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Hindustan Times
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Govt declared ceasefire without consulting armed forces: Himachal CM
Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while targeting the Narendra Modi led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleged that ceasefire was declared without consulting the armed forces. Addressing the 'Jai Hind Sabha' at Shimla, chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said, 'Our brave soldiers gave a befitting reply to the terrorists. However, the Union government declared a ceasefire without taking the three armed forces into confidence.' Drawing a parallel between former Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi and PM Narendra Modi, Sukhu said, 'Shockingly, the announcement came through social media from a third country. This is in a stark contrast to the decisive leadership of former PM Indira Gandhi, who never compromised with the national security.' Sharing a recent experience, the CM mentioned his visit to Sharchi village in the Tirthan Valley, in Kullu where he stayed at the home of former soldier Subedar Major Anoop Ram. The CM stated that Anoop Kumar discussed with him about the 1971 India-Pakistan war and he recalled how the address of the then PM Indira Gandhi instilled patriotic zeal and boosted the morale of the Indian Army. The outcome of that war was historic and India split Pakistan into two, and Shimla later became the witness to the landmark Simla Agreement, he said. Sukhu said that the valour of the soldiers of Himachal Pradesh was unmatched. 'Our soldiers never hesitated to sacrifice their lives for the Nation. Himachali soldiers have the honour of being decorated with four Param Vir Chakra, which is a testament to the state's legacy of courage and sacrifice,' he added. Paying tributes to soldiers, Sukhu said, 'Today is a day to salute the sacrifices of our brave soldiers who have laid down their lives for the country.' The CM further said that the leaders of the Congress party have made the supreme sacrifice for the country. 'Former PM Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi laid down their lives for the unity and integrity of India,' he said. Deputy CM Agnihotri Urges Adherence to Shimla Agreement Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri said, 'Only bilateral dialogue should be the way between India and Pakistan. However, the ceasefire was recently announced by the US President. I appeal to the Union government to stick to the Simla Agreement.' Agnihotri added that 1,203 medals had been awarded to jawans from Himachal, including four Param Vir Chakras and two Ashok Chakras. Credit should be given to the forces not politicians: Maken As part of a nationwide initiative to honour Indian soldiers and martyrs, the Indian National Congress launched the Jai Hind Sabha across 15 key locations in the country, with the main event held in Shimla symbolically chosen for its association with the historic 1972 Simla Agreement. 'The credit for India's military victories belongs solely to our armed forces, not to politicians,' said Ajay Maken, senior Congress leader and AICC Treasurer. 'Congress party has decided to organise Jai Hind Sabha across the country in 15 places. The forces have an important role, and Indian soldiers have always defeated Pakistan on its own soil. The Congress party has never politicised their sacrifice, credit should be given to the forces,' Maken said. 'It is unfortunate that not a single nation criticised the act done by Pakistan. That is a shortcoming of our foreign policy,' he said. We are with the forces: Rajani Patil Rajya Sabha MP Rajani Patil said, 'Shimla is of great importance due to the history of the Simla Agreement. Pakistan has now rejected the agreement. We would like to pay homage to the forces,' Patil said. 'We are with the forces and with the government when it comes to national interest,' she added. Jai Hind Sabha to be held in all districts: Pratibha Himachal Congress Committee president Pratibha Singh said, 'We have won all three wars against Pakistan. Shimla is an important place due to the Simla Agreement, and I would like to pay homage to the armed forces. Such programmes will be held across all districts,' she said. 'The Constitution needs to be protected,' she added.
India Gazette
a day ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Himachal: CM Sukhu honours soldiers and their families at 'Jai Hind Sabha'
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], May 30 (ANI): To honour the gallantry of Indian soldiers, veterans, and the families of fallen soldiers, a 'Jai Hind Sabha' function was organised here at Shimla on Friday during which Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presented a cheque of Rs 30 lakh to the kin of Subedar Major Pawan who made 'supreme sacrifice' during 'Operation Sindoor'. The cheque was received by Subedar Major's father, Garaj Singh, and son Abhishek. At the same time, Rs 15 lakh was given to Jamila, wife of Naik Dilbar Khan, a Kirti Chakra recipient, and Rs 10 lakh to Bharat Lakshmi, wife of Havildar Rohit Kumar. In addition, the Chief Minister honoured several former soldiers and the families of those who sacrificed their lives in service to the nation. Several senior Congress leaders attended the event at Peterhoff Grounds in Shimla. Addressing the 'Jai Hind Sabha', Sukhu paid heartfelt tributes to the brave soldiers of Himachal Pradesh and the Nation and said, 'Today is a day to salute the sacrifices of our brave soldiers who have laid down their lives for the country.' Sharing a recent experience, the Chief Minister mentioned his visit to Sharchi village in the Tirthan Valley, where he stayed at the home of former soldier Subedar Major Anoop Ram. The Chief Minster stated that Anoop Kumar discussed with him about the 1971 India-Pakistan war and he recalled how the address of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi instilled patriotic zeal and boosted the morale of the Indian Army. The outcome of that war was historic and India split Pakistan into two, and Shimla later became the witness to the landmark Simla Agreement, he said. Sukhu said that the valour of the soldiers of Himachal Pradesh was unmatched. 'Our soldiers never hesitated to sacrifice their lives for the Nation. Himachali soldiers have the honour of being decorated with Four Param Vir Chakra, which is a testament to the state's legacy of courage and sacrifice,' he added. Congress held 'Jai Hind Sabhas' from May 20 to May 30 across India to salute the Armed Forces. Earlier, Pratibha Singh, President of the Himachal Pradesh Congress, explained the event's national objective and refuted any political motivation behind the programme. Singh clarified that this event would be purely to honour our armed forces. 'We have made no political statements. This is purely about honouring the brave hearts, be it from the Army, Indian Navel force or Air Force who have risked their lives to protect India. We salute them.' Singh said. 'Jai Hind Sabha is about nation, not politics,' she added further. (ANI)
India Today
a day ago
- Politics
- India Today
Ceasefire with Pak announced without consulting armed forces: Sukhvinder Sukhu
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday alleged that the Central government declared a ceasefire with Pakistan without taking the three armed forces into confidence and said the "announcement came through social media from a third country"."The Union government declared a ceasefire without taking the three armed forces into confidence and shockingly, the announcement came through social media from a third country," he said addressing the 'Jai Hind Sabha' chief minister said this is in stark contrast to the decisive leadership of former prime minister late Indira Gandhi, who never compromised with national security. Recalling the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, Sukhu said that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was the first to offer unconditional support to the Union government in the fight against terrorism, a statement issued here said."Our brave soldiers gave a befitting reply to the terrorists," said Sukhu and paid heartfelt tributes to the brave soldiers of Himachal Pradesh and the Himachal Pradesh government and people of the state have always stood with the Indian armed forces, he carried out precision strikes under Operation Sindoor on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in the early hours of May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terror the Indian action, Pakistan attempted to attack the Indian military bases on May 8, 9 and 10. The Indian forces launched a fierce counter-attack on several Pakistani military and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to end the military confrontation after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile a recent experience, the chief minister mentioned his recent visit to Sharchi village in Tirthan Valley, where he stayed at the home of former soldier -- Subedar Major Anoop Ram."Anoop Kumar discussed with me about the 1971 India-Pakistan war and recalled how the address of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi instilled patriotic zeal and boosted the morale of the Indian Army. The outcome of that war was historic and India split Pakistan into two, and Shimla later became witness to the landmark Simla Agreement," he Simla Agreement was a peace treaty signed between India and Pakistan on July 2, 1972 in Shimla. It followed the India-Pakistan war of said that the valour of the soldiers of Himachal Pradesh was unmatched."Our soldiers never hesitated to sacrifice their lives for the nation. Himachali soldiers have the honour of being decorated with four Param Vir Chakras, which is a testament to the state's legacy of courage and sacrifice," he Congress MP Ajay Maken said that several surgical strikes were carried in 2008, 2011, 2013 and 2014, and Pakistan was taught a lesson, but his party never politicised it as the credit goes to the Indian armed is always the brave soldiers, who sacrifice their lives for the nation, but the Congress never boasted of it or took credit, he Rajni Patil, the Congress' in-charge for Himachal Pradesh, said that senior leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have given instructions to organise 'Jai Hind Sabha'.The valour of the Indian Army is being honored through these meetings, she Congress leader said that the entire nation stood with the army and the Centre in the fight against terrorism, but it was "unfortunate" that the ceasefire was announced by a third Congress chief Pratibha Singh echoed similar sentiments and said that the party has decided to organise such programs at the district level as kin of martyrs, soldiers and various gallantry award recipients, who have made the supreme sacrifice for the country, were also honoured on the chief minister presented a cheque of Rs 30 lakh to the kin of martyr Subedar Major Pawan, who died in shelling by the Pakistan Army in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch on May cheque was received by his father Garaj Singh and son Abhishek. Must Watch
News18
a day ago
- Politics
- News18
Centre Announced Ceasefire Without Consulting Armed Forces: Himachal CM Sukhu
Last Updated: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the valour of the soldiers of Himachal Pradesh was unmatched. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday alleged that the Central government declared a ceasefire with Pakistan without taking the three armed forces into confidence and said the "announcement came through social media from a third country". "The Union government declared a ceasefire without taking the three armed forces into confidence and shockingly, the announcement came through social media from a third country," he said addressing the 'Jai Hind Sabha' here. The chief minister said this is in stark contrast to the decisive leadership of former prime minister late Indira Gandhi, who never compromised with national security. Recalling the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, Sukhu said that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was the first to offer unconditional support to the Union government in the fight against terrorism, a statement issued here said. "Our brave soldiers gave a befitting reply to the terrorists," said Sukhu and paid heartfelt tributes to the brave soldiers of Himachal Pradesh and the nation. The Himachal Pradesh government and people of the state have always stood with the Indian armed forces, he added. India carried out precision strikes under Operation Sindoor on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in the early hours of May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Following the Indian action, Pakistan attempted to attack the Indian military bases on May 8, 9 and 10. The Indian forces launched a fierce counter-attack on several Pakistani military installations. Sharing a recent experience, the chief minister mentioned his recent visit to Sharchi village in Tirthan Valley, where he stayed at the home of former soldier — Subedar Major Anoop Ram. "Anoop Kumar discussed with me about the 1971 India-Pakistan war and recalled how the address of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi instilled patriotic zeal and boosted the morale of the Indian Army. The outcome of that war was historic and India split Pakistan into two, and Shimla later became witness to the landmark Simla Agreement," he said. The Simla Agreement was a peace treaty signed between India and Pakistan on July 2, 1972 in Shimla. It followed the India-Pakistan war of 1971. Sukhu said that the valour of the soldiers of Himachal Pradesh was unmatched. "Our soldiers never hesitated to sacrifice their lives for the nation. Himachali soldiers have the honour of being decorated with four Param Vir Chakras, which is a testament to the state's legacy of courage and sacrifice," he added. Meanwhile, Congress MP Ajay Maken said that several surgical strikes were carried in 2008, 2011, 2013 and 2014, and Pakistan was taught a lesson, but his party never politicised it as the credit goes to the Indian armed forces. It is always the brave soldiers, who sacrifice their lives for the nation, but the Congress never boasted of it or took credit, he added. MP Rajni Patil, the Congress' in-charge for Himachal Pradesh, said that senior leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have given instructions to organise 'Jai Hind Sabha'. The valour of the Indian Army is being honored through these meetings, she added. The Congress leader said that the entire nation stood with the army and the Centre in the fight against terrorism, but it was "unfortunate" that the ceasefire was announced by a third country. State Congress chief Pratibha Singh echoed similar sentiments and said that the party has decided to organise such programs at the district level as well. The kin of martyrs, soldiers and various gallantry award recipients, who have made the supreme sacrifice for the country, were also honoured on the occasion. The chief minister presented a cheque of Rs 30 lakh to the kin of martyr Subedar Major Pawan, who died in shelling by the Pakistan Army in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch on May 10. The cheque was received by his father Garaj Singh and son Abhishek. First Published: May 30, 2025, 23:13 IST News india Centre Announced Ceasefire Without Consulting Armed Forces: Himachal CM Sukhu
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Why alleged suicide of a power corporation officer has Himachal Congress govt on back foot
On Tuesday, the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Himachal Pradesh government sent three senior officers Director General of Police (DGP) Atul Verma, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Onkar Sharma, and Shimla Superintendent of Police (SP) Sanjeev Gandhi on leave with immediate effect. Simultaneously, show-cause notices were issued to DGP Verma and SP Gandhi, asking why disciplinary proceedings should not be initiated against them. The arguably unprecedented development in the history of Himachal Pradesh followed an investigation into the alleged abetment to suicide of Vimal Negi, 55, a Chief Engineer with Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (HPPCL). The BJP has been mounting pressure on the Congress government since Negi's body was found near Bhakra Dam in Bilaspur on March 18, after remaining missing for eight days, linking it to alleged irregularities in a project being overseen by the Chief Engineer. Negi, a graduate of National Institute of Technology NIT, Hamirpur, was transferred in June last year from the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Ltd to HPPCL in Shimla, as Chief Engineer. He was overseeing the commissioning of the 32MW Pekhubela Solar Power Project in Una district, inaugurated by Sukhu, and being built at a cost of Rs 220 crore. On March 10, Negi left the HPPCL office in New Shimla, and went missing. His wife Kiran suspected foul play and approached senior officials, including the CM, for help. Sukhu asked DGP Verma to investigate the matter. Eight days later, on March 18, Negi's body was found, and protests erupted. Placing his body outside the HPPCL office, the protesters demanded the suspension of top officials of the power corporation, including Director (Electrical) Desh Raj, Managing Director Harikesh Meena, and Director (Finance) Shivam Pratap Singh. An FIR for abetment to suicide was lodged by Kiran Negi. Although Kiran named Desh Raj and Meena in her complaint, police lodged the FIR against unknown people, mentioning only the names of Desh Raj and the designation of in the summary of the FIR. Negi's disappearance on March 10 coincided with the start of the 18-day Budget Session of the Himachal Assembly. The BJP stepped up its protests after his body was found eight days later. On March 19, as the protesters sat with Negi's body outside the HPPCL office, BJP top leaders joined them. This prompted Sukhu to send his Cabinet colleagues to pacify the crowd. The same day, the government suspended Desh Raj, transferred Harikesh Meena, and relieved Shivam Pratap Singh of his duties. Sukhu also ordered a fact-finding inquiry by ACS Sharma. Simultaneously, an SIT under SP Gandhi was formed to investigate the case. Leader of the Opposition and former CM Jairam Thakur demanded a CBI probe, linking Negi's death to alleged irregularities in the Pekhubela Solar Power Project and 'pressure' on the officer to ignore the same, asking that Sukhu clarify the matter. Sukhu countered the BJP's allegations, saying he was doing everything he could to find the truth, including setting up the police team that recovered the body, and accused the Opposition of 'politicizing the death of a brillinat and honest officer'. Dissatisfied with the government measures, Kiran Negi approached the Himachal Pradesh High Court, demanding that the probe be transferred to the CBI. The Court of Justice Ajay Mohan Goel issued notices to Sharma, DGP Verma, and SP Gandhi for status reports on the case, with their affidavits. In his affidavit, ACS Sharma said witness statements had indicated that Negi was 'harassed', but added that his mandate was a fact-finding probe – not a 'disciplinary inquiry'. Incidentally, he submitted his affidavit directly to the court, bypassing the Advocate General's office. DGP Verma also chose to bypass the Advocate General's office and, in his affidavit, raised several concerns regarding the SIT's investigation, including the alleged erasure of data in a pen drive found on Negi. Verma also alleged that SP Gandhi had not cooperated when he sought case records. SP Gandhi, who submitted his affidavit through the Advocate General's office, stood by his probe and suggested that Negi may have been suffering from anxiety. Gandhi told the court that the investigation is hectic and his SIT is underway to examine thousands of collected documents including some pertaining to the power projects. Taking note of the conflicting statements, as well as the findings of ACS Sharma, the High Court on May 23 upheld Kiran's appeal and ordered that the probe be transferred to the CBI. The next day, SP Gandhi accused DGP Verma of filing a 'misleading' affidavit. In further embarrassment for the government, Gandhi alleged that some personnel in the DGP's office had links with drug peddlers, and questioned the functioning of the Chief Secretary and a 'constitutional office' in Shimla. During much of this turmoil – including the filing of various affidavits, the High Court's decision to transfer the probe to the CBI, and SP Gandhi's press conference against DGP Verma – Sukhu was in Delhi attending various meetings, including of the NITI Aayog on May 25. Upon his return on May 26, top officials briefed him on the developments and reportedly pointed out that these were a gross embarrassment for the state government and an example of serious indiscipline, especially since officers bypassed the Advocate General while submitting affidavits. Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla held a closed-door meeting with the CM, where he reportedly also raised the issue. The same evening, the government ordered DGP Verma, ACS Sharma, and SP Gandhi to proceed on leave; it is earned leave for Verma (who retires on May 31), medical leave for Gandhi, and casual leave for Sharma. The internal discord in the bureaucracy reflected in an SP openly accusing the DGP has left the state administration on the back foot. For Sukhu, the problem is compounded as the Home Department is under him. A senior Congress leader, who acknowledged that the Sukhu government had been shown in a poor light by the row, said: 'In fact, the CM was in favour from day one of shifting the matter to the CBI if Negi's kin so desired… He even took this decision at one point, but some officials told him not to go ahead as it would hurt developmental projects linked to the state's growth… He wouldn't have dared imagine that the probe would go to the Central investigation agency under such circumstances.' The charges against SP Gandhi are also damaging for the Congress as he is the same officer who heads the SIT probe into the Rajya Sabha elections held in February last year, where BJP candidate Harsh Mahajan won despite the Congress majority allegedly due to cross-voting. The case was registered against then Independent MLA from Hamirpur Harish Sharma, who is now a BJP MLA, and Rakesh Sharma, a former IAS officer and father of former Congress MLA Chaitayna Sharma, who later lost the by-elections. BJP leaders have in the past accused Gandhi of harassing their MLAs and summoning them repeatedly for questioning.
