India-Myanmar Delegation Holds Vth Regional Border Committee (RBC) Meeting

Imphal, 25th July, 2014:

India-Myanmar Delegation Holds Vth Regional Border Committee (RBC) Meeting

PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU (DEFENCE WING)
(GOVERNMENT OF INDIA)

INDIA - MYANMAR DELEGATION HOLDS Vth REGIONAL BORDER COMMITTEE (RBC) MEETING

The Vth Indo-Myanmar Regional Border Committee meeting between India and Myanmar was held on 25 Jul 14 at Imphal. The purpose of the meeting was to further enhance the understanding and cooperation between both the countries.

The Indian delegation was led by Lt Gen SL Narasimhan, AVSM, VSM, GOC 3 Corps & comprised of members from Ministries of Defence, Home Affairs and External Affairs. The Myanmar delegation was headed by Maj Gen Min Naung, Commander North West Command. "It is matter of great pride and delight to host the Vth RBC meeting," said Lt Gen Narasimhan while addressing the delegates.

Indian delegation leader added that, "India and Myanmar with their rich historical and cultural ties have developed a unique close relationship over the years. The MoU signed between both the Governments on Border Cooperation Agreement on 08 May 14 amplifies the close relationship and resolves to carry forward bilateral relations. Therefore, such meetings contribute immensely in strengthening our friendly bonds, mutual trust and cooperation".

In his address, Maj Gen Min Naung thanked Indian delegation as well as friendly people of Manipur state for a warm welcome and wished for continued progress and prosperity in years to come. He added that, "we share a long common border and have close affinity with historical, cultural and religious background. We always think of India as a true friend. During the course of meeting a number of issues of common interest were discussed. The forthright and frank discussions reflected a high degree of commitment by delegates of both the sides which is bound to further cement the friendly ties.

"I am confident that together we will be able to bring peace, prosperity and also a better future to this region," said Indian delegate leader Lt Gen SL Narasimhan, AVSM, VSM in his closing remarks. He added that, "these fruitful discussions will further synergise our efforts of achieving higher cooperation and understanding in time to come".

PIB (DEFENCE), IMPHAL

PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU (DEFENCE WING)
(GOVERNMENT OF INDIA)

COAS Gen Bikram Singh paying homage at war memorial at Drass on 25 July 2014

Imphal 25 Jul 2014

ARMY CHIEF PAYS HOMAGE TO MARTYRS OF OP VIJAY AT DRASS ON 25 JUL 2014

On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of 'Operation Vijay Diwas', General Bikram Singh, the Chief of Army Staff arrived at Drass on 25 July 2014. The Army Chief was received by Lieutenant General DS Hooda, Army Commander, Northern Command and Lieutenant General BS Negi, General Officer Commanding, Fire & Fury Corps.

The visit started with a solemn wreath laying ceremony at the war memorial by the Chief, who also interacted with the 'Next of Kin' of those who sacrificed their lives, Veer Naris and the gallantry award winners. In the sombre mood at the event, all present remembered the sacrifices made during Kargil War in 1999.

The event and venue is of a special significance to the COAS who has not only been the Corps Commander of the Srinagar Corps but was also the official spokesmen of the Army during the Kargil war. Addressing the media on the occasion, the Chief complimented them on their patriotic fervour and thanked them and the countrymen for participating in the Kargil Vijay Diwas Celebrations year after year. He stated that paying homage to the brave men who laid down their life for the nation's cause was the most befitting way for him to mark the culmination of his career in the Army. The Chief reassured all present that the Nation's defence preparedness was much better today than it was fifteen years ago. He reiterated that the Indian Army was fully geared up for safeguarding the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Lt Col Ajay Kumar Sharma
PRO (Defence)

Veer Naris beinf felicitated - 25 July 2014

PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU (DEFENCE WING)
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

Imphal 25 Jul 2014

SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATION: SIACHEN PIONEERS RESCUE OF BRITISH NATIONAL FROM PADAM

On 11 Jul 14, a motorcade of 10 motorcycles enroute Kargil to Padum turned into a nightmare when the last biker of the motorcade Mr Jonathan Durham, a British national, met with a serious accident. After crossing a place called Ringdom, while riding on an unpaved road full of slush and water, Mr Jonathan Durham's motorcycle had an accident and he severely fractured his Tibiafibula and had severe internal bleeding. This caused the tour to be stranded at that lonely place. Since the only mode of rescue in this treacherous terrain is by airlift, on 17 Jul 14, an IAF helicopter Unit of the Indian Air Force was tasked to undertake the rescue.

On receiving the distress call, pilots promptly gathered relevant information and planned the mission. Two helicopters flown by four pilots of the Unit were launched, the marginal weather conditions made this task even more difficult. Inspite of these odds, the skillful and determined pilots were able to reach the destination of Padum, located in the Zanskar valley, West of Leh and air evacuate him back to Leh. The casualty was received by Air Officer Commanding Air Force Station Leh, Air Commodore B Manikantan and Commanding Officer, Wing Commander BS Sehrawat. Mr Jonathan Durham was then shifted to SNM Hospital Leh, where medical assistance was provided. This timely air- evacuation by Siachen Pioneers prevented Mr Durham's leg from amputation.

The formation leader Wing Commander Huvey Upadhyaya along with other pilots of the formation, Squadron Leader Selva Kumar, Flight Lieutenant Rakesh Pandey and Flying Officer Ashish Hungund, felt extremely proud to have saved the stranded biker. It is worthwhile to mention that Siachen Pioneers have saved more than 6000 lives till date and is the sentinel of humanitarian operations in the entire Ladakh region.

Lt Col Ajay Kumar Sharma
PRO (Defence)

PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU (DEFENCE WING)
(GOVERNMENT OF INDIA)
Imphal 25 Jul 2014

SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATION: SIACHEN PIONEERS 19 YEAR OLD MOUNTAINEER RESCUED FROM MT. STOK KANGRI

A mountaineering expedition to Mt Stok Kangri turned into a disaster when an individual from the mountaineering group had a severe fall during the climb. The list 19 year old Delhite became incapacitated due to injuries to his spine and pelvis fractured ribs and dislocated shoulder during the fall.

The Indian Air Force helicopter Unit at Leh, also known as the Siachen Pioneers was tasked with the Search and Rescue (SAR) mission of the injured mountaineer.On receiving the task, daring pilots of Siachen Pioneers immediately began planning for the mission. Having made the required preparations, within no time two helicopters, led by Wing Commander Amit Jain and Flying Officer Ashish Hungund with Wing Commander H Upadhyaya and Squadron Leader Sameet Bhopi as their No 2 got airborne for the SAR mission.

The incapacitated mountaineers along with his team were stranded just below the Summit of Mt Stok Kangri. This area had a very steep gradient of almost 70-75 degrees and extremely sharp rocky terrain. A series of landing attempts from different angles and at different places were made to pick up the casualty. After careful analysis both aircraft landed at a site 100 feet below the position of the casualty at a density altitude of 21000 feet and found this site closest and most suitable for the rescue. It took high level skill and extreme concentration to carry out the landing at this site, as selected site was on a ledge on the mountain slope which had just enough space to accommodate the helicopter and the rotor blades had very little clearance from the mountain terrain.

The casualty was prompted to come down to the selected landing site, by means of a placard from the helicopter. The restricted space and the critical condition of the casualty made the process of emplaning the casualty extremely difficult. With careful attention and handling of the aircraft, the casualty was safely emplaned into the helicopter. Having ensured the comfort of the casualty, both the aircraft got airborne from accident site for Leh. The formation landed at Leh where the casualty was transferred to a medical facility. The successful casevac added another feather in the cap of the coveted 'SIACHEN PIONEERS'

The formation leader Wing Commander Amit Jain along with the other pilots of the formation felt extremely proud to have saved the precious life of this young mountaineer. Wing Commander Jain said "success of their mission was clearly visible from the expression of extreme relief and joy on the face of the rescued mountaineer." The pilots also mentioned that they were proud to part of Indian Air Force and SIACHEN PIONEERS which has the honour of saving more than 6000 lives till date and is the sentinel of carrying out humanitarian operations in the entire Ladakh region.

Lt Col Ajay Kumar Sharma
PRO (Defence)