ITANAGAR, Dec 28: General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Likabali-based 56 Infantry Division, Maj Gen Ajai Verma, separately called on Governor BD Mishra and Chief Minister Pema Khandu here on Friday.
During the meeting at Raj Bhavan, the GOC briefed the governor on the forthcoming ‘veterans’ rally’, to be held on 6 January, 2019, at the division’s headquarters in Likabali.
Commending the infantry division for organising the rally, Mishra said “such programmes connect the veterans in true spirit of solidarity, unity and nationalism.”
He said the Arunachal Pradesh government will be contributing Rs 1,75,000 for the arrangements for the rally, and also informed that Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi has also consented to contribute for the rally.
During the meeting with the CM, Pema assured Maj Gen Verma of every support to meet the infrastructure and other requirements of the Sainik School in Pasighat to accommodate the ever-growing number of students.
The CM said the state government is planning to start two more Sainik Schools from next year “if the technical committee studying the land feasibility places its report.” He expressed hope that with more Sainik Schools, Arunachal would produce more officers in the armed forces in the years to come.
On his part, Maj Gen Verma acknowledged the patriotic nature of the Arunachalee people. “The youths of the state have natural skills to become soldiers, but such potentials remain largely untapped,” he said.
Pema stressed on expanding the civil-military friendship activities throughout the state.
Meanwhile, the outgoing GOC of the 4 Corps, Lt Gen GS Sangha, along with GOC designate Lt Gen Manoj C Pande, also called on the governor and the CM.
During the meeting at Raj Bhawan, Lt Gens Sangha and Pande and the governor discussed the troops’ morale and battle worthiness at the international borders of the state.
Mishra commended the role of the GOC and his troops in reaching out to the people of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly those living in villages along the line of actual control, and assisting them in times of need.
Reiterating his appeal to the army units, the governor asked the corps commanders to continue motivating and training the local youths of the state to join the Indian Army.
During the discussion at the CM’s office, Lt Gen Sangha expressed gratitude to the CM and the people of Arunachal Pradesh for their support, cooperation, love and respect for the Indian Army personnel serving in difficult terrains of the western districts.
“The love and respect bestowed by the people ease much of the pains of the soldiers in remote posts thousands of miles away from home,” he said.
Pema thanked the outgoing GOC for the commendable civil-army relationship he maintained during his one-year tenure. He especially thanked the lieutenant general for conducting Maitree Divas celebrations in Tawang and West Kameng districts.
The CM welcomed GOC designate Lt Gen Pande, and expressed hope that the strong bond between the civil administration and the army would continue with renewed zeal during his tenure. (Raj Bhavan and CMO)