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Muslim graveyards in Delhi may run out of space to bury coronavirus positive dead bodies

OpIndia Staff
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Muslim graveyards in Delhi may run out of space to bury coronavirus positive dead bodies

As report by Dainik Bhaskar states that out of the 45 acre Muslim graveyard space in Jadid Kabristan, about 5 bighas are kept for the dead bodies of coronavirus positive people. Of this space, about 75% is filled in last few weeks. Shamim, the person who handles burials of people in Jadid Kabristan told Bhaskar that the speed at which people are dying, the entire coronavirus-specific zone in the graveyard will be full in less than a week. “The Kabristan management will then have to allot more land for coronavirus positive dead bodies,” Shamim said.

The five bigha space was created after felling trees. Increase in land for burials of coronavirus positive dead bodies will mean more trees will be felled.

Shamim earns Rs 100 for every dead body buried. He was one of the first in Delhi to take responsibility of burying the dead bodies of coronavirus positive people. Since lockdown, he has buried over 300 bodies, reports Bhaskar. 25 days back he got himself tested for coronavirus at cost of Rs 4,500 from his own pockets. He informs that after the lockdown was lifted, there has been an exponential growth of number of dead bodies coming in for burials. During lockdown, about 5-6 dead bodies would come every day. However, after the lockdown has been lifted, this figure has gone up to 10-12, almost double. He said this could also be because of stressed healthcare where non-coronavirus patients are not getting sufficient treatment.

Most people from Old Delhi are buried in this graveyard. However, amid the coronavirus outbreak, bodies from all over Delhi are brought here for burial. Many of these are also brought for burial 4-5 days after their death.

Last week, Masroor Siddiqui, member of Kabristan committee in Delhi said how a graveyard in Daryaganj, which sees daily burial of about 10-12 dead bodies of coronavirus positive people may soon run out of space. About 300 bodies have been buried here since April and space for only 100-150 more dead bodies remains. The rate at which dead bodies are coming in for coronavirus positive people, the graveyard will run out of space for dead bodies by end of June.

Dead bodies of coronavirus positive people are being buried as per protocol in Delhi’s Mangolpuri, Dwarka, Khadar and Ghazipur as well. However, the number of dead bodies in Delhi Gate is much higher. About 299 bodies are buried here.

Madhya Pradesh: Crime Branch files FIR against Digvijay Singh for sharing edited video to malign CM Shivraj Chouhan

OpIndia Staff
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Madhya Pradesh: Crime Branch files FIR against Digvijay Singh for sharing edited video to malign CM Shivraj Chouhan

Madhya Pradesh police have initiated a probe on BJP’s complaint against former CM of Madhya Pradesh Digvijay Singh for sharing a video of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on his twitter handle. As per the reports, Singh shared an edited version of an old video of Chouhan in connection to a statement made on liquor consumption. The case has been filed under sections 465, 501 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Irshad Wali, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Bhopal, said, “The matter of editing an old video of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and circulating it on social media with the aim of spoiling his image has been taken seriously. The case is being investigated by registering an FIR under the Cyber Act.”

BJP delegation filed complaint

Former minister Umashankar Gupta headed the BJP delegation that submitted a memorandum to the crime branch of Bhopal Police. The complaint mentioned that Chouhan had given a statement against the liquor policy of the Kamal Nath government on 12th January 2020. What Singh shared is only an out-of-context 9-second part of the original 2.19-minute video. They demanded strict action against the Congress leader and his associates for conspiring to defame Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

BJP MLA shared original video

BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma shared the original video on his twitter handle and the deleted tweet of Digvijay Singh. Congress has not issued any official statement in this case.

Madhya Pradesh home minister Narottam Mishra has stated that the concerned officials have been directed to take strict action against the persons who have twisted the CM’s statement on the liquor mafia active in the state and had shared a misleading video to malign the image of the sitting CM.

Digvijay Singh had deleted the video. Today, while speaking to media he avoided answering questions over the edited video he had shared. Instead, he stated that some tribals had accused the Shivraj government of duping them of money and added that he is planning to sit on a dharna over the issue. He added that he had not edited the video and the police should probe the person who had edited the video.

Pakistan: Two Indian officials working in Indian High Commission in Islamabad go missing

OpIndia Staff
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Pakistan: Two Indian officials working in Indian High Commission in Islamabad go missing

Two Indian officials working in Indian High Commission in Islamabad have gone missing reported news agency ANI quoting sources.

Earlier this month, two officials of Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi were caught spying in Delhi. The two-officials, named Abid Hussain and Tahir Hussain working in the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi were expelled and asked to go back to their country. Following this, the situation for Indian diplomats and other staff in Islamabad remained tense and there was aggressive tailing and surveillance. India had also asked Pakistan to ensure safety of Indian staff in the High Commission.

Update 1: Times Now journalist Nikunj Garg reports that the two officials have been abducted by Pakistan’s intelligence service, ISI.

Note: This is a developing story. More details awaited.

No lockdown on the cards, PM may ask worst-hit states to enforce stricter enforcement of social distancing guidelines: Report

OpIndia Staff
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No lockdown on the cards, PM may ask worst-hit states to enforce stricter enforcement of social distancing guidelines: Report

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday with the Chief Ministers of States that are badly affected by the Wuhan Coronavirus, as per a report by the Economic Times. He may ask CMs to enforce stricter implementation of social distancing guidelines, use of face masks, and door-to-door screening in the urban containment zones.

Reportedly, the Union government has received feedback about the complacent behaviour of several State administrations. As such, the PM may direct such states to ramp up their testing numbers by the end of the month, for early diagnosis and treatment of Coronavirus cases. Reportedly, the Centre will work in close coordination with the States and take steps based on the suggestions provided by the State Governments.

Door-to-door screening in containment zones are also likely to be stressed upon.

The States will, however, have the autonomy to implement restrictions or ease them. The Union Government is focused on lowering the test positivity rate which is currently around 5.4%. The test positivity rate refers to the positive results for Coronavirus, out of all conducted tests. The Economic Times report has also mentioned that there were no plans to impose another blanket lockdown. The Prime Minister will hold meetings on June 16 and June 17 with the Chief Ministers of States. Reportedly, the viable solution to contain the spread of the Coronavirus outbreak is to enforce social distancing and usage of the face masks.

Centre pleased with India’s recovery rate

As of June 15, India has 1,53,106 active cases of Coronavirus and 1,69,797 recoveries. As per the report, the Union Government is pleased with India’s recovery rate that is now above 50%. However, it is equally concerned about the total number of active cases. Sources revealed that the healthcare infrastructure is stretched in Delhi whereas it was under-utilised in states such as Uttar Pradesh.

Debunking fake news about reimposition of lockdown

Even as the country is witnessing a calibrated re-opening amidst the ‘Unlock-2’ phase, there is a photo doing the rounds on the internet which says that the nationwide lockdown is once again going to be implemented from June 15. The Press Information Bureau’s Fact-check arm has officially debunked the rumours of yet another lockdown in the country starting from today. PIB fact-check’s official Twitter account has declared the picture of a Hindi news channel with the viral message of the revival of lockdown as fake, thereby putting to rest the growing anxiety among people in connection with another lockdown.

Mumbai: After almost three months, local train services resume, only essential staff allowed

OpIndia Staff
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Mumbai: After almost three months, local train services resume, only essential staff allowed

On 22nd March 2020, passenger services on Mumbai Locals, the lifeline of Mumbai, were stopped by the Railways to stop coronavirus spread. Though initially it was meant to be only till 31st March, the suspension continued because of nationwide lockdown. Now, the Western and Central Railway has decided to resume selective services of Mumbai Locals over the mainline and harbour line from Monday.

When the local trains were shut initially for nine days from 23 March, it was for the first time in history.

Services available only for essential staff

The Railway announced that the resumed services are not for the general passengers and only essential staff identified by the state government can use the Mumbai Locals to travel. The trains will run from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM with an interval of 15 minutes.

As per the schedule released by Railway, Mumbai Locals will run over WR, between CCG and Borivali, as fast local trains and continue as slow local trains beyond Borivali. The Western Railways will run 60 pairs of trains between Churchgate and Dahanu road. with maximum trains running between Churchgate and Virar and a few up to Dahanu road.

On CR, 200 trains will resume services dividing them in 100 up and 100 down. 130 trains will run between CSMT and Kasara/Karjat/Kalyan/Thane. Also, 70 trains will run between CSMT and Panvel.

As per the statement issued by Central Railway, the arrival and departure timings of the trains will suit the duty shifts of the essential staff. The arrival time at CSMT will be 7 AM, 9 AM, 10 AM, 3 PM, 9 PM and 11 PM and the departure time will be 7 AM, 9 AM, 3 PM, 6 PM, 9 PM and 11 PM.

Generally, 80 lakh people use Mumbai locals every day and the Mumbai Suburban rail network has 3000 trains that run daily. Most of the residents of Mumbai use these services to commute to their workplace and back home.

Guidelines while using Mumbai Locals

  • Only 700 people will be allowed to board the train with a capacity of 1200 to maintain social distancing.
  • Multiple rounds of checking will ensure that only essential staff is using the services.
  • No hawkers or parking zone will be allowed in a 150-meter radius around the railway station.

The trains will run as fast locals and will only halt at major stations. RPF, GRP and state police personnel have been deployed at various stations to maintain law and order. For now, entry will be given strictly on the basis of ID cards issued by the state government. The government is planning to issue QR code enabled E-passes for identified personnel to ensure swifter ticketing.

Mumbai has been the worst affected city in the coronavirus pandemic. On Saturday, the city’s total cases tally was sat 56,740. Maharashtra has over 105,000 cases so far with 3,830 deaths and 49,346 recoveries.

Depression and suicide: Some ‘controversial’ facts, some straight talk and why only ‘talking’ will not help anyone with depression

K Bhattacharjee
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Depression and suicide: Some ‘controversial’ facts, some straight talk and why only ‘talking’ will not help anyone with depression

Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput died of suicide on Sunday, the 14th of June 2020. He was reportedly suffering from depression and was receiving treatment for the same for the past six months. With his suicide, mental health has started to receive renewed focus and the topic is being hotly debated across social media platforms.

Given the extent of debate around depression, a lot of false information is often passed as Vedic Truth and an aura of myth has developed regarding the whole matter. For instance, it is often claimed that depression is due to chemical imbalances in the brain and it is beyond the ability of the individual to control the situation in any manner. It’s simply not true. Therefore, let us have an honest discussion regarding the whole thing.

Effects of lifestyle on Depression

It is one of the most contentious topics about depression and hence, one of the least discussed. But the fact of the matter is, lifestyle impacts the mental health of individuals greatly. Consequently, modifications in lifestyle could vastly improve the mental health of individuals suffering from depression.

Australian researchers documented in a study that physical activity, or the lack thereof, has the potential to affect the risk factor of individuals with regards to depression. Consequently, improper diet could also result in depression. They say that “a range of lifestyle factors are involved in the pathogenesis of depression”.

The researchers advocate what they call ‘lifestyle medicine’ which involves the “evidence-based adoption of physical activity or exercise, dietary modification, adequate relaxation/sleep and social interaction, use of mindfulness-based meditation techniques, and the reduction of recreational substances such as nicotine, drugs, and alcohol.”

While the researchers make it clear that further study is required for the adoption of this particular technique but there is a growing consensus in the medical fraternity that adoption of a proper lifestyle can help patients of depression recover from the disorder. For instance, those with obesity are recommended that they attempt to lose weight, which consequently improves their self esteem and hence, their mental health.

The greatest risk that depression poses, however, is that it creates a self-perpetuating cycle of unhealthy lifestyle where a depressed individual fails to lead a normal lifestyle which in turn gives more fuel for the illness within. Therefore, it is extremely important that this cycle is broken in order to help the person recover fully.

Substance abuse can lead to Depression

According to experts, as much as 30% of people who are addicted to tobacco, cigarettes, alcohol and drugs also have clinical depression. And this is not entirely unexpected. Addiction can significantly lower one’s self esteem which then has the potential to lead to depression. At the same time, depressed individuals could also develop addiction. Therefore, they should be wary of consuming addictive substances. And it is probably a good idea for everyone to stay away from addictive substances or, at least, exercise moderation in consumption.

Some controversial facts about Depression

Studies indicate that women suffer from depression much more frequently than men. Certain studies also indicate that married individuals in the lower income category are at lower risk of developing depression than unmarried individuals, although the difference is not significant among people with higher incomes. At the same time, other studies demonstrate that single individuals are at a higher risk of depression than their married counterparts. The reasons for this is unclear.

Studies also indicate that religiosity is linked to depression with higher levels of religiosity leading to less risk of depression. There are enough studies that demonstrate that higher levels of religiosity acts as a protection against depression. A study on the health of veterans showed that stronger the religious beliefs, lower the risk of mental illness including PTSD, alcohol addiction, depression and suicidal ideation. Another study demonstrated that maternal religiosity and mother-offspring concordance acted as protection against depression in the child.

Other studies have demonstrated that religiosity and participation in religious rituals both acts as a protection and helps individuals recover from depression. Studies that involved the use of psychedelics for the treatment of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety reported that individuals felt better after they were exposed to the drugs when it was used in a ceremonial setting. Researchers said that it added to the growing body of evidence that deeply spiritual and mystical experiences have healing effects.

Therefore, when after cases of suicide, people reach far-reaching conclusions such as the need to completely reorient society and disrupt social norms and blame ‘oppressive’ society for depression and suicide, it is better to take a cautious approach and delve into the heart of the matter instead of advocating such radical measures.

Professional help should be sought without hesitation

People may get tired of hearing this but they hear this a lot because it is a good idea. If people suspect that they are depressed, seeking professional help is the proper way to proceed. At the same time, it is advisable that depressed individuals do not rely on medication and therapy alone for recover. There has to be personal effort involved to get better.

At the same time, depressed individuals ought to be aware that anti-depressants can generate suicidal tendencies, therefore, if they experience any adverse effects, they ought to contact their doctor immediately. And once they decide to take the medication, they should stay the course and complete the dosage in its entirety. Otherwise, it could lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Some straight talk on Depression

Without going into too much of ‘intellectual’ sermons, there are some measures that individuals can undertake in order to protect themselves against depression. First and foremost, human interaction is important. Technology may well be much more entertaining but it could never act as a substitute for humans. Human interaction is extremely necessary for our own sanity.

Humans have evolved over thousands of years with close interaction with other human beings as a necessary condition. If we deprive ourselves of it because of our fascination with technology, it will have adverse consequences. Furthermore, there is growing evidence that excessive social media use is linked to depression. Therefore, people ought to interact with other human beings in adequate measure.

Secondly, participation in religious rituals and festivals should not be discouraged. It is one of the few things that are genuinely known to help against depression. Also, the institution of marriage itself should be protected given we know that unmarried individuals are at higher risk of depression.

Healthier lifestyles should always be encouraged. It does not take the IQ level of Einstein to realise that bad lifestyles have bad consequences. Obesity should not be normalised, as some individuals have taken to do in recent times, and people should be encouraged to consume a healthy diet.

While it is normal for people to encourage others to be empathetic towards those suffering from depression, it does not appear very smart for the near and dear ones of depressed individuals to develop an indulgent behaviour towards them. It might be controversial to say it but it is true. Depression is not an excuse for terrible behaviour and should not be considered as such.

When people come to know of a suicide, people, with genuinely good intention, say that depressed individuals can talk to them anytime they want without inhibition. While such an approach is advisable for near and dear ones, it is probably not a very good idea for people to throw such invitations to strangers.

Firstly, they are not trained to offer counselling to depressed individuals and secondly, they might unknowingly end up saying something that adversely impacts the mental health of the concerned individual. Also, there are malevolent people out there who could use depression as a ruse in order to initiate a conversation. Thus, it is infinitely more advisable to recommend strangers on the internet that they confide in someone they trust, someone in the family or friends with in real life.

To depressed individuals, I would say the same. Most people on the internet do not actually mean it when they say that you could always talk to them when you are feeling low. And it is not smart to talk to strangers on the internet about things that make you feel depressed. Family and friends are the people on should rely on for support when you are depressed and feeling low.

Causes of Depression

Unlike popular belief, Depression is usually a consequence of a combination of factors. Social, psychological and genetic factors often combine to cause depression in humans. People with a history of trauma or depression in the family are at higher risk of suffering from depression themselves. In that respect, depression is not so different from some other psychological disorders.

Researchers have identified specific genes that make individuals more prone to ‘low mood’. Research also indicates that the hippocampus in the brain is smaller in people with depression than others. In addition to this, there are various biological factors that are involved in depression. And it is only to be expected.

Studies also indicate that emotional trauma makes people vulnerable to depression throughout their life. Subtle changes are often produced in the brain as a consequence of such trauma which account for symptoms of depression and anxiety. Apart from trauma, medical conditions can also cause depression in individuals. As per some estimates, medical conditions may account for as much as 10-15% of all cases of depression.

64 health department employees sacked for getting jobs by fraud 20 years ago in Uttar Pradesh, 18-year-old probe ended

OpIndia Staff
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64 health department employees sacked for getting jobs by fraud 20 years ago in Uttar Pradesh, 18-year-old probe ended

OP Tiwari, Chief Medical Officer of Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, informed that the department has dismissed 64 health department employees who managed to get jobs using fraudulent means 20 years ago. They were posted in Uttar Pradesh Health Department.

As per reports, during 1996 and 1998, 64 people got appointed in Grade-4 posts using fraudulent means. They were drawing salaries since then. Some of these officials also got promotions and were posted as clerks. For the past 18-years, an inquiry was going on to check if they used fraudulent methods to get jobs or not. Last Wednesday, the Economic Offence Wing, Varanasi, finally submitted the report, after which the department dismissed all 64 employees.

CMO said in his statement that during the inquiry, the EOW found out that these health department employees used fake documents to get jobs. The department has sent to the CMOs of the districts where these officials are currently posted.

The matter came into the knowledge of the government in 2002 when an audit team asked them for their service books, but failed to provide them. The team wrote to the government to initiate an inquiry on suspicion. After 18-years long probe, the department finally dismissed them after finding the suspicions to be true.

Sushant Singh Rajput’s maternal uncle claims the Bollywood actor was murdered, demands CBI investigation into his death

OpIndia Staff
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Sushant Singh Rajput’s maternal uncle claims the Bollywood actor was murdered, demands CBI investigation into his death

Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who rose to great stardom and has acted in superhit movies such as Kai Po Che and MS Dhoni, committed suicide on Sunday, June the 14th 2020. As per reports, he was found hanging at his home in Bandra. Now, his maternal uncle has contested the presupposition and claims that his nephew was, in fact, murdered.

The maternal uncle of Sushant Singh Rajput has also demanded a CBI probe into the matter. Speaking to media, Sushant’s uncle RC Singh said that the actor couldn’t ever do such a thing and there is a conspiracy behind the whole incident. He said that he finds it difficult to believe that Sushant Singh Rajput committed suicide.

RC Singh also added that they don’t have trust on the state police, and therefore was seeking probe by a central agency like CBI.

The uncle also alleged that a few days earlier, the death of the actor’s manager which was deemed to be suicide was, in fact, a murder as well. He claimed that a nationalist has been murdered in Maharashtra and said that the Rajput Mahasabha demands a CBI inquiry into his death. The Mumbai Police has said that the actor was suffering from depression and he was receiving treatment for it for the past six months.

Sushant Singh Rajput

34-year-old Sushant Singh Rajput rose to fame through television serial Pavitra Rishta and then moved on to Bollywood. He has acted in hit Bollywood films like Kai Po Chhe and MS Dhoni, a film based on cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s life. He also acted in 2018 movie Kedarnath and his last film Chhichhore was released in 2019.

On June 9, his ex-manager Disha Salian too committed suicide by jumping off her 14th floor apartment in Mumbai’s Malad. No suicide note had been recovered from her and investigations are currently on.

Sushant Singh Rajput: Pakistani celebrities get attacked for mourning death of a ‘kaafir’ who committed suicide

OpIndia Staff
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Sushant Singh Rajput: Pakistani celebrities get attacked for mourning death of a ‘kaafir’ who committed suicide

Pakistani celebrities who mourned the death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput were attacked by their fellow countrymen for mourning death of a ‘kaafir’ (non-believer). Pakistani cricketer Shan Masood, who took to Twitter to express his grief over Rajput’s passing was abused for wishing peace upon death of a ‘kaafir’ who committed suicide.

He was told not to pray for peace for the departed soul who is not a Muslim. He was also accused of being a ‘liberal’ for mourning death of a Hindu.

Similarly, Pakistani actress Mahira Khan, who has also acted in Bollywood films, was attacked for mourning over Rajput’s suicide.

One Bushra with Pakistan flag next to her name was particularly hateful without provocation. Another Twitter user explained how suicide is ‘haram’ and anyway a ‘kaafir’ cannot go to heaven. One person even gave a suggestion to Mahira that it is good to show humanity but don’t forget religion for ‘kuffars’ (kaafirs).

Similarly, Pakistani actor Humayun Saeed was also attacked for praying for a ‘kaafir’.

He was also asked to brush up on his Islamic knowledge.

Actor Sushant Singh Rajput commits suicide

Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead in his Mumbai apartment earlier today. As per initial reports, he had committed suicide by hanging himself. He rose to fame from television serial Pavitra Rishta and was seen in Bollywood films like Kai Po Chhe and MS Dhoni biopic.

Read what ‘kaafir’ is and how Allah punishes them as per Islamic scriptures.

India to complete the construction of strategic Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie (DSDBO) road in Ladakh by year-end: Read details

Shashank Bharadwaj
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India to complete the construction of strategic Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie (DSDBO) road in Ladakh by year-end: Read details

Amidst the ongoing tensions between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) over the border dispute in eastern Ladakh resulting in military buildup by both the sides, the Indian security establishment, understanding the seriousness of the border infrastructure, seems to be hurrying upon completing the infrastructure projects that are critical to national security.

According to an ANI report, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is expected to complete the work on the 255 Km-long strategic Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie (DSDBO) road including eight bridges. The BRO will also finish blacktopping at some of the stretches by the end of this year.

“We are planning that the work on the entire stretch should be complete by the end of this year which includes eight bridges of different sizes and blacktopping of the road at some of the stretches,” government sources said to ANI.

The report said that senior sources in the government told them that the labour workforce from Jharkhand has started the movement towards the high altitude locations in Ladakh. The workforce in Jharkhand is considered to be the most suited for working in this hilly terrain as they adapt to the conditions there very well, the sources said to ANI.

With the construction of DSDBO road, there will be a reduction in time of travel for the Indian security forces moving from Leh to Daulat Beg Oldi to six hours.

The BRO gets a very narrow working window in the Eastern Ladakh sector as only four to five months available due to the extreme cold conditions there. The construction of the strategic road has been making for over two decades now, but a special focus was laid on it after the Narendra Modi government came to power in 2014.

Northern Army Commanders, the Border Roads Organisation project chief engineers and commanders of the 81 Brigade looking after DBO have been working in close coordination in the last many years to make sure that the project is completed in time. The engineers also keeping in mind regarding the manner in which the road remains an all-weather road.

The bridge connecting the Patrolling Point 14 in Galwan area with the territory across the Shyok river is also linked to the strategic road.

Strategic importance of Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie (DSDBO) road

The DSDBO road, which runs parallel to LAC, passes through altitude ranging between 13,000 ft and 16,000 ft connecting Ladakh’s capital city Leh, through the villages of Darbuk and Shyok at southern Shyok Valley, with the Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) post near the China border.

The strategic road which has now caused worry for the Chinese, is actually not new but large segments have been realigned and rebuilt by the BRO. The construction of the DSDBO Road by the Border Road Organization (BRO) began 19 years ago in the year 2000 under direct monitoring of the PMO. It was fast-tracked in 2014 after Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of the country.

Image Source: Ashu Muglikar

The strategic importance of the DSDBO road is that it connects Leh to DBO, virtually to the base of the Karakoram pass that separates China’s Xinjiang Autonomous Region from Ladakh. DBO is the northernmost corner of Indian territory in Ladakh, in the area better known as Sub-Sector North by the Indian Army.

Most importantly, from the DSDBO road, a road is being built towards Galwan Valley, a hill feature. The branch road, which is critical for India to overlook the LAC has prompted the Chinese to object and start the current stand-off in Galwan Valley.

For years, the Indian troops have been patrolling near these areas. However, with all-weather road connectivity will provide a huge advantage to Indian troops. Meanwhile, China has objected to the construction of the road and does not want India to continue the construction of the DSDBO, which has now led to the ongoing confrontations.

Incidentally, Daulat Beg Oldi also has the world’s highest airstrip, originally built during the 1962 war but abandoned until 2008, when the Indian Air Force (IAF) revived it as one of its many Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) along the LAC, with the landing of an Antonov An-32.

The Indian Army maintains helipads and a gravel airstrip here, the highest airstrip in the world. The outpost is strategically important as it helps Indian Armed Forces to keep a check on Chinese troops that patrols along the Line of Actual Control.

DSBDO highway gives direct access to Tibet-Xinjiang highway, Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir

Reportedly, The under-construction DSDBO highway gives a strategic advantage to the Indian military as it provides direct access to the section of the Tibet-Xinjiang highway that passes through Aksai Chin. The road runs almost parallel to the LAC at Aksai Chin, which is part of Union Territory of Ladakh, which was later occupied by China in the 1950s, leading to the 1962 war in which India.

The DSDBO’s emergence has resulted in Chinese getting increasingly worried, which was evident by PLA troops intruding into India in 2013 at Depsang Plains, lasting nearly three weeks.

Additionally, the Pakistan-occupied areas of Gilgit Baltistan, which is west of DBO is the region, can also be overseen once the strategic DSDBO road is completed. The Gilgit Baltistan is also the region where China is funding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), to which India has expressed strong objection.

The DSDBO, which ends at Daulat Beg Oldi is at the northern tip, just south of the areas which were ceded by Pakistan to China in under a Sino-Pakistan Boundary Agreement, contested by India.

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