A meeting of the Operational Group of the United Command was held at Narangi Cantonment in Guwahti. Lt Gen (Retd) SK Sinha, Governor of Assam and Mr PK Mahanta, Chief Minister of Assam, who were invited to address the meeting, complimented the security forces and stressed on synergic, joint and people-friendly operations. The Chief Secretary and the Additional Chief Secretary of Assam, Mr PK Bora and Mr MS Pangtey were also present.

Lt Gen Mahesh Vij, GOC 4 Corps and Commander Operation Group, Mr PV Sumant DGP, Mr GM Srivastav, Additional DGP, Mr PN Ramachandran, IG CRPF and other senior Army, police and para military officers as well as heads of intelligence agencies attended the meeting. Lt Gen Mahesh Vij complimented all the components of the United Command for the smooth functioning. He added that this structure was being looked up as a model in many parts of the country.

The Shillong centre of the Institution of Engineers (India) celebrated the 33rd Engineers Day at the Sarvatra Hall, Shillong Zone. The Governor of Meghalaya, Mr MM Jacob inaugurated the celebrations and speaking on the occasion, he lauded the efforts and activities of the Shillong centre of the institution.

An investiture ceremony was organised recently at Narangi in Guwahati to present a Badge of Sacrifice and Certificate of Honour to Mrs Liti Deka, wife of late Maj Bipul Kuman Deka. Maj Bipul Kumar Deka made the supreme sacrifice on September 21, 1994 while flying on an operational commitment in North-Eastern theatre.

The investiture ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries besides senior serving officers and their wives. Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest Brig KP Nanjappa, a war veteran himself, recalled with pride the acts of heroism and exemplary courage shown by the brave sons of Assam in the face of the enemy. He called upon the people of Assam to eschew violence so that a golden era of peace and prosperity can come back to the state.

Brig KP Nanjappa said that an ex-gratia worth Rs 50,000 would be given to Mrs Deka when received from the Army Central Welfare Fund, Army Headquarters.

The Hillview High School of Assam Regimental Centre, Shillong celebrated its 47th annual day recently. Mr G Pariat, Inspector of Schools, East Khasi Hills district, was the chief guest at the function. The celebrations included a cultural programme presented by the students of the school. It depicted the cultural heritage of the seven sisters of North Eastern region and the unity and integrity of the country. Mr Pariat gave away the prizes to the students who achieved laurels in academic and extra- curricular activities.

Earlier, the Principal of the school, Mrs K Razora, presented a report highlighting the achievements of the school.

- Sqn Ldr T K Singha

Lt Gen HRS Kalkat, Goc-in-C Eastern Command, accompanied by Mrs Mona Kalkat, President, Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) arrived at Guwahati where he was received by Lt Gen Mahesh Vij, GOC 4 Corps and other senior Army and Air Force officials. The Lieutenant General later visited Rangiya and Kokrajhar where he reviewed the insurgency situation.

The Army Commander also visited Tezpur where he was briefed by GOC 4 Corps on the operational situation along the borders in 4 Corps Zone.

Lt Gen Kalkat also paid a visit to Tenga and Tawang where he was briefed on the ground situation. He also interacted with troops deployed on forward posts.