Lt Gen Rana Pratap Kalita joins as Chief of Staff in Eastern Command of Indian army at Fort William in Kolkata

Our Correspondent

MANGALDAI: Lieutenant General Rana Pratap Kalita on Friday has joined as the Chief of Staff (COS) in the Eastern Command of Indian army at Fort William in Kolkata. This worthy son of Assam -the second Lieutenant General from Assam is first from Assam to be appointed as the COS in the Eastern Command which looks after the entire North eastern region besides other areas. Lieutenant General Kalita - an alumnus of Sainik School, Goalpara (SSG) in Assam and of National Defence Academy (NDA) was earlier awarded ‘Sena Medal’ and ‘Vishisht Seva Medal’ (twice) for his outstanding service. He was also conferred with the prestigious ‘Ati Vishisht Seva Medal’ for his outstanding performance and service to the nation during his tenure as the General Officer Commanding of XIX Infantry Division at Baramulla in the aftermath of the ‘fedayeen attack’ in Uri sector in Kashmir valley.

A proud son of an ideal teacher of high repute late Jogendra Kalita and late Renu Kalita of Shantipur of Rangiya town in Kamrup (Rural) district, Lieutenant General Kalita got commissioned in 9 Kumaon Regiment on June of 1984. His son Capatain Nishanta carrying forth the tradition to the second generation has also got commissioned in the 9 Kumaon Regiment, which once was commanded by Lieutenant General Kalita. He was also entrusted to coordinate the funeral of former Prime Minister AB Bajpayee which was conducted by the Indian Army in the most professional and flawless manner where he proved his skill and management ability. He was appointed in several coveted posts to command 13 Rashtriya Rifles in Kasmir, 71 Infantry Brigade at Lucknow and strategically important XV Corps at Srinagar. He also rendered his service in Officer Training Academy (OTA) besides his deputation to United Nation Peace Keeping Force twice.

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