Army presents field guns to Raj Bhavan

GANGTOK, 28 May: The Army at a special ceremony held at Raj Bhavan today, presented two majestic 5.5 inch bore guns to the Raj Bhavan. These guns were manufactured in the United Kingdom and are of 1941-45 vintage. They have been used by more than a dozen countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Australia, Canada, Iraq, India and Pakistan in different theatres of war. These guns were employed during World War-II, the Korean War and many other conflicts. Weighing over 6,000 kgs each, the gun fires 45 kg shells over 16 km at the rate of 2 shells per minute.
These guns were released after a series of approvals at various levels, with final sanction given by the Defence Minister on behalf of the President of India. This was made possible, only due to the keen interest shown by the Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh, the diligence of 17 Mountain Division and the support and guidance provided by GOC 33 Corps, Lt. General K Surendranath, a press release details.
The ceremony was addressed by the Governor and by the GOC 33 Corps and was attended by a host of dignitaries, which included the Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly KT Gyaltsen, members of the State Council of Ministers, MP [Lok Sabha], Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary, DGP, Secretaries, besides others.
The Governor, in his address, thanked the Defence Minister and the Army Chief for the gift, which, he said, would now form an integral part of the Raj Bhavan complex. He also dwelt on the history of civil-military relations in the State which has always been marked by cordiality and mutual trust. He commended the Army Commander and his jawans for the swift response in undertaking relief and rescue measures and other assistance to the State during the aftermath of 18 September, 2011 earthquake in the State.
The Governor also took the opportunity to share two ideas which would go a long way in further cementing the ties between the military and civil authorities in the State. First, he wanted the Eastern Air Command, which is located at Shillong to consider setting up a small base at Pakyong. This would help urgent requirements in natural emergencies in the state which is located in a seismic belt. It may be recalled that an airport at Pakyong near Gangtok is under construction.
Second, Sikkim is one of the few states left in the country where there is no Sainik school. The Governor said that a Sainik school should be set up in the state by the Ministry of Defence. Towards this, he also suggested that this could be an integral part of the Ranipool-Pakyong stretch where Naya Gangtok is going to emerge. He mentioned that his vision of Naya Gangtok is well known to the State Government and they have also taken some initial measures in this regard.