New Delhi: In a major move aimed at bolstering national defence readiness amid escalating tensions with Pakistan, the Centre has authorised the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) to mobilise all officers and personnel of the Territorial Army (TA). The order, issued under Rule 33 of the Territorial Army Rules, 1948, empowers the Army Chief to deploy TA personnel to support the regular forces during emergencies or when guarding key installations becomes essential.
This development comes on the heels of a sharp escalation along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB), where Pakistani forces launched multiple drone and missile attacks on the night of May 8–9.
The Territorial Army, comprising 32 battalions, including 14 infantry units, can now be deployed across commands like Northern, Western, and Eastern as needed. With this move, the Indian Army Chief can now increase the personnel available by getting in infantry battalions of the Territorial Army.
The Army remains on high alert following recent Indian precision strikes under Operation Sindoor in Pakistan and PoK.
According to defence officials, Indian air defence systems intercepted at least eight rockets targeting key areas, including Jammu Airport, RS Pura, Samba, and Arnia. Described as “cheap rockets”, these projectiles were neutralised mid-air. Multiple Pakistani drones were also shot down while attempting to breach Indian airspace.
Witnesses reported explosions and a brief power outage in Jammu as aerial operations lit up the sky. Military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur were reportedly targeted.
“The threats were swiftly neutralised using kinetic and non-kinetic methods. India is fully prepared to defend its sovereignty,” the Defence PRO stated.
