Mizoram CM thanks PM Modi, HM Shah for recruitment of 144 Mizo personnel into Territorial Army

Aizawl, May 11 (IANS) Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Monday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi for approving the induction of 144 personnel from the state into the 166 Infantry Battalion Territorial Army.

He described the move as a significant step towards strengthening national security and creating opportunities for the youth of Mizoram.

The Chief Minister on Monday flagged off the first batch of 144 Mizo youths selected for the 166 Infantry Battalion Territorial Army (Home & Hearth), Assam at the Assembly annexe Building Conference Hall.

The first batch, comprising 135 men and 9 women, is scheduled to leave for Shillong from Assam on May 15 for their training in Meghalaya.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that it was a proud and historic day for Mizoram. He stated that previously, he himself was not aware of the Territorial Army, but after learning about it, he immediately appealed to the Central government authorities to sanction a Mizo Battalion of the Territorial Army.

Initially, permission was granted to recruit 70 personnel, but further negotiations resulted in the approval of 144 personnel before recruitment even began.

Lalduhoma, an IPS officer-turned-politician, further added that efforts are already underway to secure additional recruitment quotas. He encouraged as many Mizo youths as possible to join the Territorial Army, stating that besides being a source of employment, the Territorial Army is a noble service dedicated to national security and also serves as a path towards disciplined and responsible living.

Addressing the newly recruited youths, the Chief Minister said that the 144 recruits being sent for training on Monday would serve as pioneers and representatives of Mizo youth. He urged them to give their best, to uphold and showcase the good values and character of the Mizo people wherever they go, and strive to bring honour to the state and its people.

The event was attended by Home Minister K. Sapdanga, Lt. Col. (Retd) Clement Lalhmingthanga, who is also the MLA of Champhai South Assembly constituency and Chairman of the Territorial Army (TA) Establishment & Coordination Committee, Home Secretary Vanlalmawia, Brig. Manoj Kumar Patel, Commander, TA Group Eastern Command, along with other officials from the Armed Forces and Assam Rifles, and senior state officials.

Home Minister Sapdanga also addressed the gathering and said that the Territorial Army combines civilian excellence with military discipline, bringing honour, dignity, and character-building opportunities.

Congratulating the new recruits, he urged them to always give their best, and faithfully carry out their responsibilities and duties. He also reminded them that whenever they feel discouraged during their training, they should always remember that “difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.”

Lt. Col. (Retd) Clement Lalhmingthanga, in his speech, stated that the Mizo Territorial Army became a reality through the sustained initiative and effort of the Chief Minister and described it as a historic achievement that will always be remembered in Mizoram’s history.

He further added that efforts for further recruitment are ongoing, and they are hopeful that a new advertisement may be released around September this year.

Brig. Manoj Kumar Patel also credited the Chief Minister’s initiative and hard work for the establishment of the Mizo Territorial Army and expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister for it.

He further noted that there are still many vacancies within the Territorial Army that they desire to fill.

The Territorial Army recruits will begin their training from next month. Prior to that, they will depart for Shillong on May 15 to complete the necessary formalities.

While the 135 male recruits will undergo their training in Shillong, the 9 female recruits will proceed to Bengaluru for their training.

–IANS

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