Perching on the high hills of north eastern India, Mizoram is blessed with picturesque and salubrious climbes with endless variety of landscape and rich flora and fauna. MIZORAM: Meaning “the land of the hill People”, the state & its people have stood tall and boast of a rich cultural heritage and harmonious living of all tribes Lushai, Mara, Paite, Lai, Bru, Hmar and Chakma.
Over the years, the people of the state have contributed to all major wars fought and the state has given many decorated war heroes. With an aim to bring together and facilitate these heroes, Assam Rifles conducted Ex- servicemen Rally for Army and Assam Rifles from all across Mizoram at Assam Rifles Stadium in Aizawl, Mizoram on 29-30 Jan 2024. The Ex-servicemen of Navy and Air force also graced the occassion. The rally provided a platform for Ex-serviceman to interact, years after they had together served shoulder to shoulder in the North East. Hony Capt John Zama, President ARESA said that he was thrilled to meet and interact with the young generation of soldiers and memories of his service days were refreshed. Mrs Belsangi from Lunglei got emotional on the occasion and shared that after a long time she has travelled together with her husband to such a gathering of service personnel.
The Rally, was presided over by Lieutenant General PC Nair, PVSM, YSM, PhD, Director General Assam Rifles. Approx 1000, attendees (668 ex-servicemen from Army, Navy, Air Force and 244 ex-servicemen from Assam Rifles), 11 Veer Naris, 115 Widows three World War-II veterans and 180 family members from Mizoram participated in the rally. Lt Col Clement Lalhmingthanga (retd) President Mizoram Ex Servicemen League, Pu TBC Lalvenchhunga (Retd Petty Offr from Navy) who are also members of Legislative Assembly graced the occassion. The rally aimed to reach out to the Ex–servicemen, Veer Naris, widows and their Next of Kin of Mizoram state for their comprehensive welfare. During the rally, a number of specialised medical facilities were made available which included – Medical, ENT and Dental to benefit the attending Ex – Servicemen and their dependents.
To address the grievances of Ex-Servicemen a Grievance redressal cell and various stalls by representatives of Pay Account Office, Assam Rifles Ex-servicemen Association (ARESA), ECHS Centre, Station Headquarters, Sainik Welfare and Resettlement Department, District Sainik Board, Records Office, State Bank of India, Common Service Centre (CSC), were established at the rally site.
Understanding the need and importance of financial management as well as employment opportunities for the Ex-Servicemen and their families, stalls by State Directorate of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Department of Horticulture, Department of Agriculture, Aizawl District Legal Services Authority and Fishery Department were also established to provide on the spot assistance to the Ex-servicemen.
Lieutenant General PC Nair, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, PhD, Director General Assam Rifles addressed the gathering and said Assam Rifles is committed to remain connected with Ex-servicemen and their families. He assured to provide all possible assistance to them. He also felicitated Veer Naris, World War-II veterans and widows, distributed wheelchairs and walking sticks to the needy Ex-Servicemen and their families. The iconic event saw enthusiastic and colorful events that included entertainment and special show by Ex-serviceman, Song performance by local Mizoram singers and a Pipe Band Display playing patriotic tunes. The rally also provided an excellent opportunity to the veterans of the Army and Assam Rifles who while in service had served together to bond once again.
The Indian Armed forces and Assam Rifles are forever indebted to the valour and sacrifices of the Veterans and Veer Naris. The Assam Rifles has a Glorious history of more than 188 years in the North East. The Assam Rifles has 31 Assam Rifles Ex-Servicemen Centres (ARESA) across the country for the benefit of the Ex-Servicemen, of which, two are located at Aizawl & Lunglei in Mizoram. The Assam Rifles has sanctioned numerous grants that includes medical, funeral, education and old age grant to its veterans and their families.
