support to those who are in dire need of psychological support and many other supports that we may be able to offer as we grow stronger in the future.

Jacobsen: Thank you for the opportunity and your time, Sazza.

Photo by Ben Klea on Unsplash

Poor voter turnout in Kashmir calls for introspection by local leadership

Jaibans Singh
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Poor voter turnout in Kashmir calls for introspection by local leadership

Polling has come to an end in Jammu and Kashmir after Shopian and Pulwama districts of the Anantnag constituency and the Ladakh constituency cast its votes on May 6th. The polling was spread over a month with the first phase taking off from Baramulla and Jammu on April 11th. Ladakh, as always, came out with full strength and witnessed a turnout of more than 63%. The Anantnag constituency also lived up to its reputation of rejecting the democratic process, the overall voter turnout there was a dismal 8.76%. It is notable here that the current elections have witnessed a considerable dip in polling at Anantnag, which registered 28.54% in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. It can be said that there is no change in the thought process of the people over the last five years in this particular region of the state. The situation has, in fact, gone from bad to worse.

The security forces would have heaved a sigh of relief since, on their shoulders, lay the onerous responsibility of conducting an incident-free election. In Kashmir, the violence threshold was increased many months before the polls were to commence. Attempt by terrorists to up the ante was countered with an equally decisive and well coordinated response from the security forces. Relentless and sustained counter-terrorist operations registered great success and broke the back of foreign sponsored terrorism in the Kashmir Valley. It is for this reason that the desired degree of violence and intimidation by terrorists was not forthcoming during the polls. Undoubtedly, the security forces have risen to the challenge with their legendary maturity and commitment and carried out their task to perfection.

It is once again being said that low voter turnout was due to fear of the terrorists. The argument does not hold since those who voted have not suffered any adverse consequences. Kashmir is known to stand up against the forces of terror, this lack of enthusiasm for the polls builds the morale of forces that work against the interests of common man and it needs to change.

On the political front it is quite evident that in a few urban areas of the Kashmir Valley, the leaders have not been able to generate confidence amongst the people to come out and vote despite the platform of stability provided by the security forces. Once again the highly effective psychological campaign by divisive forces has been successful in offsetting the appeal of the local leadership for all out voting.

The mainstream leadership has failed to put aside all inter-party issues to address this evil agenda of inimical foreign forces. It has failed to infuse confidence among voters of areas that have traditionally witnessed a low turnout. Personal interaction, social and political discourse on the problems of the people and resolving them with all honesty, development, psychological conditioning was required to break the impasse that has been there for too long; apparently, it’s not been forthcoming.

Under the circumstances, there is a need to reassess that potential of traditional leaders of the local political parties of Kashmir Valley. If they cannot motivate their people to come out and vote then they demonstrate a lack of acceptance as leaders. This point will need to be kept in mind by the incoming government at the centre while chalking out the Kashmir strategy. There definitely exists a space for new leadership to take wings in the Valley.

For Jammu and Kashmir the Lok Sabha polls are a rehearsal for the forthcoming Assembly elections scheduled for the later part of the year. It is time for political parties and the administration to carry out yet another assessment of the situation and take corrective action to ensure a better show in the next polls.

Security will remain a critical aspect during the forthcoming assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir. This is due to the determination of foreign forces and their “assets within the State” to scuttle the process. A twin strategy of political disruption and terrorist violence is invariably put in place for this purpose as was seen during the Lok Sabha polls. The effort is directed towards registering the presence of terrorists and intimidating people. The level is gradually increased as the dates of polling draw near. The modus operandi will be repeated in the forthcoming polls too.

Infiltration attempts have seen a perceptible increase in Kashmir valley since the last few months. The presence of terrorists in launching pads across the line of control has been registered. This is in view of the urgent need to fill up the depleted cadre well before the elections when they have an important role to play. The terror mongers have failed miserably on both counts till now, but they have not given up, hence, the need for enhanced vigilance and alertness.

A concerted drive for local recruitment of terrorists will be made, money will be invested freely to attract candidates; drugs will be provided in ample quantity. Movement of manpower and war like material from the Nepal border is likely to be resorted to. Fidayeen attacks on security forces, killing of innocent civilians followed by threats and intimidation can be expected; political leadership especially at the grassroots will be specifically targeted. Attempt will be made to malign security forces by involving them in engineered human rights violations. Many other innovative and devious means will be applied to create a situation of chaos and anarchy.

There is a need to prepare for a concerted onslaught on Indian ideals of democracy and freedom in the coming months. The existing model to counter the evil designs has paid handsome dividends. What is required now is a motivated leadership that leads from the front and with personal example, such a leadership will get the support of the administration, the security forces and people. No power can stand against such a collective will. It is hoped that the local leadership in Kashmir will introspect on its viability, potential, capability and acceptability to hold on to the mantle.

Super 30: Hrithik to ‘avoid’ any clash with Kangana

News Intervention Bureau
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Super 30: Hrithik to ‘avoid’ any clash with Kangana

Hrithik Roshan has announced that his upcoming film Super 30 will no longer release on July 26, along with Kangana Ranaut-starrer Mental Hai Kya. Interestingly, Mental Hai Kya producer Ekta Kapoor had changed the release date of the film from June 21 to clash with Super 30 at the box office. Though she said that it was purely a “business decision”, however, fans of Hrithik and Kangana began fighting it out on social media, soon after news of the clash broke.

Kangana’s sister Rangoli Chandel claimed in a series of tweets that Hrithik was trying to bring the actress and Mental Hai Kya down with underhand PR tactics. Now, Hrithik has decided to take a step back and avoid the clash altogether. In a statement issued by him, he said that he has taken this step “in order to save (himself) from the personal trauma and toxic mental violence this would cause”.

India and China sign protocol for export of Indian Chilli Meal

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India and China sign protocol for export of Indian Chilli Meal

Commerce Secretary, Anup Wadhawan and Vice Minister, General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), Li Guo, held a meeting in New Delhi to discuss trade related issues of pending Indian request for clearance of agricultural products.

Both sides appreciated each other’s concerns and agreed to resolve market access issues expeditiously in order to achieve the vision of the leaders of both India and China by promoting a more balanced trade.

At the end of the meeting a protocol was signed for export of chilli meal from India to China.

China caves in to India’s diplomatic pressure

Ravi Bhagwat
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China caves in to India’s diplomatic pressure

Jaish-e-Mohammad Chief Masood Azhar has been designated as a Global Terrorist by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Proscription of Masood Azhar: Significance and the Aftermath

Dr Simrit Kahlon
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Proscription of Masood Azhar: Significance and the Aftermath

So, the world has finally realised that Masood Azhar is a terrorist! One wonders about the reason behind this enlightened thought especially so far as China is concerned. China has relented, not because of a change of heart, but because the international pressure and isolation was becoming unbearable. Its opposition to proscribing Azhar was perplexing the international community given that Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), the organisation that Masood Azar heads, has already been declared a terrorist organisation by the UNSC (United Nations Security Council) and China was party to the decision. As such, its obduracy in “protecting” Azhar was beyond any logic.

Pakistan, always in the lookout to secure brownie points, has attempted to reverse the very obvious diplomatic setback caused by the proscribing of Masood Azar. It is, quite comically, highlighting the omission in the UN statement about the JeM chief’s personal involvement in the spread of terror in Kashmir as also the role played by him in the terror attack at Pulwama. Apparently, Pakistan prevailed upon its all-weather friend China to do at least this much for it in the circumstance where the embarrassment became inevitable. 

The fact however remains that Masood Azhar is a prized asset for Pakistan. Apart from meticulously planning several terrorist attacks against India, he has succeeded in creating an army of Jihadis who are ready to lay down their lives at his command. Most of them are directed against India, particularly Kashmir. His importance lies in the fact that the then government of Pakistan along with its army and notorious Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) had made several attempts to get him released from a jail after he was arrested in Kashmir in 1994. Five years later, the Indian government was forced to release him along with two others–Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar and Omar Sheikh, in exchange for the safe release of passengers of the Indian Airlines Flight IC-814, which was hijacked and taken to Kandahar in Afghanistan. Pakistan should have arrested the hijackers the moment they landed in the country, instead, it gave them and their leaders Masood Azhar a hero’s welcome.

Now that Azhar is declared a global terrorist, the government of Pakistan will be forced to arrest him and seize his assets. How the same will be done is a big question since Azhar has, in the past, threatened the Pakistan government of violence if it undertakes any such act. Secondly, he enjoys the support of the Pakistani Army. Therefore, the Pakistani establishment is cagey while taking any action against him.

Also, this declaration may well turn out to be a case of “too less, too late.” Masood Azar has been unwell for long now and remains under treatment in army facilities. He does not exercise effective control on his organisation which is said to be “looked after” by his relatives, from among whom, there are casualties reported during the Indian air strike on JeM camps in Balakot.

His proscription will not have anything more than salutary effect on the activities of JeM. The organisation will definitely do something big to prove that it continues to be strong despite the setback. It would, therefore, be necessary for the security forces in Kashmir and intelligence agencies across India to remain extra vigilant for the reaction. The need for alertness is necessitated even more due to the ongoing elections in India, which are now at a very sensitive stage. Another significant aspect is the advent of the holy month of Ramazan when a special brand of propaganda, supported by violence, is unleashed by terrorists in Kashmir.

On the diplomatic front India should move fast to leverage the proscription and get the international community to prevail upon Pakistan for some concrete action in eliminating the fundamentalist Islamist organisations operating in the country. In fact, the time has come to also expose the fault lines in this regard that exist in China.

China is a country that does not think twice before decimating any form of dissent against the state and in particular when there’s a religious overtone. The manner in which a crackdown has been carried out against the Uighur population in Xinjiang Province bears evidence to this reality. The Uighurs, an ethnically Turkic group of Muslims of the formerly independent Republic of East Turkistan, which is presently under China’s control and is called the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (XUAR) are unhappy under Chinese rule. Their freedom movement gained momentum since the early 1990’s. The Chinese authorities reacted with large scale arrests and summary executions. In 1998, the National People’s Congress passed a new criminal law that redefined “counter-revolutionary” crimes to be “crimes against the state”, liable with severe prison terms and even execution. Many restrictions on their religion, which include forbidding parents and guardians to allow minors to engage in religious activity that were not found elsewhere in China were imposed in XUAR. Due to this restrictive crackdown, the decade from 1998 to 2008 witnessed zero Uighur related violence, but eruptions have become common since 2009.

When China can be strict to the point of being brutal in quelling even a whiff of religion-based insurgency on its soil, surely, as a responsible world power, it needs to show sensitivity towards the problems being faced by other nations and regions across the world. With the ban in place, India should further this issue by emphasising that the delay in the process was rather unwarranted.

The proscription of Masood Azhar, though significant and definitely a feather in the cap of our foreign policy, should not create too much euphoria. The pressure has to be maintained on the terrorists operating in Kashmir and diplomatic efforts have to be further energised. The calls for opening a dialogue with Pakistan will gain momentum once the new government takes office in India. The situation will need to be studied deeply before taking any decision. One factor would be the existence of a noticeable change in the attitude and policy of the government of Pakistan post the proscription of Masood Azhar.

Big B and Emraan Hashmi to share screen for a thriller

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Big B and Emraan Hashmi to share screen for a thriller

For the first time, Superstar Amitabh Bachchan and actor Emraan Hashmi will work together in a film.  Bachchan and  Hashmi’s untitled mystery thriller will go on floors on May 10. The film, produced by Anand Pandit Motion Pictures and Saraswati Entertainment Private Limited, will be helmed by Rumi Jaffrey. 

“We are extremely excited to commence the shoot of the film from May 10. Looking forward to seeing Mr Bachchan and Emraan onscreen for the first time. Given the subject of the film, I do believe we have a winner in our hands,” Pandit said in a statement. 

The film is scheduled to release on February 21, 2020.

Engaging Indian Diaspora in Africa to strengthen India-Africa trade ties

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Engaging Indian Diaspora in Africa to strengthen India-Africa trade ties

The Commerce Ministry and Indian High Commissions and Embassies of eleven African countries arranged an interaction over Digital Video Conference (DVC) over two days, on 3rd and 6th May 2019, with the Indian business community in Africa. The interactions with Indian Diaspora were held in Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Zambia, and Mauritius, Nigeria, Mozambique, Ghana, South Africa, Botswana, and Madagascar. This initiative was held in order to build an effective engagement with the Indian Diaspora in Africa in order to further deepen and strengthen India-Africa trade ties.

The DVC was attended by over 400 members of Indian business community in 11 African countries.

This initiative of the Commerce Ministry emphasizes the need for a multipronged strategy for further enhancing trade and investment ties between the two regions. Commerce Ministry recognizes that for formulating an effective export strategy it is imperative to engage the Indian business community in Africa for mutual gain for both sides as trade relations between the people of same origin instill greater confidence amongst trade partners.

The major issues highlighted by the Indian Business Community in these 11 countries are:

  • Improving the Line of Credit system and developing a facility for an affordable and competitive funding.
  • Setting up of Indian Banks/financial institutions in Africa
  • Enhanced Buyers’ Credit facility for promotion of trade between the two regions
  • Reviewing and liberalizing visa policies from both sides 
  • Need for direct flights between the India and African countries
  • Exploring the possibility of rupee trade to address the issue of shortage of dollars in region.
  • Creation of common database of buyer-suppliers in the two regions for facilitating matchmaking for enhancement of bilateral trade.
  • Development of a robust trade dispute settlement mechanism 
  • More frequent and structured country/sector specific trade exhibitions in Africa
  • Establishment of country chapters of FICCI or CII in Africa
  • Frequent visits of policy makers, chamber of commerce and investors for familiarization with local business and investment regime for informed decisions

India-Africa Trade

India’s total trade with the African region during 2017-18 was USD 62.69 billion (8.15% of India’s total trade with the World). India’s share of exports to African countries as a percentage of India’s total exports to the world was of the order of 8.21% in 2017-18.  Africa region’s share in India’s total imports from the World accounted for 8.12% in 2017-18.

African countries present immense opportunities for India with the world’s largest land mass, 54 countries, a population growing to be almost equivalent to that of India, huge mineral resources, oil wealth, a youthful population, falling poverty levels and increasing consumption patterns.

Thus, Africa has a huge demand for new business models for market entry, stable market access, entrepreneurship and investments in transport, telecom, tourism, financial services, real estate and construction. 

Yes I am a Nationalist and Proud to say so

Ashutosh Garg
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Yes I am a Nationalist and Proud to say so

General Elections in India are coming to the end of their long cycle. These elections have possibly seen one of the most accusative and repartee filled speeches from each politician of every party that I have heard in the past few decades.

Yet one word “Nationalism” or “Nationalist” seems to be a part of these elections as never before. All anti-BJP parties, journalists and political commentators are throwing this word as an accusation at the BJP and to all its followers as if being nationalist is a crime and something that should be scorned, derided and chastised at all costs.

Nationalism is a modern movement. Throughout history people have been attached to their native soil, to the traditions of their parents, and to established territorial authorities. It was not until the end of the 18th century that nationalism began to be a generally recognized sentiment moulding public and private. Nationalism is often mistakenly regarded as a factor in political behaviour.

A Nationalistic person is one who strongly identifies with their own nation and vigorously supports the nation’s, and therefore their own, interests.

Nationalist movements around the world have helped in creating an identity and uphold national interest. The first wave of nationalist movements happened in the middle of the nineteenth century leading to revolutions in Europe, which led to the unification of Germany and Italy. Towards the end of the nineteenth century a second wave swept Eastern and Northern Europe, as well as Japan, India, Armenia, and Egypt. India’s independence movement was also a nationalist movement like the anti-colonial movements in most parts of the World.

Nationalism and nationalist movements have been on the rise all over the world.

From the election of Donald Trump who unabashedly says that he is a nationalist to President Duterte in Philippines. From President Erdogan in Turkey to President Jokowi in Indonesia. From Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Japan to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel. More nationalist leaders will be elected in more countries around the world. Chinese and Russian leaders use a form of nationalism to rally their people in their communist countries.

The important factor to study and understand is why these nationalistic movements are happening around the world through democratically elected processes. These movements are not fascist or dictatorial movements that have happened because of the power of a gun.

Is this change happening because all other forms of governance have not delivered what they promised to the common people who have largely remained where they were in most countries around the world? Identification with the land of their birth is one certainty no politician can take away from the common man and therefore, there is every reason for citizens to have a nationalistic mindset.

The Economist magazine in its issue dated 4th May 2019 has an article titled “Nationalist fervour is likely to secure a second term for Narendra Modi.” The author of the article has no interest in the performance of the Modi Government, or all the social development schemes launched by him. They have no reason to applaud Ayushman Bharat, the largest health scheme in the world that will cover 500 million people. They have no interest in the strides India has made in the world or India’s successes in international diplomacy.

Like The Economist several other “liberal journalists” and “political commentators” have been trying to convince themselves that nationalism and nothing else will result in a BJP victory. Their convenient interpretation of nationalism is protectionism, isolationism, xenophobia and an anti-elite discourse. To these journalists all that matters is what is in it for them and their pampered tribe. An unprecedented outreach programme to the masses in India does not matter to these journalists and political commentators since such programmes do not directly benefit them.

The age-old negative definitions and connotations of nationalism must change. The positives of being a nationalist need to be accepted and the role of nationalism in making a country stronger must be recognised.

Nationalism has everything to do with the nation and must not have anything to do with any religion or economic grouping in the nation. It has nothing to do with who is in a majority or who is in a minority. It surprises me that nationalism in India is being linked to one religion by such journalists and political commentators.

These journalists and political commentators conclude very simply that nationalist fervour being “whipped up” during these elections will help Narendra Modi win a second term. Since this nationalistic movement will help Mr Modi and the BJP to come back to power with a resounding victory, it must be categorised as bad and unacceptable. Is their agenda being driven because of the needs of some political parties or are they genuinely functioning as responsible members of the powerful fourth estate?

The silent majority of Indians are consolidating their thoughts (and possibly their votes) against those that are trying to destabilise the country. This thinking could be against terrorists from across the border who have hurt India time and time again and for the first time Indians see a strong leader who will hit back hard. It could be against those who speak about breaking up India using the “tukde – tukde” (small pieces) slogan. Or it could be against those who are willing to pardon sedition and are further stating that they will remove the law against sedition.

What is clear is that the citizens of India are saying they have had enough of the double speak they have been hearing from politicians for the past seven decades. They have heard enough comments like “we strongly condemn such a dastardly act” or “we respect the resilience of the citizens.”

My question to all these journalists and political commentators is what is wrong in being a nationalist?

I am a nationalist and am proud to say so.

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