LEH: Lieutenant General Madanraj Pande on Monday assumed command of the Leh-based Fire & Fury Corps (14 Corps), succeeding Lieutenant General Hitesh Bhalla. The change of command, held at the Corps Headquarters in Leh.
Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla is set to take over as the Chief of Staff of the Udhampur-based Northern Command, following his successful tenure as General Officer Commanding of the Fire & Fury Corps.
During the ceremony, the outgoing Corps Commander, Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, expressed his appreciation to all ranks for their professionalism, dedication and unwavering commitment to duty during his tenure. He lauded the troops for their exemplary service in some of the world’s most challenging operational environments and conveyed confidence in their continued excellence.
Taking over command, Lt Gen Madanraj Pande called upon all personnel of the Fire & Fury Corps to continue upholding the highest traditions, values and ethos of the Indian Army while serving the nation with unwavering dedication. He emphasised the importance of maintaining operational readiness and sustaining the Corps’ distinguished legacy of professionalism and excellence.
The appointment of Lt Gen Madanraj Pande comes at a time when the Fire & Fury Corps continues to play a critical role in ensuring peace, stability and security along India’s sensitive northern frontiers. The leadership transition is expected to further strengthen the Corps’ operational preparedness and its unwavering commitment to defending the nation’s territorial integrity.
The Fire & Fury Corps plays a pivotal role in securing the country’s northern borders, overseeing operational deployments along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China as well as sensitive sectors bordering Pakistan. Its area of responsibility includes the high-altitude regions of Eastern Ladakh, Kargil and the strategically vital Siachen Glacier, making it one of the Indian Army’s most operationally significant formations.
