AFOVA New Letter 2 of Year 2021

Section 7 – Panorama CV 2 No. 02 / 2021 Page 294 of 332 A push start would entail slinging the weapons (two SLRs and a sten) across the chest and pushing up a steep incline. Sitting (or more aptly pushing) ducks once again. We were still inside, pondering, when there was a sudden surge behind us. A horde of heavily-built men broke cover and approached the Gypsy. The Gypsy shot forward with mob power, the engine faltered, started and ran up a smoke screen and jolted forward as the driver revved and released the clutch. The happy villagers ran along on both sides, waving and smiling as we gathered speed and went our way. Heading towards the fields of Kashmir’s Saffron Town- Pampore, on the outskirts of Srinagar. I asked myself. Friends or Enemies? About the Author Wg Cdr Sampath is a third-generation service veteran. He has been posted to stations throughout the country, including those in hostile territory. Directly involved in the Kargil operations, whilst posted at a forward base, he was awarded an M-in-D. A keen sportsman having played competitive tennis and basketball in his youth, he is now a golf addict. An avid reader, he keeps himself well-informed, through a well- stocked library. Having left the service on voluntary retirement, he has settled in Chennai.