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News18
4 days ago
- General
- News18
Punjab: Ferozepur fort thrown open to public after 200 years
Ferozepur, Jun 2 (PTI) In an initiative to boost tourism and align the local populace with the military heritage in this border region, the Army's Golden Arrow Division has opened the historic two centuries old Ferozepur Fort to the public. It is for the first time in over 200 years that this significant architectural and historical site has been made accessible to the public. The move reaffirms the government's commitment to preserve national heritage and promote responsible border tourism, said Major General R S Manral, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Golden Arrow Division. 'Strategically positioned near the Indo-Pakistan border, Ferozepur Fort is a remarkable example of 19th-century military architecture from the Sikh empire" said the GOC, adding that its unique hexagonal design and robust defensive features showcase the strategic ingenuity of its time. 'The reopening of Ferozepur Fort not only reconnects the region with its storied past but also reaffirms its identity as a symbol of valour, resilience and national pride, firmly placing it on Punjab's cultural and heritage tourism map," said Major General Manral. Brig Bikram Singh, Station Commander, said Ferozepur holds a special place in India's freedom movement, having produced numerous martyrs and revolutionaries who bravely resisted colonial rule. This fort and its surroundings have borne witness to pivotal historical events, which continue to symbolize national pride and sacrifice, he added. Once a critical outpost in the Sikh empire frontier defence network, the fort holds enduring tales of courage and resistance and also features prominently in narratives of the first war of Independence in 1857. This fort served as the mother depot for the supply of guns, ammunition, trained horses and bullocks. About 10,000 bullocks and as many horses and even 150 camels were tethered at any time in this fort. The fort continued to play the role of arsenal till 1941 when the ammunition was shifted to Kasubegu as a tactical move by the British at the beginning of World War-II. PTI COR CHS AS AS First Published: June 02, 2025, 19:00 IST
Canada Standard
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Canada Standard
Timor-Leste shows us the true spirit of independence
While Timor-Leste flies flags for a freedom it fought for, Australia still hesitates to claim its own, writesGJ Burchall. THE FLAGS were all out and it was a joy to behold. They started to appear about a week ago. Or more. There was already an abundance of flags on permanent display here, on public and private buildings, a-flap from microlet buses and motorbike handlebars. But in the last few days, they have sprouted like roof leaks in the wet season. All the special occasion flags had been plonked out in front of even the smallest of businesses, flying from sturdy, makeshift flagpoles set into concrete-filled black plastic flower pots. Really, they began to emerge right after the week of half-mast mourning ended forPapa Francisco. The flags were out in the lead-up to Timor-Lestes celebration of Independence on 20 May. Sort of. Its complicated. This tiny country has a fraught history of being an uncared-for colony, a target of military invasion, an arena of conflict and the recipient of cruel inaction by its neighbours. As a result, 20 May marks Timor-LestesRestoration of Independence. 'Used to dying' memoir tells brutal history of East Timor The hardships endured by the East Timorese are detailed in a memoir by Dr Vacy Vlazna, both a story of courage and a political analysis. It went like this: following theCarnation Revolutionof 1974, Portugal began to divest itself of its costly colonies. The people of Timor-Leste were happy to shuck almost 300 years of benign neglect and declared themselves an independent democracy on 28 November 1975. It lasted nine days. Indonesia invaded and took occupation. Australia allowed it. Britain merrily sold weapons to the invaders to thwart any resistance. Fast forward to 1999, when Indonesia, finding itself in a similar economic bind to Portugal 25 years earlier, agreed to an UN-sponsored referendum on the future of its erstwhileProvince 27. The Timorese people voted overwhelmingly for independence over any autonomy within the sprawling archipelago nation. The UN administered the half-island for the next three years until nationhood was granted. Thus, the Timorese celebrate three distinct milestones to their independence. Original independence (28 November), Popular Consultation (30 August), and Restoration of Independence (20 May). They deserve each one. No wonder the flower-pot flags come out. No forced patriot-stir dates, these. They are as meaningful as they were hard-won. Of course, the place has problems. But they are their own. These people are so resilient, positive, tolerant and hopeful. There is a whole generation now who have grown up post-independence. They honour the past but embrace the future. No flag flies in cynicism. Australias appalling Timor legacy and why it matters May 20 will mark 20 years of independence for Australias near neighbour, the nation of Timor-Leste. You cannot help but compare this to Australias lame national day. What was 26 January? The (second) attempt to pitch camp for displaced prisoners, gaolers and bureaucrats after an abandoned Botany Bay foray. Pitch camp on private property. At least New Zealand also still under thrall to the British hasWaitangi Day, when a treaty was signed between coloniser and land-owner. Australia is indeed a most fortunate nation, never having suffered major wars civil or uncivil and not having a shared border. It is now far too multicultural to be declared British to its bootstraps. The royals dont care if Australia becomes a republic; they probably wonder why it isnt already. In contrast, Timor-Leste is so proud of its culture and its emergence from many dark years of oppression, aggression and desperation. Hence the flags: from the hanky-sized ones on sticks waved by kids, to the bold, beach-towel-breadth banners outside the humblest home. Australia will never have a truly relevant, inclusive national day until it becomes a republic, until it reconciles with an Indigenous past, present and future. TheVoice to Parliamentshamefully failed recently. But now the Government has a clear mandate to put an Indigenous treaty and an Australian republic back onto the agenda. Even Barbados took the step and became a parliamentary republic in 2021. And Canada got its own distinctive flag, back in 1965 one without the conquerors brutal jack in the hoist quadrant. Have some pride, Australia. Lets debate a governance model and speed the republic. Then everyone can proudly plant a flag in a flowerpot. A new flag, that is. GJ Burchallis a journalist, scriptwriter and educator who was born and bred in Melbourne and lives in the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. Related Articles Democracy takes poll position in Timor-Leste Australias appalling Timor legacy and why it matters
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First Post
09-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
India activates Territorial Army: What's this part-time force that Dhoni, Anurag Thakur are part of?
Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the Centre authorised the Indian Army chief to call upon personnel from the Territorial Army for active duty. This second line of defence in the country has been a mainstay for many years, providing the regular military with assistance in times of need. Enrolled in this reserve are some famous Indians, like cricketers MS Dhoni, actor Mohanlal and Indian politician Anurag Thakur read more Former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni is part of the Territorial Army. He was inducted in 2011. File image/PTI It's really hotting up now. As India and Pakistan climb the escalatory ladder following the former's military strikes, dubbed Operation Sindoor, the Narendra Modi government has authorised the Chief of the Army Staff to call upon members of the Territorial Army. The move comes at a time when India is facing sustained cross-border provocations, including missile and drone attacks from Pakistan. In fact, on the night of May 8, Islamabad launched at least eight missiles and a swarm of drones towards locations in Jammu, Punjab and Rajasthan, targeting civilian as well as military installations. Indian troops, however, intercepted all of them, ensuring that there was no loss of life or injury. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Amid the heightened military tension, we take a closer look at what exactly is the Territorial Army and what purpose does it serve. What is the Territorial Army? The Territorial Army (TA) is an auxiliary military organisation of part-time volunteers, which provides support services to the Indian Army. Also known as the country's second line of defence, it is a part-time force that supports the Indian Army by handling non-combat duties, assisting in emergencies, and maintaining essential services. Its primary role, as per its own website, is to 'relieve the regular Army from static duties and assist civil administration in dealing with natural calamities and maintenance of essential services in situations where life of the communities is affected or the security of the country is threatened and to provide units for the Army as and when required'. Currently, the Territorial Army comprises around 50,000 personnel, including 65 departmental units (eg, Railways, IOC, ONGC) and non-departmental infantry and engineer battalions. Specialised units like the ecological task forces work on environmental projects, such as afforestation and the Clean Ganga Mission. To be an officer in the Territorial Army, one has to have Indian citizenship, be between the ages of 18 and 42 years, be a graduate from a recognised university, and be physically and mentally fit, and gainfully employed. The primary goal of the Territorial Army is to relieve the regular Army from static duties and assist civil administration in dealing with natural calamities. File image/PTI How was the Territorial Army formed? The genesis of the Territorial Army can be traced back to the first war of Independence in 1857 when a volunteer force was raised. Later, Britain's Sir Charles Monroe, Commander-in-Chief of the Forces, in India introduced a bill in the Indian Legislative Council on August 27, 1920 to constitute an Indian Territorial Force, which was duly passed. He noted that on account of the paucity of trained personnel and the demands to be met, a territorial force should be formed as a second line of defence to the regular Army. Following Independence, the Territorial Army Act was passed in 1948 and the Territorial Army was formally inaugurated by the first Indian Governor General Shri C Rajagopalachari on October 9, 1949. Notably, in the past, Territorial Army units have been involved in India's past operations, including the 1962 China War and the 1971 Bangladesh War. They have also provided natural disaster relief during the 1993 earthquake in Maharashtra's Latur, Bhuj earthquake in Gujarat in 2001, and the 2013 Uttarakhand floods. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In 2011, BJP's Anurag Thakur became the first serving MP to be appointed as Captain in the Territorial Army. File image/X Over the years, many politicians, sportspersons and celebrities have been members of the Territorial Army. One popular example would be of former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. He was inducted in 2011 and conferred upon the rank of lieutenant colonel (Honorary). Another famous sportsperson in the TA is Kapil Dev who was inducted in 2008. Among politicians, both Congress' Sachin Pilot and Bharatiya Janata Party's Anurag Thakur are Territorial Army officers. South actor Mohanlal Viswanathan Nair is also among the famous faces in the Territorial Army. He received the honorary rank of lieutenant colonel in 2009. A Kashmiri man using mobile light during a blackout is seen after residents of the city of Jammu reported hearing explosions and sirens in Srinagar. AP What does today's order state on Territorial Army? In light of the escalating tensions with Pakistan, on Friday (May 9), the Defence Ministry granted the Army Chief expanded authority to mobilise the Territorial Army. In accordance with Rule 33 of the Territorial Army Rules, 1948, the government has authorised the Army chief to call out every officer and enrolled personnel of the Territorial Army as needed, either for guard duties or for full embodiment to support and supplement the regular armed forces. The Centre's order has approved for the embodiment of 14 out of the existing 32 Infantry Battalions of the Territorial Army for deployment across all major commands of the Indian Army, including the Southern, Eastern, Western, Central, Northern, South Western, Andaman and Nicobar, and Army Training Command (ARTRAC). However, the mobilisation will be subject to the availability of budgetary provisions. In cases where deployment is requested by ministries other than the Ministry of Defence, the costs will be borne by the requesting ministries. The order will remain in effect for three years, from February 10, 2025, to February 9, 2028. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies
News18
05-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
'Why Not Fatehpur Sikri, Taj Mahal?' Supreme Court Junks Mughal Heir's Claim On Red Fort
Last Updated: A bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice PV Sanjay Kumar said the plea filed by Sultana Begum was completely misconceived. The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a plea filed by a woman claiming to be the descendant of last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar and seeking possession of Red Fort on account of being the legal 'heir'. A bench of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar said the plea filed by Sultana Begum, widow of great-grandson of Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar-II, was 'misconceived" and 'meritless" at the outset and refused to entertain the petition filed against the Delhi High Court order. The CJI-led bench termed the plea as meritless and sarcastically asked the petitioner that if the petition is to be considered then 'Why only Red fort? Why not Fatehpur Sikri? Why leave them also. Writ is completely misconceived." The bench did not allow the counsel for petitioner to withdraw the plea. The counsel for the petitioner said that the Delhi High Court had dismissed the plea on ground of delay and not on merits, and asked the top court to grant the same concession. However, the top court rejected her request. 'No, dismissed," the bench ordered. Sultana Begum, who lives in West Bengal's Howrah had filed a petition claiming that the family was deprived of their property by the Britishers after the first war of Independence in 1857, following which the emperor was exiled from the country and possession of the Red Fort was forcefully taken away from the Mughals. It further claimed that Begum was the owner of the Red Fort as she is a direct descendant of the original owners, i.e., the Mughal emperors. Th plea claimed that she inherited it from her ancestor Bahadur Shah Zafar-II, who died on November 11, 1862 at the age of 82, and the government of India was an illegal occupant of the property. The petition sought a direction to the Centre to hand over the Red Fort to the petitioner or give adequate compensation. A division bench of the Delhi High Court, on December 13, last year, had dismissed the appeal by Begum against the December 2021 decision of a HC single judge, noting the challenge was filed after a delay of over two-and-a-half years, which could not be condoned. Begum said she could not file the appeal owing to her bad health and passing away of her daughter. 'We find the said explanation inadequate, considering that the delay is of more than two-and-a-half years. The petition was also dismissed (by the single judge) for being inordinately delayed by several decades. The application for condonation of delay is dismissed. Consequently, the appeal is also dismissed. It is barred by limitation," the high court had said. On December 20, 2021, the single judge dismissed Begum's petition seeking possession of the Red Fort taken illegally by the British East India Company, saying there was no justification for the inordinate delay in approaching the court after over 150 years. (With inputs from agencies) First Published: May 05, 2025, 12:35 IST
The Hindu
05-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Supreme Court junks plea of woman claiming possession of iconic Red Fort
The Supreme Court on Monday (May 5, 2025) rejected the plea of a woman, who claimed to be the widow of great-grandson of Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar-II, seeking possession of the Red Fort in New Delhi on account of being the legal 'heir'. A Bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar termed the plea as 'misconceived' and 'meritless' at the outset and refused to entertain the petition filed against the Delhi High Court order. 'The writ petition filed initially was misconceived and meritless. It cannot be entertained,' the CJI said. The Bench did not allow the counsel for petitioner Sultana Begum to withdraw the plea. 'The petitioner is the family member of the first freedom fighter of the country,' the counsel said. The CJI said if the arguments are considered then 'why only Red Fort then why not forts at Agra, Fatehpuri Sikri etc'. A division bench of the Delhi High Court, on December 13, last year, had dismissed the appeal by Ms. Begum against the December 2021 decision of a HC single judge, noting the challenge was filed after a delay of over two-and-a-half years, which could not be condoned. Ms. Begum said she could not file the appeal owing to her bad health and passing away of her daughter. "We find the said explanation inadequate, considering that the delay is of more than two-and-a-half years. The petition was also dismissed (by the single judge) for being inordinately delayed by several decades. The application for condonation of delay is dismissed. Consequently, the appeal is also dismissed. It is barred by limitation," the High Court had said. On December 20, 2021, the single judge dismissed Ms. Begum's petition seeking possession of the Red Fort taken illegally by the British East India Company, saying there was no justification for the inordinate delay in approaching the court after over 150 years. The petition claimed the family was deprived of their property by the Britishers after the first war of Independence in 1857, following which the emperor was exiled from the country and possession of the Red Fort was forcefully taken away from the Mughals. It claimed that Ms. Begum was the owner of the Red Fort as she inherited it from her ancestor Bahadur Shah Zafar-II, who died on November 11, 1862 at the age of 82, and the government of India was an illegal occupant of the property. The petition sought a direction to the Centre to hand over the Red Fort to the petitioner or give adequate compensation.
