Lt Gen RP Kalita assumes charge as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command on February 1. (Photo Courtesy: PRO (Def) Kohima)
Kohima, February 1 (MExN): Lt Gen Rana Pratap Kalita, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM took over as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command on February 1.
He assumed office after paying homage to the martyrs at Vijay Smarak followed by guard of honour at Garrison Battalion Parade Ground, informed a press release from PRO (Def) Kohima.
Prior to this, he was Director General, Manpower Planning and Personnel Services in IHQ of MoD (Army), New Delhi.
Lt Gen Kalita was commissioned into 9 Kumaon Regiment in 1984 and has extensive operational experience in Sri Lanka, Jammu & Kashmir and North-East, the release said.
He commanded a Rashtriya Rifles Battalion in Kashmir, a Mountain Brigade and an Infantry Division actively committed in Counter Insurgency Operations in J&K and strategically important Corps in North-East, it added.
Besides, Lt Gen Kalita has rich experience by virtue of serving in varied staff appointments to include key appointments in Military Secretary’s Branch, Operational Logistics Directorate, Adjutant General’s Branch in IHQ of MoD (Army), informed the release.
He also served as Colonel GS of a Division and BGS (Ops) of a Corps in highly active Counter Insurgency environment.
An alumnus of Defence Services Staff College, Higher Command, National Defence College, he had twice served in United Nations as a Military Observer in Sierra Leone and Chief Operations Officer in Sudan.
Lt Gen Kalita has been conferred with Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishist Seva Medal, Sena Medal, Vishist Seva Medal, Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card & GOC-in-C Eastern Command Commendation Card.
“The Army Commander conveys his warm greetings to the people and wishes them peace, prosperity, health and happiness in times ahead,” the release added.
