GOC 3 Corps in town on maiden visit
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 29 2012: General Officer Commanding 3 Corps Lt Gen AK Sahni, accompanied by GOC Red shield Division Maj Gen Binoy Poonnen, today called on the Governor Gurbachan Jagat and Chief Minister O ibobi Singh and discussed security environment of the State.

According to statements issued by PIB (DW) and PRO IGAR (S), the Corps Commander arrived at Leimakhong on June 28 on a two-day maiden visit to Manipur, after taking over command of the Corps.

On arrival Lt Gen Sahni was received by Maj Gen Binoy Poonnen, who also briefed the former on various emerging security/insurgency related issues.

At Mantripukhri headquarters of IGAR (S) Maj Gen UK Gurung today briefed the visiting GOC on the prevailing security scenario in Manipur.

Even though details were not divulged, the statements informed that Lt Gen Sahni and Maj Gen Poonnen discussed security-related matters with both the Governor and the Chief Minister.

Lt Gen AK Sahni at Disha with students

It is said that Lt Gen Sahni also lauded efforts of the soldiers to promote peace in the State and exhorted the soldiers to continue with the good work in a professional manner.

Meanwhile, Lt Gen Sahni visited Disha Boys Home at Leimakhong today and interacting the children remarked that Disha is a pioneering noble venture in Manipur by the Army which caters for upliftment of bright children from the weaker sections of the society.

He expressed confidence that this endeavour will be a remarkable milestone in the annals of Manipur's history and the Army's efforts towards putting smiles on the faces of children who pass through the portals of this lofty institute.

It is indeed a proud moment for our Army and Spear Corps, Red Shield Division and Manipur Terriers to make this humble contribution for the Manipuri society, the PIB (DW) statement quoted the Commander as saying.

The statement highlighted that Disha is a military civic action project of Red Shield Division, run by Manipur Terriers, which houses 25 bright children from the economically backward families of Manipur.

These boys have been selected with absolute transparency from hundreds of names that were sponsored from all over the State.

For the chosen children, Disha has become their home, providing solace, hope and embracing warmth.

Disha is indeed run like a home and events and activities are hemmed in to keep the children involved in the various aspects of life.

Visits by dignitaries who come to Disha are seen as an opportunity for the children to hone their communication skills, enhance their confidence, providing them a vision for their future, the statement conveyed.

From shy, reticent boys, who hesitantly moved around their home, they are now a confident and boisterous lot.

Each and every opportunity is aimed to ensure their overall development, make them self reliant and confident men of character.

As a pioneering endeavour of Red Shield Division, Disha is a growing success story.

Each child is a beacon of hope that it is possible for poor, destitute children to blossom and embark an a journey of endless possibilities.