Defence News: Indian Army Thursday asked all its units across the country to observe no movement following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to extend the nationwide complete lockdown till May 3.
In a fresh order issued on Thursday, the army directed all military establishments, cantonments, formation headquarters and other units to strictly observe a no-movement policy till April 19.
The order, however, exempted the personnel engaged in essential services.
“This will not hinder any operational tasks of the formations or units which will be conducted with the requisite strength,” Indian Army said in the order.
Indian Army is grappling with the twin challenge of preventing the spread of the highly contagious novel coronavirus in its rank and file while ensuring the safety and territorial integrity of the country.
Indian Army is also assisting the government in containing the spread of the virus in the country.
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COVID-19: Army Medical Corps to function
Given the gravity of the situation, the Directorate General Medical Services (Army) will continue to function at full strength.
All medical establishments and hospitals will also continue functioning at full strength.
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Military intelligence, military operations
The latest order said only military operations, military intelligence, strategic movement operational logistics wings will continue to work within Army Headquarters.
But even these wings will work with the bare minimum staff.
Similar instructions have been issued for command headquarters where only manpower, logistics and operations branch will continue to work with the bare minimum strength.
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However, the military intelligence wing will continue to work in Northern and Eastern Commands of the Indian Army.
The Army has also asked its personnel to install Arogya Setu Mobile Application developed by the Government of India for creating awareness about the COVID-19 related information among the masses.
The force, however, has asked its personnel to follow all the necessary cybersecurity tips.
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