K Himalay, first Maj Gen in the Army from the NE
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: June 02 2011 -

KONSAM HIMALAY, born in Charangpat in Thoubal district in Manipur has distinguished himself, raised the self esteem of his fellow men and brought the entire North Eastern region into the limelight with his promotion to the rank of Major General in the Indian Army.

He is the first General the North East region has produced. Having served more than 30 years in the army with great distinction, the promotion is the acme of his professional career. It has been a splendid achievement.

In terms of numerical content the Indian Army is one of the largest armies in the world. Annually it uses more money than what some small Asian countries do overall in a year.

Because of the immensity of its rank and file it is, needless to say, very difficult to rise to the upper echelons. That General Himalay has done so speaks volumes of the man. When he has made a state and a region proud one can visualise the deep sense of fulfilment his family, particularly his parents must be having.

Himalay's achievement however goes much beyond the fact that he has become an army general. He has become a beacon for the youth and a source of those who wish to join the Army as a profession.

In fact his latest promotion has in effect turned out to be the act of 'crossing the Rubicon'. It is a milestone.

Prior to his becoming a general, in Manipur, the popular assumption people had of those serving as officers in the army was that they would retire as colonels. He has thrown that concept right out of the window.

Many young army officers from the state have expressed their jubilance and pride of Himalay's achievement. And this joy should not be confined to the majority community in the state, but to all ranks of officers from all communities in the state, the neighbouring states and the entire region as a whole.

Related to this glad tidings, the Government of India, the Defence establishment and the Army establishment deserve praise. Promotion to the rank of a brigadier and other higher posts, one understands, in the Indian Army is more often than not influenced by other factors apart from the service itself.

Konsam Himalay had no one to advocate his case, but he had to have one, and he got one. The Army itself. Seen from this perspective the stand of the army establishment has been bold, ground breaking and deeply gratifying. We only hope it is not just a flash in the pan.

It is learnt that General Himalaya will be joined in the rank of General by other officers from the state in the near future. We wish the very best to Himalay and the other officers.

May their tribe increase.