Coronavirus pandemic: Army suspends troop movement, exercises till further orders

Ajay Banerjee
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, April 16

The Indian Army has extended the suspension of all exercises and movement of troops till May 3.

They informed field commanders for not planning anything until further orders.

For Army men who were on temporary duty or training—when the lockdown was announced on March 23—the Railways will be running two special trains—only those are fit and free from COVID-19.  

These special trains will meet the operational requirements of Northern and Eastern borders. A train will depart from Banglore to Jammu on April 17. Another one will leave Banglore for Guwahati the next day. Enroute, the train will stop at major military stations. 

The target is to ferry a hundred men, who were under training at Bangalore, Belgaum, Secundrabad and Gopalpur.

Meanwhile, all training activities and temporary duties will remain suspended. 

Commanders, on the ground, have been told: “Directions to be taken post-May 3 will be issued. No activity is to be assumed (for post-May 3)”.

All social, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural and religious gatherings have to be suspended. 

No religious congregations, regimental or ceremonial functions will be permitted, the instructions said. 

Military offices falling in declared ‘Hotspots or Containment Zones’ will observe strict “No Movement” till they are de-notified. 

Exceptions to be given will depend on the local military authority.

All military establishments, cantonments, formation headquarters and units will observe strict “No Movement” till 19 April 2020. 

This should not hinder any operational tasks, says the directive.

Within the Army HQ, only the Military Operations, Military Intelligence, Operational Logistics and Strategic Movement branches will function.

From April 19, the offices in Army HQ, Command HQ and formation HQ may start functioning at 50 per cent of strength. 

These orders shall remain in force till May 3.

However, the Directorate General Medical Services (Army) will continue functioning at full strength all military establishments and hospitals will continue functioning at full strength.