Lt Gen Suhag to head Eastern Command

The government has approved the appointment of Lieutenant General Dalbir Singh Suhag as Eastern Army commander, a week after army chief General Bikram Singh reversed his predecessor VK Singh’s decision to bar Suhag from heading the prestigious Kolkata-based formation.

The government has approved the appointment of Lieutenant General Dalbir Singh Suhag as Eastern Army commander, a week after army chief General Bikram Singh reversed his predecessor VK Singh’s decision to bar Suhag from heading the prestigious Kolkata-based formation.

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The post had been lying vacant since May 31 after Gen Bikram Singh took over as army chief.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has cleared Suhag’s appointment.

Days before he was to demit office on May 31, former army chief General VK Singh had issued a show-cause notice to Suhag for alleged lapses, a move that was seen as scuttling Suhag’s chances of not just taking over as Eastern Army commander but also as army chief in 2014.

Suhag, known to be an upright officer, is currently commanding Dimapur-based 3 Corps. In one of his first orders last week, General Bikram Singh lifted the “discipline and vigilance” ban imposed on Suhag. Such a ban puts promotions and transfers on hold.