Jharkhand CM advocates separate Tribal Regiment in the Army

Mail News Service

Ranchi, June 25: Chief Minister Champai Soren had a meeting with Lieutenant General Ramchandra Tiwari, General Officer Commanding-in- Chief of the Eastern Command of the Indian Army, on Tuesday. Similar to the Jat regiment, Bihar Regiment, Punjab Regiment, Sikh Regiment and Madras Regiment the Chief Minister expressed his desire for the establishment of a Tribal Regiment in the Indian Army. He stated that formation of a Tribal Regiment would provide a distinct identity to tribals across the country including within the Army.

Lieutenant General Ramchandra Tiwari proposed the formation of the Ecological Territorial Army in Jharkhand to focus on the environmental conservation. Upon receiving a formal proposal form the Army, Chief Minister Soren assured full cooperation from the state. Ecological Territorial Army that works for the environment comprises former soldiers. The formation of such an Army in Jharkhand would significantly contribute to environmental conservation efforts, particularly in forested and mining areas through afforestation and other means.

Opportunity for Tribals in Army Recruitment

The Chief Minister highlighted that the tribal youth from Jharkhand had been serving in the Indian Army for many years. He urged the army to provide more opportunities for the tribal youth to take them ahead. Lieutenant General Ramchandra Tiwari assured the Chief Minister that the army, through its local GOC, would offer training and other support to prepare tribals for army recruitment.

Organising the Durand Cup

In organising the Durand Cup Football tournament, Lieutenant General Ramchandra Tiwari expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for the State Government’s support.  He mentioned that the Durand Cup, also known as the Presidents Cup, is Asia’s oldest and the world’s second oldest football tournament. With significant support from the state government this year Jamshedpur will host the tournament. CM’s additional Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, Lieutenant General Rajendra Puri, the CM’S Secretary Arwa Rajkamal, Major General Paramvir Singh Dagar, Colonel V.S Aadkar and Major General MP Singh were present in the meeting.