Army personnel pay tribute to martyrs during a veterans’ mela at Tezpur. Telegraph picture

Veterans’ fair at Tezpur

The army garrison at Tezpur organised a veterans’ mela and rally on December 16 to felicitate ex-servicemen and offer tribute to those who had laid down their lives for the nation.

The event was organised to observe the Year of Veterans to honour ex-servicemen.

Following the mela, a programme was organised to pay homage to the martyrs of the 1971 war with Pakistan. In 1971, the Indian army, spearheaded by Gajraj Corps, had brought about the capitulation of East Pakistan, leading to the birth of Bangladesh. Officers and jawans of the army unit laid wreaths at the war memorial at Tezpur to remember the sacrifice of all those brave soldiers who had laid down their lives.

Over 500 ex-servicemen, including war widows and their families from nine divisional ex-servicemen associations of Sonitpur district, attended the programme.

Maj. Gen. D.K. Purohit, chief of staff of Gajraj Corps, spoke about the re-employment opportunities for retired soldiers including information on Defence Security Corps, expansion and assistance facilitated by the Army Welfare Placement Organisation.

Sonitpur deputy commissioner, Tapan Chandra, who is also the president of Zila Sainik Board, attended the function.

The queries and concerns of the veterans were noted and clarified by officials present at the event. A large number of pension-related queries and concerns of veterans were addressed by officials of the central pension centre of State Bank of India, Guwahati. A medical camp was also organised for the benefit of ex-servicemen and their families. A postal stall and canteen facilities were also present at the venue. A pipe band regaled the audience.

Seminar on AIDS

Army officials organise a health camp at Borigaon in Udalguri district. Telegraph picture

The 27 Assam Rifles of 28 sector organised a seminar-cum-presentation on the theme AIDS — Global Pandemic and its Impact on the Local Communities — at KHA Manipur College on December 1, on the occasion of World AIDS Day.

The seminar was organised as part of the Assam Rifles’ effort to raise public awareness about the dreaded disease.

“World AIDS Day was first conceived in August 1987 at the World Health Organisation in Geneva, Switzerland. The day is about increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education about AIDS. The speakers at the seminar told those who attended it that theme of this year’s World AIDS Day is “getting to zero” and this year the WHO is focusing on achieving three targets — zero new infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS related deaths. In order to achieve these three targets, the communities must work together and increase awareness to achieve universal access to HIV prevention, treatment and care,” an official statement issued by Assam Rifles said.

On another occasion, the 35 Assam Rifles of 28 sector organised another awareness meeting on HIV/AIDS at Sajik Tampak village. People from Sajik Tampak, Haika, Paldai, Khullen, Geljang and Gelngai villages attended the event. A medical team delivered lectures on safe sex, appropriate use of contraceptives, safe use of needles and syringes, transfusion of clinically tested blood and sensitisation of women about regular medical check-up of both the expecting mother as well as her baby. A film on AIDS was also screened to ensure proper understanding of the disease and its impact on society.

Similarly, 44 Assam Rifles of 10 sector, in collaboration with Compassion School, Kamjong, observed World AIDS day at Chassad-Kamjong villages in Ukhrul district. Speakers at the meeting emphasised that as AIDS has no cure, its prevention is of paramount importance. The speakers also stressed that people must empathise with those suffering from AIDS. The event enlightened people about AIDS and they were apprised of various modes of its transmission.

Free check-up for animals

The 31 Assam Rifles HQ Sector 7 organised a free veterinary first aid camp under military civic action at Khensa village under Mokokchung district of Nagaland on December 20.

The camp was conducted under the supervision of Capt. Parul Pargal, veterinary officer and his team with cooperation from Dr Meren, district veterinary officer, Mokokchung, officials and staff.

During the camp, free medicines, vaccination and first aid were provided. Capt. Pargal and her team also conducted a seminar on Zoonotic Diseases to create awareness among the villagers. The villagers expressed their gratitude to the army unit for their concern.

Screening camp for youths

CRPF officers attend a pre-recruitment training programme in Nalbari and (above) an army officer hands over a bicycle key to a girl in Udalguri. Telegraph pictures

The 136th Battalion of CRPF, based in Nalbari, organised a pre-recruitment training and awareness programme for local youths on December 16, for recruitment in the central armed police forces by the Staff Selection Commission.

The training programme was organised at the football ground of Bal Bhawan Vidyapith at Xoriohtoli, with a to boost the recruitment drive of the commission for better representation of men and women from the Northeast in the central police forces like SSB, BSF, CRPF and ITBP.

Addressing the gathering, Binay Kumar, the second-in-command of the CRPF battalion, spoke about the benefits of joining the central armed police forces, eligibility criteria, selection procedures and various stages of recruitment tests for the post of constable (general duty) to be conducted by the commission.

The team of officers and trainers also educated the aspirants about the various entry ranks/levels. After conducting the physical measurement and fitness tests, potential youths were identified for imparting training so they could excel in their endeavour.

The CRPF unit will also organise such programmes at Japarkuchi, Nalbari, Rangia, Udalguri, Chirang and Kokrajhar in lower Assam to encourage youths to join CRPF.