Candlelight Vigil held in Sacramento California to pay honor to the Pulwama terrorist attack victims (Photo:SocialNews.XYZ)

Members of the Indian community gathered at local Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Sacramento, California to peacefully protest the attack and to show solidarity with families who lost their members in the attack. This Vigil event began with Indian & US national anthems. Sacramento local singers Namrata Kemchandani and Meera Ramakrishnan sang Indian Patriotic songs and Bhajans. Pictures of martyred soldiers & Patriotic poster signs which were made by Volunteers were displayed in the hall.

One of the guest speaker Sue Frost, Sacramento County Supervisor said, “tonight I attended a Candlelight Vigil sponsored by the Indian Association of Sacramento - and stood in solidarity with my fellow Sacramento Region Citizens and TOGETHER WE RECITED A PLEDGE that ended with...’We, the citizens of Sacramento, hereby pledge that we denounce the terror in any format, in any part of the world’. It was a beautiful tribute to the honor the soldiers in the Pulwama terrorist attack by the Jaish-e-Mohammed group, in which over 44 CRPF personnel were killed and many others injured. Honestly... Words don't come close to expressing the sorrow. Tonight, I am reminded of how lucky I am to live in America, the land of freedom and opportunity. I am grateful that I feel safe in my daily life. I pray for our friends in Pulwama”.

Another guest speaker Susan McKee, OCA Board of Director called for unitedly standing against terror, and conveyed words of comfort and support for the martyrs, their families & local Indian community.

Here are some of the words heard from our people in Sacramento...
Be a living example of exemplary character.
I stand in solidarity with Soldiers.
There is a special place for the 44 souls who dedicated their lives while protecting others.
We salute our martyrs and their Families. Jai Hind.
We call on all United Nations Countries to condemn Pulwama terrorist attack.

Another guest speaker Dr. Firdos Sheikh said “I wore the tricolor in honor of Indian soldiers. They continued to protect our country. While we were thousands of miles away. Scattered broken bodies broke my heart. How helpless to watch the innocent slain so mercilessly? Prayers. And heartfelt condolences. May peace consume every being. Across the globe”.

Smt. Sumati Rao, Consul (Community affairs, Information & Culture) from Consulate General of India, San Francisco too attended this event and conveyed words of comfort

Mr Easan Katir from Hindu American Foundation strongly condemned the terror attack, hoped peace will be restored soon and said "Destabilizing the region is bad".

Mr. Inder Kaw, Kashmiri Pandit introduced "My Frozen Turbulence in Kashmir Book written by Jag Mohan - Past Governor of Jammu & Kashmir" to the audience and he encouraged everyone to read to this book to get good perspective of the history.

Other Speakers included Dr. Bhavin Parikh - IAS President, Rao Duriseti - IAS Vice-President, Panduranga Itagi & Tushar Sashittal from HSS, Venu Acharya from Annapoorna USA Foundation, Anupriya Ramraj, Chair, IAS Board of trustees. IAS Board Members & guests took pledge to denounce the terror in any format, in any part of the world. Then, everyone light up candles to honor martyred Soldiers and chanted “ Vande Mataram. Bharat Mata ki Jai Ho. Jai Hind”
Shivesh Sinha, Joint Secretary of IAS said, to date more than 60 of USA congressmen, senators, assembly men have condemned the Pulwama terror attack. has moderated the event. At the end, IAS President Dr. Bhavin Parikh thanked all speakers, volunteers and guests for making this vigil & tribute more meaningful.

The post Candlelight Vigil held in Sacramento California to pay honor to the Pulwama terrorist attack victims appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Washington, Dec 22 (AP) The extraordinary resignation letter that Defence Secretary Jim Mattis handed to a surprised President Donald Trump was not just a product of two years of accumulating frustration with an impulsive boss, but an outline of the strategic hazards facing the next Pentagon chief.

Mattis, who was quietly back at work Friday while stunned Pentagon staff soldiered on around him, implicitly warned in his letter to the president of the threat to the US from allowing alliances to fray and of the risk that disrespecting allies will undermine US credibility.

It was an outline of the challenges facing the nation and whoever takes over as defence secretary when Mattis leaves Feb. 28.

"As this Administration continues to implode, Secretary Mattis' extraordinary resignation is a significant loss and a real indication that President Trump's foreign policy agenda has failed and continues to spiral into chaos," said Sen. Bob Menendez, the ranking Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee.

Mattis announced on Thursday his plan to resign, a move prompted by the decision by the president to pull all of the approximately 2,000 US troops from the fight against the Islamic State group in northeastern Syria.

Mattis also was dismayed by plans under consideration to cut the number of US troops in Afghanistan and, as his letter made clear, did not see eye to eye with a president who has expressed disdain for NATO and doubts about keeping troops in Asia.

The person nominated to succeed Mattis will face a Senate likely to probe for evidence of new strategic direction in hotspots like Syria, Afghanistan and the Korean peninsula.

In making clear that he could no longer tolerate Trump's approach to American foreign policy, Mattis appeared to fashion a resignation letter that not only expressed his reasons for leaving but also sounded an alarm. He implicitly criticized the president's unwillingness to stand up to Russia or take a stronger stance against Chinese assertiveness.

"I believe we must be resolute and unambiguous in our approach to those countries whose strategic interests are increasingly in tension with ours," Mattis wrote.

"It is clear that China and Russia, for example, want to shape a world consistent with their authoritative model ... to promote their own interests at the expense of their neighbours, America and our allies." Nurturing and extending US alliances was a pillar of Mattis' approach to his job, which means he was at odds with Trump on that score from the earliest months of his tenure.

"While the US remains the indispensable nation in the free world, we cannot protect our interests or serve that role effectively without maintaining strong alliances and showing respect to those allies," Mattis wrote.

William Cohen, a former defence secretary and long-time friend of Mattis, put a finer point on this Mattis assertion by saying in response to his resignation, "He cannot be expected to stand behind a president who disrespects our allies and ingratiates himself to our adversaries."

In addition to the frayed state of US relations with NATO, Mattis' successor also is likely to face other hazards hinted at in his resignation letter. These include preserving and rationalizing a strategy for ensuring a lasting defeat of the Islamic State group by the dozens of nations that had backed the US after it entered Syria in 2014.

German officials expressed polite irritation that Washington had not consulted them on the Trump decision to pull out of Syria.

"As an ally and member of the anti-IS coalition we would have considered prior consultation by the US government about the withdrawal of US troops helpful," government spokeswoman Ulrike Demmer said.

The Pentagon was still reeling Friday from the news that Mattis was leaving.

Inside what is normally a very orderly building, military members who are trained to take orders, salute and move ahead were stunned and a bit shaken.

Military missions in Syria and Afghanistan that just a week ago seemed clear and mapped out, were now thrown into chaos. Deep in the bowels of the Pentagon, planners scrambled to pull together a troop withdrawal strategy for Syria that the White House would accept, all while knowing that their boss a few floors above them quit over that order.

Mattis, 68, is the first Pentagon chief to resign in protest over a president's foreign policy in many decades. In fact, there may be no historical equivalent to the circumstances of Mattis' departure. The last defence secretary to resign was Chuck Hagel in November 2014, and although he had expressed differences with President Barack Obama over Syria policy, Hagel was essentially pushed out by an administration that viewed him as ineffective.

Robert McNamara, who served as defence secretary for seven years over two Democratic administrations, left the Pentagon in February 1968, three months after President Lyndon Johnson announced McNamara was resigning to become president of the World Bank.

McNamara differed with Johnson and the military over Vietnam war policy amid an escalating anti-war movement, but his departure was not an explicit rejection of Johnson's policies.

The post Mattis resignation letter lays out challenges for successor appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Four F-35 jets were deployed at the key airbase in Adana province in southern Turkey located near Syria, NTV reported with footage of the aircraft.

Some 30 Saudi military personnel arrived at Incirlik ahead of the war jets.

The Gulf kingdom proposed to send warplanes to Turkey as part of anti-IS coalition efforts, Turkish Foreign Minister earlier stated.

The Saudi deployment adds to United States, German and British aircraft already using Incirlik air base for sorties.

The post Saudi warplanes touch down in Turkey for anti-IS missions appeared first on Social News XYZ.

"We have to remain ready for the full spectrum of threats," said the army chief, according to DG ISPR Lt Gen Asim Bajwa.

The exercise involved large-scale integrated manoeuvres of infantry, mechanised, armoured, army aviation and Pakistan Air Force assets.

The scope of the exercise included offensive and defensive manoeuvres by the army to ensure complete dominance of the battlefield, in any conventional war scenario.

The formations and units involved were undergoing the exercises under strenuous field conditions for more than one month, and the final phase of the exercises along with the validation was underway.

"With our current achievements in the ongoing war against terrorism, and our standard of training for conventional warfare, Pakistan Army is the best army in the world," said Gen Sharif while expressing his satisfaction after the conclusion of the exercises.

The large-scale manoeuvres were being conducted by the XXX Corps and XXXI Corps, formations which are tasked with waging war in the deserts of Cholistan and the plains of Punjab, and holding the vital area which connects Pakistan's Punjab and parts of Kashmir.

The area is regarded as having critical strategic importance, and was the site of major battle in both the 1965 and 1971 India-Pakistan wars.

The post Pakistan needs to be ready for external threats: Army chief appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. (File Photo: IANS)

New Delhi, Feb 26 (IANS) The government on Friday said it will not withdraw forces from the Saltoro range heights on the Siachen Glacier despite the human and financial costs, adding it needs to maintain its strategic positions.

"For strategic reasons, the position of Saltoro Range and the highest position we have... strategically, this area is very important for us to man. I know there is a price we are paying for it and I salute our brave soldiers. But I think we need to maintain these positions without hesitation," Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said in the Lok Sabha.

He was responding to a supplementary by AIADMK member B. Senguttuvan, who sought to know the strategic advantage for stationing Indian troops on the glacier.

"If we vacate these positions and if the enemy occupies them, it will be almost impossible and we will have to lose many more lives to recover them, as was the experience in 1984 when they were not fully occupied," Parrikar said.

"As far as Pakistan is concerned, I do not think anyone in the house will take their word for granted. So, we have to maintain our strategic advantage," he added.

The minister said that by using special cold weather equipment and upgrading continuous supply, the government had managed to cut down on loss of human lives, with the number of soldiers dying in Siachen pegged at around 10 per year.

"The number of losses has been brought down but you cannot totally conquer nature. This incident of avalanche (February 3) was a misfortune. No one could have predicted a complete wall coming down. So, except that, in the last four years, the number of soldiers who lost their lives in the glacier area has come down to an average of 10 per year," he said.

"During the last 33 years, we have lost a total of 915 personnel. This averages to around 28 per year," he added.

Parrikar assured the house that those who work in very difficult areas like the Siachin were properly compensated.

"Once the analysis of the VIIth Pay Commission is available with the defence ministry, which is under examination, we will be able to declare this. There will be an increase. We cannot predict it now as to how much it will be," he said.

Won't withdraw from Siachen: Parrikar

The post Won’t withdraw from Siachen: Parrikar appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Haryana's Director General of Police (DGP) Y.P. Singhal said that 30 people lost their life, while over 200 people were injured in the violent agitation that paralysed life in the state. At least 10 Haryana districts were severely affected by the violence.

He also said that the army, which was requisitioned by the Haryana government to control the volatile situation, would start withdrawing from the affected areas on Friday.

"Normalcy is fast returning to the state. All railway tracks and highways are functional and withdrawal of the army would begin today (on Friday) and continue in a phased manner," the DGP said.

He said that 713 first information reports (FIRs) had been registered till Friday and 133 people have been arrested.

"Anyone who is found to have indulged in arson, hatching a conspiracy or vandalism would not be spared," he added.

The violence during the agitation saw several government buildings, private shops, malls, educational institutions, hospitals and showrooms being set on fire by the hooligans. Hundreds of shops were looted and set on fire.

A trade and industry body has pegged the losses in Haryana due to the agitation at around Rs. 20,000 crore.

Rohtak bore the brunt of the Jat violence with hundreds of shops and other establishments, government and private buildings and educational institutions and private hospitals being set on fire and shops looted.

The Jat community was demanding reservation in government jobs and educational institutions.

The post Haryana Jat stir death toll now 30, army withdrawal begins appeared first on Social News XYZ.

He spoke amid reports that special forces were already on the ground to fight the Islamic State militant group.

"Can you imagine... what it means to intervene with a military occupation? It is unthinkable, it is absurd. No one has ever considered it," Pinotti told the private Canale 5 TV channel.

The minister declined to comment on a report by Le Monde newspaper of a secret French operation.

"Unilateral action has never helped Libya," Pinotti stated, in an apparent reference to air raids against Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 that were initially conducted by France, Britain and the US.

"As soon as the Libyan government is installed and begins to stabilise the country, it will need security back-up such as trainers and protection forces, something Italy is willing to do," Pinotti added.

Libyan troops should fight on the ground against IS, but only upon the request of a national unity government, Pinotti said.

The North African country has descended into chaos after the NATO-backed ouster of long-time dictator Gaddafi in 2011, with rivals governments in Tobruk and Tripoli, each backed by a multitude of militias.

IS, which has come under pressure in Syria and Iraq from the international coalition against it, has exploited the turmoil in Libya to expand its presence there and has recently threatened its oil installations.

The post Major troop deployment in Libya unthinkable: Italy appeared first on Social News XYZ.

"Can you imagine... what it means to intervene with a military occupation? It is unthinkable, it is absurd, no one has ever considered it," Pinotti told the private Canale 5 TV channel amid reports that special forces are already on the ground to fight the Islamic State militant group.

She declined to comment on a report by Le Monde newspaper of a secret French operation.

"Unilateral action has never helped Libya," Pinotti said in an apparent reference to air raids against then Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 that were initially conducted by France, Britain and the US.

"As soon as the Libyan government is installed and begins to stabilise the country, it will need security back-up such as trainers and protection forces, something Italy is willing to do," she added.

Libyan troops should fight on the ground against IS, but only upon the request of a national unity government, Pinotti said.

Lawmakers from Libya’s internationally recognised parliament in Tobruk have yet to hold a confidence vote on the proposed UN-backed unity government amid in-fighting and reports of threats against MPs.

The North African country has descended into chaos after the NATO-backed ouster of long-time dictator Gaddafi in 2011, with rivals governments in Tobruk and Tripoli, each backed by a multitude of militias.

IS, which has come under pressure in Syria and Iraq from the international coalition against it, has exploited the turmoil in Libya to expand its presence there and has recently threatened its oil installations.

Italy will allow armed US drones to depart from Sigonella air base in Sicily as part of defensive missions to protect special forces from IS attacks in North Africa, Premier Matteo Renzi said earlier this week.

Italy will authorise the defensive military strikes on a "case by case" basis, Renzi said in an interview on Tuesday with RTL radio.

A member of the anti-IS coalition and Libya's biggest buyer of oil and gas, Italy has a particular interest in defeating Islamist militias and stabilising its former colony, where the turmoil is fuelling the smuggling of tens of thousands of migrants to Europe across the Mediterranean.

The post Major troop deployment in Libya unthinkable, absurd: Italian defence minister appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Pakistan officials had earlier taken into custody 16 Indian boats along with 88 fishermen. As many as 53 Indian fishing boats with more than 315 fishermen have been seized by the neighbouring country's agencies since October last year.

The two boats (one from Okha and the other from Porbander) with a dozen fishermen were captured by the Pakistani marines near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in the Arabian Sea off Jakhau coast, National Fish Workers Forum secretary Manish Lodhari said.

He said the two boats had ventured into the sea for catching fish some five days ago.

Earlier on February 7, a day after the arrest of 11 Pakistani fishermen and their boat from Indian waters off the Gujarat coast, the PMSA had seized two Indian boats off the Okha coast with 12 fishermen on board.

Lodhari said that the Pakistani officials had seized over half a dozen Indian fishing boats along with more than 50 fishermen on January 25 from near the IMBL off the Porbandar coast.

On December 20 last year, 10 Indian boats with 68 fishermen were also captured by the PMSA off the Jakhau port of Gujarat.

Almost a dozen Indian boats with over 60 fishermen were captured by the Pak Marines in October last year, according to Lodhari.

The post Pakistani Marines seize two Indian boats off Gujarat appeared first on Social News XYZ.

"In a distinct initiative, army based at Baramulla established a meaningful connect with the youth of Baramulla by organising free tuition classes for needy students of Class 10 to 12 at various Schools of Baramulla District," a defence spokesman told IANS here.

"The aim of conducting tuition classes is to provide free education to needy children of the far flung areas in order to create better future prospects for the students."

"General Officer Commanding of 19 Division, Major General Jai Singh Nain motivated the children to dream big and also urged the parents and teachers to aim at holistic development of students thereby facilitating them to become worthy citizens of the country."

The post Army organises free tuition for Kashmiri students appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Fonseka was appointed the minister of regional development, Xinhua news agency reported.

Although Fonseka contested the parliamentary elections in August last year, his Democratic Party failed to secure any seats.

The Democratic Party signed a collective agreement with the ruling United National Party earlier this month, after which Fonseka was sworn in as a member of parliament.

Fonseka, who led the military to end a 30-year civil conflict in the island nation, was awarded the highest rank of Field Marshall by President Sirisena.

The post Sri Lanka’s former army chief sworn in as minister appeared first on Social News XYZ.

The Defence Industry and Innovators Association (DIIA), will, according to its chairman Ashok Atluri, provide a platform for like-minded organizations to rally around, collaborate and co-operate to forge ahead in ensuring that Make by India becomes a sustainable initiative.

“When you look at the value chain of high-technology complex defence equipment only 30 percent-40 percent of the costs contribute towards cost of manufacturing. Whereas almost 60 percent of the value is captured at the design and development level,” he said.

Till now, he said, there has been no focus on the design and development of defence equipment in India since the focus was always on how to manufacture components or, sometimes, even equipment in India.

Thus, DIIA, “as an organization, believes that the focus on design and development is the only way to become a world-leader and exporter in defence equipment from being the largest importer of defence equipment”.

“That is the only way for India to shed its dependence on imported equipment. Indian defence industry and especially the SMEs which are the cradle of innovation and creativity, can build equipment that not only meets the stringent requirements of the Indian armed forces but also can be exported to countries world-wide,” Atluri, who heads the Hyderabad-based Zen Technologies that manufacturers simulators for a variety of applications, said.

The DIIA’s agenda includes:

• To provide credible Indian defence innovators and industry players a conducive environment and platform to discuss critical industry issues, with the defence SMEs at its core

• To formulate plans to steer the conversation towards ‘Design, Develop & Make in India’ and additionally position indigenous SMEs companies as the cradles of innovation

  *To make a meaningful contribution to the Indian defence requirements by carefully aligning long-term defence plans and R&D strategy of the Indian Industry to enable larger domestic procurement and also exports from India

• To ensure that Indian defence capabilities that have been developed are nurtured and honed to global standards while preserving them against any predatory tactics.

  The DIIA at present has 27 members from across defence verticals, ranging from, avionics, simulation, telecommunication and robotics, among others.

The post Key SME defence R&D players launch association appeared first on Social News XYZ.

“Pakistan extended full cooperation to India over the Pathankot incident," Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria said.

On January 2, heavily armed terrorists attacked the Indian Air Force station at Pathankot, part of the IAF's Western Air Command.

Seven security personnel and a civilian were killed in the attack. All six terrorists were eliminated by the security forces in the gun fight that continued till January 5.

The post Pakistan fully cooperated with India over Pathankot appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Tokyo, Feb 25 (IANS) Japan successfully concluded on Thursday the ground test of the prototype of its X-2 stealth fighter jet -- the first fully indigenous model -- making the country the fourth in the world to possess such an aircraft.

The X-2 ground test took place on the runway of Nagoya airport in central Japan, under the watch of the country's Defence Minister Gen Nakatani, who said the project is progressing steadily, public broadcaster NHK reported.

The plane - Shinshin -- the code-name for the classified project till its official presentation in January -- has been developed by the defence ministry in collaboration with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and 200 other Japanese firms.

Developing the plane has taken seven years at a cost of $35 million, and is a key step towards upgrading the Japanese Army and also the country's recent plan to export military equipment.

The X-2 brings great hope for Japan's aviation future as well as for technological innovation in the domestic industry, said Nakatani.

The prototype, scheduled to carry out its first test flight soon, stands out for its high manoeuvrability, and fuselage-design which makes it practically undetectable to radars.

The US Army already has several operational models of fighter jets with stealth capability, while Russia and China too have conducted tests with such aircrafts.

Japan tests first stealth fighter jet of indigenous make

The post Japan tests first stealth fighter jet of indigenous make appeared first on Social News XYZ.

New Delhi, Feb 24 (IANS)

The director general's post has so far only been held by officers who were commissioned in the Indian Navy.

Before this, two officers, Rameshwar Singh and Prabhakaran Paleri, who were from the Coast Guard stream, were elevated to the top post. However, they were Indian Navy officers on permanent secondment to the Coast Guard.

The Appointments Committee of Cabinet has approved Rajendra Singh's appointment, an order from the Department of Personnel and Training said.

He will replace Vice Admiral H. C. S. Bisht.

Rajinder Singh is currently additional director general of the Coast Guard. A 1980 batch officer, he was the first from the Coast Guard cadre to be elevated to three-star officer when the defence ministry approved his apppointment to his currnt post in in 2013.

Before that, officers of the Coast Guard could only rise to two-star rank.

Singh has commanded each class of Coast Guard Ship in service, which includes the Interceptor Boat, Inshore Patrol Vessel, Fast Patrol Vessel, Offshore Patrol Vessel and Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel.

In the early 1980s, when smuggling was at its zenith in Indian waters, he was actively involved in apprehending numerous maritime economic offenders.

The Indian Coast Guard was created under the Coast Guard Act by parliament in 1978. An interim Coast Guard was formed earlier in 1977.

Rajendra Singh first non-navy officer to head Coast Guard

The post Rajendra Singh first non-navy officer to head Coast Guard appeared first on Social News XYZ.

General Raheel Sharif visited the country's mountainous northwest region to review progress of the ongoing military Zarb-e-Azb operation against terrorits.

Gen Sharif was briefed by Zarb-e-Azb operation commander that the deeply forested ravines of the Shawal Valley and area ahead of Data Khel that have been frequent infiltration routes of terrorists between Pakistan and Afghanistan, was now the last bastion of terrorists left in North Waziristan, said an Inter-Service Public Relations statement.

Gen Sharif directed the forces to commence forthwith the last phase of the operation in North Waziristan which aims at clearing the remnants of terrorists from their hideouts in deeply forested ravines, isolate them and indiscriminately sever their links with their abettors anywhere across the country.

The post Pakistan Army vows to eliminate terrorists from country appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Markets remained closed for the fourth day in Pampore, 10 km from Srinagar city, but the traffic was restored through the town.

Protests rocked Pampore town for three days after a fierce gunfight between three holed up guerrillas and security forces at the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI).

As many as nine people were killed in the 48-hour long gunfight. The victims were a civilian, three army soldiers, two paramilitary troopers, and three guerrillas belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit, who were citizens of Pakistan.

The authorities imposed restrictions on movement of people in Pampore for three days while the gunfight continued, but protestors kept on defying the curbs by pelting stones at police and central police force (CRPF) troopers deployed to keep them away from the site of the gunfight.

The authorities in Kashmir Valley have battled a new dimension of separatist violence during the last few months, especially in south Kashmir's Pulwama district.

Despite repeated advisories by police on restrictions at the places where the security forces were engaged in the gunfight, people were trying to breach cordons by resorting to heavy stone pelting at the security men to distract and disrupt them.

During a gunfight between the holed up militants and security forces in Kakapora area of Pulwama district on February 15, civilians resorted to violence against security personnel. Two civilians, 23-year Shaista and 22-year old Danish, were killed reportedly by stray bullets.

The post After gungight, traffic restored on Srinagar-Jammu highway appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Talking to media persons on Wednesday, Turnbull said the investment, to be revealed as part of the long-anticipated Defence White Paper, would serve Australia for "decades" to come, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The paper sets out the plan for Australia's defence, security and investment. It's focused on securing our nation decades into the future," Turnbull said.

"It is a thoroughly, carefully, fully costed document and in that sense it is very different to the last paper."

In the paper, the government intends to lift defence spending to 2 percent of the nation's GDP by 2023 - a plan initially laid out by former prime minister Tony Abbott.

According to experts, that would result in almost one trillion dollars ($710 billion) being put into defence over the next 10 years.

Turnbull said the cost of the Defence White Paper was justified as it would set a higher standard for Australia's armed forces.

"It will set out how we will give our Defence forces the resources they need, the capabilities they need, to keep us safe and to ensure that we play our part in delivering and ensuring regional security," Turnbull said.

The Defence White Paper was last updated by former Prime Minister Julia Gillard in 2013.

The post Australia to increase defence spending appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. (File Photo: IANS)

New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Tuesday reviewed the proposals cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council since the NDA government came to power.

"A total of 81 capital acquisition schemes have matured since June 2014," a defence ministry official said.

Maturing of an order means the contract has been signed or supply order has been given.

The cleared proposals cost around Rs.1,50,000 crore.

However, there are 314 cases which have "not yet fructified", the official said.

Of these, 86 cases worth approximately Rs.1,50,000 crore are close to the final stage of approval.

"The defence minister directed that all concerned should make concerted efforts to get these cases cleared in the next 4-5 months," the official said, referring to the 86 cases.

Parrikar also advised the services to review and weed out acquisition proposals which may not be relevant any longer.

Parrikar reviews defence proposals cleared by government

The post Parrikar reviews defence proposals cleared by government appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Rohtak: Security beefup in Rohtak in the wake off Jats demonstration on Feb 20, 2016. (Photo: IANS)

Chandigarh, Feb 23 (IANS) The deployment of army columns continued in Haryana on Tuesday, the first day when most parts of the state saw normalcy returning after days of mindless violence.

"Army deployment in riot-affected areas of Haryana has entered the fourth day today. Columns of the Kharga Corps of Western Command are now deployed in Sonipat, Panipat, Karnal, Kaithal, Rohtak and Bawana. Flag marches are being conducted along all sensitive areas in these districts," a defence spokesman said here.

He said that the army had played a laudable role by rising to the occasion in strife-torn Haryana and had limited the magnitude of loss to life and property to every possible extent.

"It restored supply of water to the national capital by taking control of the important regulators along the Munak canal. Intensive patrolling by the army along the stretches of the canal also ensured that the no further damage was caused to the canal. Repair of Khubru headwork has also been completed," the spokesman said.

He said that national highway No. 1 (NH-1) had been cleared and groups of protestors at various stretches of the highway have been dispersed.

"Other succour provided by the army in this situation includes helping out the stranded passengers, particularly the aged, to safer places," he said.

"The Western Command has contributed a lot towards restoring normalcy especially in Rohtak, which has been one of the districts worst affected by the ongoing agitation. Rapid deployment of internal security columns was done by employing helicopters.

"This enabled the command to overcome the problem of blockade of Delhi-Rohtak highway by the agitators and build up sufficient strength before the situation turned worse," he pointed out.

Army deployment continues in riot-hit Haryana after four days

The post Army deployment continues in riot-hit Haryana after four days appeared first on Social News XYZ.

He downplayed the report that senior officials in the SDF demand a bigger role than the civilians in drafting the next three-year overall operation plan, the Japan Times reported.

Nakatani said that both the civilians and officials were still deciding who will take part in drafting the plan, which will reflect the new security laws taking effect in March. These will expand the SDF's overseas role.

Nakatani rejected the notion that the Joint Staff will have the final authority.

"The basic policy will be drafted with the assistance of both civilian and uniformed defence officials," said Nakatani, adding that "ultimately I will be fully in charge of making decisions."

His comments were in response to a report that the Joint Staff wants to have a bigger role in drafting the defence ministry's basic policy for the overall operation plan.

The law outlining the role of the defence ministry was revised last year, stripping civilian bureaucrats of their authority over uniformed SDF officers and placing them on an equal footing.

Following the revision, the defence ministry's operational policy bureau, which drafted basic policy, was abolished.

Its mission was partially split between the Joint Staff and the ministry's Defence Policy Bureau.

The post Civilians have control over Japanese military: Minister appeared first on Social News XYZ.

The fourth round of the key four-nation talks to open in Kabul will include Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and the US, Xinhua reported.

The nations planned to work out a roadmap for bringing Taliban to the negotiations table to settle the lingering crisis.

Afghan officials are hopeful that the fourth round of the four-nation talks could set a date for holding direct dialogue between the Afghan government and Taliban militants.

The hardliner Taliban militants, however, have yet to indicate any willingness to join the peace talks.

The post Afghanistan tightens security ahead of four-nation talks appeared first on Social News XYZ.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry  (Xinhua/Bao Dandan)

Washington, Feb 23 (IANS) The US and Russia announced on Monday the plan for a cessation of hostilities in Syria that will begin on February 27, the US State Department said.

In a joint statement, the two countries said the ceasefire agreement will not apply to "Daesh", also known as the Islamic State (IS), "Jabhat al-Nusra", or other terrorist organisations designated by the UN Security Council.

Any party engaged in conflicts in Syria will indicate to Russia or the US their commitment to and acceptance of the terms for the cessation of hostilities by no later than 12.00 (Damascus time) on February 27, said the joint statement issued by the State Department.

"I am gratified to see the final arrangements concluded today for a cessation of hostilities in Syria and call on all parties to accept and fully comply with its terms," US Secretary of State John Kerry said.

If implemented and adhered to, Kerry said, this cessation will not only lead to a decline in violence, but also continue to expand the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian supplies to besieged areas and support a political transition to a government that is responsive to the desires of the Syrian people, Xinhua news agency reported.

Russia and the US are prepared to work together to exchange information and develop procedures necessary for preventing parties participating in the ceasefire from being attacked by Russia, the US-led anti-IS coalition, and the Syrian government, said the joint statement.

Russian and the US military actions, including airstrikes, will continue against IS, "Jabhat al-Nusra," and other terrorist organisations.

Moscow and Washington will also establish a communication hotline and, if necessary and appropriate, a working group to exchange relevant information after the cessation of hostilities has gone into effect.

"This is a moment of promise, but the fulfilment of that promise depends on actions," Kerry said. "We are all aware of the significant challenges ahead."

US, Russia agree to Syrian ceasefire

The post US, Russia agree to Syrian ceasefire appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a trilateral naval exercise being conducted off Goa's coastline, Indian Navy's flag officer for Goa area Commander Puneet Bahal also said strategies to deal with the threat from terror outfit Islamic State were being worked out at the national level.

"Terrorism is something (which) knows no boundaries. A terrorist has no face, he can merge anywhere and therefore it is important for us to be always on our guard and be prepared for any kind of contingency," Bahal said.

Three navies -- India, South Africa and Brazil -- conducted joint naval exercises off the Goa coast on Monday as part of the 11-day IBSAMAR (India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime).

Asked about the IS threat and what efforts were underway to overcome it, Bahal said: "You specifically said about the IS threat, which is there, as you are aware... and India too, there is a lot of discussion on these things and whatever action has to be taken in terms of being prepared for this threat... one is being taken at the national level."

The post Being on guard best preparation for terror threat: Goa naval commander appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Border Security Force (BSF) sources added that the abandoned boat was noticed during patrolling but noted that no suspicious item has been recovered from it.

"After it was found that the boat was of Pakistani origin, we have started a look-out operation for any possible intruder or illegal fishermen as a precautionary measure," a BSF official said.

The last such boat was found in the Sir Creek area on January 16 while another abandoned Pakistani boat was seized near Haraminala in December.

The post BSF finds another abandoned Pak fishing boat off Kutch appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Jammu, Feb 22 (IANS) Captain Tushar Mahajan of the elite Para regiment, who was killed in the gunfight in Jammu and Kashmir's Pampore, was on Monday cremated with full military honours in his hometown Udhampur.

A wreath-laying ceremony was organised in Udhampur to accord a ceremonial farewell to Captain Tushar Mahajan, Colonel S.D. Goswami, spokesman of the army's Udhampur-headquartered Northern Command, told IANS.

Northern Command chief Lieutenant General D.S. Hooda laid a wreath along with his family members at the solemn function.

The mortal remains of the officer were taken to his home in Adarsh Nagar area of Udhampur town. He was later cremated with full military honours.

People from all walks of life attended the last rites, as a pall of gloom descended on the area.

Army captain killed in J&K gunfight cremated in Udhampur

The post Army captain killed in J&K gunfight cremated in Udhampur appeared first on Social News XYZ.

This is the first time that IBSAMAR, which started on February 19, is being conducted in Indian waters, with all its previous editions being held off the coast of South Africa, an Indian Navy statement said, adding that the primary aim of the exercise is to increase interoperability amongst the three navies, as well as develop common understanding and procedures for maritime security operations.

"Naval cooperation between the three countries epitomizes the strong long-term strategic relationship between the three democracies and vibrant economies. Initiated in 2006, Exercise IBSAMAR is the most visible manifestation of this convergence of democratic values, economic interests and maritime cooperation," the statement said.

"The scope and complexity of Exercise IBSAMAR has increased steadily and in its 5th edition in 2016, IBSAMAR has matured into a complex trilateral exercise involving the participation of ships, submarine, aircraft's and Special Forces from Brazil, India and South Africa," it further said.

The thrust of the exercise this year would be on anti-submarine sarfare (ASW), surface firings, air defence, visit board search and seizure (VBSS), flying operations, search and rescue and tactical procedures, the statement said.

During the exercise, the Indian Navy is represented by INS Mumbai, an indigenously designed and built guided missile destroyer, INS Trishul a stealth frigate and INS Shalki, a Shishumar class submarine, along with various fast attack craft, Sea Harriers and MiG-29K fighter aircraft, Dornier maritime patrol aircraft and integral rotary wing helicopters.

While the Brazilian Navy has been represented by Brazilian Naval Ship Amazonas and Special Forces, commanded by Commander Alessander Felipe Imamura Carneiro, the South African counterparts are represented by South African Naval Ship SAS Spioenkop with integral helicopter and embarked Special Forces, Commanded by Captain MA Boucher.

Both the ships are on return passage after participating in the International Fleet Review which was held at Visakhapatnam earlier this month.

The post India, Brazil, South Africa joint naval exercise off Goa coast appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Chandigarh, Feb 22 (IANS) Captain Pawan Kumar, who was killed in the gunfight with militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Pampore, was on Monday cremated with full military honours in his village in Haryana's Jind district.

Hundreds of people turned up to bid adieu to the 23-year-old officer as he was cremated in Badhana village near Jind town.

The body of the officer from the 10 Para (Special Forces) was brought to Jind specially by helicopter as the highways in Haryana are still blocked due to the ongoing agitation of the Jat community for job quota in the state.

Captain Pawan Kumar was killed in the gunfight with terrorists at a government building in Pampore town near Srinagar on Sunday.

The young officer was the only son of his parents and joined the army three years back.

"I am proud of the martyrdom of my son. He always wanted to do something for the country," said the officer's father Rajbir Singh, a school headmaster.

Army captain killed in Kashmir cremated in Haryana village

The post Army captain killed in Kashmir cremated in Haryana village appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Chandigarh, Feb 22 (IANS)

Army personnel took control of the Munak canal and efforts were being made to restore the water supply to national capital Delhi, police sources said here.

"Thank u army, thank u centre for securing munak canal back. Great relief for delhi," tweeted Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Reports said that traffic had been restored on National Highway No. 1 (NH-1) between Delhi and Ambala after security forces removed Jat protestors at some places while protestors left the blockade points on their own on Monday morning.

Traffic was being restored on other highways in the violence-hit districts of Rohtak, Sonipat, Panipat, Jhajjar, Bhiwani, Jind, Kaithal and Hisar.

Police sources said that Jat protestors continued to block roads and railway tracks at some places on Monday. Efforts were being made to remove them and restore traffic.

Curfew in Rohtak town was relaxed for one hour on Monday. Curfew was lifted in Hisar and Hansi towns on Monday, officials said.

Army personnel and para-military forces, along with the state police and district authorities, continued to patrol and provide security along the NH-1 and other roads to ensure that the Jat protestors did not return.

Thousands of people and vehicles were stranded on NH-1 as the protesters laid siege to the highway in Sonipat and Panipat districts in the past three days, cutting off road connectivity to Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Chandigarh through the highway.

Railway officials said that restoration of train traffic on the Delhi-Ambala and Delhi-Bathinda sections could take some more time as the tracks will have to be repaired and inspected thoroughly before plying of trains is allowed. The protesters had uprooted the railway tracks at various places.

Nearly 900 trains were cancelled by railway authorities in the region due to the Jat agitation.

The state remained on tenterhooks on Monday as security forces moved in to get blockades by Jat protesters removed along highways and railway tracks.

No untoward incident, except for the earlier blockades, was reported in the state in the past 12-hours, police said in the morning.

Some protesters have started going back to their places early on Monday, the police officials said.

With the Bharatiya Janata Party promising to give reservation to Jats and assuring that a bill will be brought in the next session of the Haryana assembly, Jat leaders had appealed to the protesters to end the agitation.

The eight-day old Jat agitation has left 11 people dead and over 150 injured, said Haryana Additional Chief Secretary - home P.K. Dass.

Security forces were able to secure the Munak canal, which supplies water to Delhi, in Haryana's Sonipat district on Monday morning. Water supply to Delhi was disrupted at Akbarpur-Barota by Jat protesters since Friday night.

Hundreds of shops have been vandalised and set on fire in Rohtak, Bhiwani, Jhajjar and other places.

A number of government and private buildings and vehicles were also set on fire in the past four days as mob of youth went on the rampage in over 10 districts in Haryana.

The state government had to requisition the army and para-military forces to contain the situation. However, the violent protests continued and even spread to other areas of the state.

Sources said that Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has called for a cabinet meeting in Chandigarh on Monday afternoon. The meeting will discuss the reservation issue for Jats and the situation in the state.

Haryana crawls to normalcy; Army takes over Munak canal

The post Haryana crawls to normalcy; Army takes over Munak canal appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Jerusalem, Feb 22 (IANS) Israel and the US started a joint exercise on Sunday focusing on defence against the threat of ballistic missiles, the Israeli army said.

The US European Command and the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) commenced the exercise known as Juniper Cobra 16 in an eighth of a series of biennial exercises between the two countries since 2001, an IDF spokesperson said.

Overall 1,700 military men and civil contractors are expected to take part in the exercise, which is set to end on Thursday, Xinhua news agency reported.

"This exercise is part of a planned training schedule that seeks to enhance interoperability between the militaries in the context of exercising defensive capabilities," an IDF statement said.

Commander of the Aerial Defence Division, Brigadier General Zvika Haimovich, said the drill is a "significant milestone" in Israeli-US defence cooperation.

Although military officials say the drill is not related to any current developments, the US has recently implemented sanctions against Iran over its ballistic missile program, shortly after lifting sanctions over Tehran's nuclear programme upon a deal reached in July 2015.

Israel is currently at the process of finalising a ten-year memorandum of understanding with the US regarding defence assistance. As one of the largest US aid recipient, Israel receives around $3 billion annually in defence aid from Washington.

Whereas both Israel and the US officials stress the strong security-related cooperation, diplomatic relations have been strained in recent years.

Most of the tensions have surrounded the different approaches towards Iran's nuclear deal which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vocally objected, calling it a "historic mistake".

The US government has also recently deplored Israel for its policies towards the Palestinians in the occupied territories in the West Bank, and for a wave of right-wing legislation against left-wing organisations.

The post US, Israel start joint drill on ballistic missile defence appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Chandigarh, Feb 21 (IANS) Security forces failed to secure the Munak canal, which supplies water to national capital Delhi, in Haryana's Sonipat district on Sunday even though one person was killed in firing by the troops, an official said.

With the canal and its water supply machinery, which has been damaged, not being in control of the authorities, Delhi's water woes are likely to aggravate in the coming days.

One person among the protestors was killed in the firing by security forces and the operation was halted by authorities fearing more casualties.

Army and para-military forces, which were sent to secure the area where Jat protestors had damaged equipment and disrupted the water supply to Delhi, had fired at the protestors after use of tear gas and other measures failed to give any results.

Haryana Home Secretary P.K. Dass said: "Efforts were made to disperse the protesters at Akbarpur-Barota so as to release water for Delhi, but all in vain. Since the protestors were in huge number, not much force was used to avoid casualties."

"The efforts to release water were temporarily postponed. One person was killed in firing. We have appealed to the protesters to let the administration release water for Delhi," he said.

Officials earlier said army and paramilitary personnel reached the place where the water supply equipment and machines were damaged by the protesters.

"The Haryana government is giving top priority to restore water supply to Delhi," Haryana Police chief Y.P. Singhal said here on Sunday.

He said paramilitary forces and irrigation department officials had reached Akbarpur Barota and efforts were being made to restore the supply.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said the capital was "facing a very serious water crisis" because of the Jat protests in Haryana and water was to be strictly rationed in the city.

The Munak canal in Haryana, which supplies water to many parts of Delhi, was shut down after it was vandalised by a section of Jats demanding quota in government jobs and educational institutions.

Kejriwal said he had spoken to Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the need to restore water supply to Delhi at the earliest.

He said water would be supplied through tankers to areas in Delhi hit by scarcity.

Because of the water crisis, all schools in the national capital would be shut on Monday.

Delhi water woes to aggravate; security forces fail to secure canal (Lead)

The post Delhi water woes to aggravate; security forces fail to secure canal (Lead) appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Captain Pawan Kumar of Army’s 10 PARA and Captain Tushar Mahajan and Lance Naik (corporal) Om Prakash of 9 PARA were killed while fighting militants. (Photo: DC)

Srinagar, Feb 21 (IANS) Another officer of the Indian army's elite Para Regiment was killed on Sunday evening in the ongoing gunfight between guerrillas and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district while an injured soldier died in hospital, taking the toll to six, police said.

A senior police officer said Captain Tushar Mahajan was killed Sunday evening in the over 24-hour-long ongoing gunfight between holed-up guerrillas and security forces inside the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) complex in Pampore town on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway.

Mahajan belonged to Udhampur district.

Earlier, a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) spokesman said one of the militants was also killed and his body recovered, but then denied it, saying there had been some confusion.

Earlier on Sunday, Captain Pawan Kumar of 10 Para Regiment was killed when he entered the JKEDI multi-storeyed building in which the guerrillas are holed up.

Captain Pawan Kumar belonged to Haryana's Jind and was the only son of his parents.

"Lance Naik Om Prakash of the Para Commandos, injured in the gunfight during the day, succumbed to critical injuries in the army's base hospital in Srinagar," said the police officer.

The toll in the gunfight among the security forces now comprises three soldiers, and two CRPF troopers. A civilian identified as Abdul Gani Mir of Gundipora village of Pulwama district, who worked as a gardener at the JKEDI complex, was also killed.

A total of 13 other security men have so far been injured in the gunfight that started on Saturday when guerrillas attacked a CRPF bus on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway at Sempora in the district.

After attacking the bus that was part of the CRPF convoy, the group of three to five heavily-armed guerrillas, said to be of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), had entered the JKEDI complex where around 120 staff members were inside the complex.

All the civilians were safely evacuated before the operation was started by the security forces against the holed up guerrillas.

Security forces on Sunday pressed drones into service to pinpoint the exact location of the guerrillas inside the building whose top floor has already been destroyed in the fire caused by the use of explosives to flush out the militants.

A senior police officer said the security forces have entered the ground floor, while the guerrillas are in the upper floors.

Meanwhile, dozens of protesters resorted to heavy stone pelting at the security forces in Pampore town and some other places close to the gunfight site.

Two protesters sustained injuries in tear smoke shelling and aerial firing by security forces to disperse the protesters. The Srinagar-Jammu national highway remained closed for the second day Sunday due to the gunfight.

Second army officer killed in Kashmir gunfight, toll now six

The post Second army officer killed in Kashmir gunfight, toll now six appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Srinagar, Feb 21 (IANS) Another officer of the Indian army's elite Para Regiment was killed on Sunday evening in the ongoing gunfight between guerrillas and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district while an injured soldier died in hospital, taking the toll to six, police said.

A senior police officer said Captain Tushar Mahajan was killed Sunday evening in the over 24-hour-long ongoing gunfight between holed-up guerrillas and security forces inside the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) complex in Pampore town on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway.

Mahajan belonged to Udhampur districtn.

Earlier on Sunday, Captain Pawan Kumar of 10 Para Regiment was killed when he entered the JKEDI multi-storeyed building in which the guerrillas are holed up.

Captain Pawan Kumar belonged to Haryana's Jind and was the only son of his parents.

"Lance Naik Om Prakash of the Para Commandos, injured in the gunfight during the day, succumbed to critical injuris in the army's base hospital in Srinagar," said the police officer.

The toll in the gunfight now comprises three soldiers, two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers and a civilian identified as Abdul Gani Mir of Gundipora village of Pulwama district, who worked as a gardener at the JKEDI complex.

A total of 13 other security men have so far been injured in the gunfight that started on Saturday when guerrillas attacked a CRPF bus on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway at Sempora in the district.

After attacking the bus that was part of the CRPF convoy, the group of three to five heavily-armed guerrillas, said to be of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), had entered the JKEDI complex where around 120 staff members were inside the complex.

All the civilians were safely evacuated before the operation was started by the security forces against the holed up guerrillas.

Security forces on Sunday pressed drones into service to pinpoint the exact location of the guerrillas inside the building whose top floor has already been destroyed in the fire caused by the use of explosives to flush out the militants.

A senior police officer said the security forces have entered the ground floor, while the guerrillas are in the upper floors.

Meanwhile, dozens of protesters resorted to heavy stone pelting at the security forces in Pampore town and some other places close to the gunfight site.

Two protesters sustained injuries in tear smoke shelling and aerial firing by security forces to disperse the protesters. The Srinagar-Jammu national highway remained closed for the second day Sunday due to the gunfight.

Another army officer killed in Kashmir gunfight, toll now six

The post Another army officer killed in Kashmir gunfight, toll now six appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Indian cricketer MS Dhoni. (File Photo: IANS)

Mumbai, Feb 21 (IANS) India's limited-overs cricket skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Sunday asked his countrymen to show respect to the armed forces, saying that the nation is able to debate on freedom of speech and expression only because the military has put national interest before self.

"As v have this debate on freedom of speech our forces r making sure v stay in position to keep debating. Spl forces and commando units r normal ppl like u and me who r highly motivated and trained to put the interest of the nation before self," the 2011 World Cup-winning skipper tweeted.

Comments from Dhoni follow the ongoing controversy about alleged anti-national slogans being raised on the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus in New Delhi recently.

Dhoni calls for respect for armed forces

The post Dhoni calls for respect for armed forces appeared first on Social News XYZ.

A file photo of Indian peacekeepers on patrol in South Sudan.

By Arul Louis

United Nations, Feb 21 (IANS) Indian peacekeepers are "taking robust measures to protect South Sudan refugees sheltered in a massive camp where 18 people have been killed and scores injured this week in fighting between ethnic groups -- which has come under attack from the South Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA), according to a source monitoring the situation from here.

The fighting started Wednesday between young people belonging to the Shilluk and Dinka tribes in the Malakal camp in South Sudan and SPLA members fired into the camp and also entered it attacking civilians, the Security Council said Friday in a press statement.

At that point, the source at the UN told IANS, "the Indian troops went in and even fired with their APCs (armored personnel carriers) and other things to get the situation under control."

The SPLA, "although they would deny it, fired into the camp from the outside also" and the Indian peacekeepers "took robust measures externally to prevent any SPLA soldiers from harming these people and getting the situation under control," the source added.

The internal security of the camp is the responsibility of the UN police forces, while the external protection is of the troops. The troops back up the police inside in emergencies.

The source said that SPLA members were able to get inside the camp as civilians "because they are Dinkas they can wear civvies." It was also possible for them to bring in weapons through the Dinkas who live inside the camp and can go in and out, the source added.

There were no casualties among the peacekeepers, the source said. Out of the 2,273 Indian peacekeepers in the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) about 550 are stationed in Malakal. Rwandan peacekeepers are also based there and operate alongside Indians.

Medecins Sans Frontiers, the Switzerland-headquartered international medical charity, said two of those killed were its staff members.

Amid rising tensions in South Sudan, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is scheduled to visit it next week, his spokesman Stephane Dujarric announced Friday. He added that Ban condemned the latest round of violence and expressed concern over "the rising inter-communal tensions between the Dinka and Shilluk which precipitated this incident."

Both Ban and the Council issued a stern warning that attacks on civilians and UN facilities and peacekeepers may constitute war crimes.

Ban's Deputy Special Representative in South Sudan, Moustapha Soumare, told the Council Friday that in response to the growing tension, UNMISS had adopted "a more agile posture" to protect civilians and was conducting long-duration patrols away from its bases and setting up temporary operating bases in areas of heightened tension.

The refugee camp, known as a protection of civilian (POC) site, at Malakal in Upper Nile state is run by the UNMISS and houses over 47,000 people fleeing the civil war. People from rival tribes, whose members fight outside, are sheltered together in the camp and this sometimes leads to flareups.

South Sudan got its independence from Sudan in 2011 and two years ago the civil war started between President Salva Kiir Mayardit and Vice President Riek Machar and their supporters.

After reconciliation efforts by the UN and a group of African nations, Kiir had said that a transitional government of national unity (TgoNU) was to be formed Friday. But the Sudan Tribune reported that Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth said it was being delayed to give time for Machar's forces to deploy in the capital Juba to facilitate his return.

Last year an Indian colonel was injured in Malakal in a crossfire between rival groups. In 2013, five Indian peacekeepers were killed when their convoy was ambushed in Jongle state.

(Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in)

Indian peacekeepers take robust measures to protect South Sudan refugees

The post Indian peacekeepers take robust measures to protect South Sudan refugees appeared first on Social News XYZ.