In a significant visit underscoring the vital role of the Assam Rifles in India’s Northeast, Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera, the Director General of the Assam Rifles, conducted a comprehensive review of internal security and operational preparedness at the Headquarters of the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (North) in Kohima. His presence highlighted the ongoing efforts and strategies implemented by the force to maintain stability in the region.
Upon arrival, Lieutenant General Lakhera was welcomed by Major General Manish Kumar, the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (North), who provided an in-depth briefing on the current security dynamics in the area. The Director General commended the professionalism and unwavering dedication displayed by the troops, noting their significant role in achieving a remarkable 70% decrease in insurgency-related incidents in Nagaland since 2014. This notable decline is attributed to the sustained military vigilance and the impactful provisions of the 2015 Naga Peace Accord, as reported by the South Asia Terrorism Portal.
During his visit, Lieutenant General Lakhera engaged with the personnel of the Assam Rifles, recognizing their commitment to enhancing combat readiness and fostering ties with local communities. He emphasized the dual focus of the force on security and development, a strategy that has earned the Assam Rifles the designation of “Sentinels of the Northeast.”
With a composition of 46 battalions and a personnel strength exceeding 65,000, the Assam Rifles plays a crucial role in counterinsurgency efforts, border management along the sensitive 1,643-km India-Myanmar border, and various community outreach initiatives encompassing education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
Established in 1835 as the Cachar Levy, the Assam Rifles holds the distinction of being India’s oldest paramilitary force. Its unique operational structure, which operates under Indian Army control and receives administrative supervision from the Ministry of Home Affairs, enables the force to adapt effectively to the complex socio-political and geographical nuances of the Northeast.
Lieutenant General Lakhera’s visit coincides with a period when the region is striving to balance security needs with developmental aspirations, particularly in light of India’s Act East policy and the unstable situation in neighboring Myanmar. His focus on operational excellence and a people-oriented approach reinforces the Assam Rifles’ guiding motto, “Service Before Self,” as they continue to protect national interests while promoting peace and prosperity in the Northeast.
