Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday visited Headquarters Inspector General Assam Rifles (South) at Mantripukhri in Manipur and interacted with over 1,000 troops of the Red Shield Division and Assam Rifles. And, urged them to consider their service as "more than service, more than profession" as he emphasised their role as "Friends of the Northeast and Sentinel of Northeast India."
During the visit, the Raksha Mantri 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.
Addressing the troops, he appreciated the officers and soldiers for performing their duty with courage and conviction despite challenges posed by terrain and weather condition 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.
Briefing about the counter-insurgency as well as border management operations on India-Myanmar border to maintain peace and tranquility in the region, the Union minister lauding the contribution of the Red Shield Division ever since its raising, be it in the 1971 War, as part of IPKF in Sri Lanka, or in its present role.
The Raksha Mantri also commended the stellar role of Assam Rifles in the last seven decades and their immense contribution in internal security, securing India-Myanmar border and key role in bringing Northeast into the national mainstream.
“For this reason, you are called ‘Friends of the North East People’ and ‘Sentinels of North East’,” he stated.
Encouraging them to take pride in their great service to the nation, the Raksha Mantri exhorted the forces to keep the National Flag high through unflinching dedication, asserting that India can achieve absolute potential only when its borders are safe.
The Raksha Mantri arrived in Imphal on Thursday and inaugurated the Imphal Derby of Durand Cup 2022 at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium. Addressing a jam-packed audience at the Inaugural Ceremony, Rajnath Singh said: "Delighted to attend the Inaugural Ceremony of the Imphal Chapter of Durand Cup-2022 today. Durand Cup is one of the oldest football tournaments in the world. The Indian Army has done a commendable job by organising the matches in Manipur".
Ahead of the Durand Cup Inaugural Ceremony, the Defence minister attended the felicitation of Veer Naris and paid tributes to the Armed Forces personnel, who lost their lives in the recent landslide at Tupul in Manipur and felicitated the ‘Veer Naaris’.
"The nation will forever remain indebted to their service and sacrifice. The MoD stands firmly by their families," he said.
After his visit to Imphal, Rajnath Singh is scheduled to inaugurate a National Seminar on ‘Introspection: Armed Forces Tribunal’ being organised by the Armed Forces Tribunal (Principal Bench) Bar Association in New Delhi on Saturday.
The seminar is being conducted to examine the functioning of the Armed Forces Tribunal, established to ensure the speedy and inexpensive justice to Ex-Servicemen, their families and War-Widows, besides the serving personnel of Armed Forces.
The objective of the seminar is to analyse its working, suggest remedies for any shortcomings and resolve the problems and difficulties faced by the litigants in course of availing speedy justice, the Defence Ministry said in a statement.
