Shillong, April 22: Headquarter 101 Area celebrates its Golden Jubilee today. The day commenced by paying tribute to the martyrs. Lieutenant General RS Panwar Sena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, General Officer Commanding (GOC) HQ 101 area laid a wreath at the Shillong War Memorial in the presence of all senior army officers of Shillong.
On the occasion of Golden Jubilee GOC addressed all army officers and troops. Speaking on the occasion he said that 101 Area Headquarter has an important part to play within the Indian Army. Every year several soldiers trained by the 58 Gorkha Training Centre and Assam Regimental Centre of Shillong are deployed in various units defending the national boundaries.
Headquarters 101 Area is based at Shillong from the last 50 years and is one of the most important army establishments in Meghalaya, its importance increase manifold situated in the Capital city of the State.
He further said that the discipline of all personnel of the station needs to be exemplary. It is important for all to respect the honour of their uniform and inspire the youth to join the Indian Army. He emphasized on the need for every individual in the army to be responsible towards carrying out his duties in an exceptional and professional manner and live up to the rich tradition of the Indian Army.
He concluded by congratulating the officers and troops on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee and wished their families best of health and happiness.
HQ 101 Area was raised on 22 Apr 1963; it is also called the Rhino area, due to the field of operations in the North East. The task of 101 area was provisioning of logistic support to field formations which had moved into North East Region after the Chinese aggression of 1962.
During 1966 this formation was also tasked to conduct Counter Insurgency Operations in Mizoram. During 1971 Operations, Headquarter 101 area took active part in Combat Operations in Sylhet and Mymensingh districts of the erstwhile East Pakistan (Now Bangladesh) and was the first formation to reach Dacca, hence the name “FIRST IN DACCA”.
On the occasion of Golden Jubilee several events have been planned. Special events exclusively for the Shillongities included the hugely successful polo ground event held on 20 Apr. The world record holding Army Motor cycle display team will once again perform along with Fly Past by Su-30 aircraft at the ARMY MELA to be held on 23 Apr at 9.00 am. The other programmes will include much loved Dog Show, mule trick riding.
Dances of North East and many other events. Display of equipment and weapons presently used by the army will be a main attraction for the people of Shillong. Guidance, assistance and information for the youth of Meghalaya explaining ways to join the Indian Army will also be part of the ARMY MELA. The mighty SU-30 aircraft will also join in the joy of the event by flying past at high speed. Some people of Shillong who could not attend the polo ground have another chance to witness the spell binding display of professionalism at garrison ground on 23 Apr. The celebrations of HQ 101 area will continue during the week.(SP News)
