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Centre empowers Chief of Army Staff to call officers, personnel of Territorial Army

Published on 09-May-2025 04:42 PM

Central Government Empowers Army Chief to Call Officers and Personnel of Territorial Army

In a recent moment that has left many on edge, the Central Government has taken a bold step by empowering the Chief of Army Staff. This decision is not just about any leader; it’s about addressing critical security needs in India’s Territorial Army, who play a vital role in maintaining peace across its vast regions.

The Moment Of Action: Empowering the Army Chief

The decision to call upon officers and personnel from the Territorial Army is part of a broader strategy by the Central Government to strengthen its armed forces. This move follows long-standing conventions that have provided the Territorial Army with a robust array of troops. However, in recent years, India has faced growing threats of terrorism and displacement, making such a decision not only feasible but also strategic for safeguarding national security.

The empowered Chief of Army Staff was tasked with coordinating efforts to ensure that all personnel from the Territorial Army are effectively utilized. This role would be central to addressing both domestic challenges, such as maintaining order in critical sections like the border and capital cities, and external threats, including terrorism and secessionist activities.

The Work Of The empowered Chief

The Chief of Army Staff was tasked with leading efforts that would involve coordinating with local leaders, ensuring public safety, and providing security measures across India. This included establishing a communication framework, training personnel to act as both security and warning signs, and developing a plan for the use of Territorial Army forces.

One of the most notable actions under this new leadership was the selection of 14 Infantry Battalions from the existing 32 in the Territorial Army. These units would be deployed across various regions, including Southern Command, Eastern Command, Western Command, Central Command, Northern Command, South Western Command, and the Army Training Command (ARTRAC). This move underscored the Central Government’s commitment to ensuring that its forces could respond effectively to a variety of threats.

Why It Matters

The empowerment of this Chief of Army Staff represents a significant step forward in India’s efforts to counter terrorism and secessionist activities. By leveraging the resources of the Territorial Army, the government has taken a concrete approach to addressing these challenges. This not only strengthens the national defense but also ensures that all personnel from the army are utilized for their best purpose, contributing to both domestic stability and global security.

The Implications Of This Decision

This move has far-reaching implications for India’s broader efforts against terrorism. It signals a shift in strategy from relying solely on military force to one where both arms of the government play a more active role in addressing security challenges. By ensuring that key personnel are effectively utilized, this decision also aligns with global norms of engagement.

In conclusion, the empowerment of the Chief of Army Staff is not just about taking a leadership position; it’s about creating a new norm of engagement and response to threats faced by India. This move signals a proactive approach to security that will have to be rolled out across the country as part of broader efforts to counter terrorism.


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