Maj Gen Kulvir Singh Pays Courtesy Visit to 1971 War Hero Lt Gen Anand Sarup at CIJW School Vairengte

Major General Kulvir Singh, Commandant of the Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare (CIJW) School, Vairengte, paid a courtesy visit to Lieutenant General Anand Sarup, Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) (Retd), a decorated veteran of the 1971 Indo-Pak War and a former Commandant of the same training institution. The meeting brought together two generations of Indian Army officers and paid tribute to a soldier whose name is closely linked with one of India’s most consequential military campaigns.

The interaction was centred on recognising Lt Gen Anand Sarup’s service to the Army, particularly his role in the 1971 war that culminated in the liberation of Bangladesh. Maj Gen Kulvir Singh, during the visit, conveyed respect for the veteran’s courage, leadership and commitment to the nation, while also acknowledging the sacrifices of soldiers who fought in the eastern theatre during the conflict.

Lt Gen Anand Sarup is remembered in particular for his leadership of Kilo Force during the war. Then a Brigadier, he commanded the formation, which included Indian Army units as well as allied forces, including elements of the Mukti Bahini. Kilo Force took part in key military operations in the eastern sector and contributed to the campaign in erstwhile East Pakistan.

The formation’s operations formed part of the broader military effort that led to the liberation of Bangladesh in December 1971. Within India’s military history, the role of Kilo Force remains closely associated with the eastern theatre of the war and the operations that helped shape the outcome of the conflict.

For his conspicuous gallantry and outstanding leadership during the conflict, Lt Gen Anand Sarup was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India’s second-highest wartime gallantry award. His service during the campaign continues to hold an important place in the Indian Army’s military heritage.

The visit also reflected a direct institutional connection between the veteran officer and the CIJW School. Lt Gen Anand Sarup previously served as Commandant of the school, which made the interaction especially significant for the training establishment and its personnel.

The Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School at Vairengte in Mizoram is one of the Indian Army’s premier training institutions. It specialises in counter-insurgency operations, jungle warfare tactics and combat training in difficult terrain, preparing personnel for demanding operational environments.

The school is known for emphasising tactical proficiency, leadership, adaptability and operational readiness. It has also earned recognition for providing specialised training to personnel from friendly foreign countries, adding to its wider professional relevance.

The interaction between Maj Gen Kulvir Singh and Lt Gen Anand Sarup served as a reminder of the Indian Army’s effort to preserve its military traditions and honour veterans whose experience continues to inspire serving officers and soldiers. It also highlighted the service’s continuing engagement with its retired personnel and its recognition of their role in the nation’s military history.

The legacy of the 1971 war remains a defining chapter in India’s armed forces history, marked by courage, determination and operational achievement. The meeting at Vairengte stood as a tribute to those who fought in that conflict and to the enduring bond between the Army’s past and present generations.