Army brigade demanded for disaster management in Tripura

Agartala, May 28 (UNI) The Indian Army has demanded the setting up of a full-fledged Army brigade in Tripura to facilitate rapid rescue operations in the event of any natural calamity as well as ensure security in public life.

Official sources said here today that GOC in-chief Eastern Command Lt General V K Singh held a meeting with Army officials here yesterday and reviewed the security situation in the state.

Later, he also met Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar and explained the need of Army brigade in the state.

Lt General Singh assured Mr Sarkar that the Army would extend all possible support and appreciated the state government's support in operational activities of the Army while pointing out that the Ministry of Defence had been considering Tripura as a strategic point in the Northeast since the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971 and it was also discussed in regional defence review meeting.

He underlined that Tripura belonged to Zone-V of seismic map of India and the Army could play a pivotal role in the state to manage any kind of disaster.

At the same time, the presence of the Army would increase the security strength in the bordering state.

The Chief Minister stated that the government would consider the demand for Army brigade in Tripura, saying, ''The Indian Army is playing a big role to protect the country's sovereignty and integrity and its civil action approaches are also highly appreciated.'' UNI BB DPM RL AS1533