Amidst the growing military tension between India and Pakistan, the central government has taken a big decision to activate the Territorial Army (TA). The Army Chief has been given the authority to call every officer and soldier of the TA whenever he wants, so that they can join the security front along with the regular army. Know in detail what the Territorial Army is and how it is dangerous for Pakistan.

What is Territorial Army: Amid the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan, the central government has taken a big step. The Defense Ministry has given the authority to Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi that he can activate every officer and soldier of the Territorial Army (TA) whenever he wants. This will enable them to help in necessary security tasks along with the regular army. This order has come at a time when on the night of 8-9 May, India foiled drone attacks by Pakistan on the LoC and western border of Jammu and Kashmir.

A day before this, India had carried out air strikes on 9 terrorist camps located in Pakistan and POK (Pakistan occupied Kashmir) under Operation Sindoor. This was given as a response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Now the question is what is the Territorial Army to which the authority is being talked about. How important is it for India and how dangerous can this army prove to be for Pakistan.

Territorial Army: Why is it a big threat to Pakistan?

The Territorial Army (TA) is a special military unit of India which is made up of ordinary citizens. They take military training along with their normal jobs. But when the time of need comes, it works completely like a regular army. It was established on 9 October 1949 and completed 75 years in the year 2024. TA has played an important role in war, disaster management and environmental work so far.

It is fully integrated with the regular units of the army. Many soldiers have also been honored for bravery and excellent service. According to the government order, 14 battalions out of the existing 32 infantry battalions will be deployed. In this, more than 14000 soldiers will be deployed in various command areas of the country - Southern, Eastern, Western, Central, Northern, South Western, Andaman-Nicobar and Army Training Command. The Territorial Army (TA) started with many types of units like - Infantry Battalion (TA), Air Defense (TA), Medical Regiment (TA), Engineer Field Park Company (TA), Signal Regiment (TA).

Participated in previous wars as well

But by 1972 these units were either disbanded or absorbed into the Regular Army. Only the Infantry Battalion (TA) was retained. TA units have taken part in the wars of 1962, 1965 and 1971.

The 'Terriers' (the name of the TA soldiers) also took part in Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka, Operation Rakshak in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir and Operation Rhino and Operation Bajrang in Northeast India.

National Security Review

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday reviewed the security situation in the country and met top military officials. This meeting took place at a time when Pakistan's attempts to target Indian military bases were foiled. The government's decision to activate the Territorial Army shows that India is now fully prepared for any war situation. The deployment of TA can become a new strategic pressure for Pakistan.