As part of its drive to work for the welfare of the people of Assam, the Army achieved yet another landmark when it commenced a computer cadre for 100 students of Government Higher Secondary School, Rangiya. The cadre was inaugurated by Maj Gen AS Jamwal, General Officer Commanding 21 Mountain Division.

The three-week cadre run by 21 Mountain Division Signal Regiment aimed at spreading the computer insight amongst the school going children so as to launch them into the information technology (IT) careers subsequently.

The curriculum was in conformation with the syllabus laid down by aptech computers. On completion of the cadre, successful candidates were issued a joint certificate by the Army and aptech computers which shall help students to pursue higher studies in information technology and assist them in seeking suitable jobs. Seeing overwhelming response, similar cadres have been planned for students in other districts of lower Assam.

It was evident from the response of the students and teachers that the two pronged policy of the Red Horns division of the Army of eliminating insurgency and at the same time working for the social and economic development of the people of the state of Assam is bearing fruit. The strong shift in the inclination of the local population towards social and economic development is yet another step towards eliminating insurgency.

A unique get-together of GBs and village elders of all tribes of the Chakhabama region was organised by HQ 44 Mountain Brigade recently.

Maj Gen RN Kapur, with local Commander of HQ 44 Mountain Brigade interacted with villagers of Tenyimia region. Tenyimia region Chairman, CN Krome was also present on the occasion.

The village elders conveyed their gratitude to Army especially for their efforts in generating employment by 5 Grenadiers under Col Gurinder Singh. The 5 Grenadiers has also set up several poultry farms in the region.

Brig AS Lamba thanked the elders for joining a common platform with the Army. The Commander also assured the elders that it would be his endeavour to work towards a
common goal and to eliminate the gun culture.

The state of Tripura, due to its location, is apparently cut off from the rest of the country. The tribals who live in interior areas further remain cut off from the development process taking place across the rest of India. Keeping this in view, the HQ 3 Corps conceptualised an excursion tour - Bharat Darshan for students of North-East states to different parts of the country. In this tour, a group of 10 boys and 10 girls from the interiors of Tripura were taken to Guwahati, Shillong, Delhi, Dehradun, Mussourie, Lucknow and Allahabad.

The aim of Bharat Darshan was to widen the horizon of the young locals and boost the ongoing operations under the aegis of Assam Rifles. The students, barring two, had neither crossed the border of Tripura nor had ever seen a train. On termination of the tour, the group felt elated and satisfied. Their smiles conveyed, "We too are part of a culturally rich, economically developed and well integrated India".

To recognise selfless service rendered by ex-servicemen, a rally was organised at Misa cantonment by 8 Kumaon under the patronage of 21 Mountain Division.

Speaking on the occasion, Maj Gen AS Jamwal GOC 21 Mountain Division recalled the sacrifices and selfless service rendered by the ex-servicemen to the nation. He apprised them of the various schemes and opportunities which have been provided by
the government for their resettle- ment. He asked them to avail reservation in government jobs and to set up their own entrepreneurship through soft loan schemes.

The ex-servicemen voiced to resist the evil designs of militants to push young children into militancy. On the occasion, Maj Gen AS Jamwal gave away gifts to 16 ex-servicemen and widows for having made a significant contribution to the society in their respective areas. It was followed by a badakhana and a cultural programme. A medical camp and other services, like canteen facility, bank loan cell, grievance cell and self-employment cell established at the venue were fully utilised by the ex-servicemen.