By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 24: The ‘Sentinels of the North East’— Assam Rifles, one of the oldest and most prestigious paramilitary forces in India — celebrated its 190th Raising Day with great pride and solemnity at its headquarters here on Monday. The milestone marks nearly two centuries of dedicated service, valour and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s borders.
Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, Director General of Assam Rifles and all ranks of the Force paid homage at the War Memorial in Shillong to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice. The DG AR addressed all ranks of Force, lauding them for their outstanding contribution in fighting insurgency in the Northeast and Kashmir.
A significant highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the prestigious DGAR Banner for the year 2023-24 to its top-performing units to include 36 Assam Rifles as 2nd runner up, 3 Assam Rifles as 1st runner up and 4 Assam Rifles as the winner of the DGAR Banner 2023-24. The awards recognised the dedication, professionalism and outstanding contributions made by various battalions and units in ensuring the security and stability of the region.
Proving its mettle
During the past year, four battalions of Assam Rifles received Chief of the Army Staff Unit Citation and six Battalions received General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Unit Citation. In addition, personnel’s of the Force were awarded with one Shaurya Chakra, eight Sena Medals, 400 Presidential and Governors Medals. The Force has also excelled in Sports by winning 254 medals at National level and 21 medals at International level in various sports events in the year 2024-25.
Committed to modernise its equipment profile in terms of acquisition of state of art, weapons, surveillance and protective equipment, with every passing year, the Assam Rifles continues to stand strong amongst the people of the Northeast. As the region moves towards development and prosperity, the Force continues to instil a sense of security amongst the locals.
The Assam Rifles continues to evolve to meet new challenges and live up to its motto and its role as the ‘Sentinels of the North East’.
