In a notable development during its ongoing 15-day National Integration Tour, the Assam Rifles facilitated a visit for representatives from civil society organizations in Moreh, Tengnoupal, and nearby areas of Manipur to the Directorate General Assam Rifles (DGAR) Headquarters in Shillong on September 12, 2025. The highlight of the event was a valuable interaction with Lt. Gen. Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, the Director General of Assam Rifles, who offered insights into the pivotal role the force plays in maintaining national security and fostering community relationships.
This initiative, launched in 2006, aims to enhance unity among the diverse communities in Northeast India. During their visit, participants engaged with Lt. Gen. Lakhera, who took command in August 2024 after a distinguished career marked by extensive experience in counterinsurgency operations throughout the region. The ceremony featured culturally significant exchanges, including the traditional presentation of a ceremonial shawl, which symbolizes respect and cooperative spirit.
Operating as the “Sentinels of the Northeast,” the Assam Rifles has been entrusted with safeguarding the India-Myanmar border since 2002. With a strength of 46 battalions and 65,143 personnel as reported by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2019-2020, the force has been instrumental in maintaining stability in a region that has recently faced ethnic tensions, particularly in Manipur. This event underlines the Assam Rifles’ dual role as a paramilitary unit and a combat-ready force, with a storied history that dates back to the Cachar Levy of 1835 and significant contributions during the reconstruction efforts following the 1950 Assam earthquake.
The interaction emphasized the Assam Rifles’ ongoing commitment to promoting unity and peace, aligning with its long-standing legacy in community engagement and national integration. The tour continues to act as a vital bridge between diverse communities in the region, reinforcing the motto “Unity in Diversity” that encapsulates the cultural mosaic of Northeast India.
