Army actively integrating veterans into national security framework: General Dwivedi
Jaipur (PTI): Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Wednesday said the Army was actively integrating its veterans into the country's security framework and nation-building efforts, while expanding welfare, healthcare and resettlement initiatives for ex-servicemen and their families.
Addressing an event to mark Armed Forces Veterans Day, he said ex-servicemen contributed to India's security, governance, industry and social development well beyond active service.
"Whenever the nation has called, our veterans have stood firmly with the country under all circumstances," General Dwivedi said and described it as a reflection of their "deeply ingrained sense of national duty and responsibility".
Armed Forces Veterans' Day is celebrated on January 14 every year to recognise the service rendered by the first Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Field Marshal K M Cariappa, who retired on this day in 1953.
Highlighting the Army's expanding welfare ecosystem, General Dwivedi said that Project NAMAN, launched in August 2024 to provide a dedicated support system for defence pensioners and their families, has reached a major milestone.
"On the occasion of this Army Day, the 100th NAMAN centre is being inaugurated," he said, adding that the aim is to establish nearly 200 such centres by January next year, including in remote locations.
The Chief of Army Staff said the Army views its personnel, veterans and families as one large unit. "I consider the armed forces to be a strong family of nearly 1.25 crore members," he said, referring to serving soldiers, veterans and dependents.
Stressing the growing contribution of ex-servicemen in strategic planning, he said veterans were being systematically engaged through initiatives such as Shaurya Sampravah.
"Whether it is strategic brainstorming, wargaming, red-teaming or operational planning, your contributions exceeded expectations," he said, referring to veterans' involvement during Operation Sindoor.
The Army chief also highlighted resettlement and employment efforts, noting that more than 17,000 veterans were provided jobs this year alone through the Army Welfare Placement Organisation, taking the cumulative figure to over 1.5 lakh.
Calling on the veterans to remain actively engaged with society, the Army chief said, "Your experience, skill and dedication will continue to benefit the country in the years ahead."
While economic strength shapes a nation's growth, "military strength ultimately forms the foundation of its outcomes", he said.
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Army rescues 135 tourists from landslides-hit North Sikkim, many still stranded
Gangtok (PTI): A total of 135 stranded tourists have been rescued by the Army from North Sikkim, where multiple landslides have snapped road connectivity, officials said on Thursday.
Around 1,000 tourists remain stranded in Lachen, with sustained efforts underway to ensure their rescue at the earliest, they said.
The rescue operation is being carried out by the Trishakti Corps under the Eastern Command amid heavy snowfall, they added.
Critical passes have been opened and alternate routes activated to facilitate the rescue mission, named 'Operation Him Setu', officials said.
A total of 32 light vehicles and 10 motorcycles have been moved out so far, with Army vehicles deployed to tow civilian vehicles across steep, snowbound stretches, they said.
Medical emergencies and those requiring immediate assistance are being prioritised, officials said.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is working in close coordination with the Army, undertaking continuous road clearance, snow removal and restoration of connectivity despite challenging terrain and weather, they said.
"Our foremost priority is the safety and well-being of every citizen. Our teams remain committed to providing all necessary assistance on the ground," an Army official said.
Multiple landslides have disrupted road connectivity between Lachen and Chungthang, an area close to the India-China border.
