67th Territorial Army Day observed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 07 2016: Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh felicitated all officers and other ranks of 165 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) Assam, popularly known as the Manipur Terriers on the occasion of the 67th Territorial Army Day.

Speaking as the chief guest at a function organised by the State Government at the 1st Manipur Rifles Banquet Hall, 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 purely from the domiciles of Manipur.

The Chief Minister also made a special mention about the Unit’s performance which won an appreciation award from the Eastern Army Command.

Raising of this unit has given a direction and impetus to gainful employment of the youth of the State and further their involvement in the development of the State by taking part in providing security to its citizens, said the Chief Minister.

He further remarked that the battalion has come a long way in helping the people of Manipur since its induction in the State in February 2007 and now has become an inseparable part of the security set-up of the State.

He lauded the Manipur 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 the Assam Rifles units with distinction.

The function was presided by Deputy Chief Minister  Gaikhangam and attended by Ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary, DGP, Maj Gen VS Sreenivas, IGAR(South), Brigadier SKS Chauhan, Deputy GOC, 57 Mountain Division, Commanding Officer 165 Infantry Battalion (TA) Colonel Santha Kumaran and other ranks and families of the battalion.

Mementoes were also presented to the chief guest and the president of the function by the Commanding Officer Col Santha Kumaran on the occasion.

It may be mentioned that the genesis of the Territorial Army can be traced to the first war of independence in 1857 when a volunteer force was raised.

The Territorial Army was formally inaugurated by C Rajagopalachari, the first Governor General of free India on October 9, 1949 .

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