Its as time with Assam Rifles

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, December 17, 2018: In their effort to further consolidate this encouraging trend the Sajik Battalion of 28 Sector Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (South) organised Advent Christmas Celebrations over the weekend.

The times are changing fast for Sajik Valley and they are changing for good. The bonhomie shared between the locals and Sajik Battalion of Assam Rifles over the last one year has provided positive impetus and accelerated the peace initiatives, says Assam Rifles.

The elaborate celebrations witnessed willing and extensive participation from one and all. The locals were upbeat about the whole concept and acknowledged that its like Sangai Festival of the Sajik Valley. The events included conduct of Mobile Medical Camps at multiple locations which culminated with a Mega Medical Camp at Sajik Tampak. The Medical Camp was assisted by district hospital, Chandel by providing specialist staff including gynecologist, ophthalmologist, pediatrician and surgeon besides other supporting staff. A total of over 1200 patients were provided medicines/specialist medical care during these medical camps.

The Advent Christmas Celebrations were organised at Sajik ground and was attended by over 1800 persons of 34 surrounding villages. Sajik Battalion along with village chiefs and the church organizations closely coordinated and planned the event. The special message on the occasion was delivered by Rev Mark Thangkhanai. He not only praised the Assam Rifles but also encouraged the locals to willingly support the efforts of Assam Rifles to bring peace in the area. The local heroes who have done well in Sajik area in last one year were also felicitated during the function.

After the ceremonial events, special presentations by renowned local singers like Ms Roslyn Kimbuang and Mr Lalcha Haokip swayed the crowds to the beautiful melodies of Christmas. The cultural programme showcased the talent from the area and included Cultural Dance, Choreography, Group Songs, Solo, Group Dance and Single Dance performances depicting various aspects of Christmas. To add more flavor to the occasion multiple stalls were placed catering for local taste buds. The evening witnessed enthusiastic participation from the youth as the stage was set open for solo/group performances. Multiple singers/dancers of all age groups showcased their passion and the best performances in each category were suitably rewarded.

This is for the first time ever that Sajik witnessed Advent Christmas Celebrations of this scale wherein the locals got together for fun and festivities. The positivity created by the event will certainly usher the area towards peace in the next year and has forged irreversible bonds between the locals and the Assam Rifles, said the Assam Rifles.

An extravagant pre-Christmas celebration was also organised by Moltuk Battalion  of 26 Sector Assam Rifles under the aegis of IGAR(South) on December 16. The event witnessed unprecedented participation by the locals.

The event began with a church service that was attended by the commanding officer and the villages’ chiefs. This was followed with a mini-fair which had all sorts of activities to keep the adults and the children engaged. Since the day coincided with the ‘Vijay Diwas’, the Battalion had also put up a separate enclosure running a short movie on the Indian Army for everybody to watch and feel proud. A sumptuous meal was served and everybody ate to their hearts’ fill. The Commanding Officer took this opportunity to interact with the locals and personally wish them a merry Christmas, said a press staement released by the Assam Rifles .