The Indian Army and the Assam Rifles on Friday successfully validated the helicopter insertion of troops at Vijaynagar in Arunachal Pradesh’s Changlang district, highlighting enhanced operational preparedness in the remote border area, officials said.
Defence spokesperson Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said that as part of a joint exercise between the Indian Army and the Assam Rifles, a swift heli-borne insertion of troops was carried out in the strategically significant Vijaynagar Salient.
The exercise was aimed at validating rapid troop insertion capabilities and enhancing operational orientation in challenging and remote terrain.
Lt Col Rawat said the carefully planned activity demonstrated the forces’ ability to swiftly induct acclimatised troops into a simulated operational area, reflecting preparedness to respond effectively to emerging security challenges.
Emphasis was laid on speed, coordination and precision to ensure seamless execution under realistic conditions. “The troops displayed a high degree of professionalism, adaptability and combat readiness during the exercise,” he said.
The joint drill significantly enhanced operational reach and reinforced inter-force synergy, highlighting strong coordination and mutual understanding between the Assam Rifles and the Indian Army.
Such exercises play a vital role in refining standard operating procedures, improving interoperability and strengthening collective response mechanisms in strategically sensitive regions, the spokesperson said.
Changlang district, located in the southeastern corner of Arunachal Pradesh, is the easternmost part of India and shares an international boundary with Myanmar.
In another development, the Indian Army organised a Christmas celebration in the hills of Menchuka in Arunachal Pradesh’s Shi-Yomi district on Thursday.
Lt Col Rawat said the serene hills of Menchuka resonated with the spirit of Christmas as teachers from St. Francis de Sales (SFS) College, Aalo, undertook a meaningful journey of faith, culture and community bonding facilitated by the Army.
Set against the pristine Himalayan landscape, the initiative reflected the Army’s enduring commitment to fostering harmony, mutual respect and people-centric engagement in remote frontier regions under Operation Sadbhavna.
The day began with a warm festive ambience at the Menchuka market, where seasonal decorations and local interactions set the tone for the celebrations.
The group then proceeded to the local church, where prayers and hymns marked a solemn observance of Christmas, reinforcing values of peace, compassion and unity. Visits to local Gompas added a strong cultural dimension, symbolising coexistence, tolerance and the region’s shared heritage.
Moments of reflection and interaction throughout the day fostered deeper understanding among visiting teachers, local residents and Indian Army personnel facilitating the programme.
The experience not only celebrated Christmas in its true spirit but also highlighted the Indian Army’s role as a bridge between communities, cultures and faiths in far-flung border areas.
The defence spokesperson said the initiative underscored the Army’s holistic approach to nation-building beyond security, promoting cultural integration, emotional connection and trust with the local population.
By enabling such engagements, the Indian Army continues to strengthen social bonds and reinforce the message that development, harmony and human values remain central to its presence in frontier regions.
As Christmas was celebrated where faith meets the frontiers, the event left lasting impressions of warmth, goodwill and shared joy, reaffirming that unity and compassion remain the strongest foundations of national integration, Lt Col Rawat said.
— IANS
