Article Posted on : - Oct 10, 2014

A tableau on display during 65th Territorial Army Raising Day Parade in New Delhi on Thursday. Photo: PTI.

NEW DELHI (PTI): Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag on Thursday hailed the Territorial Army for its service in war as well as peace and said Army would keep taking up the issue of augmenting their strength and improving service conditions with the government.

Addressing the Prime Minister's Territorial Army Day Parade, he said the Territorial Army has been effectively offering its contributions on all occasions and its work will motivate more people to join its ranks.

Territorial Army is a voluntary, part-time "citizen's army" comprising people who are not professional soldiers but civilians keen to do their bit towards country's defence.

"Your exceptional parade will motivate more countrymen to join Territorial Army. I assure you all that Indian Army will keep trying and working with the government to improve your strength and employment terms and conditions," Suhag said.

Recalling its contribution in all the wars India has fought, he said the Territorial Army has done a stellar job in militancy-hit north-eastern states and Jammu and Kashmir.

"Territorial Army is spread across the country. It is adding to our message of unity in diversity," he said.

Besides helping the regular Army in need, TA has done good work during disaster management. "It has also made a significant contribution to environment upgradation."

Territorial Army on Thursday celebrated its 65th raising day and the parade commanded by Colonel D S Chauhan, comprised 10 marching contingents of infantry Territorial Army, 15 military bands and three tableaus of railway engineer, oil Sector and ecological Territorial Army.