General Manoj Pande, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), visited the Panchshul Brigade on June 14, 2024, to assess the operational preparedness and ongoing capability development within the Kumaon Sector. Stationed in Pithoragarh, a strategic district in Uttarakhand, India, the brigade is a critical formation of the Indian Army known for its robust combat readiness.
During his visit, General Pande traveled to key locations including Pithoragarh and Gunji, where he engaged with troops from the Indian Army, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). The COAS commended the forces for their exceptional standards of operational readiness and the effective synergy they maintain despite the challenging terrain of the region.
The troops demonstrated various combat drills involving sophisticated weaponry such as the MAG 2A1 Medium-Machine Guns, Carl Gustav M3 Recoilless Rifles, and 105mm Light Field Guns. These exercises highlight the brigade’s capability to operate advanced military equipment and adapt to the evolving dynamics of modern warfare.
General Pande’s visit underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to ensuring the security of its borders and enhancing the combat effectiveness of its units in strategically important sectors like Kumaon. The COAS emphasized the importance of continuous training and preparedness to face any challenges that may arise in the mountainous terrain of the region.
