Shillong ( Meghalaya), Apr 24 : Indian Army’s Headquarters 101 Area , Shillong celebrated its Diamond Jubilee on Monday , April 23, 2023.
The day commenced with a solemn ceremony paying tributes to the Brave Hearts at the Shillong War Memorial, Rhino Prerna Sthal, by Lieutenant General RP Kalita, General Officer Commanding in Chief (GOC-in-C) Eastern Command, Indian Army . Major General RK Jha, Officiating General Officer Commanding (GOC) 101 Area and all soldiers of Headquarters 101 Area also paid tributes to those who had given their all for the Nation.
101 Communication Zone, as it was then called, was raised in the wake of the Chinese aggression, on 22 Apr 1963 for provision of logistic support to all formations and units in the Northeast Region. HQ 101 Area has a historically unique distinction of having taken part in active combat operations despite being a logistic formation. It undertook Counter-Insurgency operations in Mizoram from 1966-69 .
During 1971 war, HQ 101 Area took part in operations in Sylhet and Mymensingh districts of erstwhile East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and was the first formation to reach Dacca on the morning of Dec 16 1971 leading to surrender by Pakistan that afternoon, earning it the name ‘First in Dacca’.
Over time, 101 Area has evolved to provide logistic support in remote and challenging terrain in border areas across entire Northeastern region. It has contributed immensely in Nation building aiding infrastructure development, providing humanitarian aid and ensuring outreach to remote villages.
While conveying his compliments on the occasion, the GOC-in-C Eastern Command addressed all soldiers of 101 Area and complimented them for carrying forward the legacy of dedicated service to the Nation. To commemorate the formation’s 60 glorious years of service to the Nation, release of a special cover and stamp were also a part of the festivities. The unveiling of busts of Major General Gurbaksh Singh Gill and Major General Gandharv Nagra, who were GOCs of 101 Area during 1971 war and helped curate the resounding Indian Army victory in 1971 war, was also another highlight of the festivities.
Lt Gen RP Kalita also flagged in the “Rhino Riders” Motorcycle Rally organised by Headquarters 101 Area. The rally was flagged off on 9 April 2023 by Governor of Meghalaya, Phagu Chauhan, from Rhino Training Complex here . The motorcycle rally team travelled though Meghalaya, Assam, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh celebrating the spirit of patriotism in the year of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’. They also interacted with the youth, veterans and Veer Naris .
