On the evening of July 30, 2024, a 45-year-old Meitei woman, Mrs. Sorok Khaibam Bimola Devi from Pangal Tabi, Manning Lekai, Kakching, was found disoriented near Senam in the Tengnoupal district by vigilant Kuki villagers. Concerned for her safety, the villagers assisted her and subsequently handed her over to the Assam Rifiles at a mobile vehicle checkpoint.
Mrs. Bimola Devi reported that she had become lost while searching for her husband, Mr. Sorok Khaibam Santa Singh, who has been missing for over five months. In her distressed state, she inadvertently wandered from Pallel into the Kuki-inhabited area of Village Senam.
The Kuki villagers, recognizing her confusion and distress, extended a helping hand in a demonstration of goodwill and community harmony. They safely transferred her to the Assam Rifiles, who then escorted Mrs. Bimola Devi to the Pallel Police Station for further assistance.
This incident not only underscores the compassionate response of the Kuki villagers during a time of heightened communal tension in the state but also highlights the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in ensuring the safety of individuals in distress.
The actions taken by the villagers and the Assam Rifles exemplify the potential for unity and mutual support among different communities in Manipur.
A 19-year-old man from Jalgaon, Maharashtra, named Om Yevale, was arrested for attempting to enter the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) in Gandhinagar with a forged admit card. The incident occurred during the selection interviews for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy.
The forgery came to light when the Indian Air Force (IAF) officials were verifying documents of the candidates at the 3 AFSB, Gandhinagar. It was discovered that Yevale had altered an admit card belonging to another candidate, Nikhil Dhakne, to appear for the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview for which he was not eligible.
Inspector Virendra Kher of the Sector-21 police in Gandhinagar detailed that Yevale, who had failed the NDA exam, used the roll numbers of successful candidates published on the UPSC website. He then manipulated the admit card using a software on his cellphone to insert his own name.
Following the discovery, Yevale was handed over to Gandhinagar police by the IAF, and he now faces charges of forgery and presenting a forged document as genuine. The case highlights the stringent measures in place to ensure the integrity of the selection process for India’s defence forces.
Lt Gen Manjit Kumar, AVSM, Chief of Staff of Southern Command, recently visited the Bald Eagle Brigade and the Abhay Ajay Regiment of the First In Battle Air Defence Brigade. During his visit, he was thoroughly briefed on the operational readiness of the formation and conducted a review of their operational logistics and administrative matters.
The General Officer praised all ranks for their operational readiness, professional competence, and exemplary training standards.
He highlighted the importance of maintaining such high standards to ensure the effectiveness and responsiveness of the units in various operational scenarios.
In addition to the operational aspects, Lt Gen Kumar also had the opportunity to witness firsthand the innovative practices and adventure activities undertaken by the unit.
These activities not only enhance the skills of the personnel but also boost morale and foster team cohesion within the ranks.
The visit underscores the Southern Command’s focus on ensuring that its units are not only well-prepared in terms of combat readiness but also continuously engaged in activities that promote innovation and adaptability.
Lt Gen Kumar’s commendation serves as a testament to the dedication and hard work of the personnel in maintaining the highest levels of preparedness.
Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Command, recently visited the Sudarshan Chakra Corps to assess their operational preparedness, training regimes, and ongoing capability enhancement initiatives. During his visit, the Army Commander motivated all ranks to stay focused and committed to pursuing excellence in their respective roles.
Lt Gen Seth took the opportunity to felicitate individuals within the corps for their outstanding performance and professionalism.
His commendations emphasized the high standards of operational readiness and dedication exhibited by the troops, reflecting the rigorous training and strategic foresight embedded within the corps.
Additionally, during a windshield tour of the Bhopal Military Station, Lt Gen Seth expressed his appreciation for the significant transformation of the cantonment area.
He highlighted various initiatives that have been implemented during his tenure, which have contributed to the modernization and improvement of facilities and infrastructure at the station.
The visit underscores the Southern Command’s commitment to maintaining a high state of readiness and enhancing the operational capabilities of its forces.
Lt Gen Seth’s leadership continues to drive significant advancements within the command, ensuring that the forces are well-prepared to meet contemporary and future challenges.
Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair has marked a significant milestone in the history of the Indian Armed Forces by assuming the role of Director General Medical Services (Army) on August 1, 2024. This appointment makes her the first woman to ever hold this prestigious position. Before this historic achievement, she also distinguished herself as the first woman to serve as Director General of Hospital Services (Armed Forces) upon her promotion to the rank of Air Marshal.
Lt Gen Nair’s illustrious career began after graduating from the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, where she excelled academically. Commissioned into the Army Medical Corps in December 1985, she has since gained extensive qualifications including a Post Graduate degree in Family Medicine, Diplomas in Maternal & Child Health and Health Care Management, and advanced training in Medical Informatics at AIIMS, New Delhi.
Her training portfolio is further enhanced by her international experiences in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Warfare with the Israeli Defence Forces, and in Military Medical Ethics with the Swiss Armed Forces in Spiez. Lt Gen Nair also served as the first woman Principal Medical Officer of both the Western Air Command and the Training Command of the Indian Air Force.
Additionally, Lt Gen Nair contributed her expertise as a member of the Dr Kasturirangan Committee, helping to draft the medical education component of the National Education Policy. Her exemplary service has been recognized with multiple commendations, including those from the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command, and Chief of the Air Staff, as well as the Vishisht Seva Medal awarded by the President of India.
Lt Gen Nair’s ascent to the top of military medical services is not only a personal triumph but also a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to promote gender equality within the Indian Armed Forces. Her pioneering career is expected to inspire many young women to pursue leadership roles within the military sector.
She is effectively only the second woman officer who has served throughout in the Indian Air Force to be promoted to the rank of Air Marshal. The first woman officer to achieve this was Air Marshal Padma Bandopadhyay (Retd).
In a commendable act of vigilance, troops from the Territorial Army of SpearCorps, Indian Army, averted a potential train disaster in Manipur on July 30, 2024.
The alert soldiers successfully stopped a goods train carrying 21 wagons of rice just short of an area where the tracks had been damaged by a recent landslide.
The timely intervention by the patrol team ensured that the train, which was en route to Khongsang, did not traverse the compromised section of the railway, potentially preventing a severe accident.
This quick response highlights the critical role of the Territorial Army in regional safety and their effectiveness in emergency situations.
The Indian Army and Territorial Army’s proactive approach and commitment to public safety continue to be a cornerstone of their operations, ensuring the well-being of citizens and the security of critical infrastructure such as the Indian Railways in challenging conditions.
The Corps Commander of Vajra Corps recently visited the Siramani Brigade, where he commended all ranks for their dedication and high level of preparedness.
During his visit, he focused on the strategic importance of being proactive, innovative, and technologically adept to transform the brigade into a force ready for future battles.
The Corps Commander praised the soldiers and officers of the Siramani Brigade for their commitment to maintaining a state of readiness.
He emphasized the need for continuous adaptation to new technologies and innovative tactics that are crucial for staying ahead in modern warfare. Encouraging a forward-thinking mindset, he urged the brigade to integrate more advanced tech solutions into their operations.
This visit underscores the importance of readiness and innovation within the armed forces, aligning with broader military goals to enhance capabilities in response to evolving threats.
The Corps Commander’s encouragement for a more tech-savvy approach reflects the military’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its forces through modernization and strategic foresight.
Officers from the Higher Command Course-53 recently visited the Headquarters of the Northern Command where they were briefed by Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar, the Army Commander of Northern Command.
The interaction focused on acquainting the officers with the operational dynamics along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the Line of Control (LoC).
During the visit, Lt Gen Suchindra Kumar provided valuable insights into the strategic, operational, and tactical aspects of managing the sensitive borders.
The officers were given an in-depth understanding of the complexities involved in maintaining security and stability in these critical areas.
The visit is part of the course’s curriculum designed to enhance the strategic skills of high-ranking officers, preparing them for senior leadership roles within the Indian Army.
The exposure to real-world scenarios and direct interactions with top commanders are crucial in equipping the officers with the knowledge and expertise required to handle future challenges effectively.
Lt Gen Devendra Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Army Training Command (ARTRAC), recently visited the Institute of Military Law (IML), where he was briefed on the latest training activities and the adaptations in the curriculum to meet future requirements.
The visit included an overview of ongoing infrastructural developments at the institute.
During his visit, Lt Gen Sharma reviewed the various educational programs and training modules that are being fine-tuned to align with the evolving needs of military law.
The adaptations are part of broader efforts to ensure that legal training remains robust and relevant, preparing personnel adequately for the complexities of modern military operations.
The Army Commander praised the institute’s initiatives in advancing military law education and stressed the importance of aligning training closely with the operational and administrative requirements of the services.
His endorsement underscores the critical role of specialized legal training in maintaining the highest standards of discipline and legality within military operations.
The visit highlights ARTRAC’s commitment to fostering educational environments that are equipped to handle the dynamic challenges faced by military personnel today.
This focus on continuous improvement and development in training infrastructure at the Institute of Military Law is set to enhance the efficacy and relevance of legal education within the armed forces.
The tragic aftermath of the landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district has seen the death toll rise to 84, with around 116 individuals reported injured, as per the latest updates from the Kerala Revenue Minister’s office on Tuesday. The injured are currently receiving treatment in various district hospitals.
Kerala’s Chief Secretary, V Venu, confirmed that over 80 bodies have been recovered as rescue operations continue in the landslide-affected regions of Wayanad. The severity of the situation has prompted a large-scale response from multiple government bodies and forces.
Union Minister of State, George Kurian, is set to lead the relief and rescue efforts, acting on directives from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kurian will be coordinating with teams from the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF), paramilitary forces, and local government officials to streamline the operations. Kerala Forest Minister Saseendran has already reached the affected areas to oversee the damage assessment and immediate response measures, with State Minister Ramachandran Kadannappalli expected to join soon.
Adding to the efforts, a delegation of state ministers from the Revenue, Public Works, and Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Departments is en route from Thiruvananthapuram, aiming to provide additional support on the ground. The Indian Navy has dispatched a team from Ezhimala Naval Base in Kannur, including 30 specialist swimmers, to assist at the landslide site in Chooralmala, where conditions worsened following torrential rains.
The Indian Army has also been heavily involved, with around 200 personnel from the DSC Centre Kannur and 122 TA Battalion from Kozhikode dispatched to Wayanad. The Army, along with two Indian Air Force helicopters from Sulur Air Force Station, are actively participating in the rescue operations. Despite challenges such as a collapsed main bridge in the town of Chooralmala, the military and NDRF teams have managed to rescue approximately 150 people from Mudakkayi village, providing necessary medical aid and relocating them to safer locations.
The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for heavy rainfall across eight districts in Kerala, complicating the ongoing rescue efforts and increasing the risk of further landslides and flooding.
The situation in Wayanad remains critical, with ongoing efforts from national and state forces converging to manage the crisis effectively and mitigate further loss of life and damage. The community, while facing adverse weather conditions, continues to see remarkable acts of bravery and coordination among the various teams involved in the life-saving operations.
