Naga Regiment
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| The Naga Regiment | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1970 - Present |
| Country | India |
| Branch | Army |
| Type | Line Infantry |
| Role | Light Role |
| Size | 3 Battalions |
| Regimental Centre | Ranikhet, Uttranchal |
| War Cry | Jai Durga Naga (Hail Durga Naga) |
| Decorations | 1 Maha Vir Chakra, 4 Vir Chakras, 1 Yudh Seva Medal, 1 Vishist Seva Medal and 10 Sena Medals |
| Insignia | |
| Regimental Insignia | A pair of crossed Naga spears and a dao (a cutting weapon used in Nagaland), with a shield bearing a mithun (bison) head |
The Naga Regiment is the youngest Regiment of the Indian Army. In 1970, the First Battalion of the Naga Regiment was raised in Ranikhet.
[edit] History
During 1960, the delegation of the Naga Peoples Convention put forward a proposal for a separate regiment to fulfill their desire of playing a greater role in the Defence Forces of India.
First Battalion (1 Naga) of the Regiment was raised at the Kumaon Regimental Centre, Ranikhet on 01 November 1970 under the command of Lt. Col. R.N. Mahajan, VSM. Being the only battalion, it was then designated as the NAGA Regiment. The manpower to raise this battalion was provided by battalions of Kumaon, Garhwal and Gorkha (3 Gokrha Rifles) regiments. 69 Nagas were enrolled directly from rehabilitation camps of underground Nagas. However, the Regiment was to comprise 50% Nagas and 50% of an equal number of Kumaoni, Garhwali and Gorkhas. Since many Kumaon battalions had been associated with Nagaland, particularly in the years preceding the raising of the Naga Regiment, it was affiliated to the Kumaon Regiment for all regimental matters. The second battalion (2 Naga) was raised on 11 February 1985 at Haldwani.
The traditional Naga weapons viz the Dao, the Spear and the prestigious Mithun have been integrated into the Regimental Crest. The Regiment's colours are Gold, Green and Red, the gold of the rising sun, the green of Infantry and red the colour of authority among Nagas. 1 Naga was presented with 'Colours' on 06 May 1978 at Dehradun by Shri Neelam Sanjiva Reddy, the President of India and 2 Naga was presented with 'Colours' on 10 May 1990 by General V.N. Sharma, PVSM, ADC, the Chief of Army Staff.
1 Naga took part in Bangladesh operations and earned a name for the Regiment. It was awarded one Vir Chakra and three Sena Medals. The battalion was the first one to be inducted into Operation Vijay in the Drass Sector on 11 May 1999. During this operation, the battalion captured Black Rock, Thums Up, Pyramid (all part of Point 5140), Pimple Hill (later renamed as Naga Hill) and Point 5060. The battalion was awarded with two Vir Chakra and two Sena Medals for their outstanding performance during this operation. 2 Naga has been awarded 'COAS Unit Citation' twice and both times for valour and chivalry in the face of the enemy. This battalion also took active part in Operation Vijay. The battalion has earned one Maha Vir Chakra, two Vir Chakras, one Yudh Seva Medal, one Vishisht Seva Medal and nine Sena Medals.
[edit] Current Strength
Currently, the Naga regiment has a strength of 3 battalions. However, the 1st and 2nd Battalion form the part of the Kumaon Regiment.
- 1st Battalion
- 2nd Battalion
- 3rd Battalion
[edit] References
Naga Regiment on Bharat-Rakshak
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