Brigadier A.S. Lamba salutes the War Memorial at Sukna. Picture by Avijit Sarkar

Sukna, Nov. 1: The 33 Corps, which is headquartered here, today celebrated the diamond jubilee of its Raising Day.

Brig. A. S. Lamba, who presided over the function, placed a wreath at the War Memorial.

Later, speaking on the Corps achievements, Brig. Lamba said: “This is very important day for us. The wreath is an homage to those, who have sacrificed their lives for the country.”

Raised on November 1, 1942 by Lieutenant General A.F.P. Christison at Banglore, the Corps participated in Burma Campaign during the World War II as part of the 14th army.

The regiment, however, moved in here during the Chinese aggression in 1962.

The unit’s heroics also came to the fore at the historic battles of Bogra and Bhaduria during the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971.

The Corps’ played a stellar role in the surrender of the 16th Infantry Division of the Pakistan army.

“The Corps holds a great significance for the army largely because of its strategic location. It’s sphere of activity ranges from the plains of north Bengal to an altitude of 18,600 feet, which falls way beyond north Sikkim,” said Lamba.

Commenting on the recent crackdown on the Inter-services Intelligence’s (ISI) alleged links with a section of the staff at the Corps headquarters, the Brigadier admitted to the fact that such networks were detected recently.

“However, special measures are being taken to evolve a foolproof system against anti-national rackets,” he added.

“Some incidents have occurred in the army cantonment area. But we are taking appropriate action to prevent such unlawful activities,” said Lamba.