In a significant recognition of the efforts of the Rashtriya Rifles (RR) in maintaining peace and stability, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Northern Command, Lieutenant General M V Suchindra Kumar, commended the force for their outstanding contributions during the past decades. Speaking at the 13th Rashtriya Rifles Biennial conference held in Udhampur, he emphasized the crucial role that RR has played in countering insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir since its inception in the 1990s.
Lieutenant General Kumar highlighted the importance of the RR’s evolving strategies, urging the unit to remain adaptable and responsive to contemporary operational challenges. He called for continued efforts to re-orient, restructure, and reconfigure the force to ensure it remains a technologically advanced, agile, and capable entity.
The GOC-in-C also encouraged RR troops and commanders to deepen their community engagement, functioning effectively as a counter-terrorism force that is deeply entrenched in the local geography and demography. “Operate for the people and with the people,” he urged, reinforcing the idea that the Rashtriya Rifles should continue to act as facilitators of peace in the region.
Lt Gen Kumar praised the RR’s integral role as emissaries of the Indian Army and underscored their position as vital contributors to both community and national development. He stressed that the overarching goal of community engagement should guide the efforts of all ranks within the force.
In closing, he expressed heartfelt congratulations to all personnel of the Rashtriya Rifles for their unwavering dedication and sacrifices made in the pursuit of counter-terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. This conference, chaired by the Northern Army Commander, also saw participation from notable military leaders, including Major General Anupam Bhagi, Additional Director General of the Rashtriya Rifles, and various other senior officers from Army Headquarters and the Northern Command.
