On the recent terrorist attacks in Pulwama killing 43 CRPF personnel and leaving several others injured, wing commander (retired) Adarsh Bal feels that it was very sad and highly unfortunate incident that should also lead to rethink on the nation’s policy matters. Such things do not happen overnight and must have been planned for a long period. This terrorist attack in Jamju and Kashmir is not the first such incident as such attacks have been carried out in the past too.
Deliberating on the factors that may have contributed to the level of damage, he opined that the standing operating procedures (SOP) must be strictly followed. This includes proper intelligence survey before the convoy moves and during its movement. It appears that it had not been followed strictly which had resulted in this catastrophy.
Veteran air warrior Bal has more than 4,000 flying hours experience on trainer and fighter aircrafts. He served the Indian Air Force for over 30 years and holds an 'A' category as qualified flying instructor. He was on deputation to Iraq as flying instructor from 1973 to 1975. Alumni of prestigious Defence Institute, Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, he is a lifetime member of Aeronautical Society of India and Canada.
In a conversation with this correspondent, he shared his experiences during the wars of 1962, 1965, and 1971. The 1961 operations which are not discussed much in Indian history, were carried out to liberate Goa from the Portuguese. He was a flying officer at that time. Sharing his experience in Indo-China war in 1962, he was posted to Chabua Air Force station.
Chabua airfield which is located in north east of Assam was used during World War II and was reactivated for use in 1962 Indo-China war.
The main task was to locate the Indian Army troop position at the border due to poor communication facilities and carry out recce of the area. The Indian army was not properly equipped with ammunition and clothing. The transport aircraft were used to carry out supply dropping despite bad weather. The Chinese never fired at fighter aircraft but targeted transport aircrafts and helicopters, he recalled.
“After 1962 war Chabua runway was closed for renovation and our squadron was moved to nearby airfield called Mohanbari. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had a strong notion 'Hindi-Chini bhai bhai.' As such 1962 war was a major setback which affected him adversely,” said Bal.
The Indian defence forces were well prepared during 1965 and 1971 wars. Correlating the military preparedness with today's time, Adarsh Bal stated that when he was serving the requirement was 45 fighter squadrons while presently there are only thirty one.
He stated that by getting 36 Rafale aircraft it add two more squadrons. Due to lack of funds at centre army, navy and the airforce are not fully equipped.
Recovery is not a short term procedure, and needs a long term planning. Regarding Indo-Pak relations getting more strained every year, he said that efforts have to be made on both sides which is definitely lacking on the Pakistani side. For long term solution, the policies must be revisited.
