Army commander on visit to N Bengal, Sikkim

SNS,Kolkata, 22 January 2014; Eastern Army Commander, Lt Gen MMS Rai, has embarked on a tour of north Bengal and Sikkim to review the Army's operational preparedness in the region. This is his maiden visit to the region after he took over as the Eastern Army Commander on 1 January.

On Tuesday, Lt Gen Rai visited the headquarters of the Trishakti Corps based at Sukna near Siliguri. He, accompanied by the Trishakti Corps Commander, Lt Gen KJ Singh, is scheduled to visit some of the forward areas in Sikkim today and tomorrow to take stock of actual situation.

The Trishakti Corps Commander, Lt Gen Singh, briefed Lt Gen Rai on various operational, administrative issues and the ongoing efforts to maintain tranquility along the borders with China in the region.

Unlike the Indo-China border in Arunachal Pradesh and the Ladakh region, the border in Sikkim has been peaceful for several years now. In fact, the tranquility has resulted in the reopening of the Nathu La trade route between the two countries in 200

EOI:Lt General MMS Rai, AVSM, VSM, GOC-IN-C Eastern Command, today called on chief minister Pawan Chamling at the latter’s official residence in Mintokgang, Gangtok.

Rai expressed his pleasure and happiness at seeing Sikkim moving ahead on the path to prosperity and credited the CM for its overall development.

He said, “Changes and developments in Sikkim are clearly visible. The infrastructural development across the state under the CM is quite commendable.”

The GOC said the cordial relationship between the state government and the Army will continue in the days to come. He also expressed satisfaction on the Scouts Battalion that has been introduced in the state and said it is a good outlet for the youths of Sikkim. Rai further assured full cooperation from the Army to Chamling and his government.

The GOC also used the occasion to present the CM with a memento.