In a significant address during the 13th Rashtriya Rifles Biennial Conference held in Udhampur, Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Suchindra Kumar praised the exemplary role played by the Rashtriya Rifles in fostering peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir over the years. He commended the force for its contributions to both community welfare and national development, highlighting their critical role in counter-terrorism efforts within the Union Territory.
Lt Gen Kumar urged the commanders and personnel of the Rashtriya Rifles to sustain their commitment to operating “for the people and with the people,” emphasizing the importance of grassroots connections with the local population. He underscored that the Rashtriya Rifles, as representatives of the Indian Army, are strategically positioned to effectuate meaningful change while advancing community building and national integrity.
During the conference, attended by senior military officials, including Major General Anupam Bhagi, additional director general of the Rashtriya Rifles, Lt Gen Kumar called for a continued evolution within the force. He advocated for a reorientation towards becoming a “lean and mean technology-enabled force” capable of addressing current operational challenges and adapting to future threats in the region.
The discussions at the conference encompassed a range of critical topics, including the prevailing security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, operational preparedness of the troops, training methodologies, and strategies for counter-insurgency operations. The focus was on ensuring that the Rashtriya Rifles remain adaptable and effective in their mandates, reinforcing their established legacy of dedication and sacrifice in the face of adversity.
Lt Gen Kumar took the opportunity to congratulate all ranks of the Rashtriya Rifles for their unwavering commitment to the counter-terrorism mission in Jammu and Kashmir, recognizing the sacrifices made by the troops in their enduring fight against terrorism and their proactive role in stabilizing the region. He reaffirmed the necessity for ongoing efforts that align with both the security needs and the aspirations of the local populace, outlining that this mission should be central to all operational strategies employed by the Rashtriya Rifles moving forward.