India: Military Snippets-3

Armed Forces Tribunal likely to miss deadline

According to a New Delhi news report of August 11, differences among the three Services over the allocation of posts for the principal Bench of the proposed Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) is likely to delay its creation by August 15, the deadline set by the Defence Minister AK Antony.

The tribunal is the military version of the Central Administrative Tribunal designed to quickly handle militarymen’s grievances ranging from promotion matters, pensions, court martial decisions and appointments. The Defence Minister had in a Gazette notification on June 13 had made it clear that the principal Bench of the AFT be set up in New Delhi by August 15. Here is yet another case begging for inter-service cooperation.

Navy Chief for one body to oversee maritime issues

Media creports August 10, New Delhi: Indian Navy Chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta has proposed the establishment of a single apex body to oversee maritime issues.He said on August 8 "The constitution of an apex body for management of maritime affairs is an important step, which would facilitate quick decision-making and rapid response.”
With terrorists, gun-runners and drug-smugglers increasingly making forays into the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), the Navy feels it's time the government established an apex body to deal with maritime security issues. The single-window federal agency could tackle security challenges faced by all ministries handling sea-based activities such as shipping, fisheries, ports, Navy and Coast Guard.

The Navy had been pleading for the apex body as it is hampering the smooth functioning and rapid decision making process on issues affecting maritime security. At present as many as 12 agencies are involved.Will the authorities wake up?

Delivering a lecture on the Vision of the Indian Navy, Admiral Sureesh Mehta denied presence of Al-Qaida terrorists in the region but said there had been a marked increase in maritime terrorism across national boundaries and maritime terrorism has gained roots in the Indian Ocean region.