During the year, continued efforts were made
To modernise and upgrade weapons and weapon systems of the Army to prepare it to
Address the requirements of modern day warfare and enhance its combat capability.
The year saw a number of natural calamities in quick succession and it was once again the valiant soldiers who provided relief and rescued precious lives. The role of the Indian Army in international affairs continued with increasing participation in UN
Peacekeeping missions in areas of intense conflict.
In order to perform the varied tasks of national defence, aid to civil authorities, relief and rescue operations and that of UN Missions, a constant process of restructuring, equipping and training the force is also underway.
Modernisation of Army
During the year, continued efforts were made to modernise and upgrade weapons and weapon systems of the Army to prepare it to address the requirements of modern day warfare and enhance its combat capability.
North-East :
The overall situation in the North-Eastern States has been improving steadily. A majority of the Under Ground Groups in this region have been marginalized and sustained operations by the Security Forces have forced a number of other groups to seek Ceasefire/Suspension of Operations.
This has resulted in various peace initiatives of the Government moving in the positive direction. Another significant development has been the emboldening of the masses, which is evident from the people publicly expressing their desire for peace, during public meetings/gatherings.
Assam :
As a result of the sustained operational pressure maintained by the Army, National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) signed a ‘Suspension of Operations’ Agreement on June 1, 2005. This event, alongwith the successful conduct of elections to the Bodoland Territorial Council, has ushered an era of peace and development in the Bodo dominated areas.
Criticism of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) by some of its front organisations is indicative of a very strong desire for peace amongst the population of Assam. ULFA has also formulated a “Peace Consultative Group” to negotiate which the Government of India on its behalf. The Security Forces, have effectively contributed in controlling the ethnic tension/clashes in Karbi Anglong.
Nagaland :
In Nagaland, relative peaceful situation exists. The Army and the Assam Rifles have managed the environment and conducted themselves in very patient, firm and mature manner to ensure that the ‘Peace Process’ gradually moves forward.
The most heartening manifestation of the ceasefire has been the visible enthusiasm amongst the Nagas to openly express their desire for peace.
Manipur :
Sustained operations have been conducted in the three Southern districts of Manipur. The insurgents have suffered heavy attrition and huge quantity of arms and ammunition have been recovered from these areas.
The blocking of National Highway (NH)-39 by agitating Naga Student Unions of Manipur was, to some extent, offset by opening National Highway (NH)-53, as an alternate route to Imphal. Operations were conducted on a war footing on National Highway (NH)-53 and the highway was opened for traffic.
Operations were also conducted astride National Highway (NH)-150 in South Manipur, and the highway was opened for civil traffic after a gap of 16 years. The Security Forces have succeeded in weaning away from insurgency, a total of nine Kuki and Zomi Insurgent Groups, who subsequently agreed for an informal ‘Suspension of Operations’ Agreement with the Army.
Tripura :
Due to sustained operational pressure of the Security Forces on the terrorists, 55 cadres of National Liberation Front of Tripura (Bishwamohan) [NLFT (B)] and 19 cadres of All Tripura Tigers Force (ATTF) surrendered in 2005. More NLFT (B) cadres are likely to surrender, which is indicative of discontentment and frustration among the ranks of the outfit. The overall situation in the State is peaceful.
Mizoram :
The state continued to remain peaceful. A total of 195 cadres of Bru National Liberation Front (BNLF) surrendered on July 25, 2005 pursuant to signing of ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ with the Group.
Operation Sadbhavana in North East :
With a view to assuage any feeling of alienation which might crop up amongst the local inhabitants as a consequence of Army’s counter insurgency operations, the Operation Sadbhavana have been extended to the North-Eastern region.
Under this programme, small scale developmental and community projects have been undertaken by the Armed Forces for the benefit of the civilians in areas where the civil administration finds difficulty in implementing development programmes. For the year 2005-06, a sum of Rs 7 crore has been earmarked for this programme.
* The article was made available by PIB (Defence Wing)
This article was webcasted on October 16th, 2006
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