New Indian Army chief visits Northeast

Having already visited some forward areas of the most difficult sector where troops are deployed in the North -- Siachen Glacier -- within a fortnight since taking over, the Army Chief who intended to visit some of the forward areas in the Northern Area of Responsibility (AOR) of Army's 4 Corps under Eastern Command was forced to change his plans on Monday due to inclement weather. He, however, stated his intent to return at the earliest.

Addressing officers of Eastern Command at Kolkata and Tezpur, the Army Chief who has for most part served in forward areas in the two diverse sectors during his four-decade career, outlined his priorities and expectations from his Officers and troops in fulfilling the mandate of safeguarding the frontiers of our nation at all costs.

Already familiar with the operations in Eastern Command AOR having served in various appointments including as Army Commander, the Army Chief was updated on the Operational Preparedness and readiness status by GOC-in-C, Eastern Command, Lt Gen MMS Rai at Kolkata, and GOC Gajraj Corps, Lt Gen AK Ahuja.

The Army Chief also visited an Infantry Division in Assam overseeing among other things Counter-Insurgency Operations in the State.