As part of his two-day visit to the northeast to review the security scenario, Antony landed at Imphal airport in an Indian Air Force aircraft on Saturday morning before flying straight to the headquarters of 57 Mountain division at Leimakhing here by a helicopter.
He was accompanied by Army chief Gen. V K Singh, defence secretary Pradeep Kumar, Eastern Army Commander Lt-Gen Bikram Singh and 3 Corps Commander Lt-Gen. N K Singh.
At Leimakhong, the minister was briefed by Maj-Gen. D S Hooda, GOC of 57 Mountain Division which is also known as the Red Shield Division.
He appreciated the progress in various defence infrastructure and security arrangements achieved by the division in the state and lauded the efforts of all troops "in maintaining the lowest state of violence in the last few decades", said a defence statement.
He also expressed happiness with the projects initiated by the Red Shield Division for the people in the remote areas of Manipur. The statement issued by defence PRO Col Ajay Chowdhry said the minister visited Disha', a boys' hostel set up by the division for under-privileged children.
Antony, who presented a television set to the hostel, complimented Gen V K Singh for his vision and the GOC of the division for constructing and running the hostel efficiently.
Besides having a lunch with troops of the division, the minister interacted with the soldiers and enquired about their well being and what he could do for them in his capacity as a defence minister. Before wrapping up his two day northeast tour, the minister expressed his appreciation by complementing all ranks for their efforts in making the visit a success, added the statement.
In the meantime, 16 Maratha Light infantry troops of the division apprehended a drug peddler on Wednesday from Terakhongsangbi village in Bishnupur district, said another defence statement.
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