The Assam Rifles turned 177 years on Saturday
In its 177-year history of dedicated service to the nation, characterized by gallantry, unflinching commitment and sacrifice, the Assam Rifles has donned various roles, even as its main task is to maintain peace and internal security. During the two World Wars, the force exhibited its exemplary military prowess, courage and agility, while performing assigned tasks with the Gorkha battalion, including assisting in evacuation of the fleeing, British and Indian refugees from Burma at the advance of the Japanese army and engaging them in special operations during the Burma campaign.
The valiant saga of the Assam Rifles is seamlessly intertwined with the unfolding history and development of Indian’s Northeast region.
Since its humble birth in 1835 as a civil protection force, known as the ‘Cachar Levy’ during the British colonial rule, the Assam Rifles has metamorphosed into the country’s toughest paramilitary force, providing peace and political stability in the insurgency ravaged region, as well as safeguarding its tenuous frontiers.
After independence, the Assam Rifles assumed a new role as the vanguard for internal security, helping the administration set up administration in remote frontier areas of the region.
At the same time, the force was also deployed to contain the spreading separatist violence in the region, a task still continues.
It faced its real test in the wake of the Chinese aggression in 1962, when the force was at the forefront of receiving the full brunt of the foreign attack.
In recognition to its military and jungle warfare skills and experience in containing militancy in the region, the Assam Rifles was sent to Sri Lanka on the Indian Peace Keeping mission.
It was also involved in counter insurgency operations in J&K, which it adeptly performed with great candor.
Over the years, the force strength has swelled and so has it importance as a stabilizing force in the Northeast.
Beside its operational roles, the Assam Rifles has played a very crucial role in promoting ethnic peace and harmony in the diverse multi-ethnic region, as well as the socio-economic development of the region.
It has always endeavoured to become truly a ‘Friend of the Northeast People’ offering various opportunities to the local youths-jobs, social welfare, sports and adventure.