CM fetes Manipur Terriers
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 09 2013 :
Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh felicitated all officers and other ranks of 165 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) (Home and Hearth), popularly known as the Manipur Terriers on the occasion of the 64th Territorial Army Day.
The function organised by the state government was held at the 1st Manipur Rifles Banquet Hall and was attended by the Commanding Officer 165 Inf Bn (TA) (H&H) Assam, officers, troops and families of 165 Infantry Battalion besides many civil dignitaries of Manipur Government, informed a PIB (DW) release.
The genesis of the Territorial Army can be traced back to the first war of Independence in 1857 when a volunteer force was raised.
The Territorial Army was for-mally inaugurated by C Rajagopalachari, the first Governor General of free India on October 9, 1949 .
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that it is a proud moment for the state of Manipur to felicitate the 'Citizens Army' and the Manipur Terriers is the first and only Territorial Army unit raised from the domiciles of Manipur.
Raising of this unit has given a direction and impetus to gainful employment of youth of the state and further their involvement in the development of the state by taking part in provision of security to its citizens, said the CM.
further noting that the battalion has come a long way in helping the people of Manipur since its induction into the state in February 2007 and now has become an inseparable part of the security set-up of the state, he also lauded the Manipuri Terriers for performing their tasks admirably and setting high standards in all their performances.
The terriers are playing an important task of being an interface between the local populace and the Army and Assam Rifles units with distinction, maintained Ibobi.
The Commanding Officer of 165 Infantry Battalion in his vote of thanks assured the Chief Minister of continuing the good work being done by the unit and in bridging the gap between the local populace and the security forces thus helping the security force to gain goodwill of the population, added the DW release.