DEFENCE

It is rather risky to forecast the Dragon’s moves, especially when it has embarked on a very unpredictable course.

During the planning process and briefing, even the junior-most commander and soldier must be encouraged to ask questions and clarifications. If the troops are not clear about the plan, it will affect the execution of the same. Leaders must take the time to explain every detail so that everyone understands it. Keep the plan simple is the mantra!

When I was a youngster, I used to wonder if I would ever participate in a war. Only the lucky ones get this chance. In war, there are only winners or losers; there is no runner's up.

The company was subjected to heavy shelling by the enemy. The fire was in the form of air burst over the objective. The enemy also engaged with a small arms fire from Pimple 2. The casualties of the company started to rise slowly.

Nk Balwan Singh and his section could not believe the sight behind the bunker. He saw the dead Pakistani soldiers without their heads, including one who probably bled to his death, holding on to his wallet with his family's photo. Another injured Pakistani soldier screaming to be killed so that his family could claim a martyr's compensation which would feed his family. The picture of Indian casualties, was equally grim.

“Sir, one day, I will supersede you”, Captain Anuj used to tease his senior, Major Ritesh Sharma. Circumstances forced him to take his senior officer's position and turn this joke into reality.

Capt Anuj Nayyar was awarded Maha Vir Chakra, the nation's second-highest gallantry award on 15 Aug 1999. It was received by his mother

Does this disengagement mean an end to the hostile environment? Or is it just another edition of a long list of standoffs?

If China is claiming Galwan valley as their territory without any tangible evidence on ground, what prevents India from staking claim over their area as ours and adopt the same salami cut tactics as China? After all it takes two to Tango.

The questions uppermost in the minds of people all over the world are -- what is China up to? Why is China creating problems on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Galwan area? The only option for India is to be prepared for a military option all along the Chinese border but make an early exit without conceding China’s new claims.

China is the only country, in the world today, having an expansionist strategy. It wants to settle the border disputes at own terms.

The new Chinese strategy is based on four principles - abbreviated as DACT or defence, adjustments, cooperation and trust. In other words, China will not attack unless attacked, but will surely counterattack if attacked