Assam govt, Army deliberate on furthering cooperation, welfare measures in state
The issues taken up during the discussion ranged from proposal to increase existing quota for government jobs for ex-servicemen to veteran employment to absorption of Agniveers to basic military grooming in schools, he added.
'Chaired an important meeting today with Major General Hartej Singh Bajaj, VSM, Headquarters 4 Corps, along with a delegation of the Indian Army," the CS said in a post on his official X account.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the home and political department, Assam Police, general administrative department, and personnel department, and focused on charting a roadmap for enhanced collaboration and deeper partnership between the Indian Army and the state government, he added.
Sharing the key areas reviewed and outcomes, Kota said a proposal to increase the reservation for ex-servicemen in Assam from the existing 2 per cent to 5 per cent was discussed.
'The personnel department will collect inputs from select states and prepare a statement for further processing of the matter," he added.
The home department was directed to assess the vacancy position.
Till December 2024, 332 veterans have been employed by Assam Police, and 284 have been engaged by the Indian Army across sectors such as finance, security and PSUs.
The Directorate of Sainik Welfare has been tasked with submitting a district-wise profile of all veterans, Kota said.
An initiative implemented since 2023 to provide necessary support to the next of kin (NoK) of soldiers (Army/Navy/Air Force) who made the supreme sacrifice was reviewed.
A proposal for extending government jobs to the NoK of martyred Central Armed Police Forces personnel was examined, the CS said.
For absorption of Agniveers, the Assam Police Headquarters was asked to submit a comprehensive report on recruitment norms to the home department.
The home department will coordinate with the defence counterpart, incorporate directions of the Ministry of Home Affairs and submit the report to the chief minister for guidance, Kota said in the post on X.
The home department and the chief minister's office will also coordinate to strengthen engagement with Defence personnel.
The department will prepare a comprehensive list of ex-servicemen and institutionalise 'Jan-Sunwai' (public hearing) at regular intervals in identified districts for veterans' benefit.
A SOP will be drafted by the department accordingly.
The idea of creating a dedicated 'Sainik Samwad' tab on the chief minister's web portal for swift grievance redressal was also taken up at the meeting.
Following the Maharashtra model, the school education department will explore leveraging veterans to promote basic military grooming in government schools, the CS said.
For old age home for veterans, the home and political department was instructed to issue directions to the department of social justice and empowerment.
It will also coordinate with the Sainik Welfare Board to identify a feasible existing location or infrastructure.
Going forward, this initiative will be developed as a joint venture between the Government of Assam and the Indian Army, Kota said.
To inspire youth to join the armed forces, an institutionalised mechanism will be initiated wherein serving officers, veterans and spouses will visit educational institutions to deliver lectures on 'Operation Sindoor' and other nation-building themes.
For further beautification of the Guwahati War Memorial, the Army will share exhibits, flags and other items with the tourism department.
The state government and the Army will also collaborate on identifying and developing Military Tourism Circuits. PTI SSG SSG MNB
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI)
First Published:
August 18, 2025, 18:00 IST
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Before Operation Sindoor, there was Operation Maa. Its lessons must be remembered
Written by Rajesh Kalia Traditional counter-terrorism operations often prioritise the neutralisation of terrorists as the primary metric of success. However, here I would like to present a compelling case for a paradigm shift, arguing that a long-term solution to terrorism requires a strategy that addresses its root causes and prevents radicalisation at its source. Drawing on the Indian Army's 'Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove' policy in the Kashmir Valley, let us examine a unique counter-insurgency operation that focused on 'mind space management'. An important study shows that an understanding of local culture and religious traditions, combined with a direct appeal to the revered status of mothers, led to a significant number of young men abandoning terrorism and returning to the mainstream. While the role of security forces in defending national sovereignty is indisputable, a purely kinetic approach fails to address the underlying ideological and social factors that drive youth to join terror ranks. The adage, 'soldiers fight terrorists, the state fights terrorism,' underscores this distinction. Let us examine an innovative approach employed in the Kashmir Valley, where the Indian Army launched a counter-terrorist operation focused on mind space management, using a message as its primary weapon. This strategy, implemented before major operations like Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev, sought to 'win the hearts and minds' (WHAM) of the local population. The foundation of this operation was the intelligent use of knowledge from ancient texts. Initially, a message based on a Sanskrit verse by Lord Ram — 'Lakshman, even this golden Lanka does not appeal to me. Mother and motherland are superior even to heaven' – was considered. This reflects a universal value that homeland and family are superior to material wealth. However, concerns arose regarding its potential reception in a predominantly Muslim region. A crucial pivot was made after a collaboration with Sumir Kaul from the Press Trust of India and several Islamic scholars. Research into Islamic teachings revealed the exalted status of the mother. A specific Hadith states, 'Do good to and serve your mother, then your mother, then your mother and then your father'. It highlights that a mother is to be shown kindness and good treatment three times more than the father. This noble thought became the ideological cornerstone of Operation Maa (Mother). The methodology of Operation Maa involved a multi-pronged outreach programme. The armed forces interacted with religious teachers and village elders to disseminate the message of peace and direct appeals were made to parents. This was done specifically with mothers to leverage their revered status in society and appeal to them to discourage their children from joining terrorist groups. In a display of respect for human rights, the Indian Army would, on occasion, halt ongoing encounters to bring families to the site, allowing mothers to directly appeal to their sons to surrender. A study conducted by the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps in mid-2019 provided critical data to support this non-kinetic strategy. The study analysed the lifespan of terrorists and found a compelling correlation: A significant percentage of neutralised terrorists had a history of being stone-pelters. The lifespan of a newly inducted terrorist was remarkably short: 7 per cent were neutralised within 10 days, 9 per cent within a month, 17 per cent within three months and a staggering 64 per cent were eliminated within one year of joining. These findings were made public to highlight the dangers and futility of terrorism, serving as a powerful deterrent. This data, combined with the successful execution of Operation Maa, demonstrated that a significant number of young men, under the influence of their mothers' appeals, chose to drop their weapons and return to the mainstream. This validates the 'iron fist in a velvet glove' policy, which posits that military force must be used against those who threaten the state, while a compassionate approach is reserved for those willing to renounce violence. The success of Operation Maa demonstrates that a holistic counter-terrorism strategy must extend beyond the battlefield. While security forces must be effective in combat, they also need a reasonable knowledge of the local culture and traditions, irrespective of their personal beliefs. This understanding allows for the creation of messages that resonate deeply with the target audience. The strategic use of a Hadith in a Muslim-majority region was far more effective than a Sanskrit message, as it directly appealed to a deeply held religious and cultural value. The implications of this strategy are profound for counter insurgency doctrine globally and suggests that success should not be limited to the number of terrorists eliminated, but should also include the number of youth prevented from joining terrorist ranks. Security forces must be trained in cultural sensitivity and local traditions to build trust and credibility. The family unit, particularly mothers, can be a powerful force for de-radicalisation. The Kashmir Valley operation exemplifies a nuanced and effective counter-terrorism model. By blending military might with a culturally informed and empathetic approach, the Indian Army demonstrated that the most significant battles are often won not with bullets, but with a profound understanding of the human heart and mind. By blending operational strength with a deep respect for cultural values, the Indian Army is not just fighting a war against terror; it is fighting to secure a future of peace, one heart and mind at a time. The writer is a former defence spokesman in Srinagar and a retired Indian Army officer
The Hindu
3 hours ago
- The Hindu
Gaurav Gogoi slams police summons to journalists Siddharth Varadarajan, Karan Thapar
Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi on Wednesday (August 20, 2025) slammed the summoning of two senior journalists by Assam Police in connection with a case registered on sedition charges, saying the state is "again in the news for all the wrong reasons" and it has been engulfed by "greed, corruption, incompetency, lawlessness". Also read Editorial: Sedition redux: On trampling on press freedom Reacting to Assam Police's summons to senior journalists Siddharth Varadarajan and Karan Thapar of The Wire, in connection with a case registered on sedition charges, Mr. Gogoi said this was not the "Assam way" and the people of the state want a leadership that will build an "Assam of their dreams". Another day , another reason when Assam is in the news for all the wrong reasons. Greed, corruption, incompetency, lawlessness. This is not the Assam way. The people of Assam want a leadership that will build an Assam of their dreams. A bor Assam that will built on the foundation… — Gaurav Gogoi (@GauravGogoiAsm) August 20, 2025 "Another day, another reason when Assam is in the news for all the wrong reasons. Greed, corruption, incompetency, lawlessness. This is not the Assam way. The people of Assam want a leadership that will build an Assam of their dreams," he wrote on 'X'. The Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha said a greater Assam will be built on the foundation of the Assamese principles and sentiments. "A bor (greater) Assam that will be powered by the millions of talented and creative youth belonging to all ethnicities, religions, and linguistic backgrounds," he said. The two journalists have been asked to appear before the crime branch of Guwahati City police on August 22.
The Hindu
6 hours ago
- The Hindu
T.N. CM Stalin condemns action by Assam Police against journalists Siddharth Varadarajan, Karan Thapar of The Wire
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Wednesday (August 20, 2025) condemned the action of the Assam Police in issuing summons to senior journalists Siddharth Varadarajan and Karan Thapar of The Wire. In a post on X, Mr. Stalin said the summons have been issued despite the Supreme Court granting protection in a related matter only days earlier. No copy of the FIR and no particulars of the case have been furnished, leaving only the threat of arrest, he said. Sedition redux: On trampling on press freedom Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) is being misused as a substitute for the repealed sedition law to suppress independent journalism. A democracy cannot survive if asking questions is treated as sedition, he added.
