Army show of firepower in Changu

Gangtok, May 28 (UNI) For the first time in Sikkim, Bofors gun and a range of other light artillery guns boomed resoundingly across the mountainous corridor of Changu at an altitude of 12800 ft today stamping an indelible sense of security among the hundreds of students and other high profile citizens of the state.

In an awesome display of high explosive firing, 56 artillery guns and 8 mortars of the Indian Army participated in almost two hour demonstration of heavy shelling in the targeted proxy enemy positions from three different locations at Changu corridor, 11 kms away from the Nathula border. The targeted areas were at a barren mountain range called Lumse hill across Changu where three proxy enemy positions had been put up.

The 155 mm multipurpose Bofors gun (6), 105 mm light artillery gun (50) and the eight motor guns shelled the targets with high degree of accuracy from Sherthang, Changu and Mile 17 positions.

Different gun firing techniques like heavy shelling, burst fire, changing of locations were demonstrated in the exercise.

Witnessed by a crowd of students and locals, the confidence building exercise was blessed with a sunny weather and clear ambience heightening the impact of firepower demonstration. The gathering also witnessed display of smoke bombs and light flares.

Before the actual show began, 3 Cheetah helicopters demonstrated aerial reconnaissance and observations techniques. High tech equipment like surveillance and target acquisitions device, LORROS and Radio Sondhe were used during the exercise.

The fire shelling was used to support the final objective of capturing Lumse hill by the 3 infantry troops. The awesome fire power demonstration was at a minimum level than those used in normal war.

General C.K.Sabu, core commander said that today's structured and controlled demonstration was a part of the annual ritual of Indian Army. Such exercises develop confidence in the common people.

''We have planned induction of more high-tech weaponry and our need for more capacity has been understood,'' he said. The new firepower is expected to increase the Indian army's capacity to fire 100 kms into the Chinese territory of Tibetan Autonomous Region.

China is also increasing their capacity. We have to match their efforts,'' the core commander said.

The GOC of the 17th Mountain Division, Major General KVS Lalhotra said the armed forces practise regularly even in bad weather to protect the country. He hoped that the school children must have developed confidence regarding the Indian Army.

UNI