By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 22: Traditional military elan and fervour was plapable during the celebration of the 61st Raising Day of Headquarter 101 Area here on Monday.
Major General Amar Ramdasani, Yudh Seva Medal, Chief of Staff, Headquarter 101 Area, laid a wreath at the Prerna Sthal War Memorial in Shillong.
It may be mentioned that Headquarter 101 Area was raised in 1963 as Headquarter 101 Communication Zone, with the primary responsibility to provide logistics support to field formations which had moved to the Northeast region in the wake of the Chinese aggression in 1962.
In 1966, when Mizoram was gripped with insurgency, the formation was tasked to conduct counter insurgency operations in Mizoram. The formation did a commendable job of winning the hearts and minds of the local populace and continued to perform this task till 1969 and was instrumental in restoration of peace in Mizoram.
During the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, HQ 101 Area took active part in combat operations in Sylhet and Mymensingh districts of the erstwhile East Pakistan (Now Bangladesh) and was the first to reach Dacca, thereby earning the accolade ‘First in Dacca’.
Lieutenant General Sanjay Mallik, General Officer Commanding 101 Area, has conveyed his best wishes to the troops of the Headquarter 101 Area and exhorted all ranks to dedicate their lives in the service of the nation and pledge to discharge their responsibilities in the best traditions of the Army.
It is worth mentioning that the day was also observed to commemorate, with reverence, the contribution of all brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice, in the line of duty. The event was also attended by serving personnel, their families and veterans.