Imphal, July 28 (IANS) Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth on Tuesday reviewed the prevailing security situation in Manipur and the extensive nation-building initiatives being undertaken by the Army formations and the Assam Rifles to promote peace, stability and development across the state and the wider Northeastern region.
General Seth, who is on an official visit to the Spear Corps, also attended the inaugural ceremony of the Imphal leg of the 135th Durand Cup at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal. Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and other senior civil and military dignitaries were present on the occasion.
During his visit, the Army Chief interacted with senior Assam Rifles officers under the Inspector General Assam Rifles (South) and Inspector General Assam Rifles (East), and reviewed the operational preparedness of the security formations deployed in the state.
The Army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) said in a post on X: “General Dhiraj Seth, COAS, during his ongoing visit to Spear Corps, was briefed on the prevailing security situation in Manipur.” “The COAS was also briefed on the operational preparedness of Inspector General Assam Rifles (South), Inspector General Assam Rifles (East) and the Red Shield Division.”
“He also reviewed the extensive nation-building initiatives being undertaken by the formations and the Director General Assam Rifles to promote peace, stability and development across the region,” the post added.
According to the ADGPI, the Chief of the Army Staff also interacted with troops and exhorted them to remain vigilant, operationally agile and future-ready to effectively address evolving security challenges while continuing to contribute towards lasting peace and stability in the region.
Meanwhile, an official at the Raj Bhavan said the inaugural ceremony of the Imphal leg of the 135th Durand Cup 2026 at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium showcased India’s rich cultural and martial heritage through a colourful array of performances. The event featured Military Band Fusion, Mallakhamb, Kalaripayattu, Chenda Melam, Manipuri folk dances, the traditional martial art Thang-Ta, tribal dances and several other cultural presentations, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere for the prestigious football tournament.
Established in 1888, the Durand Cup is Asia’s oldest football tournament and remains one of India’s most prestigious sporting events, symbolising sporting excellence, military tradition and national pride. The opening match of the Imphal leg of the tournament was played between TRAU FC and NEROCA FC.
–IANS
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