NEW DELHI, Oct 8:Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today reviewed the operational readiness of the strategically important Eastern airbase of Tezpur. 

A Defence Ministry press release said, the visit was part of her familiarisation with all the formations of the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force came close on the heels of her visit to Northern Command recently and her visit to Sikkim on Saturday. 

Mrs Sitharaman also visited the Gajraj Corps Head Quarters where she was briefed by GOC Gajraj Corps Lt Gen AS Bedi on the overall security situation in Assam and the Kameng Sector of Arunachal Pradesh and the operational preparedness of the Corps. 

The Defence Minister reiterated the government’s resolve to give further impetus to development in the border areas.

At Solmara Military Station in Tezpur, she appreciated the high standards of military discipline and preparedness of the army men and their excellent performance in the difficult terrain and challenging environment. 

Lauding them for their steadfast commitment and high morale in facing the diverse challenges thrown up by the dynamic security environment, Mrs. Sitharaman exhorted the troops to continue with the same zeal and sense of pride and honour showing due respect to human rights.

The Minister was accompanied by Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lt Gen Sarath Chand and GOC-in-C Eastern Command Lt Gen Abhay Krishna.