Leh 01 September:- Fire and Fury Corps celebrated it’s 26th Raising Day on 01 September 2025 at Leh. Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, UYSM, SC, SM, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Fire and Fury Corps laid a wreath at Hall of Fame War Memorial on behalf of all ranks to honour the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty during various military operations in Ladakh.
In the aftermath of Operation VIJAY, it was decided to raise a new Corps to look after the entire Ladakh Region. Accordingly, Fire and Fury Corps was raised at Leh, on 01 Sep 1999.
Fire and Fury Corps of Indian Army plays a critical role in the strategic security and development of the Ladakh Region. Stationed at one of the most challenging terrains in the world, the Corps is responsible not only for the defence of India’s Northern and Western Borders but also for contributing to the overall development and upliftment of the region.
Fire and Fury Corps is guarding strategically important locations like Zojila – Kargil, Siachen Glacier, DBO and Demchok. It ensures that the territorial integrity of our nation is protected with courage and dedication. Over the years, Fire and Fury Corps has initiated several development activities that have contributed to social, economic and infrastructural progress of Ladakh. The Corps is a major contributor in the execution of Vibrant Village Program (VVP) covering 43 border villages.
The main objective being addressing the basic necessities and livelihood opportunities thereby encouraging reverse migration to these border villages. The Corps has stood steadfast with the people of Ladakh in times of natural calamities, providing assistance and support in relief, rescue and rebuilding of infrastructure.
618 Operation Sadbhavana projects were executed by the Army in the past two years for bridging the gap between development activities of the UT Administration and aspirations of the people living in the remote areas. Quality education to the youth of Ladakh is one of the focus areas of Indian Army.
Towards this there are seven Army Goodwill Schools run by Indian Army in remote locations of Ladakh at Karu, Dras, Pratap Pur, Bogdang, Tyakshi, Farona and Harka Bahadur. 2472 students, both boys and girls are studying in these schools. 55 students have been provided scholarships since 2023 to pursue school education in various Army Public Schools in the country. 20 students have been provided scholarships since 2023 to pursue higher education in various colleges and universities in India.
Through Kargil Ignited Minds and Leh Ignited Minds, Ladakhi students were provided coaching for NEET and JEE examinations. Since 2022, 72 participants have cleared the NEET and 21 have cleared the JEE examinations. As part of ongoing efforts to empower youth of Ladakh, Fire and Fury Corps has conducted coaching classes for the All India Sainik School Entrance Exam.
These sessions benefitted 66 students from Army Goodwill Schools and other remote village schools across Ladakh. The initiative yielded exceptional results with 46 students successfully qualifying for this highly competitive examination.
Since 2023, 28 Operation Sadbhavana projects were executed by the Corps to upgrade the infrastructure of government schools in remote border areas including their libraries.National Integration Tours (NIT) are being conducted for the school children and community members, providing them an opportunity to interact with the rest of India. They are taken to various cities and institutions to give them a glimpse of development in our country.
Since 2023, around 400 students and community members benefitted from the 26 NITs conducted by the Army. Sports activities figure prominently in our plan for impetus. Numerous stadiums have been constructed/ upgraded over the past several years. Fire and Fury Ice Hockey Competition, Archery Competition and Horse Polo tournament are conducted every year to promote traditional sports.
More than fifteen Ice Hockey kits were gifted to various teams in remote areas to promote sports, healthy lifestyle and to identify young talent. Outstanding sportspersons are recognised and provided encouragement for honing their skills. Mountaineering expeditions are carried out by the Corps in remote, unexplored peaks to promote civilian mountaineering, adventure sports and tourism in Ladakh.
The Corps has organised vaccination drives, medical check-ups and health awareness programs, particularly focusing on women, children and the elderly. Veterinary camps are also organised to provide quality healthcare to the livestock of Ladakhi communities.
A total of 66 medical camps and 21 veterinary camps were conducted by Fire and Fury Corps since 2023. Ambulances were provided to remote villages in Changthang, Chushul, Durbuk, Demchok, Phobrang, Maan and Merak to enable timely medical assistance to community members and tourists. Ladakh is environmentally sensitive, with a fragile ecosystem that is vulnerable to climate change and environmental degradation.
Fire and Fury Corps has been active in promoting environmental awareness and engaging in activities like tree plantation drives and cleanliness campaigns in collaboration with civil authorities and residents. 20 projects for environment protection were executed in the last two years. More than 130 tons of solid waste was removed from Siachen Glacier.
14 tons of plastic waste was removed from Nyoma in 2025 as part of a cleanliness drive. 27 community centres and 11 solar power projects were constructed/ upgraded recently. Numerous projects are also undertaken to promote Border Area Tourism, giving impetus to local economy. Ex-Servicemen of the region are woven well into the network to assist and develop the community members. Initiatives taken by the Corps to look after the welfare of the ex-servicemen and their families are well appreciated in the region.
Women Empowerment Centres at Khumbathang, Hanuyogma and Nimu are empowering women with entrepreneurial skills and assistance. Pashmina Weaving Centre, Chushul, Acheley Block Printing Facility, Shachukul, Sanitary Napkin Manufacturing Centre, Martselang in the remote areas of Ladakh are a few successful initiatives to mention. Since 2024, more than 45 rallies/ meetings were conducted by the Corps at various remote locations of UT of Ladakh for the benefit of veterans, veer naris, veer matas and dependents.
As part of the Raising Day Celebrations, members of Ladakh Women’s Ice Hockey Team were invited and honoured by the Corps. GOC also felicitated 24 Army personnel for their outstanding performance. On this auspicious occasion, all ranks once again took an oath to defend our borders and reaffirmed their wholehearted commitment for the development of Ladakh.