Shillong, Dec 16: A Special Day Cover was released with traditional military élan and fervour on16 Dec 13, to commemorate 50 glorious years since the raising of HQ 101 Area as well as to recognize the yeoman service rendered by it to the Indian Army and the Nation. The cover was released by the Chief Justice of Meghalaya, Honourable Shri Prafulla Chandra Pant in a majestic ceremony held at Rhino Auditorium, Shillong.
Headquarters 101 Area was raised in 1963, initially named as Headquarters 101 Communication Zone, for provision of logistic support to the field formations which had moved to the North East Region in the wake of Chinese Aggression in 1962. During 1966, when Mizoram was gripped with insurgency, the Formation was tasked to conduct Counter Insurgency Operations in Mizoram and did a memorable job in winning the hearts and minds of the local populace.
The Formation continued to perform this task till 1969, when a new Army Division took over this responsibility. During the 1971 War, the Formation took active part in Combat Operations in Sylhet and Mymensingh Districts of the erstwhile East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and was the first to reach Dacca, thereby earning the laurel “FIRST IN DACCA”.
The mega event was attended by serving as well as the retired Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers and Other Ranks of the Area as also many civilian dignitaries. The Chief Guest in his address lauded the role and achievements of Headquarters 101 Area over five decades of its existence. A photo exhibition highlighting the role played by Headquarters 101 Area in its glorious journey since its raising was also a centre of attraction.
Lieutenant General RS Panwar, Sena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, GOC 101 Area along with other officers paid homage to the martyrs at the war memorial on the Occasion of “Vijay Diwas”. This day is celebrated each year on 16 Dec to commemorate the magnificent victory of Indian Armed Forces over Pakistan and leading to the historic creation of the nation of Bangladesh. (SP News)
