Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi carried out a detailed review of security preparedness in Sikkim during his visit to the state’s forward areas this week. The Army Chief also met Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and discussed key national security priorities and ongoing civil–military cooperation efforts. General Dwivedi was accompanied by senior military commanders, including the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command, the GOC Trishakti Corps and the GOC Black Cat Division. The meeting with the Chief Minister took place at the CM’s official residence, where both sides exchanged views on strengthening coordination between the civil administration and the armed forces. The discussions covered veteran welfare, local development initiatives and progress made under the Ranbhoomi Darshan programme. Chief Minister Tamang appreciated the Army’s role in protecting the state’s border areas and said people of Sikkim stand firmly with the armed forces. He added that cooperation between the Army and the state government will continue to grow, especially in strengthening civil defence and ensuring better support for border communities.
During his tour, the Army Chief visited a number of frontline posts under the Black Cat Division. Senior officers briefed him on the operational readiness of troops, the challenges posed by high-altitude terrain and new plans to enhance capabilities along sensitive stretches of the border. General Dwivedi was also updated on the deployment of indigenous drones used for surveillance and real-time monitoring in forward areas. He interacted with soldiers posted in difficult locations and praised their professionalism, resilience and commitment despite extreme weather and rugged terrain. A major highlight of the visit was the Veteran Achievers Award ceremony, where six veterans from the region were honoured for their contributions to society after completing their military service. The Army described the ceremony as a tribute to those who continue serving the nation in different roles even after retirement. Among the awardees, Colonel Keshab Rai (Retd) was honoured for his work in veteran welfare and in helping resolve pension and documentation issues, especially in far-flung Nepali-speaking areas.
Major Pasang Wangdi (Retd) received recognition for his years of service with the Darjeeling Children’s Trust, supporting healthcare, education and child welfare. Major P.S. Gurung (Retd) was awarded for his lifelong commitment to inclusive sports and his leadership roles in education and welfare institutions. Subedar (Honorary Captain) Kanteshwar Mochahai (Retd) was commended for assisting veterans and veer naris in Sonitpur by helping families secure essential documents and promoting national values in schools. Naik Bishnu Gurung (Retd) earned recognition for operating a Common Service Centre in remote Sikkim, assisting over 200 veterans with digital and administrative services. Commander (IN) G.L. Sharma (Retd) was celebrated for his leadership in higher education across four universities, including his current role as Vice Chancellor of SRM University Sikkim. Speaking at the ceremony, General Dwivedi said that serving the nation does not end with active duty and praised the awardees for continuing to contribute to society. He added that their work reflects the spirit of lifelong service that defines the Armed Forces community.