In a significant meeting held in New Delhi, Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, the Director General of the Assam Rifles, engaged with Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, the Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER). This encounter centered on the crucial role that the Assam Rifles play in promoting peace, stability, and development across the Northeast, a region that holds paramount importance in India’s security landscape and overall growth trajectory.
Lt Gen Lakhera took the opportunity to brief the Union Minister on the ongoing initiatives of the Assam Rifles aimed at maintaining order and tranquility in the Northeast. He highlighted the force’s contributions to counter-insurgency efforts, securing the Indo-Myanmar border, and spearheading various community development programs. The emphasis on the Assam Rifles’ dedication to fostering regional development aligns with national objectives, showcasing their longstanding commitment to the welfare of the local populace. Often dubbed the “Sentinels of the North East,” the Assam Rifles have been pivotal in sustaining peace in the region since their establishment in 1835, transitioning from a militia to India’s oldest paramilitary force.
The meeting took place at the Union Minister’s office in Sanchar Bhawan, marked by a warm exchange that included a ceremonial presentation of a memento and a bouquet. These gestures were emblematic of the collaborative spirit shared between the Assam Rifles and the Ministry of DoNER. Photographs from the meeting captured the cordial atmosphere, with a wall clock indicating the time and framed pictures in the background adding a personal touch.
Since assuming his role as Director General in August 2024, Lt Gen Lakhera has brought a wealth of experience to his position, particularly from past assignments in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in Jammu, Kashmir, and the northeastern states. His previous experience as Additional Director General of Military Operations, where he focused on information warfare, further emphasizes his strategic acumen in the context of regional security.
Minister Scindia, who was appointed to his position in 2024, has been influential in championing development initiatives in the Northeast, drawing on over two decades of political experience across various portfolios, including telecommunications, commerce, and civil aviation. His current role in the Ministry of DoNER dovetails effectively with the mission of the Assam Rifles, making this dialogue vital for enhancing cooperation between the two bodies.
The Assam Rifles operate under the dual authority of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Indian Army, comprising 46 battalions with a sanctioned strength of 65,143 personnel, according to a report from the Ministry of Home Affairs for 2019-2020. Beyond their primary responsibilities of border security and counter-insurgency, the Assam Rifles also play a crucial role in humanitarian efforts, including providing emergency aid, facilitating communication, and supporting educational and medical services in the remote areas of the Northeast.
This meeting reflects the ongoing commitment of both the Assam Rifles and the Ministry of DoNER to foster development and stability in the Northeast, reinforcing the region’s integral role in the broader narrative of India’s growth and resilience.
