Showing posts with label indian army. Show all posts
Showing posts with label indian army. Show all posts

Hawaldar Sher Bahadur Thapa - unsung Sino-India war hero

7:55 AM
Remembering forgotten Sino-India 1962 War hero Late Hav. Shere Thapa is no less a martyr than Anyone.

                      ‘Punya Smaran
   Swargiya Hawaldar Sher Bahadur Thapa
                 2 J &K RIF “Bodyguard”
   
       Is veer ne 1962 mein Chiniyo ki chakke udaye
Inka naam yahan ke bacche bacche ke zaban par hain
       Deshvasiyo ki aur se tumhe sat- sat pranam.’

Itanagar , Fri, 19 Oct 2012 ANI
By Pradeep Kumar (ANI)

Itanagar, Oct. 19 (ANI): His light machine gun boomed relentlessly, like a roaring tiger. One after another unsuspecting Chinese soldiers were killed and fell into the Ngo River without anyone to count. The day was October 18 half-a-century ago.

A brave Shere Thapa of the Indian Army's 2 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, hiding in a very advantageous position, fired non-stop as his lone soldier-mate continued changing the carbines.
Hawaldar Sher Bahadur Thapa - unsung Sino-India war hero

The People's Liberation Army of China had sneaked through the Tama Chung Chung Ridge. Thapa had positioned himself on a vertical slope - invincible high mountain ridge on one side, steep slope down to the Ngo stream, the source of the Subansiri River, on the other side. He had located the most strategic place, either to stop or kill the advancing Chinese soldiers.

Thapa did not notice anymore Chinese after emptying all magazines with the fired brash khokas lying scattered. He confidently came out of his bunker for a recce. Death was waiting for him. He peeped towards the heap of corpses with great satisfaction. A wounded, but alive Chinese soldier, lying on the heap along with his colleagues fired, killing him instantly.

The corpses of the Chinese soldiers were piled up so much that the river failed to carry them. This is the folklore. The great soldier is highly revered in the area for his gallantry act.

Comparatively, brave Thapa was no less a war hero than subedar Jaswant Singh Rawat (No. 4039009 of the 4th Garhwal Rifles Bn), who had fought a lone battle against the invading Chinese in Eastern Sector (Tawang). He was conferred the highest military honour, the Param Vir Chakra, for his bravery. Jaswant Garh, a few km ahead of the pass, stands tall today as a testimony to his heroism.

Political interpreter Chader Mangha along with many villagers, who carried supplies, arms and ammunition for Thapa's Army section, were witness to his bravery. Mangha, who died in 1994,was given a commendation certificate by the GoI in recognition of his service to the nation and promoted to the rank of political assistant. He had also narrated the entire episode to his daughter Yating Byaling a resident of Gosing Taying village under Taksing circle, wife of RD Minister Tanga Byaling. Byaling also vouch of the bravery of Thapa and the village folk.

Even the Chinese had respectfully buried him and left a small note praising his bravery. Why none ever bothered to honour his brave act, even posthumously is intriguing? I have high respect for Rawat as he was a great martyr, but Thapa deserves equal honour.

Villagers inhabiting the Indo-China border claim that the PLA had sent its troops through passes, including Taksing, Mechuka, Anini, etc where the forces camped waiting for orders. Had the war prolonged, Chinawould have launched a multi-pronged attack but withdrew its forces after cessation of firing, following 29 days (Oct 18 to Nov 16, 1962) of fierce battle, leading to the humiliating defeat of the Indian Army.
Supply line was cut off following retreat order which never reached the duo. Left with no food and insufficient ammunition, they feared any eventuality and decided to fight till death. Thapa sacrificed his life in Middle sector (Upper Subansiridistrict) while protecting Mother India. His mortal remains were brought to Lemiking, last rites performed and a grave built there. The neglected grave and a bridge named after him are evidences of his heroism.

"The first bridge, named after soldier Shere Thapa, with a 600m steep climb...." is the reference about him with picture of his grave found in 'Secrets of Subansiri, Himalayan Club, recoding the 2005 expedition report by a group of trekkers to famous Buddhist pilgrimage Takpa Shiri; Arunachal Expedition - Takpa Shiri; In Search of Old Pilgrimage Route to Takpa Siri 2005 and India 2005 - Alpine Journal.
Thapa knew well that without any road and communication then, expecting any support from the base camp was well neigh impossible. He decided to face the enemies as a brave soldier of Mother India. Shouldn't he be recognized, albeit late, and due honour given by bringing his heroic story before the nation.

I presumed that martyr Shere Thapa,  might not have a god father or a senior Army officer to recommend their brave act. But with facts surfacing, it is still not late to honour them. By Pradeep Kumar (ANI).

We appreciate and grateful to Hon’ble Minister Tourism Shri Nakap Nalo for rediscovering buried  story of our True Hero, a Martyr of 1962 war Late Hav. Shere Thapa.

 Via All Arunachal Pradesh Gorkha Welfare Youth Association

Rfn Bikas Gurung martyred in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Jammu & Kashmir

4:15 PM

Son of the soil Indian Gorkha Rfn Bikas Gurung Indian Army got martyred during ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Nowshera area of Jammu & Kashmir today.

Bikash was a Gorkha Jawan From Manipur.

"Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of mortars on routine Indian Army patrol, 700 metres inside Indian territory in Naushera sector along the Line of Control (LoC) Saturday morning," a senior army officer told PTI.

In the exchange of fire, Rifleman Bikas Gurung of 2/1 Gorka Rifles was grievously injured and succumbed to injuries. The 21-year-old soldier belonged to Khunka Khuki village of Manipur, and is survived by his mother.

May his soul rest in peace and may God give strength and courage to his family and friends.

RIP Brother

Jai Hind Jai Gorkha

Brijesh Thapa receive reputed UN medal for "courage and sacrifice" in the mission

7:00 PM

United Nations peacekeeping has proven to be one of the most effective tools to assist host countries navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace. India currently deploys more than 7,600 military and police personnel to UN peace operations in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Lebanon, Liberia, West Asia, South Sudan, Sudan and the Western Sahara. Last year, two Indian peacekeepers in different operations lost their lives and in their honour, India’s UN Ambassador Syed Akbarudding received the medal on their behalf for courage and sacrifice in their line of duty.

Rifleman Brijesh Thapa, who served with the UN Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Private Ravi Kumar who was deployed with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon posthumously received the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal on the International Day of UN Peacekeepers observed yesterday.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres laid a wreath to honour all fallen peacekeepers and presided over the ceremony where the Dag Hammarskjold Medal was awarded to 117 military, police and civilian personnel from 43 nations who lost their lives while serving in peacekeeping operations during 2016.

"UN peacekeeping is one of international community's most effective investments to support peace, security and prosperity. There are risks when deploying peacekeepers to a crisis area but inaction may carry even greater risks," he said.

India is the largest cumulative troop contributor, having provided almost 200,000 troops in nearly 50 of the 71 peacekeeping missions mandated over the past six decades, including 13 of the current 16 missions. Historically, the medal is named after the second UN Secretary General, who had died in a mysterious 1961 plane crash. He was posthumously awarded a Nobel Peace Prize the year he died.

[Via: News Bharati]

How 750 Indian Gorkha Soldiers made 7326 Pakistani Soldiers surrender in 1971 WAR

6:30 PM
July 27, 2016 Major Gen (retired) Ian Cardozo, a hero of the 1971 war that led to the creation of Bangladesh, paid tribute to BBC’s coverage of the hostilities on Monday but recalled its one mistake that benefited India in taking on numerically superior Pakistani forces.

At the time, Cardozo was a major in a 5 Gorkha Rifles battalion, comprising about 750 soldiers, that was tasked with capturing Atgram near Sylhet.

It was short of artillery and food supplies, but ultimately managed the surrender of two Pakistan Army brigades, including three brigadiers, a colonel, 107 officers, 219 JCOs and 7,000 troops in one of the most incredible successes of the war.

Speaking at a book release event here, he said: “Today I would like to use this platform to pay tributes to the BBC. They were the only reliable broadcasting station at that time, giving news as it happened. The Indian Army had nothing to hide, so the British war correspondents were going along with our troops.
How 750 Indian Gorkha Soldiers made 7326 Pakistani Soldiers surrender in 1971 WAR
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“They were reporting minute-to-minute the progress of the battle. But they made a mistake. They announced that a ‘brigade’ of Gurkhas had landed at Sylhet. We heard it, as well as the Pakistanis. So we decided to pretend that we were a brigade.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Taking advantage of the misinformation, Cardozo’s battalion built on small victories and created a situation where the Pakistani troops offered to surrender on December 15, 1971. Until it happened, Cardozo and others believed a Pakistani brigade was in the area, but they were surprised to discover the final number was more than twice the strength of a brigade.

One of the most decorated officers of the Indian Army, Cardozo recalled the vital operation to capture Sylhet during a packed invitation-only event to celebrate the life of Lt Gen FN Bilimoria, former head of the central command and father of Karan Bilimoria, a member of the House of Lords.

Cardozo, a contemporary of Lt Gen Bilimoria, penned the book ”Lieutenant General Bilimoria: His Life and Times”, which was recently presented to Indian Army chief Gen Dalbir Singh in New Delhi.

The book release event here was attended by leading lights of the British Army, including former chief of general staff, Field Marshal John Chapple, and several Bangladesh citizens, who became emotional on meeting the man who played a defining role in their country’s formation.

One Bangladeshi member of the audience thanked Cardozo for the "great job you have done for us". Cardozo is expected to receive an enthusiastic reception at the Bangladesh high commission here on Tuesday.

Answering questions, Cardozo said calmly but firmly: “I do not like to use this platform to denigrate Pakistan. I think everybody knows what they are up to, what they have been up to and what they continue to do. I don’t have to elaborate.
“But India believes in peace, people, progress, development, not in war. But if war is forced upon us, as it was in 1965, in 1971 and in Kargil, we were the victors in every war,” he added to much applause.

Retired British Army officers recalled their interaction with Lt Gen Bilimoria, who was the Indian Army’s liaison officer in the School of Infantry in Warminster in the 1970s. A popular soldier, he saw action in the 1971 war and held several key posts, including GOC of the central command. Karan Bilimoria recalled the values passed on to him by his father, who died at the age of 72 in 2005.

Cardozo's remarkable military career saw him losing a leg when he stepped on a landmine in the 1971 war. He cut off his mangled leg with his own khukri and told his Gurkha batman: "Now go and bury it."

Determined not to let the disability affect his career as a soldier, he later became the first disabled officer in the Indian Army to command an infantry brigade. He has penned books on war heroes and the sinking of INS Khukri in the 1971 war.

Via defencenews
By: Hindustan Times


Legend who saved Kargil, Subedar Harka Bahadur Rana, Military Cross

6:34 PM
July 26th is celebrated across India as the Kargil Vijay Diwas to commemorate the glorious victory of India over the Pakistani forces in 1999.

But what about the forces themselves? What do they celebrate?

When it comes to Kargil there is only One Hero – in fact a LEGEND who stands the tallest. As far as the forces are concerned there is One Giant who along with his brave comrades literally saved Kargil for India, and that did not happen in 1999.

It happened in 1948, during independent India’s first war.

We proud to present the story of a Gorkhali legend who has continued to inspire generations of soldiers serving in for the Indian army in Kashmir.

Subedar Harka Bahadur Rana
Subedar Harka Bahadur Rana
INDEPENDENCE BLUES
Barely few months after independence, Pakistan invaded India via Kashmir with overwhelming number of forces, and such was the disadvantage our troops were in, that India was on the verge of losing entire Kargil region to Pakistan.

The main problem was that our troops could not reach the battlefield due to lack of roads, and they had to reach Leh via Zojila , Drass, and Kargil. Despite poor facilities and equipment, hard work by our Engineers helped in moving the Tanks to reach up to the Zojila pass - in what is called THE BATTLE FOUGHT ON DONKEY TRACKS - But it was still a long way from the actual battle field.

GORKHALIS ON THE MARCH
As in Kargil in 1999 when the 1/11 Gorkhas were the First battalion to be deployed for Kargil, back in 1948 it was the 1/5 Gorkha Rifles under the command of (then) Lt. Col Anant Singh Pathania, who was incidentally the first Indian officer to command the Gorkha Rifles and win a Military Cross, began moving northwards in the direction of Kargil.

During the course of the 1948 war, the most fearful battle was fought for the then Khera bridge which connects Kargil to the rest of India and it was vital to both the sides from strategic, military and geopolitical aspects.

Since the Pakistanis had captured the Kargil area, they were well entrenched in the area with superior firing positions and well supplied armoury. On the other hand the Indian army had been on a move for a while and the supplies were not as regular, also they were in inferior positions which exposed them to firing by Pakistani troops.

THE BATTLE AT KHERA BRIDGE
The 1/5 Gorkha Rifles were engaged by a strong force of Pakistani defenders at Khera bridge over the river Shingo. The battle was so fierce and the Indian troops were so disadvantaged that at one stage of the war the capture of the bridge seemed to be by all means impossible and unlikely. Until one Gorkha soldier decided that loss or withdrawal was simply not an option.

The main problem for the Indian troops was that, the enemy were too well set and they could not keep on fighting the enemy from a distance, they needed to take the fight to the enemy or give up. The battle was fierce and most of the troops guarding the bridge were American trained Pak soldiers with heavy machine guns.

Despite all the odds young Subedar Harka Bahadur Rana and his valiant men of 1/5 GR managed to cross the Shingo river, take the fight to the enemy in the positions where they had felt invincible, and beat them into surrendering or retreating.

SUPREME SACRIFICE
Sub. Harka Bahadur and many of his friends died in the operation but the Gorkhas marched ahead till they fought up to Kargil. As one of the picture will show, before Sub Harka Bahadur and his friends decided enough was enough, it was Pakistan on the other side of the bridge, now the border is more than 5kms away.

Given that so many of our brave hearts have given their supreme sacrifice for our motherland in Kashmir, nowhere in Ladakh or entire Kashmir will you see a memorial solely dedicated to a single person. The memorial dedicated to Sub Harka Bahadur is an exception.

Sub Harka Bahadur Rana earned that rarest of the rare honour not only due to his valour and dedication for our motherland, but also for that rare indomitable spirit which turned the course of war and helped in conjoining Kashmir with India forever.

WE REMEMBER
Lt. Col. Anant Singh Pathania who commanded the mission was decorated with Mahavir Chakra, and Late Subedar Harka Bahadur Rana won Military Cross for his bravery and exploits. Today a new bridge has been built by Indian Army and is known as Harka Bahdur Rana Bridge.

In Military circles, it is said that the battle waged by Col. Phatania, Sub. Harka Bahadur Rana and their men of 1/5 Gorkha Rifles were one of the hardest battle ever fought.

While others chose to ignore or forget our brave hearts, we refuse to forget the real Legends of Kargil - like Harka Bahadur, without whom there would be no Kargil in India.

Jai Mahakali!! Ayo Gorkhali!!

[This article was published earlier in TheDC, and has been re-posted as ‪#‎KargilVijayDiwas‬ Special]

Via GYASA

Anup Kumar Thapa Martyrd fighting Pakistani terrorist infilitrators in J&K

11:23 PM
24th July 2016 J&K Salutes the service and sacrifice of ‪ brave heart Naik Anup Kumar Thapa, 1/3 Gorkha Rifles, who lost his life in action fighting Pakistani terrorist infilitrators at LoC Kupwara, J&K yesterday.

Terrorists attempting to infiltrate (from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir) were intercepted by alert troops in the intervening night of July 22-23 which led to exchange of fire and forced the infiltrators to flee. Nk Thapa sustained injuries in the gun battle and unfortunately later succumbed.

Army today paid homage to Naik Anup Kumar Thapa, who was killed in exchange of fire when troops foiled an infiltration bid by militants from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in the frontier Kashmir district of Kupwara yesterday.

Defence Ministry spokesperson Colonel N N Joshi said Army paid rich tributes to the valour and martyrdom of Naik Thapa here.

Chinar Corps Commander Lt. Gen. Satish Dua paid tributes to Naik Anup Kumar Thapa at Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar on Sunday.
Anup Kumar Thapa Martyrd fighting Pakistani terrorist
Anup Kumar Thapa Martyrd fighting Pakistani terrorist
“The brave soldier was part of his unit’s Specialist Operational Team that intercepted a group of militants, which was attempting to infiltrate from across the Line of Control (LoC),” he said.

Col Joshi said in the ensuing exchange of fire, Naik Thapa sustained a gunshot wound, but unmindful of his injuries, he continued to engage the militants till the time they fled back.

“Naik Thapa was given first aid at the encounter site itself and thereafter evacuated, but unfortunately, the brave heart succumbed to his injuries,” he said.

Son of a priest from Dehradun, Naik Anup was known by his comrades as an extremely dedicated soldier who would not hesitate from taking on one challenging assignment after another.

“The 41-year-old soldier joined the Army at the tender age of 19 and had a lot of experience in counter militant operations, having had a previous tenure in Rashtriya Rifles also,” he said.

We convey our respects and deepest condolences to Nk Thapa's family.


A tribute to Gorkha martyr in J&K by comrades and seniors

10:15 AM
Kolkata: Lance Havildar Prem Bahadur Resmi Magar lived by the motto 'Kayar Hono Banda Marno Ramro (Better to die than to live the life of a coward)' till he breathed his last while fighting terrorists along the Line of Control (LAC) in Tangdhar, Jammu & Kashmir, on Wednesday. On Thursday, he was given a befitting tribute by comrades and seniors at the Badami Bag Cantonment in Srinagar.

Magar, a 'Ghatak' commando of the unit, was part of the team that thwarted an infiltration bid and shot dead four terrorists. In the process, he was martyred. A battle hardened soldier with 18 yrs of distinguished service, Magar had also been actively involved in two previous operations in the same area in which seven terrorists were killed.

The warrior hailed from Sauni village in the Falpa district of Nepal and was a true embodiment of the martial and yet mirthful character that is common to all Gorkhas. It was his ilk that made the late Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw once famously remark, "If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he's either lying or he's a Gorkha". The Gorkha Rifles is one of the finest regiments of the Indian Army, many units of which have their recruitment base in Nepal as part of a Britain-India-Nepal tripartite agreement signed at the time of independence in 1947.
Gorkha martyr given tribute by comrades and seniors
Lance Havildar Prem Bahadur Resmi Magar a Gorkha martyr given tribute by comrades and seniors
The 37 years old martyr, son of a farmer, is survived by his wife Devi Resmi Magar and two children aged 13 and 10 years. His son is named Dol Bahadur and daughter Yogita. Paying glowing tributes to the hero, Lt Gen Satish Dua, commander, Chinar Corps, said: "The nation shall remain indebted to his sacrifice and the present generation as well as posterity will continue to draw inspiration from him." Expressing his condolences to the bereaved family, he reaffirmed the Army's commitment to their well being.


Via TOI


5 Gorkha Rifles officers out of 14 approved for rank of Lt General

7:30 AM
The Army has de-classified the promotion board results for the rank of Lt General and a major chunk of the vacancies for this particular batch have gone to officers belonging to the Gorkha Rifles.

As per details of the result accessed by The Indian Express, a total of 14 officers of the rank of Major General have been approved in the ‘Command and Staff Stream’ in which they will go on to Command a Corps each and then onwards for appointment as Army Commanders or General Officers Commanding-in-Chief of a command. Five officers out of these 14 belong to the Gorkha Rifles, though from various Gorkha Rifles regiments, and none from the Chief of Army Staff’s own regiment, the 5th Gorkha Rifles.
Gorkha Rifles
Gorkha Rifles 
The selection board for the Major Generals of 1981 batch was held earlier this month. Among the officers who have been approved for the rank of Lt General are Maj Gen SK Saini (Jat Regiment), Maj Gen AS Bedi (Garhwal Rifles), Maj Gen A Chauhan (Gorkha Rifles), Maj Gen JS Negi (Dogra Regiment), Maj Gen IS Ghuman (Brigade of Guards), Maj Gen PM Bali (Punjab Regt), Maj Gen Vijay Singh (Gorkha Rifles), Maj Gen SK Upadhya (Garhwal Rifles), Maj Gen Saranjit Singh (Sikh Light Infantry), Maj Gen YVK Mohan (Gorkha Rifles), Maj Gen AK Bhatt (Gorkha Rifles), Maj Gen Dushyant Singh 9Maratha Light Infantry), Maj Gen RK Jagga (Armoured Corps) and Maj Gen R Gopal (Gorkha Rifles).

The social media was soon abuzz with the list of officers approved and the fact that such a large number of Gorkha Rifles officers had made the grade. However, a senior officer from Gorkha Rifles said that Gorkha Rifles is comprised of seven separate regiments and that all individual regiments are different from each other having separate regimental centres and there being around 45 Gorkha Rifles units.

The selection board has also not thrown up name of any officer approved from the Regiment of Artillery in the general cadre for the command and staff stream. Earlier, officers from the Artillery and even the Corps of Engineers had been doing very well in getting command appointments in higher ranks and the present Vice Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen MMS Rai, is from the Corps of Engineers.



Via indianexpress



Subash Ghisingh stood for the separate Indian Gorkha Troops

12:51 PM
Shri Subash Ghisingh always stood for the separate Indian Gorkha Troops, so as to differentiate the “Indo – Nepal Agreement Troops” and the “Indian Gorkha Troops” and to save the whole settled Indian Gorkhas from unnecessary and permanent stigma and allegation of Foreigners, Mercenaries, Reciprocal people and Nepal subjects.

Finally after 30 years on 2nd April 2016, The Army have raised a new Gorkha battalion comprising entirely of Indian Gorkha troops i.e. Sixth Battalion of the First Gorkha Rifles (6/1GR), named “Kanchi Paltan”. Traditionally, the majority of troops in Gorkha regiments belong to Nepal, The stipulated ratio of composition of these regiments between Nepalese and Indian domicile Gorkhas is about 70:30:

Why the need of separate Indian Gorkha Regiment / Battalion?

The separate Indian gorkha regiment or battalion is required so as to have clear distinction between the “Agreement Troops” (the gorkha troops from Nepal / Nepalese citizen) and the “Indian Gorkha Troops ( The gorkha troops from Indian / Indian citizen )”

The Indian Gorkhas had faced and are still facing the unique identity crisis with regard to their Indian citizenship because of the Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship (1950) which permits "the citizen of Nepal or India, the freedom to reside, own the property, participate in trade and commerce and other rights of similar nature in their territory”. Thus, there are many Nepalese citizens of Nepal who have migrated after 1950 living in India. The Indian Gorkhas are mistakenly identified as the citizens of Nepal who have migrated to India in search of jobs and livelihood.

Whereas the history of Indian gorkha starts from The Gorkha War (1814–1816), the war that was fought between Gorkha Kingdom ( Nepal ) and the British East India Company which ended up by signing the Treaty of Sugauli in 1816.
The Sugauli Treaty was signed on 2nd December 1815 and later ratified on 4 March 1816 between East India Company and King of Nepal: however, the treaty asked for the territorial concessions, in which large territory of Nepal was given to British India, and also allowed British to recruit Gurkhas for its military service.


Under the treaty, about “one-third of Gorkha Kingdom (Nepal)” was lost, including Darjeeling, Sikkim, territory to west of the Kali River like Kumaon (present Indian state of Uttarakhand), Garhwal (present Indian state of Uttarakhand); some territories to the west of the Sutlej River like Kangra (present day Himachal Pradesh); and much of the Terai Region, It caused Nepal to lose about “105,000 km2” of its territory.

Later on in 1947, when British India got its Independent creating India and Pakistan, the fate of Indian gorkha was neglected and remained unresolved as Nepal didn’t accepted it back or demanded its lost territory nor did Indian accepted it constitutionally to be its Union of State by declaring these gorkha dominated areas (territory which had come to British India as per Sugauli Teaty) as a state of Gorkahaland, a state which would uphold the identity of Indian gorkha, like the states of Wes Bengal for Indian Bangalis or Punjab for Indian Panjabi.

But rather India signed an agreement with Nepal in 1950 which created the confusion on citizenship of entire gorkha settled in India, the gorkha who had come along with their ceded land to British India began to be called as foreigner on their own homeland in present India.


Hence, Shri Subash Ghisingh not only led the movement for separate state of Gorkhaland, which he believed would resolve our identity crisis in Indian; But also demanded for the separate Indian Gorkha Regiment for Indian Grokha so as to have clear cut distinction between Indian Gorkha and Nepali Gorkha,

Historical archive below :

Date: 15th January 1987:

Telegram sent To Shri Rajiv Gandhi, P M of India, Copy to King of Nepal:

We have no other alternative but to ask the whole settled Indian Gorkhas not to join the “Agreement Troops” of Gorkha Rifles. Furthermore, we are compelled to ask the central Government of India to immediately establish a New and Separate India Gorkha Regiment so as to save the whole settled Gorkhas from unnecessary and permanent stigma and allegation of Foreigners, Mercenaries, Reciprocal people and Nepal subjects.

Date: 3rd February, 1987: Statement released:

Urging government for formation of separate “Indian Gorkha Troops” to save guard the Indian Gorkha community and in the larger interest of Indian.

Date: 22nd July 1987:

Letter To Rajiv Gandhi PM, India:

Point No 9, (iii) The “Indian Gorkha Regiment” must be established as soon as possible so as to make a clear distinction between the “Agreement Troops” and the “Indian Gorkha Troops” in the interest of the victimized Gorkha and in the interest of the country of Indian. After declaration of the Government Notification on the issue of citizenship, the recruitment of the aboriginal and the settled gorkhas to the “Agreement Troops” must be immediately stopped.

However MOS was signed 23rd August 1988 between Subash Ghising (President of GNLF) and CG Somiah (Union Home Secretary) in presence of Sd/ Buta Singh (Union Home Minister) in Delhi:

As regards raising a separate Indian Gorkha Regiment, the policy of the Government of India of not having any new regiment raised on class composition was acknowledge. However, it was clarified that it is not obligatory for Indian Gorkhas to join only specified Gorkha Regiments and that they have the option to join the Regiments of their choice. To this extent suitable instructions will be issued by the Army Headquarters…….

Finally now after 30 year of struggle the government of Indian understood the strategic need of Indian Gorkha battalion to uphold the gorkha regiment FOREVER in India. We view this STRATEGIC decision, not only an employment opportunity BUT also a clear cut distinction between Indina gorkha and Nepalese gorkha citizens.



Source HAMRO APPA

Historical First Gorkha Regiment gets new Battalion 6/1GR

9:32 PM
CANDIGARH April 1st: The historical First Gorkha regiment of the Indian army has raised a new battalion on Friday at Subathu Cantonment, which is the birth place of the First Gorkha Rifles in Himachal Pradesh. The move is historical as the Gorkha regiment has raised a new battalion after a gap of almost five decades. As of now First Gorkha Regiment has five battalions and the new battalion would be known as 6/1GR (6/1 Gorkha Rifles).

The announcement about the raising of this battalion was made by Lt Gen Ravi Thodge, Master General of Ordinance and Colonel of the Regiment in October 2015 during the grand celebrations of Reunion-cum-Bicentenary of the Regiment.

First Gorkha regiment was raised on April 24, 1815 at Subathu Cantonment. The raising celebrations included wreath laying, special sainik sammelan and prayers at the regimental mandir to invoke the benign blessings of Goddess Durga. Lt Gen Ravi Thodge conveyed his best wishes to all ranks of newly raised battalion and exhorted them to perform at their best and to serve the nation in a manner befitting the magnificent Indian Army.
Historical First Gorkha Regiment gets new Battalion 6/1GR
Historical First Gorkha Regiment gets new Battalion 6/1GR
He also brought out that a modern and professional Indian army has to always be ready for any challenges that come its way. Colonel Avaneesh Chambial, has been appointed as the first commanding officer of the new battalion.

Via TOI

Gorkha Jawan From Kalimpong‬ Becomes Martyr in Siachen avalanches

8:58 AM
Indian Gorkha Rifleman Sunil Rai of 10th Mile Kalimpong has become Martyr in Siachen avalanches in Ladakh. He was part of the patrol party of 2/11 Gorkha Rifles that was hit by an avalanche in Siachen’s Turtuk region the same avalanche which killed Gorkha Jawan, Lance Havildar Bhawan Tamang, of Lopchu in Darjeeling.

The Two soldiers were buried under snow in Ladakh's Turtuk Sector of Siachen— the highest battleground in the world — after the avalanche struck an Army patrol around 8 am on Friady.

Lance Havildar Bhawan Tamang was immediately retrieved and evacuated to the nearest medical facility, but could not be revived by the medical team, the army said. He is survived by his wife, a six year old daughter and his parents.

READ - 


“Mortal remains of 22 year sold Rifleman Sunil Rai, who was buried under snow after an avalanche struck an army patrol on March 25 in the Turtuk Sector, was recovered by rescue teams this morning,” a defence spokesman said.
Rifleman Sunil Rai From Kalimpong‬ Becomes Martyr in Siachen avalanches
Rifleman Sunil Rai From Kalimpong‬ Becomes Martyr in Siachen avalanches
“The mortal remains of the soldiers are being evacuated from the area of the avalanche, after which a wreath laying ceremony will be conducted.... Thereafter, they will be transported by air to their native places where their funeral will be held with full military honours,” the spokesman said.

He said Tamang is survived by his wife, a six-year-old daughter and his parents, whereas Rai is survived by his parents and two younger brothers.

Lt Gen DS Hooda, Army Commander, Northern Command has conveyed his condolences to the families of the soldiers. "The Indian Army fraternity stands shoulder to shoulder with the bereaved families in their hour of grief," he said.

General Dalbir Singh, COAS and all ranks express heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of Riflemen Sunil Rai who sacrificed his life in the line of duty at Turtuk . Rifleman Sunil Rai, who was buried under snow after an avalanche struck an army patrol on 25 March 2016 was recovered by the rescue teams today morning after an intense search. We pray to Almighty to give strength to the family members to bear this great loss.


India offers to send its Gurkhas to Brunei

7:11 PM

Britain’s last military outpost in the Far East may be at risk amid reports India has offered to send its Gurkhas to protect the Sultanate of Brunei, a role currently performed by the British Army.

The tiny oil-rich sultanate of Brunei was a British protectorate for almost a century, and has continued to pay to host a battalion of British Army Gurkhas since independence in 1984.

But in recent years Brunei has found itself caught up in a struggle between its larger regional neighbours including India and China over the South China Sea.

On an official visit ending on Wednesday, Indian vice-president Mohammad Hamid Ansari signed a bilateral defence agreement involving joint military exercises and training, in part designed to shore up Brunei against Chinese claims on its disputed maritime territory.

Sources present at the meeting told The Indian Express that India had also offered to provide troops including retired soldiers from its own Gurkha Regiment, potentially supplanting the current role of the British Forces Brunei.

The claims will raise fears over the future of a deal in which the Sultan pays tens of millions of pounds annually to support a 1,000-strong British Army presence that informally guarantees his rule.

It comes at a time when the Sultanate is making swingeing defence cuts as its economy reels from plummeting global oil prices.

Officials briefed after the meeting that a team from Brunei would shortly visit India to “identify areas" of cooperation.

An Indian foreign ministry spokesman did not deny the reports, but said the proposal was “not a firm offer” and could be limited to provision of bodyguards rather than active military.

India is keen to build stronger ties with many Southeast Asian countries as part of a ‘Look East’ strategy designed to counterbalance China’s expansion in the region.

Energy-hungry India also imports large amounts of oil and gas from Brunei, while the sultanate is home to a 10,000-strong Indian community.

During the Sultan of Brunei’s visit to Chequers last February, David Cameron signed a deal to renew the presence of the Royal Gurkha Rifles in Brunei for another five years.

A Number 10 spokesman said at the time: "The PM noted that the garrison enables the UK to provide a permanent presence in South Asia while also providing an opportunity for British forces to undertake extreme environment training.”

Britain keeps a battalion of the Royal Gurkha Rifles in Brunei in an agreement with the Sultan, and keeps another battalion in Folkestone.

The Sultanate also has a separate military which includes a reserve Gurkha unit, made mainly of former British Gurkhas who decided to stay on in the country after retiring.

A defence source said it would likely be this reserve force that would be affected by any deal with India.

The source said: "There's absolutely no question that the Royal Gurkha Rifles battalion is going to replaced by Indian Gurkhas."
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "The employment of forces from other countries in Brunei is a matter for the Government of Brunei."

Via DefenceNews

Centre to implement One Rank One Pension (OROP) Scheme, issues implementation table

11:11 PM
One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme will be implemented by the Centre beginning next financial year. The Union Government on Wednesday issued the tables for implementation of the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme, thereby fulfilling the long-standing demand of the defence personnel after 42 year. Although, a section of veterans is still protesting against the provisions of the pension scheme, Centre seems firm on going ahead with the version rolled out before them in September.

The annual recurring financial implication on account of implementation of OROP at the current rate will be approximately Rs. 7500 crore.

Although, the ex-servicemen had demanded the base date to kept at April 1, 2014, Government has decided to keep it at July 1, 2014. The arrears from July 1 to December 31 will be Rs 10,900 crore. Annual recurring financial implication on account of OROP implementation at pension scale of 2013 would cost a recurring amount of Rs 7,500 crore until the next revision.
Centre to implement One Rank One Pension (OROP)
Centre to implement One Rank One Pension (OROP)
The payment of arrears and revision of pension under OROP is to be made by the Pension Disbursing Authorities in four installments, except for family pensioners and pensioners in receipt of gallantry awards who will be paid arrears in one installment.

The amount of pension will be revised once in five years. Ex-servicemen had strongly objected to the clause, calling it ‘Five rank, one pension’. Instead, they had demanded the revision of pension at every one or two years. However, incorporating the populist demand of the army veterans would further increase the burden on the economy.

The total increase in the Defence Budget for pensions is estimated to go up from Rs. 54,000 crore (BE 2015-16) to around Rs. 65,000 crore (proposed BE 2016-17), thereby increasing the Defence Pension outlay by about 20 percent.

The OROP scheme is set to benefit over 18 lakh ex-servicemen and war widows.

Source india.com & aninews


Gorkha Regiment India's Most Badass Regiment, Nightmare For the Enemies

2:00 PM
Gorkha Regiment Is India's Most Badass Regiment And A Nightmare For Our Enemies

Writes Anshul Gandhi

“If a man says he‘s not afraid of dying, he’s either lying or he’s a Gorkha.”

This quote by Sam Manekshaw, Indian Army’s first Field Marshal, aptly describes what it means to be a Gorkha. Indian Army Gorkhas are meant to be fearless and as any military personnel worth his salt would know, they are also the most worthy warriors of the Indian Army.

Courage on war front and innumerable gallantry awards notwithstanding, the aura of Gorkhas on the field demands immense respect and makes the enemy tremble with fear. Their personal weapon is a ‘Kukri’, which is a 12-inch long curved knife and can be found with every Gorkha rifle personnel. The Kukri or Khukri is also embedded in their badges attested on the uniform.
Gorkha Regiment India's Most Badass Regiment, Nightmare For the Enemies
Gorkha Regiment India
The Gorkhas became an integral part of pre-independence British army after British General Sir David Ochterlony saw the Gorkha men fight against the British East Indian Company. From then on, Gorkhas have been a part of Afghan Wars, Indian Rebellion of 1857, and other United Nations peace keeping missions in Lebanon and Sierra Leone too.

After independence, out of the 10 Gorkha regiments at the time, six joined the Indian army. An 11th regiment was re-raised post-independence after many men from 7th and 10th regiment which had defected to the British army, joined the Indian army.

Currently, the Indian army is indebted to the service of 40,000 brave Gorkha soldiers in 42 different battalions of 7 regiments. One of the most famous platoon of Gorkhas, 1/11 Gorkha Rifles is one of the most decorated with 11 vir Chakras, 2 Maha Vir Chakras, 3 Ashok Chakras and 1 Param Vir Chakra. The stories of its Param Vir Chakra winner Lt. Manoj Kumar Pandey are a case study in their glorious history of courageous war footings.

Another famous battalion of Gorkhas is the third battalion of the 4 Gorkha Rifles which was instrumental in Operation Meghdoot in Siachen. The 8 Gorkha Rifles are also have a glorious past as they produced one of the only two Field Marshals for India – Sam Manekshaw. India’s current chief of army staff, General Dalbir Singh Suhag, is also from the Gorkha Regiment which is a testament of the most incredible services of Gorkhas.

On this Republic Day, we salute these brave men of the Gorkhas for their courage and sacrifice, may they bring more glory to our nation!

Source mensxp

Passing Out Parade of 216 new recruits held at 58 Gorkha Training Centre

8:07 PM
India Blooms News Service 

Kolkata, Jan 19 (IBNS): The Indian government on Tuesday said 216 Gorkha youths have been inducted in the Indian Army.

The Passing Out Parade of Recruit Batch No 170 was held at 58 Gorkha Training Centre recently.

"The parade symbolises the culmination of training and transformation of a person into a young soldier.  A total of 216 recruits of 5 Gorkha Rifles and 8 Gorkha Rifles took oath of affirmation in the solemn and impressive ceremony," read a government statement.

The parade was reviewed by Brigadier RS Thakur, Commandant 58 Gorkha Training Centre and trophies – Manekshaw Trophy and Gen Dutta Trophy - were awarded to the young soldiers who performed exceedingly well in various disciplines of their military training.
Passing Out Parade of 216 new recruits held at 58 Gorkha Training Centre
Gorkha recruits take oath during passing out parade - file photo
The parents of young soldiers were also honoured with the ‘Gaurav Padak’ in recognition of  their contribution to the Nation.


Source: indiablooms


2nd battalion 3rd Gorkha Rifles celebrated 125th Raising Day

8:55 AM
PATHANKOT, JANUARY 18: Second battalion the 3rd Gorkha Rifles celebrated 125 years of its Raising at Pathankot falling under Western Command on Sunday.

The  Day was celebrated from January 14 to 16  at Mamun Military Station (Pkt) to commemorate the rich saga of valour, sacrifice and unflinching loyalty of its officers and men over 125 years. Relatives of  martyrs and a large number of serving and retired personnel of various ranks from Nepal and India attended the grand celebrations.

Second battalion of the Third Gorkha Rifles was raised at Lansdowne, in the Garhwal Hills on 15 January, 1891 by Major (Later Lieutenant General) HD Hutchinson.

Before Independence, the Battalion was designated as ‘Second Battalion The Third Queen Alexandra’s Own Gorkha Rifles’. Post Independence, the Battalion was re-designated as ‘Second Battalion of the Third Gorkha Rifles’ (2/3 GR).

Since it raising, the Battalion has participated in North West Frontier, First and Second World Wars and 1948 J&K operations. It earned for itself a total of 210 Gallantry Awards in First World War including two Victoria Crosses, the highest gallantry award of the British Indian Army and 135 Gallantry awards in Second World War. 27 Battle Honours were awarded to the battalion pre-independence.

2nd battalion 3rd Gorkha Rifles celebrated 125th Raising Day
2nd battalion 3rd Gorkha Rifles celebrated 125th Raising Day
Soon after independence in 1948, the Battalion proved its mettle yet again and earned its 28th Battle Honour ‘PIRKANTHI’. It was one of the first Battle Honours awarded to any unit after independence. The Battalion has served two tenures in the Siachen Glacier, recognised as the ‘Highest Battlefield in the World’, JLN which were duly recognised by the award of General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Unit Appreciation Cards in 2003 and 2015.

The chief guest for the event was Major General Avinash Singh, Chief of Staff, Headquarters 14 Corps and Colonel of the Regiment, Third Gorkha Rifles. Special cover was also released on January 15, 2016.

Source Jammu Links News

Indian Army Open Bharti Rally 2016 Schedule Dates

8:43 AM
The Indian Army recruitment board conducts the open bharti rally for recruitment of candidates for various posts across all the states of India. For the selection of candidates the recruitment rally will be conducted at all the states within India and the candidates found eligible will be asked to appear for the next level of recruitment. Here we have specified the list of upcoming Indian Army recruitment rally scheduled for the upcoming new year 2016 at various states of India.

Indian Army Open Bharti Rally 2016 Schedule Dates

Army Rally 2016 Schedules:

Rally Dates State Name Venue Of Rally District Name
04 To 13-01-2016 PUNJAB SANGRUR SANGRUR, PATIALA, MANSA, FATEHGARH SAHIB, BARNALA
06 To 16-01-2016 MAHARASHTRA DISTRICT SPORTS STADIUM, BHANDARA WARDHA, WASHIM, YAVATMAL, NAGPUR, BHANDARA, AKOLA, AMRAVATI, CHANDRAPUR, GADCHIROLI, GONDIA
06 To 17-01-2016 UTTAR PRADESH Aunrihar, District Gazipur AZAMGARH, BALLIA, DEORIA, GHAZIPUR, MAU, GORAKHPUR
06 To 13-01-2016 UTTAR PRADESH Fatehgarh SHRAVASTI, BAHRAICH, BALRAMPUR, FARRUKHABAD, HARDOI, SITAPUR
07 To 15-01-2016 KARNATAKA Bidar YADGIR, KOPPAL, RAICHUR, GULBARGA, BIDAR, BELGAUM
07 To 15-01-2016 WEST BENGAL BANKURA STADIUM(BSA), BANKURA HOOGHLY, PARAGANAS NORTH, BANKURA, PURULIA
08 To 24-01-2016 BIHAR New KLP, HQ Recruiting Zone, Danapur BHOJPUR, BUXAR, GOPALGANJ, PATNA, SARAN, VAISHALI, SIWAN
09 To 11-01-2016 ASSAM KHANAPARA GUWAHATI BAKSA, UDALGURI, KAMRUP METRO, CHIRANG, BARPETA, BONGAIGAON, KAMRUP, DARRANG, DHUBRI, GOALPARA, NALBARI, KOKRAJHAR
09 To 11-01-2016 ASSAM KHANAPARA GUWAHATI MORIGAON, NAGAON, SONITPUR
09 To 11-01-2016 ASSAM KHANAPARA, GUWAHATI HAILAKANDI, CACHAR, DIMA HASAO, KARIMGANJ
09 To 11-01-2016 ASSAM KHANAPARA GUWAHATI JORHAT, SIVASAGAR, KARBI ANGLONG, GOLAGHAT, DIBRUGARH, LAKHIMPUR, TINSUKIA, DHEMAJI
11 To 17-01-2016 West Bengal ( Gorakha Hill Council) GHOOM ARMY GROUND Darjeeling( For Gorkhas only )
14 To 14-01-2016 CHHATTISGARH Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh SEHORE, VIDISHA, RAISEN, RAJGARH, BETUL, BHOPAL, CHHINDWARA, HARDA, HOSHANGABAD, BASTAR, DANTEWADA, BILASPUR, DHAMTARI, DURG, JANJGIR CHAMPA, JASHPUR, KANKER, KABIRDHAM, KORBA, KOREA, MAHASAMUND, RAIGARH, RAIPUR, RAJNANDGAON, SURGUJA, BIJAPUR, NARAYANPUR, SUKMA, KONDAGAON, BALODA BAZAR, GARIYABANDH, BALOD, MUNGELI, SURAJPUR, BALRAMPUR, BEMETRA
14 To 14-01-2016 MADHYA PRADESH CHHATARPUR DEWAS, DHAR, BURHANPUR, BARWANI, INDORE, NEEMUCH, MANDSAUR, KHARGONE, JHABUA, EAST NIMAR Khandwa, UJJAIN, SHAJAPUR, RATLAM, ALIRAJPUR, AGAR MALWA, SEHORE, VIDISHA, RAISEN, RAJGARH, BETUL, BHOPAL, CHHINDWARA, HARDA, HOSHANGABAD
15 To 16-01-2016 MADHYA PRADESH Chattarpur BASTAR, DANTEWADA, BILASPUR, DHAMTARI, DURG, JANJGIR CHAMPA, JASHPUR, KANKER, KABIRDHAM, KORBA, KOREA, MAHASAMUND, RAIGARH, RAIPUR, RAJNANDGAON, SURGUJA, BIJAPUR, NARAYANPUR, SUKMA, KONDAGAON, BALODA BAZAR, GARIYABANDH, BALOD, MUNGELI, SURAJPUR, BALRAMPUR, BEMETRA, TIKAMGARH, SHEOPUR, SHIVPURI, SAGAR, PANNA, MORENA, BHIND, CHHATARPUR, DAMOH, DATIA, GUNA, GWALIOR, ASHOKNAGAR
16 To 21-01-2016 RAJASTHAN JAIPUR JAIPUR
16 To 18-01-2016 HARYANA (Ambala) Charkhi Dadri BHIWANI
17 To 17-01-2016 MADHYA PRADESH chhatarpur SINGRAULI, ANUPPUR, BALAGHAT, DINDORI, JABALPUR, KATNI, MANDLA, NARSINGHPUR, REWA, SATNA, SEONI, SHAHDOL, SIDHI, UMARIA, DEWAS, DHAR, BURHANPUR, BARWANI, INDORE, NEEMUCH, MANDSAUR, KHARGONE, JHABUA, EAST NIMAR Khandwa, UJJAIN, SHAJAPUR, RATLAM, ALIRAJPUR, AGAR MALWA
18 To 25-01-2016 ODISHA 2 ORAP BATTALION, JHARSUGUDA ANUGUL, BALANGIR, BARGARH, DEOGARH, DHENKANAL, JHARSUGUDA, KEONJHAR, SAMBALPUR, SUBARNAPUR, SUNDARGARH
18 To 18-01-2016 MADHYA PRADESH CHATTARPUR SINGRAULI, ANUPPUR, BALAGHAT, DINDORI, JABALPUR, KATNI, MANDLA, NARSINGHPUR, REWA, SATNA, SEONI, SHAHDOL, SIDHI, UMARIA
20 To 24-01-2016 MIZORAM AIZAWL AIZAWL, CHAMPHAI, KOLASIB, LAWNGTLAI, LUNGLEI, MAMIT, SAIHA, SERCHHIP
01 To 15-02-2016 PUNJAB TIBRI CANTONMENT GURDASPUR, AMRITSAR, Tarn Taran, PATHANKOT
01 To 05-02-2016 KARNATAKA District Sports Stadium Hassan BENGALURU URBAN, BANGALORE RURAL, BELLARY, CHAMARAJANAGAR, CHITRADURGA, KOLAR, MANDYA, MYSORE, TUMKUR, CHIKBALLPURA, RAMANAGARA, HASSAN, KODAGU
01 To 10-02-2016 UTTAR PRADESH Saharanpur HAPUR, MEERUT, GHAZIABAD, BULANDSHAHR, BIJNOR, SAHARANPUR
02 To 10-02-2016 WEST BENGAL SERSA Stadium, Kharagpur, District – Paschim Medinipur MEDINIPUR WEST, PARAGANAS SOUTH, MEDINIPUR EAST, HOWRAH, KOLKATA
03 To 22-02-2016 MAHARASHTRA Shivaji University Sports Complex, Kolhapur KOLHAPUR, RATNAGIRI, SANGLI, SATARA, SINDHUDURG, SOLAPUR
03 To 16-02-2016 RAJASTHAN LOHAGARH STADIUM, BHARATHPUR BHARATPUR, KARAULI, DHOLPUR
04 To 15-02-2016 BIHAR Chakkar Maidaan, Muzaffarpur SAMASTIPUR, SHEOHAR, SITAMARHI, PURBI CHAMPARAN, MUZAFFARPUR, PASHCHIM CHAMPARAN, MADHUBANI, DARBHANGA
12 To 18-02-2016 UTTAR PRADESH Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium, MAINPURI (UP) MAINPURI, MATHURA, HATHRAS, FIROZABAD, ALIGARH, KASGANJ
14 To 14-02-2016 GOA Shivaji University Sports Complex, Kolhapur NORTH GOA, SOUTH GOA
19 To 24-02-2016 RAJASTHAN KYAD VISHRAM STHALI, AJMER AJMER, BARAN, BUNDI, CHITTORGARH, BHILWARA, JHALAWAR, KOTA, RAJSAMAND

Important Links
http://joinindianarmy.nic.in/
http://joinindianarmy.nic.in/OpenRallySchedule.htm





Separate India Gorkha Regiment : Subash Ghishing

8:46 PM

Shri Subash Ghisingh always stood for separate Indian Gorkha Troops reason being to differentiate the “Indo – Nepal Agreement Troops” and the “Indian Gorkha Troops” and for greater interest of India, there were series of talks and correspondence regarding this issue:
15th January 1987, Telegram sent To Shri Rajiv Gandhi, P M of India, Copy to King of Nepal:
We have no other alternative but to ask the whole settled Indian Gorkhas not to join the “Agreement Troops” of Gorkha Rifles. Furthermore, we are compelled to ask the central Government of India to immediately establish a New and Separate India Gorkha Regiment so as to save the whole settled Gorkhas from unnecessary and permanent stigma and allegation of Foreigners, Mercenaries, Reciprocal people and Nepal subjects.
3rd February, 1987 Statement released:
Urging government for formation of separate “Indian Gorkha Troops” to save guard the Indian Gorkha community and in the larger interest of Indian.
22nd July 1987, Letter To Rajiv Gandhi PM, India: 
Point No 9, (iii) The “Indian Gorkha Regiment” must be established as soon as possible so as to make a clear distinction between the “Agreement Troops” and the “Indian Gorkha Troops” in the interest of the victimized Gorkha and in the interest of the country of Indian. After declaration of the Government Notification on the issue of citizenship, the recruitment of the aboriginal and the settled gorkhas to the “Agreement Troops” must be immediately stopped.
MOS was signed 23rd August 1988 between Subash Ghising (President of GNLF) and CG Somiah (Union Home Secretary) in presence of Sd/ Buta Singh (Union Home Minister) in Delhi.
As regards raising a separate Indian Gorkha Regiment, the policy of the Government of India of not having any new regiment raised on class composition was acknowledge. However, it was clarified that it is not obligatory for Indian Gorkhas to join only specified Gorkha Regiments and that they have the option to join the Regiments of their choice. To this extent suitable instructions will be issued by the Army Headquarters.

Recent political Scenario: 
13th May 2008 “No More Gurkhas for India” Prachanda has asked the Indian state to stop the recruitment of Nepalese into the Indian military.
20th March 2012 – Times of India “Nepal may ban Gorkhas from joining foreign armies” Rajat Pandit, "As per our information, it's a proposal being studied in Nepal as of now...no final decision has yet been taken. We are tracking it closely," said a senior defense ministry official on Monday.”
21st March 2012 – Hindustan Times:
“Gorkha soldiers from Nepal who have been an integral part of the Indian Army for over six decades could soon become a thing of the past and a glorious chapter of valor and sacrifice by soldiers of a friendly neighbour would come to an end”
23rd January 2015: Daily Mai News :
“Stir in Indian army as Kathmandu mulls Gorkha ban”
Nepal government set to impose ban on joining Indian army by Gorkhas as Social media video of martyr Ram Bahadur Gurung generates acute breach amongst Indian army units.
Nepal’s communist Chief have been urging ban of Gorkhas in Indian army for quite sometimes further recent shift of foreign relation of Nepal from Indian to China and ongoing protest of Madhesis in Nepal which Nepal accuse India or BJP of providing logistics support to the movement of Madhesis (Indian origin Nepali) against the Nepal Government; Further the ongoing supply cut of petrol, diesel, domestic LPG and jet fuel by Indian and China coming in to supply 1,000 tonnes fuel to Nepal are seen as series of event which are creating rift between two countries.
Therefore the announcement made on 29th October 2015 to raise an additional battalions for Indian Gorkha is a strategic decision taken by ministry of defence (India)
The Army has several Gorkha regiments— 1GR, 3GR, 4GR, 5GR, 8GR, 9GR and 11 GR, with five battalions each. The stipulated ration of composition of these regiments between Nepalese and Gorkhas of Indian domicile is about 70:30. “The Army’s plans are that each Gorkha Regiment will raise an additional battalion, which will be done in a phased manner, beginning with 1 GR,” said Lt Gen Thodge. Unlike in the past where Gorkha battalions comprised troops primarily from Nepal, the new battalion, designated as the Sixth Battalion of the First Gorkha Rifles (6/1 GR), will comprise Gorkha troops of Indian domicile (Indian Gorkhas), that is, those settled in the hilly regions of northern India and the North-East.
Finally after 28 years, Indian government have now understood the significance of separate Indian Gorkha Troops for the safeguard of India and the Gorkha Regiment itself, what Mr Subash Ghisingh did in 1987 “The Great political foresighted Leader” Hamro Appa !
Jai Gorkha, Jai Gorkhaland !

Writes Gorkhas N Gorkhaland

Indian Army will raise a new Gorkha Battalion 6/1GR by April 2016

9:37 AM

SUBATHU: The historic First Gorkha Regiment (GR) of the Indian Army would raise a new battalion in April next year. It's after a gap of almost five decades that the Gorkha Regiment would be raising new battalion. As of now First Gorkha Regiment has five battalions and the new battalion would be known as 6/1GR.

Confirming the development, Lieutenant General Ravi Thodge, Quarter Master General of Indian Army and Colonel of the First Gorkha regiment, said the new battalion would be raised by April 2016, at historic Subathu Cantonment of Himachal Pradesh.

Gen Thodge, who was at Subathu on Thursday to celebrate the bicentenary celebrations and reunion of the of First Gorkha regiments, said the new battalion would not only include the gritty Gorkhas from Nepal but also Gorkha boys from Dehradun, West Bengal, Kangra and Dharmashala areas of Himachal Pradesh.

The First Gorkha regiment was raised 200 years back in April 1815 at Subathu cantonment. Around 1,500 soldiers including retired generals, pensioners from Nepal and various part of country along with their families had gathered at the Subathu cantonment to celebrate much awaited bicentenary celebrations and reunion of regiment, which comes once in four years. The celebrations would continue till Saturday. Till then they would stay there to enjoy the gala of customary celebrations that are part of the legacy of the historic regiment.

Celebrations started with a wreath-laying ceremony on Thursday morning at the Regimental War Memorial, where floral tributes were paid to those killed in the line of duty. A ceremonial guard reversed arms while buglers sounded the last post followed by the rouse.

Thereafter, Colonel of the regiment Lt Gen Ravi Thodge addressed the gathering and praised cordiality of Gorkha soldier and their courage and eagerness to lay down life in the line of duty.

Lt Gen H J S Sachdeva, director general, Assam Rifles and one of the senior officers of the regiment was also present on the occasion.

defencenews

Govt wants Gorkha units to stop the ritual slaughtering of buffaloes

8:07 AM

Signalling the end of an age old tradition, the defence ministry has asked the army to ensure that none of its units indulge in the ritual slaughtering of buffaloes, reminding the force that sacrificing bovines is against the law. Highly-placed sources in the ministry told ET that instructions have been issued to put an end to the practice of certain army units to behead a male buffalo (Rango) during Dussehra that is attributed mostly to Gorkha tradition.

"No doubt it is an old tradition but the tradition is now against Indian law. There are laws that govern slaughter and sacrificing an animal in such a manner is against the rules," a top defence ministry functionary told ET. Sources said instructions were sent earlier this month to ensure that buffalo sacrifice did not take place at Gorkha units across the country on Dussehra. The view of the government is that the ritual sacrifice amounts to cruelty and the slaughtering of an animal has to be done according to the law.

"It is understood that there may be some who wish to carry out this tradition but rules should not be bent. If there is such a need, rules can be followed and the animal can be taken to government authorized slaughter houses as per the law," a ministry source said, adding that there has been no opposition to the move.

While the decision has been welcomed by some veterans who believe that it is time for such traditions to fade away, others have opposed the move. "Over a period of time, the practice of buffalo sacrifice has reduced in Gorkha battalions. The men would be equally up to accepting the fact that we have to change with time. I do not see any opposition to such a move," Brigadier Rattan Kaul (retd), who commanded the 4/5 Gorkha battalion, said.

(Originally published in The Times of India)

 
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