Lt General Abhijit S Pendharkar Assesses Assam Rifles' Readiness and Morale in Silchar
Lieutenant General Abhijit S Pendharkar, the General Officer Commanding of the Spear Corps, conducted an in-depth review of an Assam Rifles formation in Silchar today, concentrating on both operational readiness and the morale of the troops. This visit occurs at a pivotal moment, given the sensitive security dynamics along the India-Myanmar border due to regional instability.
During the inspection, Lt Gen Pendharkar engaged with the personnel, praising their professionalism and dedication to their duties. Drawing from his substantial military experience in leadership positions along the Line of Control and his previous role as the Director General of the Territorial Army, he highlighted the strategic importance of the Assam Rifles in maintaining peace in the northeastern region.
The Assam Rifles, comprising over 65,000 personnel across 46 battalions, operates under the dual authority of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Indian Army. Its historical contributions are notable, including significant roles during the 1962 Sino-Indian War and in response to the 1950 Assam earthquake.
In an important outreach effort, the General also met with ex-servicemen in the region, recognizing their service and ongoing contributions to nation-building. This initiative aligns with the ethos of the Indian Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM), which has advocated for veteran rights since its establishment in 2008 and played a key role in securing the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme.
The visit takes place amid continuing ethnic unrest in Manipur, where over 200 lives have been lost over the past year. Lt Gen Pendharkar’s leadership is deemed critical in directing security efforts and reinforcing stability across the volatile northeastern corridor.
