Rajputana Rifles for UN Mission in Congo

New Delhi, July 14 (UNI) Second Battalion the Rajputana Rifles, one of the elite battalions of the Indian Army, has been nominated for the United Mission in Congo, and will be inducted for peacekeeping operations between the third week of July and the second week of August.

Addressing a special Sainik Sammelan of the Rajputana Rifles here today, Deputy Chief of the Army Staff Lt Gen Susheel Gupta expressed confidence that the unit would continue to perform and measure up to the high expectations of the environment in the impending tenure also.

Reminding the troops of their responsibility towards maintaining the honour of the Indian Army, the nation and the rich traditions of valour and sacrifice of their Regiment, he asked them to set new standards of professionalism in maintaining peace and security in Congo.

Second Battalion the Rajputana Rifles was raised as 10th Regiment Bombay Native Infantry at Baroda on November 5, 1817 and was baptised operationally during the First Afghan War in 1840.

Since then the battalion has participated in all major wars and campaigns, including the First and the Second World Wars.

During the pre-Independence era, the battalion was awarded Eight Battle Honours for its gallant actions. The braves of the battalion proved their mettle in action and were duly awarded with the First Victoria Cross of the Indian Army in 1856.

Post independence, it was designated as Second Battalion the Rajputana Rifles. The battalion participated in all major wars and campaigns and was awarded the Battle Honour for Poonch during the 1948 Indo-Pak War.

During 'Operation Vijay', the battalion, true to its motto 'Ever Victorious', achieved the first success for the nation by capturing Tololing and Three Pimples which turned the tide of the war. For its indomitable spirit, grit and determination, it was awarded an instant Chief of Army Staff Unit Citation.

As recognition of the valour and courage during 'Operation Vijay', President APJ Abdul Kalam awarded the battalion the 'Battle Honours of Tololing and Drass' and the 'Theatre Honour of Kargil' on May 25, 2005.

UNI YJ VA KN1404