Substantial improvement in the army-civilian relations has been achieved in Assam since the anti-insurgency Operation Rhino in 1991 due to the sustained efforts by the army, army 4 Corps General-officer-Commanding (GoC) Lt Gen Shakti Gurung said here on Sunday.
The anti-insurgency Operation Rhino had now become 'Operation Sadhvavana' (Goodwill) resulting in transformation of conflict into peacetime, Lt Gen Gurung said addressing a gathering at the 'Fauji Mela'.
With the improving internal situation, he said, it was for the first time that the Mela was held "on the street" for the public to participate in the event aimed to give a blend of awareness about army and address the long felt need to come closer to the locals of Tezpur, where the Headquarters of 4 Corps engaged in counter-insurgency operations is located.
To rebuild the lives of people devastated by terrorism, Operation Sadhvavana has spent Rs six crore for various development activities in the state focusing on the people's basic needs, he said.
Due to the army's efforts, the General said, 2000 militants from different insurgent outfits had surrendered before the security forces so far. Chief minister Tarun Gogoi gracing the occasion said, such type of coordination between the army and the public reaches the masses of the state causing peace to return and the people to lead a normal life.
Such Melas also encouraged the youth to join the army in the service of the nation and pursue Army as a career, Gogoi said.
The 'Fauji Mela' was organised here under the aegis of Four Corps to showcase the strength, organization and capabilities of the Indian army for the people of Assam.
The theme of the Fauji Mela was 'we care for our People' and highlighted the role of army in national integration and nation building, a Defence release said.
Some of the major highlights were the display of combat power comprising combat free fall by commandos, mock attack and battle drills.
A special counter was also set up to spread awareness on various recruitment and enrolment options available to the youth of the state to choose Army as a career option.
Another counter set up at the exposition was the 'Sadbhavana' stall showcasing civilian and humanitarian projects undertaken by Army to bring prosperity and development in the North East region.