Eastern Army Commander calls on Guv, discusses security issues

ITANAGAR, Mar 17: General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of Indian Army’s Eastern Command, Lieutenant General Rana Pratap Kalita on Friday called on Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt General (Retd) KT Parnaik at Raj Bhavan here and discussed security and welfare related issues.

The Governor and the General officer discussed joint efforts of the Army and the State to enable development and consolidation of the border villages, enhancing their livelihood and ensuring security of the borders, a communique from the Raj Bhavan said.

The Governor complimented the GOC-in-C for the high operational readiness and morale of the troops deployed on the Line of Actual Control. He also complimented the Eastern Army Command for maintaining friendly relations with the civil administration and fostering goodwill amongst the people residing in the border areas.

Parnaik suggested the GOC-in-C for conducting pre-recruitment rallies and motivational camps for the youth of the State in the Agniveer recruitment with special focus in the three southern Arunachal districts of Tirap, Changlang and Longding. He said that such initiatives will give impetus to the efforts of the Central and State Governments in bringing an end to the militancy in the region.

The Governor also suggested for procurement of perishable items for meeting requirements of the Army deployed in Arunachal Pradesh, from the local farmers, which will enhance the local economy and also augment the goodwill amongst the people.

Meanwhile, the Governor, on behalf of the people of the State, conveyed condolences through the GOC-in-C to the bereaved families of the deceased pilot Lt Col VVB Reddy and co-pilot Major Jayanth A of Army Aviation, who died on Thursday in the line of duty. “Their commitment to their duties and supreme sacrifice will be always remembered by the people of the State,” he said.

Earlier, the GOC-in-C, who is the overall head of the Army formation in the Eastern Region, briefed the Governor about the preparedness of the Armed Forces, the communiqué added.