CM applauds role of TA
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 09 2015 :
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has lauded the role of the Territorial Army, Manipur Chapter in maintaining peace and bringing development in the State.
The Chief Minister was speaking as chief guest at the 66th Raising Day of Territorial Army at the banquet hall of 1st Bn Manipur Rifles today.
PHED Minister I Hemochandra was the president of the function organized by the State Government.
Among others, Chief Secretary O Nabakishore, DGP Shahid Ahmad, 57 Mountain Division GOC Maj Gen PN Rao, officers, personnel and families of 165 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) (Home and Health) also attended the function.
Speaking at the occasion, O Ibobi said that 165 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) (Home and Health), popularly known as Manipur Terriers has come a long way in helping the people of Manipur since its inception in the State in February 2007 and now it has become an inseparable part of the security set-up of the State.
He said that it was a proud moment for the State to felicitate the 'Citizens Army'.
The Manipur Terriers is the first and only Territorial Army unit raised from Manipur, he added.
Raising of this unit has given a direction and impetus to employment of youth of the State and their involvement in the development of the State, he said.
He lauded the Manipur Terriers for performing their tasks admirably and setting high standards in all their performances.
The Manipur Terriers is playing an important task of being an interface between the local populace and the Army and Assam Rifles units with distinction, he said.
He also said that after the India became independent from the British rule, the country felt the need to have a sizeable reserved force of trained citizens to support the regular army.
The Territorial Army Act 1948 was passed by the Parliament resulting in setting up of the present TA and it was formally inaugurated by C Rajagopalachari, the first Governor General of free India on October 9, 1949, he said.
He also said that luminaries who were associated with the TA included Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Brig (retired) KP Singh Deo, Managing Director of Mohan Making Limited Kapil Mohan, MP Maj Manveer Singh and cricketer Kapil Dev.
The Chief Minister said that TA is actively working in numerous fields as it has an Infantry Battalion (Ecological Task Force), Railway Engineering Unit, Oil Sector Unit, General Hospital and Home and Hearth Battalions.
Saying that Manipur Terriers is a large unit having over 1000 personnel, the Chief Minister said that it has eight companies across the State under 57 Mountain Division and IGAR (South).
He also said the State Unit of TA is performing their task admirably and it has set high standards.
The personnel of TA are present in small detachments in all the Assam Rifles and Army units in the State to help security forces understand the peculiarities of the State and carry out the operational tasks with humane approach.
The Chief Minister also said that TA has helped the security forces in Manipur to gain tremendous goodwill of the local people.
Through their commitment, bravery and sacrifice, TA personnel continue to serve the society which is truly an inspiration to the youth of the Nation, he said.
Lt Col S Anup Singh, Officiating Commanding Officer of 165 Infantry Battalion, in his vote of thanks speech 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.