India Authorises Territorial Army Mobilisation
Amidst significantly heightened military tensions with Pakistan following recent cross-border actions, the Indian government on Friday, May 9th, empowered the Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, to mobilize the Territorial Army (TA). This measure is intended to support and supplement the regular armed forces in light of the escalating security situation.
Territorial Army Deployment Authorised
Under Rule 33 of the Territorial Army Rules 1948, the Army Chief can now call out TA officers and enrolled personnel for active duty. The directive specifies the embodiment of fourteen out of the existing thirty-two Infantry Battalions of the Territorial Army. These units are slated for deployment across various strategic commands, including the Southern, Eastern, Western, Central, Northern, South Western, and Andaman and Nicobar Commands, as well as the Army Training Command (ARTRAC). The Territorial Army, often referred to as India's "second line of defence," is a voluntary, part-time military organization established to relieve the regular army from static duties and assist in civil defence during emergencies or conflict.
Context of Heightened Hostilities
This decision follows a series of escalating events. India conducted "Operation Sindoor" on Wednesday, striking alleged terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK in response to the April 22nd Pahalgam terror attack. Subsequently, on Thursday night, India reported thwarting Pakistani attempts to strike military sites with drones and missiles. India also stated it targeted Pakistani air defence systems in retaliation. Concurrently, Pakistan has intensified unprovoked artillery fire across the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan. The Indian Ministry of Defence has reiterated that any attack on its military sites will invite a "suitable response," while the Foreign Secretary has emphasized that Pakistan initiated the original escalation with the Pahalgam attack.
The authorization to mobilize the Territorial Army underscores the seriousness of the current security environment between India and Pakistan. This step reflects India's preparedness to bolster its defence capabilities and ensure readiness across multiple fronts as tensions persist following recent military exchanges.
