I now explore our own deployments in Himachal Pradesh via official army news.
2016 Official Army News
SAINIK SAMACHAR NEWS (CLICK)
Nostalgia is an innate human instinct in man who develops a longing for anything with which he has had a long association. The First love is of paramount importance among such things and it is immune to the ravages of time. And, that is why perhaps Lt Gen KJ Singh the outgoing Commander of Western Command developed a passion for the vintage T-55 tank entrusted to him during his green days as 2nd Lt in the Indian Army and now lying in the 63 Cavalry Garages. He preferred to spend the last day of his half century long soldier's career with this symbol of his first love. He shared his fond memories and the heat and dust which form a part of Cavalry man's active service.
He was very affably received by his Senior Subaltern of yesteryears Colonel Manbir Singh Hundal (Retd), who was the very person to receive him when he joined the Regiment at Ambala in 1977 and also when he joined the Regiment at Ambala in when he came on posting in Chandimandir as the Army Commander.
The decorated General relinquished his charge on July 31, 2016 after an association of more than 50 years with the Army including 39 years of commissioned service.
The General Officer had taken over the charge of Western Command on August 1, 2014 was instrumental in giving an impetus to the operational preparedness of Western Command by testing new concepts like application of two Strike Corps in Command theatre to ensure 'Decisive Victory'. He also focussed on 'Fighting Manoeuvre in Built Up Areas' and concept of 'Killing Grounds' to eliminate possible enemy ingress. He pioneered the concept of JCO lead mobilisation, which is a bold initiative to overcome shortage of officers by empowering JCOs. His other focus areas were development of infrastructure, resolution of long pending issues with the civil administration, skilling and employment of ex-servicemen. He steered establishment of Senior Veterans Home at Panchkula and Youth Outreach Program to motivate the youth to join the Armed Forces. The General has also been instrumental in establishment of 'Gyan Chakra' the first Think tank on strategic issues in the Tri-city thereby earning the sobriquet of Scholar General. He has also steered operationalisation of infrastructure on Northern Borders in HP resulting in establishment of two new military stations, Prithi (Averi Patti) and Him Yodha (Sumdo).
During his long army career he had a stint with UN in Angola for which he was awarded Force Commanders Citation for Bravery followed by COAS Commendation Card. This apart, he has been conferred with PVSM, Bar to AVSM, AVSM and Eastern Army Commanders Commendation twice. General KJ Singh is popularly known as 'Soldiers' General' with phenomenal forward connect with troops. He always found time in his tours to interact with troops and preferred meals with troops rather than mess parties.
His wife Anita, a distinguished teacher with Punjab Government Merit award for leading her school to victory in global NASA Space Settlement Design Competition has provided caring leadership to Western Command AWWA.
So its clear that we have built
two new
military stations (MS) in Himachal -
Prithi (at Averi Patti) and Him Yodha (at Sumdo). Both are huge sprawling bases
The
Sumdo MS is seen below as its HQ of
136 (I) Infantry Brigade (TRIPEAK BRIGADE) . Its just 8km away from border.
Modi paid a visit there in 2016
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/himachal/news-detail-753476
‘Rinzin Dwar’, named after mountaineer, inaugurated
SHIMLA: ‘Rinzin Dwar’, named after mountaineer Rinzin Dorje of Dogra Scouts, at the entrance to Prithi Military Station at Averipatti (Rampur) here was inaugurated by Lt Gen Surinder Singh, GOC-in-Chief, Western Command, on Thursday.
ribune News Service
Shimla, April 4
‘Rinzin Dwar’, named after mountaineer Rinzin Dorje of Dogra Scouts, at the entrance to Prithi Military Station at Averipatti (Rampur) here was inaugurated by Lt Gen Surinder Singh, GOC-in-Chief, Western Command, on Thursday.
Rinzin Dorje, a junior commissioned officer, had scaled Mt Everest and several other prominent peaks. However, he succumbed to his injuries sustained in an avalanche while attempting to scale Mt Nun Kun in 2018.
Adorning the ‘Rinzin Dwar’ is the Vijayanta, main battle tank, and a life size mural of Rinzin Dorje. The Army later honoured his wife Kaljang Dolma and assured her of all support.
Lt Gen Surinder Singh also inaugurated a bridge on the Sutlej constructed by 759 BRTF under ‘Project Deepak’. The bridge connects Prithi Military Station to NH-05, thereby providing a shorter access to the location.
From this pic it looke like Prithi MS is also the base for TRIPEAK Brigade. Probably a safer backup base away from border,
studylib.net
