No. 07/2018 July 2018 KARGIL VIJAY DIWAS · 2018-07-17 · KARGIL VIJAY DIWAS “Sir, I am on...

No. 07/2018 July 2018www.indianarmy.gov.in

KARGIL VIJAY DIWAS

“Sir, I am on Tololing Top” This was the simple message which Col MB Ravindranath gave to the Brigade Commander on the cold morning of 13 Jun 1999. Tololing had been captured. 2 RAJPUTANA RIFLES lost 10 of the bravehearts. This victory at Tololing changed the course of the Kargil War. It eliminated a major enemy threat. It was due to the bravery of 2 RAJPUTANA RIFLES and 18 GRENADIERS that Tololing was swiftly captured. We salute all the officers and jawans who won us Tololing. Maj Rajesh Adhikari, Maj Vivek Gupta and Naik Digender Kumar received Mahavir Chakra, the Nation’s second highest gallantry award. Here is the story of the battle fought on the night of 12/ 13 Jun 1999.

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Towering over Drass town, Tololing is the highest feature in the Kargil-Drass Sector overlooking NH 1A. If not recaptured, this would have been against our idea of territorial integrity and would have been against interest of 2.75 Lakh fellow Indians across Zojila. This was unacceptable to the nation.

The Battle of Tololing began on 20 May 1999, when the task of recapturing the strategic location was given to 18 GRENADIERS. The enemy was entrenched at the peak, was able to observe own movements and was effectively interfering in our movement. Regardless, the brave 18 GRENADIERS carried on. With near vertical climb, every kilo of load mattered, hence the 2 kg food packets were discarded in favour of more ammunition. The soldiers would need all the ammo they could carry.

Maj Rajesh Adhikari laid down his life in a daring attack which saw him reach within 15 meters of the ridge beyond the Hump Feature. Although two previous assaults had been repulsed, the officer succeeded in reaching a point beyond the Hump. The daredevil attack carried him within 15 meters of the ridgeline. At that point he and his men found themselves surrounded and outnumbered. A bitter close combat ensued in which Maj Adhikari along with Subedar Randhir Singh, Lance Naik R K Yadav and Grenadier Parveen Kumar were martyred. The rest were pushed back. Captain Sachin Nimbalkar and his men were stuck behind large rock on a tiny ledge on a sheer cliff face for three days. Realising the gravity of the situation, the 2IC of the company, Lt Col Vishwanathan led the next attack himself, knowing very well it would be suicidal.

Soon the Artillery was brought in to pound the enemy which moved into location in the cover of darkness. Trucks moved with their lights switched off and two soldiers jogging ahead, occasionally flashing torches to light the edges of the roads. 2 RAJPUTANA RIFLES were brought in for a fresh assault. A team of 90 volunteers under the command of Maj Vivek Gupta were assembled to recapture the important feature.

On 21 Jun 1999 at 1800hr, Artillery fired a barrage on Tololing top. Enemy bunkers were targeted first by Bofors guns and later by the 130mm and 105mm field guns. Counter bombardment from beyond the LC was quickly put out of commission as Indian Para Commandos located the Pakistani batteries and directed effective fire from the Indian side. 90 men of 2 RAJPUTANA RIFLES were divided into three teams, one going straight up the ridge, the other across the lower ridge to cut off enemy retreat and the third team from rear.

Pakistanis opened fire on the crawling Indian soldiers from their advantageous position. Soldiers had to use grenades to take the enemy out from their reinforced bunkers. Maj Vivek Gupta made the supreme sacrifice, but not before capturing two difficult posts, on the icy slopes of Tololing. Hawaldar Yashvir Singh Tomar charged the last of the bunkers and was later found with his rifle in one hand and a grenade in the other.

Lt Vijayant Thapar along with his men was instrumental in capturing the Barbad Bunker with his sheer guts and unmatched courage. He laid down his life in service of the Nation a few days later capturing the Knoll and Three Pimple Complex. At 0410 hr, the radio crackled at the base camp some 20 km away. It was Col M B Ravindranath with a short message to GOC 8 Mountain Div, Major General Mohinder Puri.

All he said was . Tololing had finally been captured.“Sir, I’m on Tololing Top”

BATTLE OF TOLOLINGSaga of Sheer Guts & Unmatched Courage

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Indo-Nepal armies were trained on techniques of intense combat situations, in face of terrorists and

inhospitable terrain during the Ex SURYA KIRAN

This issue of Baatcheet is dedicated to Kargil Vijay

Diwas which commemorates India’s victory over

Pakistani intruders in the Kargil War of Jul 1999. The

edition covers the saga of courage, valour &

sacrifice exhibited by our heroes who fought till

their very last breath to protect the mother land.

The visit of Hon’ble Raksha Mantri to Nagaland is

covered in ‘In Focus’ segment. In the Snippets section

Exercise Surya Kiran and visit of Northern Army

Commander to Siachen Glacier have been covered.

A special page called Major Operations has been

included in this edition wherein Battle of Tololing

Hill is covered in brief.

We request our readers to send good quality, high

resolution photographs along with a write up of 40

- 70 words before the 25th of every month. Inputs

sent on email/AWAN will be preferred.

Kargil Vijay Diwas

Communique

J & K Diary

11

12

North East 13

Veterans Diary and Welfare Activities

Sports & Adventure

14

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Battle of Tololing

Chief's Page

In Focus

Snippets

Regimental Celebrations and Yoga Day 16

CONTACT FOR QUERIESPublisher : Additional Directorate General

Public Information, IHQ of MOD (Army)Office : B-30, South Block, New Delhi-110011

Tele: Off-23018867, 33332Indian Army Website : www.indianarmy.nic.in or

www.indianarmy.gov.inFacebook : www.facebook.com/indianarmy.adgpiTwitter : www.twitter.com/adgpiGSO1 (Pub)Editor Baatcheet Email : editorbaatcheet@gmail.comADGPI : adg-adgpi@nic.inDDGPI : ddg-adgpi@nic.inDirector (OI) : directorioadgpi@gmail.comDir Media : dir4media@gmail.comSocial Media : socialmedia.adgpi@gmail.comWebmaster IA : webmaster.indianarmy@nic.inContact No. : 011-23018867, 33332 (ASCON)

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General Bipin Rawat, COAS interacting with the Kashmir Super 50 students at South Block, New Delhi on 12 Jun 2018

Chief of the Army Staff visited the Army Education Corps Training College and Centre, Pachmarhi on 16 and 17 Jun 2018

Chief of the Army Staff met General Rajendra Chhetri, COAS, Nepal Army at South Block, New Delhi on 07 Jun 2018

General Bipin Rawat, COAS reviewed the operational preparedness in Eastern Command on 10 Jun 2018

General Bipin Rawat, COAS met the bereaved family of Rifleman Aurangzeb at his ancestral house, in Poonch on 18 Jun 2018

General Bipin Rawat, COAS attended the seminar on 'Physical and Mental Issues of Disabled Soldiers' at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi on 20 Jun 2018

THE ELEVENTH EDITION OF GEO-INTELLIGENCE ASIA 2018

The eleventh edition of Geo-Intelligence Asia 2018 organised by Geo-Spatial Media and Communication with Directorate General of Information System as Knowledge Partners and Military Survey as-organisers, took place at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi from 04 to 05 June 2018. The theme of Seminar was ‘Geospatial : A Force Multiplier for Defence and Industrial Security’. Chief of the Army Staff inaugurated the exhibition comprising stalls of various technological firms dealing with the technologies. The sessions in the seminar covered crucial subjects including enhanced situational awareness for Combat, Smart Cantonments, GIS and Logistics, Cyber Security and LIDAR. The seminar witnessed learned speakers putting forth their views during the sessions.

HON’BLE RAKSHA MANTRI VISITS NAGALANDThe Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, visited the Army’s Spear Corps Zone in Nagaland. She was briefed by Lieutenant General Gopal R, General Officer Commanding, Spear Corps on the progress of operations of the Corps which include counter terrorism as well as border management operations on the Indo-Myanmar Border. During this visit to the forward areas, the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri also met and interacted with the local population.

LIEUTENANT GENERAL RANBIR SINGH TOOK OVER AS GENERAL OFFICER COMMANDING-IN-CHIEF

NORTHERN COMMAND On 01 Jun 2018, Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh, has taken over as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Northern Command. He was commissioned in the 9th Battalion, the Dogra Regiment. A graduate of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, he has done his M.Sc from Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, M. Phil in Defence and Management Studies from Army War College, Mhow, M.Phil in Defence and Strategic Studies from National Defence College, New Delhi and MA from King's College London while attending the prestigious Royal College of Defence Studies course in United Kingdom. The General Officer has held varied command, instructional and staff appointments. His command assignments include commanding his own Unit, commander of a Mountain Brigade in counter insurgency operations in the North East, General Officer Commanding of an Armoured Division and General Officer Commanding of a Strike Corps. He was the Deputy Chief of Army Staff (IS&T) before he took over the Northern Command.

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April 2018

Indo-Nepal Army joint exercise 'SURYA KIRAN' conducted at Pithoragarh from 30 May to 12 Jun 2018. The aim of the 14 days exercise was joint training of troops in counter insurgency / counter terrorism operations in both jungle & mountainous terrain and disaster management. As part of the exercise lectures, demonstrations and drills were conducted. Besides promoting understanding and inter-operability between the two Armies, it further helped in cementing ties between both nations.

578 m long tunnel at Theng, North Sikkim was inaugurated by Dr Subhash Ramrao Bhamre, Raksha Rajya Mantri on 07 Jun 2018. The road tunnel built by the Border Roads Organisation will connect two ends of the Gangtok-Chungthang state highway bypassing a landslide prone area.

457 Gentleman Cadets including 74 Foreign Gentleman Cadets from seven friendly foreign countries passed out from Indian Military Academy, Dehradun on 09 June 2018. General Rajendra Chhetri , Chief of Army Staff, Nepal Army reviewed the Parade. The Gentleman Cadets displayed tremendous e n t h u s i a s m , vigour and zeal, putting up an excellent show, marching to the tunes of `Col Bogey’ and ̀ Sare Jahan Se Achha’ with pride.

Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command visited the forward posts at Siachen Glacier on 05 Jun 2018, where he was briefed on the operational preparedness and the current situation. He interacted with troops and complimented their resolve and unstinting commitment.

On 29 May 2018, Sector East along with the Field Office, Bor of United Nations Mission in South Sudan celebrated the 'Peacekeepers Day' in collaboration with the Government officials of Jonglei State and Dr John Garang University at Bor. The highlight of the program was the pipe and jazz band of Indian peacekeepers performing with the choir group of St Andrews Catholic Church singing in one unison the song 'We Shall Overcome'.

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On 16 May 2018, seminar on ‘Energy Scenario and Efficiency’ was organized at Dipatoli Cantonment by Petroleum Conservation and Research Association, an organization of Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, under the aegis of Cockerel Division. The seminar was aimed at enlightening the officers, men and their families about global warming, with special emphasis on ways and means to conserve energy.

To inculcate the sportsmanship, Indian Peacekeepers under the aegis of Sector East (United Nations Mission in South Sudan) conducted Inter Contingent Volleyball Tournament on 28 May 2018 at Bor with a participation of nine contingents from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Republic of Korea and United Nations. Indian Battalion won the finals.

The 'World Environment Day' campaign announced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi was undertaken by the Andaman and Nicobar Command on 05 Jun 2018. The Campaign included t r e e p l a n t a t i o n b y r e s p e c t i v e u n i t s . A

demonstration of waste management was conducted by Defence Wives Welfare Association (DWWA) on the Segregated Waste Management.

Passing Out Parade of Gentlemen Cadets of Technical Entry Scheme and Special Commission Officers was held on 09 Jun 2018 at OTA, Gaya. Lieutenant General Satish Dua, CISC was the Reviewing Officer of the parade. The prestigious Sword of Honour for best in overall performance among TES - 31 Course was awarded to Cadet Dipanshu Soni (CTW CME).

Troops of red shield Division are undertaking relief and rescue operation with effect from 14 Jun 2018 in the flood affected areas of Barkhola in Cachar distt of Assam. One officer, two JCOs and 22 other ranks of Red Shield Artillery Brigade alongwith assistance of Red Shield Engineers contributed in the operations in which total of 800 peoples have been evacuated.

Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK), India and the Global Centre for the Responsibility to P r o t e c t j o i n t l y conducted the pilot ‘Training of Trainers Course on Civilian Protection and the Re s p o n s i b i l i t y to Protect (R2P)’, at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, from 18 to 22 June 2018. 30 officers including eight from Friendly Foreign Countries attended the event.

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KARGIL VIJAY DIWAS

When entire nation sleeps in peace, there are men out there who are guarding territory with their courage and passion that is larger than life itself. It's been nineteen long years since we won Kargil war in 1999. Stories of courage, valour and sacrifices must be told over and over again to inspire generations. On July 26, every year we honour the Kargil War Heroes. Wars are inevitable and so are their consequences; soldiers standing head held high in harshest of conditions to protect their country is devotion in itself. Let's salute the heroes of the Kargil war who helped us to win the war.

Our Bravest of the Braves

thCaptain Vikram Batra, 13 JAMMU AND KASHMIR RIFLES, was ordered to recapture the highest point on Tololing Ridge, peak 5140, where Pakistani invaders had taken positions in bunkers. He was martyred on 26 Jul 1999 while trying to rescue an injured soldier. The peak he died on, Point 4875, is now called 'Batra Top'. He was awarded with the PARAM VIR CHAKRA, the highest military honour for exceptional courage and bravery.

Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey of st1 BATTALION, GORKHA RIFLES,

participated in a series of boldly led attacks during 'Operation Vijay' and forced back the intruders from the Batalik sector on 11 Jun 1999. His leadership led to the capture of Jaubar Top and Khalubar on early hours of 03 Jul 1999. Pandey succumbed to his injuries on the hilltop and was honoured with the PARAM VIR CHAKRA for exemplary grit, courage and leadership.

Subedar Major Yogendra Singh Yadav, 18 GRENADIERS was part of the Commando 'Ghatak', tasked to capture three strategic bunkers on Tiger Hill on 04 Jul 1999. He was fixing ropes for the rest of the platoon to climb but got severely injured from enemy fire. He crawled to the first bunker and lobbed a grenade, killing four Pakistani soldiers and neutralizing enemy fire by killing four more in second bunker. He was awarded the PARAM VIR CHAKRA for his courageous action during the Kargil War.

thSubedar Sanjay Kumar, 13 JAMMU AND KASHMIR RIFLES was the leading Scout of the team entrusted with capturing Area Flat Top, which was being held by enemy on 04 Jul 1999. He was shot in the chest and forearm but sustained the attack despite bleeding profusely. Charged by his act of bravery, the rest of the platoon attacked the enemy bunkers and captured Area Flat Top. Rifleman Sanjay Kumar was awarded with PARAM VIR CHAKRA for his gallantry and courage.

ndNaik Digendra Kumar of 2 BATTALION OF THE RAJPUTANA RIFLES was commander of the light machine gun group during his company's assault on Tololing feature in the Drass sector. The objective was to

capture a well-fortified enemy position. Undaunted and unmindful of his injury he kept firing with one hand and brought down effective and accurate light machine gun fire on enemy. He was awarded MAHA VIR CHAKRA on 15 August 1999, for his courage and grit in face of enemy in the battlefield.

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KARGIL VIJAY DIWASOur Bravest of the Braves

Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari of 18 GUARDS was tasked to gain initial foothold by capturing the forward ridge at Tololing, at a height of 15000 ft. He along with his company moved forward towards the objective under heavy volume of fire, effectively engaging enemy with rocket launchers instantly killing two enemy soldiers. Officer along with his assault team continued to inch forward, under enemy fire. Inspite of grave bullet injuries he reorganised his team and charged once again at second enemy position and captured it, there by ensuring a foothold at forward spur which facilitated capture of Pt 4590. The officer displayed exceptional valour, outstanding leadership in presence of enemy and laid down his life in the highest traditions and was awarded MAHA VIR CHAKRA (POSTHUMOUS) .

thLieutenant Keishing Clifford Nongrum of the 12 BATTALION, JAMMU AND KASHMIR LIGHT INFANTRY, was tasked to assault Point 4812 from the South Eastern direction. The enemy pinned down the column of Keishing Clifford Nongrum with heavy and accurate automatic fire for about two hours. On seeing the futility of own fire against the fortified enemy positions,Nongrum, with utter disregard to his personal safety, charged through the fire zone. Closing in with the first enemy position, he threw grenades into the enemy position and killed six enemy soldiers. He then snatched the universal machine gun of the enemy from the second enemy position and received a volley of bullets in the process. The audacious action of the officer not only stunned the enemy but also gave valuable reaction time to his troops to close in and finally clear the position. For his conspicuous bravery, dogged determination and raw courage in the face of the enemy he was awarded the MAHA VIR CHAKRA (POSTHUMOUS).

thCaptain Anuj Nayyar of the 17 BATTALION, JAT REGIMENT, on 06 July 1999 was tasked to capture an objective, which was a part of the Pimple Complex on the Western Slopes of Point 4875 in the Mashkoh Valley. Captain Anuj Nayyar took over the command of the company and led his company under heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire. Captain Nayyar physically assaulted the enemy which was well entrenched. Disregarding his personal safety, he motivated his men and cleared three enemy positions, however while clearing the fourth position an enemy rocket propelled grenade hit him. Captain Nayyar displayed indomitable resolve, grit and determination which resulted in killing of nine enemy soldiers and destruction of three enemy medium machine gun positions. Captain Anuj Nayyar acted beyond the call of duty and made the supreme sacrifice in true traditions of the Indian Army and was awarded MAHA VIR CHAKRA (POSTHUMOUS).

Major Padmapani Acharya of the 2nd BATTALION, RAJPUTANA RIFLES, on 28 Jun 1999, was assigned the task of capturing enemy position in General Area 3 Pimples. Enemy position was heavily fortified. Major Acharya encouraged his troops and charged at the enemy, unmindful of the grave risk. In the process he was mortally wounded but chose to fight till the last breath. For this valiant act and unprecedented courage Major Padmapani Acharya was awarded MAHA VIR CHAKRA (POSTHUMOUS).

Colonel Sonam Wangchuk is from LADAKH SCOUTS Regiment. In the 1999 Kargil War, then Major Wangchuk led an operation on 30 May 1999 against Pakistani troops on Chorbat La Top. He held his column together and in a daring move led a raid on the enemy position from flank killing two enemy soldiers and cleared axis upto line of control from all enemy intrusion. He was awarded the MAHA VIR CHAKRA for displaying extreme courage and bravery in leading troops in extreme climatic condition of glaciated area.

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ndMajor Vivek Gupta was in command of the leading Company of 2 BATTALION, RAJPUTANA RIFLES during the attack on Tololing Top, in Drass sector on 13 Jun 1999. Inspite of heavy artillery and automatic fire, as soon as the Company emerged in the open, they came under multidirectional intense fire. Major Vivek Gupta unnerved, reacted immediately and fired rocket launcher. Thereafter he engaged the enemy in a fierce hand-to-hand combat and managed to kill three enemy soldiers. Taking inspiration form the gallant deed of their officer, the rest of the company charged onto the enemy position and captured it. However, in the ensuing combat, Major Vivek Gupta succumbed to his injuries. The officer displayed conspicuous gallantry and inspiring leadership in the face of the enemy, which, ultimately led to the capture of Tololing Top. He was awarded MAHA VIR CHAKRA (POSTHUMOUS).

ndCaptain N Kenguruse of 2 BATTALION, RAJPUTANA RIFLES, was martyred at the Lone Hill, Drass Sector on 28 Jun 1999 in the Kargil War. Neikezhakuo Kenguruse was the Ghatak platoon commander during the attack on area 'Black Rock' in the Drass Sector which was concurrently being addressed. Captain Kenguruse scaled the rock wall carrying a Rocket Launcher, which he fired at the enemy position. He thereafter charged at the enemy position and personally killed two men with his rifle and another two with his commando knife. Bleeding profusely yet undeterred, he urged his men to carry on with the assault. Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse and his team subsequently neutralized the enemy position. The Officer displayed indomitable resolve, and determination beyond the call of duty and made the supreme sacrifice, in true traditions of the Indian Army. He was awarded the MAHA VIR CHAKRA (POSTHUMOUS).

KARGIL VIJAY DIWASOur Bravest of the Braves

Colonel Balwan Singh (then Lieutenant), 18 GRENADIERS, on 03 Jul 1999 was tasked to assault the Tiger Hill Top as part of a multi pronged attack. The officer with single-minded determination led the team along a difficult and precarious route under intense artillery shelling to reach the designated spur. The team used cliff assault to reach the top with stealth and took the enemy by complete surprise. Despite being seriously injured, he engaged the enemy in close combat and single handily killed four enemy soldiers. In the complete operation, Lieutenant Balwan Singh indomitable resolve, grit and determination resulted in killing of four enemy soldiers. For this gallant action, Lieutenant Balwan Singh was awarded MAHA VIR CHAKRA.

Captain Gurjinder Singh Suri of 12 BIHAR was Ghatak Platoon Commander On 9 November 1999. He was tasked to clear enemy position, he immediately deployed his support group to nullify enemy interference and set out to clear the bunkers one by one. He killed many enemy soldiers and got injured in doing so. Unmindful of his injuries, Captain Suri continued to inspire his men to accomplish the task. He later succumbed to his injuries. For his dedication to duty and courage he was awarded theMAHA VIR CHAKRA (POSTHUMOUS).

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Transport for Veterans & Veer Naris

• A 20 seater CNG bus service is being run By Dte of Indian Army Veterans (DIAV) as a welfare initiative of AG’s Branch for conveyance of Veterans and Veer Naris.

• The bus is free from Dhaula Kuan bus stand to Delhi Cantt.

QUALITATIVE CHANGES IN CSD CANTEENS

• Canteen Stores Department (CSD) Canteens have undertaken comprehensive measures to enhance the quality of service and comfort in the CSD Canteens.

• The year being the Year of Disabled in Line of Duty, instructions have been conveyed that ‘no disabled person will wait in queue at CSD Counters’.

VETERANS OUTREACH ANDROID BASED MOBILE APP

• 'Veterans Outreach' android based mobile app has been upgraded with advanced features.

• You can download the upgraded Veterans Outreach App from Google Play store.

COMMUNIQUE

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J&K DIARY

General Officer Commanding, White Knight Corps of Indian Army inaugurated an Ex-Servicemen Cell for Ramban District at Chanderkote. The Cell will benefit & address grievances, medical & pension related issues, canteen services & allied support to more than 350 Ex-Servicemen, including veterans and Veer Naris.

To ameliorate the medical problems of populace in far flung and remote areas, medical camps were conducted on 06 Jun 2018 at village Salani, Poonch district. Over 600 locals were provided medical treatment by the Indian Army medical staff.

On 12 June 2018, prestigious centre for Kashmir Super 30 (medical) project was inaugurated by the Chinar Corps Commander in Srinagar. The project has been conceptualised by the Army which is a full time residential programme providing coaching and guidance to children for medical entrance exam for a period of twelve months.

On 24 June 2018, Dagger Division organised ‘Baramulla Youth Festival’ at Prof Showket Ali Mir Stadium. The aim was to provide an opportunity and platform to the youth of Baramulla and adjoining areas to showcase their talents in various fields that complement the formal education and help in the all round personality development. The multifaceted event also hosted a job fair, a free medical camp, career counseling workshops and paramotor display. The enthusiastic response from the youth has once again highlighted the strengthening hopes of peace and prosperity in the region.

On 03 Jun 2018, a fire fighting party was sent immediately from the local Artillery unit to the fire incident location in Boniyar. They sprung into action before the local fire brigade and other fire fighting parties arrived and controlled the fire before it could spread further or could damage lives and property.

Indian Army’s Outreach Progmammes

On 28 April 2018, a unit of Assam Rifles organised a mega Veterans Rally at Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal, Manipur. More than 800 veterans attended the event. A number of stalls were setup to address grievances and provide facilities including CSD, medical assistance, banking, Aadhar and PAN card registration etc. The needy veterans were presented wheel chairs, spectacles, walking sticks and hearing aids at the venue.

On 14 May 2018 as part of joint initiative between Red Horns Division of Indian Army and District Administration, Morigaon, Exercise MEGH RAHAT-II was conducted in the small township of Dharamtul on the banks of Kopili River. Rescue capabilities of Army and role of various disaster management parties were displayed in their full efficiency.

Army Recruitment Rally at Jairampur, in Changlang District of Arunachal Pradesh received an overwhelming response. Approximately, 4300 young boys from 23 districts of Arunachal Pradesh participated in the mega event. Dao Division administrative support made the rally a grand success.

As a goodwill gesture, an interaction-cum education tour was organised by Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre (LSRC) for Mahabodhi School and Riglam Model School at Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, Leh on 13 and 20 May 2018 respectively.

To inspire more youths and acknowledge the selected youths hard work, an Indian Army unit under the aegis of Ball Of Fire Division organized a felicitation ceremony on 20 May 2018. This year out of 53 youths who were trained by the unit, 24 have been selected for Indian Army. This outreach to local population has generated tremendous goodwill especially amongst the local populace.

On 05 Jun 2018, a unit of Assam Rifles facilitated distribution of free LPG gas connections as part of Ujjwala Yojna to 84 families 'Below Poverty Line' (BPL) at Rajkandi Village in Radhanagar District of Tripura.

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NORTH EASTIndian Army contributing towards nation building

VETERANS DIARY AND WELFARE ACTIVITIESWe ensure samman (honour), Sambandh (relationship), Sahuliyat (convenience) and Swasthya (health)

To provide quality educational facility in close vicinity to the children of Nagtalao Military Station, an important milestone was successfully achieved with the establishment of Nagtalao Primary School which assumed full functionality from the academic session of 2018. In a special function organised on 10 May 2018 Mrs Reema Jagga, Zonal President Konark AWWA inaugurated the renovated school campus.

An ex-servicemen rally was conducted by Ladakh Scouts at Karu on 15 May 2018. It was attended by 189 veterans and 57 veer naris. Various informative stalls were established for their benefit by Leh based Pension and Grievances Cell (DPDO), ECHS Cell, ZSWO, DIHAR and Records Ladakh Scouts. In addition, medical and dental health care facility was also provided to them at the rally site.

On 02 Jun 2018, General Officer Commanding, Gurj Division, inaugurated a veteran facilitation centre to facilitate nearly 9000 veterans in Pathankot. An e-lobby by the Punjab National Bank (PNB) has also been established by bank to respond to the pension related issues of the veterans.

Red Shield Division of Indian Army organised a mega ex-servicemen rally at Zakhama Military Station, Nagaland on 15 and 16 May 2018. The theme was ‘We Owe it to You’. More than 450 veterans, six veer naris and 22 widows attended the mega event from Kohima, Phek, Kiphire, Wokha, Zunheboto districts of Nagaland.

A mega ex-servicemen rally was organised under the aegis of Karnataka & Kerala Sub Area at Gonikoppal, Kodagu District. Lieutenant General D R Soni, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, presided over the same. The rally was attended by more than 1200 veterans, veer naris and disabled soldiers. The rally served as a platform to address their grievances to concerned authorities.

Sapta Shakti Command organised a function to reach out to disabled soldiers in the Jaipur Cantt on 27 May 2018. Over 120 disabled veterans and their families attended the event. Globally renowned blade runner Major DP Singh, 1971 Indo – Pak war wounded Captain BS Jodha and Kargil War Maha Vir Chakra awardee Naik Digendra Kumar delivered talks and shared their experiences.

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SPORTS & ADVENTUREEnjoy, Believe and Achieve

The Army Taekwondo Team participated in the 11th Open National Kyorugi & Poomase Taekwondo Championship held at Pune from 10 to 13 May 2018. Approx 900 players from various States/Departmental teams participated in the Championship. Five Gold, four Silver, four Bronze and two Gold medals in Poomsae (demonstration discipline) were won by the Army team.

A Trekking expedition was organized as part of the Golden Jubilee celebration by 'Dah S igna l lers ' f rom Palampur to Minkiani Pass and back from 01 to 10 May 2018. The expedition headed from Palampur and t r e k k e d t h r o u g h Chamunda– Mcleodganj– Triund-Kareri Village- Kareri Lake– and finally scaled the zenith of Minkiani pass located at an altitude of 14250 feet, covering an arduous trek over 160 km crossing the harsh snow peaks of Dhauladhar Ranges.

To foster the spirit of adventure amongst troops of Tripeak Brigade and as a tribute to the very essence of ‘Indomitable Spirit of Armed Forces’, the trekking expedition to Manirang Peak (6593 Mtrs) on Zanskar Ranges was flagged off at Pooh, Himachal Pradesh on 15 May 2018. T h e ex p ed i t io n team comprises of two officers, two JCOs and ten other ranks of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles.

Women Officers Mountaineering Expedition, consisting of nine women officers scaled the Mount Bhagirathi(6512M) located in the Garhwal Himalayas in Gangotri National Park on 11 Jun 2018. The team set new world record of practicing yoga at 19022 feet under professional and practical guidance of expedition leader Colonel O K Pawar.

To preserve the high spirit of adventure and demonstrate high standards of physical fitness, competitive spirit and mental robustness, Gorkha Rifles under St r ik ing L ion D iv i s ion undertook a mountaineering expedition to scale Chomo Yummo

(22180 feet) located in North Sikkim from 24 May to 04 Jun 2018. Chomo Yummo is part of the Greater Himalayan ranges and has never been scaled in the past.

A unit of Red Horns Division organised Integrity Football Premier League at Diphu in East Karbi Anglong District of Assam from 05 to 09 Jun 2018. Eight teams from East Karbi Anglong participated in the event. In a hard fought match, Pilgrims Football Club team emerged as winners by one goal.

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REGIMENTAL CELEBRATIONS AND YOGA DAY

thUtkrisht Untalees celebrated its 50 Raising Day on 26 Feb 2018

rdVictory Sure celebrated 63 Raising Dayon 14 May 2018.

Army Education Corps celebrated its th98 Raising Day on 01 Jun 2018

Northern Command celebrated itsth47 Raising Day on 18 Jun 2018

Eastern Command Zone Central Command Zone Western Command Zone

MONUSCO mission of United Nations in DR Congo

Konark Corps Delhi Area

thOn 21 Jun 2018, 4 International Yoga Day was observed with great enthusiasm in all the Military Stations all over India. Yoga sessions were organised by Indian Army saw huge participation by all ranks and their family.