by Bhupen Goswami 

GUWAHATI : India’s Defence Ministry today warned the Chinese government that no power in the world can separate Arunachal Pradesh from India. In a defence ministry release, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian expressed strong objection to the statement in which he said that China has never recognised Arunachal and is part of southern Tibet. India’s defence ministry said there was no question of dialogue with China and India should have stood by its stand. As far as Arunachal is concerned, China has been doing such things earlier also. There is nothing new in it. The world community has recognised Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India.

It is amazing why China is repeatedly denying reality. On the other hand, a Defence Ministry release said that the assam regiment of the Indian Army and the historic affiliation of Arunachal Scouts were formally signed with 106 Air Forces squadrons at a formal function in Tezpur (Assam) to enhance the strength of the Indian Army in the Indo-China frontier areas. The ceremony began with inspecting the Guard of Honour by Col. Maj. Gen. PS Bahl of the Assam Regiment and Arunachal Scouts. This was followed by the signing of the Charter of Association by Maj Gen PS Bahland Group Captain Varun Ralaria, Commanding Officer, 106 Squadron. The association with the Assam Regiment of the Sukhoi-30 Squadron of the Eastern Army Command will assist in the development of common competencies of the shared nature, capability, boundaries and other services through military strategic principles and concepts in an atmosphere of contemporary conflict.

The non-performing was established on 15th June 1941 and converted the defeat into victory by winning six war honours in World War II. During the Burma campaigns and in the Indo-Pak War of 1971, the contribution of the government to change the picture of war is well mentioned in history. Taking soldiers from seven sister states of North East India, the regiment has been decorated with an Ashok Chakra, nine Param Vishisht Seva Medals, two Param Vishisht Seva Medals, two Mahavir Chakras, Attikirti Chakra, four Padma Shri, four Uttam War Seva Medals, four Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, five Vir Chakras, 20 Shaurya Chakra, 13 War Service Medals, 180 Senamedal, 35 World Service Medals, 66 Mentions-in-Dispatch and several citations. The 106 Squadron of The Indian Air Force was established on 11th December 1959 and currently operates the Air Force’s flagship Sukhoi 30 MKI. It is the most ornate squadron of the Iaf which has received three Mahavir Chakras and seven heroic cycles. The squadron has been awarded the prestigious President’s Standard.

The contribution of Air Force Squadron and Assam Regiment in the 1971 war and the joint efforts of the Isrejitement and The Eastern Air Force Command in the Burma campaign reveal a lot about their combat enthusiasm, perseverance and courage. The attendees were addressed by Maj Gen PS Bahl in which he spoke about the importance of affiliation and its far-reaching implications in today’s time. The general officer highlighted that the purpose behind the affiliation was to enhance greater understanding about the building of each other’s strategic ethos, camaraderie and team spirit. Each other’s strengths and enhanced synergy and understanding will act as increasing strength within our armed forces. Later, Maj Gen PS Bahl flew an aptitude to get acquainted with the capabilities of Sukhoi 30 MKI. The ceremony also performed an aerobatics display by the magnificent Sukhoi 30 MKI. Maj. Gen. Behl spoke about the importance of affiliation or engagement at present and its far-reaching implications. He emphasized that the purpose behind the affiliation is to enhance greater understanding of each other’s strategic ethos, harmony and building team spirit, which will serve as a synergy and understanding with each other to enhance power within our armed forces.