India Calls Territorial Army to Support Military Amid Rising Tensions with Pakistan

In a significant move, the Central Government has given special powers to the Chief of the Army Staff to call upon the Territorial Army to support the Indian Army. This decision has been made under Rule 33 of the Territorial Army Rule, 1948, as tensions between India and Pakistan have risen sharply in the past few days.

What is the Territorial Army?

The Territorial Army (TA) is a part-time volunteer force that supports the regular Indian Army in times of emergency and internal security duties. It consists of trained civilians who work in different fields but are also trained as soldiers. These volunteers can be called into action when the country faces security threats.

Due to the recent rise in military activity between India and Pakistan, the Indian government has decided to strengthen the Army’s presence in key areas. By deploying the Territorial Army, the government aims to support the regular Army forces across various military commands in the country.

Where Will They Be Deployed?

The Ministry of Defence has said that selected units from the 32 existing Territorial Army Infantry Battalions will be deployed. These units will be stationed across important commands such as the Northern, Western, Eastern, Southern, Central, South Western, Andaman and Nicobar Command, and the Army Training Command (ARTRAC). These areas are critical to national security and need extra support during this tense period.

The current situation escalated after Indian forces conducted missile strikes on May 7, targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). These included bases belonging to terrorist groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke. The action, named “Operation Sindoor,” was a response to a brutal terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, where 26 innocent civilians lost their lives.

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Pakistan’s Failed Retaliation

In response to India’s missile strikes, Pakistan tried to attack several Indian military installations during the night of May 7-8 using drones and missiles. However, the Indian Armed Forces successfully intercepted and neutralised these attacks. India also managed to disable an Air Defence system based in Lahore, showcasing its military preparedness.

By calling upon the Territorial Army and carrying out these operations, India has sent a clear message that it will not tolerate terrorist activities supported from across the border. The government’s decision shows that the country is fully prepared to defend its people and maintain peace and security.

As the situation continues to develop, the role of the Territorial Army will be crucial in supporting the Indian Army on multiple fronts. This step ensures that the country remains strong and united in the face of external threats. The coming days will be important for national security, and India appears to be fully alert and ready to respond.