The search for Laishram Kamalbabu Singh, a 56-year-old works supervisor for the Military Engineering Services, has intensified as the Indian Army deploys over 2,000 personnel to locate him. Singh, who hails from Cachar district in Assam but resided in Khukrul, Imphal West, has been missing since November 25, 2024. Chief Minister N Biren Singh has urged the military authorities to take responsibility for his disappearance, which reportedly occurred at the Leimakhong Military Station of the 57th Mountain Division.

In a statement posted on social media, the Manipur Police announced that massive joint search operations commenced on the day Singh went missing. They confirmed that the Indian Army is providing extensive support, including 2,000 troops, helicopters, drones, and Army tracker dogs. The police have also indicated that technical intelligence investigations are underway to assist in locating Singh.

As the search efforts continue, the situation is further complicated by a growing wave of public discontent. A Joint Action Committee (JAC) has been formed in response to Singh’s disappearance, and its members have initiated a sit-in protest near Kanto Sabal, approximately 2.5 kilometers from the military station. Protesters have barricaded the road as tensions rise over the circumstances of Singh’s disappearance. His wife, Akoijam Belarani, has joined the demonstrators, amplifying calls for accountability and action regarding her husband’s case.

The Leimakhong Military Station, situated in Kangpokpi district about 16 kilometers from Imphal, is located in an area marked by ethnic strife. Since violent conflicts erupted in May last year, which have claimed over 250 lives, many Meitei residents in the region have reportedly fled their homes amidst escalating tensions. Protesters have voiced their concerns, suggesting that Singh may have been kidnapped by militants in light of the ongoing instability.

The search remains urgent as the community seeks answers and justice regarding Singh’s mysterious disappearance, emphasizing the need for a collaborative effort between the military and local law enforcement to ensure a swift resolution to the troubling situation.

In a significant ceremony held at the Mechanised Infantry Centre and School in Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, four battalions of the Army’s Mechanised Infantry were awarded the prestigious President’s Colours by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi. This event, which took place on November 27, 2024, honored the 26th and 27th Battalions of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment, along with the 20th and 22nd Battalions of Brigade of The Guards, marking a historic occasion for these units, particularly noted as the youngest battalions within the Army.

The President’s Colours are a commendation that recognizes exemplary and meritorious service to the nation, and this presentation reflects the distinguished history and operational successes of the Mechanised Infantry since its establishment in 1979. Addressing the gathering, General Dwivedi remarked on the battalions’ valor, discipline, and proficiency, highlighting their participation in pivotal operations such as Operation Pawan, Operation Vijay, Operation Rakshak, and Operation Snow Leopard, in addition to their roles in various United Nations peacekeeping missions.

The Army noted that the award of the President’s Colours underscores not only the contributions of these units during combat but also their commitments during peacetime operations. The tradition of presenting Colours, which historically represented a unit’s identity and served as a symbol of unity in battles, continues to uphold high morale among troops. The Colours themselves are ceremonial flags that bear the unit’s insignia and motto, given to units upon fulfilling specified criteria to recognize their significant achievements.

This event serves as a proud moment for the Indian Army, reinforcing the resolve and dedication of the forces tasked with protecting the nation’s sovereignty.

In a historic moment for the Indian Army and a significant step for women in the armed forces, Capt Rheeya K. Sreedharan has successfully earned her Aviation Wings, becoming the first second-generation woman officer to achieve this milestone within the Army Aviation Corps (AAC). The ceremony took place at the Combat Army Aviation Training School (CATS) in Nashik, underscoring the significance of her accomplishment as she follows in the footsteps of her father, Brig Kaushal Sreedharan.

The Aviation Wings are awarded to dedicated officers who have completed the rigorous Combat Aviators Course, which entails 11 months of intense training. CATS serves as the premier flying training institution for the Indian Army and operates under the Army Training Command (ARTRAC) located in Shimla. The institution is pivotal in preparing military personnel to excel as combat helicopter pilots, a role that is crucial for the operational capabilities of the Indian Army.

Capt Rheeya’s achievement has been celebrated as a notable milestone, not only in her personal journey but also in the ongoing evolution of gender representation within the armed forces. Shared on social media, a statement from the Southern Command of the Indian Army highlighted her groundbreaking role, emphasizing that her successful completion of the training reflects a legacy that bridges generations.

The Army Aviation Corps, the youngest branch of the Indian Army, plays an essential role in enhancing the Army’s operational capabilities through air mobility, surveillance, and combat support. As noted by the Ministry of Defence, Army Aviation is recognized as a formidable force multiplier—an indispensable element that significantly supports ground operations.

Capt Rheeya K. Sreedharan’s accomplishment is not just a personal victory but also a beacon of inspiration for many women aspiring to serve in various capacities within the armed forces, showcasing the expanding opportunities for female personnel in roles traditionally dominated by men. Her journey stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of the Indian military, where women are increasingly proving their prowess and leadership in critical domains.

India’s indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, has marked a significant milestone by achieving full operational status after successfully completing its final operational clearance this year. Vice Admiral V. Srinivas, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command, announced this development during a press briefing aboard the naval ship INS Shardul in Kochi, Kerala.

During his address, Vice Admiral Srinivas emphasized that with the completion of various trials and successful fleet integration, INS Vikrant is now fully operational and is currently deployed under the Western Fleet. He asserted the ship’s extensive capabilities, stating that it is fully equipped to undertake all operational responsibilities and commitments of the Indian Navy.

INS Vikrant, commissioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022, is now integrated into the Western Naval Command, ready to fulfill a wide range of naval assignments. Constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited, the aircraft carrier holds the distinction of being the largest vessel ever built in India’s maritime history. It was designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and features cutting-edge automation technology. The ship comprises approximately 2,200 compartments and is designed to accommodate a crew of around 1,600 personnel, including women officers and sailors.

Furthermore, INS Vikrant is strategically equipped to operate a versatile air wing, which includes MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31 helicopters, MH-60R multi-role helicopters, as well as indigenously developed Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) specifically designed for naval operations. This capability enhances the operational readiness of the Indian Navy and strengthens its presence in the maritime domain.

As the Indian Navy gears up for a major power upgrade encompassing various defense components, the operational readiness of INS Vikrant serves as a critical asset in enhancing the nation’s naval strength and security posture.

Manipur’s Chief Minister N Biren Singh has voiced his grave concern regarding the disappearance of Laishram Kamalbabu, a 56-year-old Meitei man, from the Leimakhong Army camp. Describing the development as “very unfortunate,” Singh emphasized that both the central and state governments are dedicated to efforts aimed at locating Kamalbabu.

Kamalbabu had been supervising construction efforts for a contractor with the Military Engineering Services (MES) at the Leimakhong military station before his disappearance on November 25. He left his home in Imphal West at approximately 9 a.m. for work but failed to return later that day. Following unsuccessful attempts to reach him, his family filed a missing person report, highlighting that Kamalbabu had last been seen within the Army campus, accompanied by a Nepali individual, before his phone was switched off.

In response to the report of Kamalbabu’s disappearance, the Indian Army initiated an extensive search operation that incorporates ground combing, drone surveillance, and aerial reconnaissance within the military base and the adjacent villages. The defence public relations office confirmed that the search efforts intensified immediately after the missing person report was received on the evening of November 25. Unfortunately, despite these comprehensive search strategies, Kamalbabu’s whereabouts remain unknown.

Local residents have taken a stand, forming a joint action committee that organized a sit-in protest in Imphal West, demanding that the Army take responsibility for ensuring Kamalbabu’s safe return. The protesters are calling for immediate action and accountability from the Indian Army, spotlighting the need for thorough efforts in locating the missing man.

Chief Minister Biren Singh underscored the accountability of the Army in tracing Kamalbabu, noting the seriousness of the situation compounded by previous tragedies in the region, including recent violence in Jiribam that resulted in the deaths of three women and three children. He reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to collaborate with the Army and engage with central officials to accelerate the search for Kamalbabu amidst ongoing public unrest surrounding the incident.

Imphal: In a concerted effort to locate a missing Meitei man, Laishram Kamalbabu Singh, over 2,000 personnel from the Indian Army have been mobilized to join the search operations. Singh, a 56-year-old works supervisor employed by a contractor with the Military Engineering Services (MES) at the Leimakhong Military Station of the 57th Mountain Division, has been unaccounted for since November 25.

Singh, originally from Assam’s Cachar district, was reported missing from the military premises, prompting Chief Minister N. Biren Singh to urge military authorities to take accountability for his disappearance. In a statement posted on social media, Manipur Police outlined that comprehensive search operations, undertaken since the date of Singh’s disappearance, are being executed in partnership with the Indian Army.

As part of these operations, the Indian Army has committed substantial resources, including over 2,000 troops, helicopters, drones, and tracker dogs to aid in the search. In addition to physical searches, ongoing investigations involving technical intelligence are also being employed to locate the missing man.

In tandem with the search efforts, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed to address Singh’s disappearance has initiated a sit-in protest at Kanto Sabal, approximately 2.5 kilometers from the military station. Protests have gained traction, with Singh’s wife, Akoijam Belarani, actively participating as demonstrators echo concerns about his possible abduction by militants.

The military camp, situated in Kangpokpi district, lies around 16 kilometers from Imphal and is surrounded by the hills that are home to the Kuki community. Ethnic tensions have been heightened in this region since May of the previous year, resulting in violence that has claimed more than 250 lives and forced Meiteis in the vicinity of Leimakhong to flee their homes. Given the prevailing circumstances, protesters are increasingly vocal about their belief that Singh’s disappearance may be linked to the ongoing ethnic conflict in the area.

In a significant development aimed at enhancing operational capabilities and increasing logistical efficiency, the Indian Army has incorporated civil helicopters into its operations across Jammu and Kashmir. This initiative, spearheaded by the Dhruva Command of the Northern Command, seeks to bolster troop mobility, streamline cargo delivery, and facilitate casualty evacuations in the region’s remote and challenging terrains.

According to an Army spokesman, the integration of civil helicopters into logistics operations will support troop movements and cargo delivery while enhancing casualty evacuation efforts in areas that are often difficult to access. This strategy is expected to improve overall mission readiness and logistics efficiency across the board.

A senior Army official stated that the deployment of civil helicopters is designed to tackle the unique logistical challenges posed by Jammu and Kashmir’s tough topography and unpredictable weather conditions. This approach not only aims to ensure operational readiness across dense areas but also enhances the existing infrastructure and resources available to the military.

The official further elaborated that civil aviation helicopters are being utilized instead of relying solely on the Army’s own aviation units or Air Force assets. This shift is particularly strategic as it promises to reduce operational costs and extend the service life of military helicopters, preserving them for more critical roles during combat or emergency scenarios.

This new method represents a significant change in the Army’s logistics support system, especially during the harsh winter months when heavy snowfall renders many high-altitude positions difficult to access. Helicopters for this initiative are being outsourced from a private company, which will also be responsible for their maintenance.

Referencing the logistical challenges in the region, the Army officer emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “By incorporating civil helicopters into our operations, we not only improve our response time but also ensure that our troops in the most isolated locations receive better support. This initiative underscores our resolve to maintain operational superiority while ensuring the well-being of our personnel.”

The integration of civil aviation assets into military operations is designed to provide both flexibility and scalability. It acts as a bridge between existing military resources and the evolving demands of modern warfare and peacetime logistics. The helicopters will serve multiple critical functions, including the airlifting of essential supplies such as rations, medical equipment, and ammunition.

Moreover, these helicopters will play an essential role in evacuating injured personnel from remote postings, especially during encounters or adverse weather conditions. Access to medical facilities can be a matter of life or death in high-altitude areas, making this initiative vital for ensuring the safety and health of military personnel stationed in challenging environments.

The operational changes come in the wake of past incidents related to helicopter safety; notably, an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv crashed in Kishtwar district in May last year, resulting in the loss of a technician’s life and injuries to two pilots following a hard landing. The adoption of civil helicopters is thus seen as a proactive approach to address such challenges while reinforcing operational capabilities in the region.

Security forces successfully neutralized a terrorist during a fierce encounter in the Dachhigam forest area of Srinagar on Tuesday. The operation was initiated based on specific intelligence inputs that prompted a cordon-and-search mission in the upper reaches of Dachhigam, an area known for its dense forest and wildlife.

As the search party proceeded, terrorists opened fire on the security personnel, leading to an immediate and robust retaliation. In the ensuing gunfight, one terrorist was confirmed killed, marking a significant achievement for the forces involved. The operation showcased the efficacy and preparedness of the security troops in rapidly responding to threats.

The Army’s Northern Command took to social media platform X to commend the accomplishments of the forces. They highlighted the exceptional coordination between the Chinar Warriors and the Jammu and Kashmir Police during Operation Dachhigam, praising their swift action and precise execution that resulted in neutralizing the terrorist threat effectively.

Authorities in Srinagar confirmed that exchanges of gunfire were ongoing, indicating the heightened tensions and the seriousness of the security situation in the region. Dachhigam, which is recognized as a national park, spans approximately 141 square kilometers and is located on the outskirts of Srinagar, making it a strategically significant area both for its natural resources and its tactical importance.

The operation has drawn attention to the persistent efforts of security forces aimed at combating terrorism in the region, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining peace and safety in Jammu and Kashmir amidst ongoing challenges.

Bhubaneswar is bracing for a significant showcase of India’s maritime capabilities at Blue Flag Beach in Puri, set to occur just a day before Navy Day on December 4. With an extensive operational demonstration anticipated, the Indian Navy is collaborating closely with the state government to ensure the smooth movement of the public during the event, which is expected to attract a substantial number of delegates and spectators.

To manage the expected crowd, local authorities have issued traffic advisory guidelines, indicating a well-thought-out plan to facilitate access to the site. An official statement revealed that over 7,000 guests have been invited, highlighting the grandeur and importance of the event. The operational demonstration aims not only to exhibit the Navy’s capabilities but also to underscore India’s rich maritime heritage and the historical significance of the state as a maritime giant.

President Droupadi Murmu, who also serves as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, will grace the occasion as the chief guest. The event will be hosted by Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, the Chief of Naval Staff. The demonstration promises a spectacular program featuring 15 ships, over 40 aircraft, submarines, and the elite marine commandos, along with personnel and equipment from the Indian Army.

Attendees can expect thrilling displays, including high-speed aerial maneuvers by Mig-29K and Hawk fighter jets, and captivating performances by Marine Commandos (MARCOS) involving Combat Free Fall and slithering from helicopters. Additional features of the display will include submarine exhibitions, amphibious operations, advanced maneuvers, and rocket firing by the Navy’s warships.

The evening will culminate in the traditional Beating Retreat Ceremony by the Eastern Naval Command Band, followed by an enchanting Continuity Drill, ending with a drone and laser show.

In light of the numerous aircraft flying during the event, the Indian Navy has called on the public to maintain cleanliness at the beach and avoid littering, as debris could pose a flight safety risk. The use of drones, drone cameras, and kites is strictly forbidden throughout the event to ensure that aircraft movements are not hindered and public safety is upheld.