Manipur: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh interacts with Army & Assam Rifles troopers, lauds them for protecting nation, border

Imphal: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh interacted with troops stationed in Manipur on Friday and expressed his satisfaction with the troops for protecting the border despite the challenges.

Rajnath Singh spoke to about 1000 officers and soldiers at IGAR (South) and listened to their problems and other issues.

He said the troops perform their duty with a sense of pride, courage and conviction which is a challenging task considering the terrain.

Rajnath along with Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, GOC-in-C Eastern Command Lieutenant General RP Kalita and GOC Spear Corps Lieutenant General RC Tiwari met the officers and jawans mostly from Red Shield Division and Assam Rifles.

Army officials also presented detailed information about the counter-insurgency activities and border management along the Indo-Myanmar border.

Rajnath Singh said the Red Shield Division ever since its raising has taken an important role in the 1971 war, as part of IPKF in Sri Lanka and other operations.

He also commended the stellar role of Assam Rifles in the last seven decades and their immense contribution in internal security, securing the Indo-Myanmar border and key role in bringing North East into the national mainstream.

“For this reason, you are called ‘Friends of the North East People’ and ‘Sentinels of North East’,” he stated.

Rajnath Singh exhorted the forces to keep the National Flag high through unflinching dedication, asserting that the Nation can achieve absolute potential only when its borders are safe.

Rajnath Singh after his arrival on Thursday inaugurated the Durand Cup, Imphal chapter and met Chief Minister N Biren Singh, Cabinet ministers. (UNI)