In a bid to bolster border security and enhance counter-insurgency capabilities in Northeast India, Lt Gen Abhijit S Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Indian Army’s Spear Corps, visited an Assam Rifles formation in Assam to evaluate its operational readiness. This high-level assessment comes in the wake of rising regional tensions, particularly due to the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, which has tragically resulted in over 200 casualties since May 2023.
During his visit, Lt Gen Pendharkar undertook a comprehensive inspection of the unit’s operational capabilities, placing a significant emphasis on the integration of modern defense technologies. He scrutinized the utilization of advanced equipment such as drones and sophisticated surveillance systems. Praising the troops for their dedication and professionalism, he reiterated the urgency of adopting cutting-edge military technologies as part of the Indian Army’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which aims to foster self-reliance in defense production.
The Assam Rifles, operating under the Spear Corps command, play a pivotal role in ensuring peace and stability in India’s tumultuous northeastern region. Notably, on May 14, 2025, the unit executed a successful counter-insurgency operation in the Chandel district of Manipur, near the Indo-Myanmar border, where they neutralized ten armed militants in an intelligence-driven mission. This operation underscores the proactive stance the Assam Rifles maintain against cross-border threats and insurgent activities.
Lt Gen Pendharkar’s visit is consistent with the broader strategy of the Indian Army to strengthen indigenous military capabilities. Since 2022, various Make-II defense projects have been authorized, focusing on innovations like drone kill systems and high-frequency software-defined radios. These initiatives aim to address the complexities of hybrid warfare and asymmetric security challenges through domestic innovations and strategic partnerships within the defense industry.
Headquartered in Dimapur, Nagaland, the Spear Corps (also referred to as III Corps) oversees military operations in several key northeastern states, including Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh. Its foundational responsibilities encompass counter-insurgency operations, border management, and internal security. The Corps is integral to India’s defense strategy in this critical region and often collaborates with various paramilitary forces and civil authorities to maintain order and stability.
In addition to their combat roles, the Assam Rifles are actively engaged in civil defense and disaster preparedness operations. For instance, on November 14, 2024, the unit participated in a significant earthquake response drill in Agartala, Tripura, demonstrating their capability to respond effectively to natural disasters and assist civilian agencies during emergencies.
Since taking command in August 2024, Lt Gen Pendharkar has prioritized direct engagement with troops through comprehensive field visits, aiming to boost morale and ensure optimally prepared forces. His recent assessment illustrates the Indian Army’s integrated approach—merging technology innovations, strategic leadership, and operational excellence—to uphold peace and security in Northeast India amid a landscape of complex and evolving threats.
