Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi arrived in Manipur on Tuesday to assess the security situation and promote civil-military cooperation amid ongoing ethnic tensions in the region. His visit comes as part of a broader effort to ensure operational readiness and support community-driven peace initiatives.
General Dwivedi reviewed ongoing operations and the deployment of advanced drone systems aimed at enhancing surveillance capabilities along the international border. These indigenously developed drones, part of the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, reflect the Army’s growing focus on self-reliance and modern warfare technologies. A RAND Corporation study highlighted a 20% global increase in drone adoption by armed forces, marking a shift in security paradigms.
The Army Chief interacted with troops on the ground, commending their professionalism and resilience, and held strategic discussions with local commanders. He also met with the Hon’ble Governor of Manipur to discuss coordinated efforts for restoring peace and accelerating development in the state.
In a move aimed at community outreach, General Dwivedi is set to attend the opening match of the 2025 Durand Cup at Khuman Lampak Stadium. The event, featuring cultural performances, military displays, and youth participation, is designed to foster unity and national integration. A study in the Journal of Conflict Resolution found that such sports initiatives in conflict-prone regions can reduce local tensions by up to 15%.
General Dwivedi was accompanied by the Eastern Command Army Commander and the General Officer Commanding of the Spear Corps, underscoring the Army’s integrated approach to both security and social harmony in Manipur.
