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NDTV
a day ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Unseen Notes of India's 2nd Army Chief, And The 1948 Kashmir Crisis
(The following is an excerpt from 'Commanded by Destiny', by India's former Chief of Army Staff General SM Srinagesh. Published by Penguin Random House India, it recounts his story through the notes he left behind.) The military situation in Jammu and Kashmir early in September 1948, when the command was unified, was far from satisfactory. Our garrisons at Leh and Poonch were isolated, and Pakistan was increasing her pressure. Our L of C [line of communications] Jammu-Srinagar was threatened by infiltrations both from the east and from the west. Although Pakistan had launched no major attacks, our L of C Jammu-Naushehra was also very vulnerable. The threat to Jammu lay in its proximity to the Pakistan border, and to Naushera in the strong Pakistan build-up in the area of Bhimber-Sadabad. Fighting around Jhangar, Uri and Tithwal had been stabilized, and Pakistan had committed her regular troops in these areas supported by mountain and field guns. In the case of Uri, they had also brought up medium guns. For India, the military situation in Kashmir had been adversely influenced by political considerations. Pakistan had no legal or moral right, in view of the expressed wishes of the people and its ruler, to operate with its army in Kashmir, whereas India did. India referred the matter to the UN, which set up the UN Commission on India and Pakistan (UNCIP), before which both parties came to an agreement to refrain from offensive action which was likely to aggravate the situation. Because of its strict adherence to this agreement, India was unable to use her air force in its primary role of isolating the battlefield by attacking Pakistan's supply and communications bases, or to attack Pakistan's installations on the Indian side of the border, inside Kashmir, such as Muzaffarabad and Mirpur, because of possible escalation. On the other hand, Pakistan made full use of the lull caused by the agreement to build its strength and supplement its forces in J&K territory, in such a manner that Poonch and Leh were systematically encircled. For Leh, we had an alternative means of communication via Manali; but the route was long and costly and only usable between June and October. Poonch, however, was so closely invested that our supply planes could not land there, while Pakistan constantly used her artillery, shells often falling amongst the refugees whom we had been giving shelter. The general situation in September 1948, with Leh and Poonch in danger, was, therefore, militarily unsound; but was forced upon us-an example that arms are the servants of political policy. Pakistan continued to aggravate the situation, mustering greater and greater strength against the two isolated garrisons, preparing to defeat them in detail, failing which, starving them and the refugees into submission. The problem was whether we should evacuate these two garrisons or force a link-up. The gaps in our line were from Baltal via Kargil to Leh and from Rajori to Poonch. Pram Baltal to Kargil (fifty miles), the track was snowbound throughout the winter, whereas from Kargil to Leh (150 miles), it was open throughout the year. Rajori to Poonch was only a distance of fifty miles, but this route ran over a series of high ranges and deep valleys with no tracks across them. If Kashmir was not allowed to be captured by Pakistan, we had to close these two gaps and link-up these garrisons. To achieve this end, we carried out two relief operations. I shall later describe those two operations: 'OP DUCK' (the name of which was afterwards changed to 'OP BISON', and 'OP EASY'), which led to the ceasefire. (Disclaimer: The author and publisher of the book are solely responsible for the contents of the book or any excerpt derived therefrom. NDTV shall not be responsible or liable for any claims arising from the contents of the book including any claims of defamation, infringement of intellectual property rights or any other right of any third party or of law.)
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Arundhati Roy's memoir ‘Mother Mary Comes to Me' to hit shelves on September 2- read these 5 books while you wait
Booker prize-winning writer Arundhati Roy's memoir Mother Mary Comes to Me will hit the stands on September 2, publisher Penguin Random House India (PRHI) announced on Monday. The book, currently available for pre-orders online, unravels Roy's deeply personal experiences of becoming the person and writer she is, 'shaped most profoundly by her complex bond with her extraordinary, singular mother, women's rights activist Mary Roy, whom she ran from at age 18'. While we wait for Roy's highly anticipated memoir to hit shelves, here are five of her books to dive into now. From her Booker Prize-winning debut to her political essays, Roy's work is sure to keep you engrossed in the meantime. Arundhati Roy's Booker Prize-winning debut novel, The God of Small Things, is considered a cornerstone of postcolonial literature. Set in 1960s Kerala, it follows fraternal twins Rahel and Estha, whose lives unravel amid caste oppression and familial hypocrisy. Roy's lyrical prose and non-linear narrative expose the brutality of societal norms, interwoven with themes of love, loss, and forbidden boundaries. The novel's critique of India's caste system and moral rigidity earned global acclaim, translated into 40+ languages. Its vivid imagery—from pickle factories to riverbanks—immerses readers in a world where 'small things' shape destinies. A tragic yet poetic exploration of childhood innocence and adult complicity, the book remains a defining work of contemporary fiction, cementing Roy's place as a literary icon. Two decades after her debut, Roy returned with The Ministry of Utmost Happiness, a sprawling saga of India's marginalised. Longlisted for the Booker, the novel interlaces stories of transgender activist Anjum, Kashmiri rebel Musa, and abandoned baby Tilo, blending magical realism with sharp political commentary. From Delhi's graveyards to restive Kashmir, Roy exposes systemic violence while celebrating resilience. The narrative's fragmented structure mirrors India's fractured identity. Critics praised its audacity, though some found its scope overwhelming. A love letter to the dispossessed, the book reaffirms Roy's mastery of storytelling as both art and activism. This fiery essay collection confronts India's 1998 nuclear tests, globalisation, and authoritarianism. Roy lambasts 'nuclear nationalism' and dam projects displacing millions. Her critique of corporate greed and state violence sparked controversy, branding her a dissident. The book compiles five works, including The Cost of Living and War Talk, with a new introduction. Roy revisits the Gandhi-Ambedkar debate, exposing how caste oppression was sidelined in India's freedom struggle. Contrasting Gandhi's paternalism with Ambedkar's radical egalitarianism, she argues that his Annihilation of Caste remains urgent. The book, originally a preface to Ambedkar's text, dissects Gandhi's views on race and caste, urging a reckoning with his legacy. Scholarly yet accessible, it challenges mainstream narratives, advocating for Ambedkar's vision of social justice. Written during India's anti-CAA protests and Covid-19 lockdowns, Azadi (Urdu for 'freedom') interrogates the alleged rise of fascism. Through nine essays she makes a case for 'dissidence.' The title essay warns against conflating majoritarianism with democracy, while 'The Pandemic is a Portal' imagines post-crisis futures. (With PTI inputs)
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Book Review: The Great Big Beautiful Life is steeped in mystery but soggy on romance
Sometimes you get yourself a big, fat, shiny book and decide you're going to love it. But a quarter of the way through your reading marathon, you realise that your interest may not necessarily be waning, but... is this really what you signed up for? Author Emily Henry's Great Big Beautiful Life has the grandiose, the twists and the trappings. But if you pick up this book in the hopes of flipping through a nemeses-to-lovers trope, alert: you're going to be left high and dry. Past the point of the falsely-packaged 'romance', Great Big Beautiful Life offers just about enough to have the Kindle-bound Sherlocks make it through to the end — a reclusive heiress, ironclad NDAs and a dance-off, albeit of words — Emily knows her craft well enough to have you not abandon the read halfway through. But the final payoff comes not from the mind-bending exhilaration you expect from a mystery read, but more like the self-assuring 'ah' at the end of a fairly predictable slow burn. One thing Emily aces in, is in her attempt of character building and painting the choicest picture, she uses words that aide her narrative. Alice brings the spark and her Pulitzer-winning opponent Hayden brings some empty depth. Yet anything around them, let alone between them, is drowned in the winding, spotlight-hogging lore of Margaret Ives' family. More than anything, what the book falls short on is expectations. You walk in expecting Emily to deliver a subtly racy romance against the backdrop of warring words and blue oceans. You get instead are both, along with ample visual reprieve, but their merit stands robbed owing to the hollow, almost forced spot that Alice and Hayden are put in. The crescendo of a good romance novel – though this isn't really what that is – is the big realisation of having fallen head over heels. But here's the thing, more than Alice herself, you will be confused as to how she got there! If you walk into this novel dismissing any expectations of a slow burn romance then it will be a fairly engaging read. But, if a slew of stolen glances and fluttering tension is what you're really after then you're better off without it. Either which way, this book stands best defined by its lost potential. Title: Great Big Beautiful Life Author: Emily Henry Publisher: Penguin Random House India Price: ₹899
Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Randeep Hooda to star in Operation Khukri, based on real-life military rescue mission: ‘It's about courage in the face of insurmountable odds'
Actor Randeep Hooda is set to headline the upcoming military drama movie 'Operation Khukri' based on one of Indian Army's most daring peacekeeping missions abroad. Inspired by the real-life events of 2000. The film tells the story of 233 soldiers who were held hostage in Sierra Leone in West Africa by rebel forces and the high risk rescue mission undertaken. In the movie, Hooda will portray Major General Raj Pal Punia, then a young Company Commander of the 14th mechanised infantry who navigated the stand-off and subsequently the extraordinary rescue amid intense jungle warfare. Hooda said the movie will definitely inspire and move every Indian. ''Operation Khukri' is a story that moved me deeply. It's not just a tale of guns and glory, but of sacrifice, brotherhood, and unyielding courage in the face of insurmountable odds. To step into the shoes of Major General Punia, a man who led his men out of a 75-day siege in an unknown land, is an honour and a responsibility. 'Our aim is to bring to life a chapter of Indian military history that deserves far more recognition — not just for the spectacle, but for the spirit of our soldiers who would rather die than surrender,' the actor-filmmaker said in a statement. 'Operation Khukri' is based on Penguin Random House India's bestseller 'Operation Khukri: The Untold Story of the Indian Army's Bravest Peacekeeping Mission Abroad'. The book's rights have been secured by filmmaker Rahul Mittra and Hooda. The makers are yet to announce the key details of the movie, including the director and other cast members.
News18
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Randeep Hooda To Headline Epic War Drama Based On Operation Khukri
Last Updated: Randeep Hooda stars in Operation Khukri, a military drama about the 2000 rescue of 233 Indian soldiers in Sierra Leone, playing Major General Raj Pal Punia. Fresh off the success of Jaat, Randeep Hooda is all set to step into the shoes of a real-life war hero for his next big project. He will be seen in a gripping military drama titled Operation Khukri. The film will bring to screen one of the Indian Army's most daring and lesser-known rescue missions overseas. Set in 2000, Operation Khukri follows the incredible true story of 233 Indian soldiers who were held hostage by rebel forces in Sierra Leone, West Africa. With no food, water or backup for 75 days, the soldiers were trapped deep in enemy territory. Randeep Hooda will play Major General Raj Pal Punia, who at the time was a young company commander and played a key role in leading the brave counterattack to rescue his men from the siege. The movie is inspired by the bestselling book Operation Khukri: The Untold Story of the Indian Army's Bravest Peacekeeping Mission Abroad, published by Penguin Random House India. The rights to the story have been officially acquired by Rahul Mittra Films and Randeep Hooda Films. Talking about the film, Randeep shared, 'Operation Khukri is a story that moved me deeply… not just about guns and glory, but about sacrifice, brotherhood and courage. To portray Major General Punia is both an honour and a huge responsibility." The mission, which began as a peacekeeping effort, soon turned into a tense standoff in the hostile jungles of Kailahun. The final rescue, led by the Indian Army, became one of the most successful operations in our military history. Talking about Randeep Hooda, he made his Hindi film debut with Monsoon Wedding in 2001. Ever since, there was no looking back for him. He had a turning point in his career with the gangster film Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai (2010). He continued to gain attention with supporting roles in films such as Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster (2011), Jannat 2 (2012), Jism 2 (2012), Cocktail (2012), Heroine (2012) and Jaat (2025). First Published: May 20, 2025, 10:17 IST
