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Answering a question on the Advanced light helicopters, he stated that approximately 100 of these would be required in next three to five years. However, some finer aspects as concerning their configuration have to be looked into.
Army Chief Gen J.J. Singh inaugurated the Reunion of the Maratha Light Infantry (MARATHA LI) here today. The four day Reunion is being held at the Regimental Centre located here, which also is the training centre and ‘home’ to the Maratha soldiers. On arrival Gen JJ Singh was presented a Guard of honour.
This is the 13th Reunion since the country attained its independence. It is organized twice a decade and serves as an opportunity for retired officers to meet the present generation and reminiscence their nostalgic memories and also pass on their experiences. Approximately 225 serving and Retired Officers, Retired Foreign Officers and 500 Junior Commissioned Officers and Other Ranks are participating in the celebrations. Besides them, widows and parents of martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the cause of the nation have also been invited.
The history of the Maratha Regiment, spanning over two hundred years, has been written in blood and sweat, with deeds of great valour and sacrifice. The 1st Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry was raised in 1768 and from then on, the Regiment has grown from strength to strength. The Regiment has the unique distinction of being affiliated with both Indian Navy (INS-MUMBAI) and Indian Air Force (20 AF Sqn -Sukhoi).
Gen JJ Singh, who is also the Colonel Commandant of the MARATHA LI, while addressing the officers and men of the Regiment complimented them on their excellent performance in operations and safeguarding the frontiers of the nation.
The Army Chief also released a first day cover to commemorate the event. The first day cover displays the sketch of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Incidentally, the war cry of this regiment is “Bol Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ki Jai”.
The regiment also has the proud legacy of Sepoy Namdev Jadhav, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his valour while fighting the Germans in the Second World War in Italy. Gen JJ Singh later unveiled a bust of this Maratha war hero.
Gen JJ Singh also gave away badges of sacrifice to the widows and next of kin of the martyrs to include Smt Laxmi and Mrs Rekha, both of Bekkinkere Village of Belgaum District, Smt Sunitha ( Kavathe Mahankal, Sangli) and Smt Archana (Sillod, Aurangabad), amongst others.
Gen JJ Singh also answered questions by the media on this occasion. On the aspect of MBT Arjun he stated that the Army will soon be receiving 14 tanks which will be put through a training exercise. The minor problems of these tanks have been communicated to DRDO, which he hoped will be rectified soon.
As regards Army's stance on Siachen he stated that these have been communicated to the Government and the issue of Siachen will be taken up in the composite dialogue between the two nations, the outcome of which will be known in a few days.
On the level of forces in J&K, Gen JJ Singh stated that these are decided based on the process of constant review. The postures and counter infiltration strategies also depend on seasons such as winter and summer. The Army’s efforts are always directed to bring down the levels of violence and restore normalcy.
As for other events relating to the Reunion, on Friday, 6th April 2007 a team of Pilots from Indian Air Force will perform Suryakiran display at Argan Talao Location from 1130 to 1200 hours. General JJ Singh, will also inaugurate the Slithering Training on Saturday and thereafter preside over the Biennial Conference with all senior officers and battalion commanders of the Regiment during which important decisions on various issues of the regiment will be taken.
