Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, October 15 2009:
The 'Manipur Territorial Army Battalion' celebrated Territorial Army Day on 09th October by organising various events spread over four days.
It was a proud moment for the 'Citizen Army' of the state of Manipur, ie.
165 Territorial Army Infantry Battalion (Home and Hearth) ASSAM.
The unit is also called 'Manipur Terriers' as it constitutes the youth from Manipur.
The function started at Raj Bhavan, Imphal on 06 Oct 2009 where in Col George Jacob, Commanding Officer and Sub Maj & Hony Lt S Maniyai Singh of Manipur Territorial Army called on His Excellency Shri Gurbachan Singh Jagat, the Governor of Manipur.
A Memento was presented to the Governor of Manipur by Col George Jacob.
On 07th October, a medical camp was organised by the 'Manipur Terriers' at T Lialunphai village near Sugnu Town.
The camp started at 9 AM and was thronged by some 700 people from villages around Sugnu town.
During the event free medical check-up, medicines and first aid was provided to the people.
One Dental doctor also provided dental check up and treatment at this camp.
Health movies were also played on this occasion to educate the populace and medical advice on water hygiene, prevention of malaria and other communicable diseases was also disseminated.This medical camp was first one of its own kind ever held in this area and was very much appreciated by the local population.
On 08th October, a "Run For Fun" was flagged off By Maj Gen Shakti Gurung, VSM, General Officer Commanding of 57 Mountain Division at Leimakhong.
A large number of civilians, children, ladies, and soldiers participated in the "Run For Fun" which culminated with a sumptuous tea party for all participants.
On 09th Oct 2009, the honorable chief Minister of Manipur Shri O Ibobi Singh, facilitated the officers and all ranks of 'Manipur Terriers' by holding a function at 1st MR Auditorium at Imphal.
The Chief Minister said the Manipur Territorial Army has come a long way in helping people of Manipur since its raising on 01 Nov 2005. The function was attended by Maj Gen Shakti Gurung, VSM, GOC, 57 Mountain Division, besides many civil dignitaries of Manipur Govt.A Memento was presented to the Chief Minister by Col George Jacob, Commanding Officer of 'Manipur Terriers'.
The genesis of the Territorial Army in India can be traced back to the first war of Independence in 1857, when a volunteer force was raised.
The Territorial Army was formally inaugurated by Sir C Rajagopalchari, the first Governor General of free India on 09 Oct 1949. Thus, 09th Oct is celebrated as the Territorial Army Day and this year makes the Diamond Jubilee year of the Territorial Army.