IT News
Imphal, August 19:
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Headquarters Inspector General Assam Rifles (South) at Mantripukhri in Manipur today and interacted with troops of Red Shield Division and Assam Rifles. He was accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, GOC-in-C Eastern Command Lieutenant General RP Kalita and GOC Spear Corps Lieutenant General RC Tiwari along with other senior officers of Army and Assam Rifles. During the visit, the Defence Minister was briefed about the counter-insurgency as well as border management operations on Indo-Myanmar border to maintain peace and tranquility in the region.
Addressing the personnel, Rajnath Singh appreciated the officers and soldiers for performing their duty with courage and conviction despite challenges posed by terrain &weather and improving the security situation in Manipur. It’s a matter of great pride to stand amongst the Indian Army and Assam Rifles troops, he said.
The Defence Minister lauded the contribution of Red Shield Division ever since its raising be it in 1971 war, as part of IPKF in Sri Lanka or in its present role. He commended the stellar role of Assam Rifles in the last seven decades and their immense contribution in internal security, securing Indo-Myanmar border and key role in bringing North East into the national mainstream. “For this reason, you are called ‘Friends of the North East People’ and ‘Sentinels of North East’,” he stated.
Defence Minister exhorted the forces to keep the National Flag high through unflinching dedication, asserting that the Nation can achieve absolute potential only when its borders are safe. More than 1,000 troops of Red Shield Division and Assam Rifles took part in the interaction with the Defence Minister.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Chief Minister N Biren Singh over an elaborate breakfast on Friday at his Luwangshangbam residence.
The defence minister was given a rousing welcome en route to the chief minister’s private residence. Indian Army chief General Manoj Pande, several state ministers and BJP leaders, including the party’s state president A Sharda Devi, also attended the meeting.