Coordination between military, administration and society needed in Himalayan region: Governor

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun

The governor lieutenant general ( retd) Gurmit Singh has said that Himalayas are not just a geographical border, but a vibrant strategic system, where topography, infrastructure, population, governance and military capabilities are in constant interaction. 

He was addressing a seminar ‘Fortifying the Himalayas: A proactive military –civil fusion strategy in the middle sector’ at Clement Town here on Wednesday.

He said that although the middle sector has traditionally been considered relatively peaceful, current circumstances demand constant vigilance and advance preparedness. The governor stressed the need for effective coordination between the military, civil administration, and society to strengthen security in the Himalayan region.

He said that contemporary security challenges are no longer limited to direct military activities, but are also shaped by factors such as hybrid warfare, grey-zone activities, dual-use infrastructure and continued pressure in border areas.

Describing border villages as a vital component of national security, he said that local communities are not only beneficiaries but also partners and enablers of border security. He said that programmes like ‘Vibrant Villages’ promote social and economic development, as well as population stability, logistical strength and a sustainable national presence in border areas. 

Addressing the seminar, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the suggestions emerging from the seminar will help strengthen our strategic policy and play an important role in the development of the Himalayan region.

 He said that given the challenges of the Himalayan region, such as its difficult geographical conditions and limited population, better coordination between the army, civilians, civil administration and technical experts is essential. The citizens living near the borders in the Himalayan regions are the country’s greatest strength, truly serving as the nation’s eyes and ears and playing a vital role in national security. He said that protecting the nation is the responsibility of every citizen, not just the army. 

The general officer commanding in chief (GoC in C) Central Command, lieutenant general Anindya Sengupta shared his views on the challenges of the border in the central sector.