Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Sept 1: The Fire and Fury Corps of the Indian Army today celebrated its 26th Raising Day in Leh, reaffirming its commitment to defending India’s northern borders and supporting Ladakh’s development.
Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, General Officer Commanding, Fire and Fury Corps, paid tribute to fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the Hall of Fame War Memorial.
The Corps, raised on September 1, 1999, after Operation Vijay, is tasked with guarding Ladakh’s sensitive frontiers including Siachen, Kargil, Demchok and Daulat Beg Oldie.
Apart from its military role, the Corps has been actively involved in social welfare. Under the Vibrant Villages Programme, it has taken up projects in 43 border villages to improve amenities and generate livelihood.
In education, seven Army Goodwill Schools are running in remote areas, benefiting nearly 2,500 students. Scholarships, coaching for NEET, JEE and Sainik School exams have produced encouraging results, with dozens of students securing success.
Since 2022, 618 Operation Sadbhavana projects have been completed, covering school infrastructure, libraries and community facilities.
The Corps has also organised sports events, mountaineering expeditions and medical as well as veterinary camps in far-flung areas.
Environmental protection is another focus, with large-scale waste clearance drives in Siachen and Nyoma, along with solar power and community centre projects.
Women empowerment programmes such as Pashmina weaving and sanitary napkin units are helping to generate income in villages.
On the occasion of Raising Day, the Ladakh Women’s Ice Hockey Team was felicitated, and 24 Army personnel were honoured for distinguished service.
The Corps reaffirmed its pledge to safeguard the borders and contribute to Ladakh’s progress.
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