Chief Minister Flags Off First Batch Of Mizo Territorial Army

Aizawl, May, 2026: Chief Minister, Shri Lalduhoma, today flagged off the first batch of 144 Mizo youths selected for the 166 Infantry Battalion Territorial Army (Home & Hearth), Assam at the Assembly Annexe Building Conference Hall. The batch, comprising 135 males and 9 females, is scheduled to leave for Shillong on the 15th of this month for their training.

The event was attended by Home Minister Shri K. Sapdanga; Lt. Col. (Retd) Clement Lalhmingthanga, MLA (Champhai South) and Chairman of the Territorial Army (TA) Establishment & Coordination Committee; Home Secretary Shri Vanlalmawia, IAS; Brig. Manoj Kumar Patel, SC, Commander, TA Group Eastern Command; along with other distinguished officers from the Armed Forces and Assam Rifles, and senior state officials.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that today is a proud and historic day for Mizoram. He stated that previously, he himself was not aware of the Territorial Army, but after learning about it, he immediately appealed to the Central Government authorities to sanction a Mizo Battalion. Initially, permission was granted to recruit 70 personnel, but further negotiations resulted in the approval of 144 personnel before recruitment even began. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shahji , Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singhji and Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi for this.

The Chief Minister further added that efforts are already underway to secure additional recruitment quotas. He encouraged as many Mizo youths as possible to join the Territorial Army, stating that besides being a source of employment, the TA is a noble service dedicated to national security and also serves as a path toward disciplined and responsible living.

Addressing the newly recruited youths, the Chief Minister said that the 144 recruits being sent for training today would serve as pioneers and representatives of Mizo youth. He urged them to give their best, to uphold and showcase the good values and character of the Mizo people wherever they go, and strive to bring honour to the state and its people.

Home Minister Shri K. Sapdanga also addressed the gathering and said that the Territorial Army combines Civilian Excellence with Military Discipline, bringing honour, dignity, and character-building opportunities. Congratulating the new recruits, he urged them to always give their best, and faithfully carry out their responsibilities and duties. He also reminded them whenever they feel discouraged during their training, they should always remember that “Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.”

Lt. Col. (Retd) Clement Lalhmingthanga, in his speech, stated that the Mizo Territorial Army became a reality through the initiative and effort of Chief Minister Shri Lalduhoma and described it as a historic achievement that will always be remembered in Mizoram’s history. He further added that efforts for further recruitment are ongoing, and they are hopeful that a new advertisement may be released around September this year.

Brig. Manoj Kumar Patel also credited the Chief Minister’s initiative and hardwork for the establishment of the Mizo Territorial Army and expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister for it. He further noted that there are still many vacancies within the Territorial Army that they desire to fill.

The MTA recruits will begin their training from next month. Prior to that, they will depart for Shillong later this month to complete the necessary formalities. While the 135 male recruits will undergo their training in Shillong, the 9 female recruits will proceed to Bangalore for their training.