Home Asia Unveiling the Legacy of Assam Rifles: Guardians of India’s Northeast

Unveiling the Legacy of Assam Rifles: Guardians of India’s Northeast

On its 189th Raising Day on 24 March, join us as we unveil the untold stories of courage, sacrifice, and service of the legendary Assam Rifles - sentinels of peace in some of the most challenging terrains of our nation. Witness the resilience and dedication of these brave soldiers as they uphold the spirit of unity and safeguard Indian borders.

On its 189th Raising Day, join us as we unveil the untold stories of courage, sacrifice, and service of the legendary Assam Rifles – sentinels of peace in some of the most challenging terrains of our nation. Witness the resilience and dedication of these brave soldiers as they uphold the spirit of unity and safeguard Indian borders.

Assam Rifles, India’s oldest paramilitary force, stands tall with a rich history spanning over 189 years. Headquartered in Shillong, its strategic significance in safeguarding the Northeastern frontier and beyond is unparalleled.

Originally formed in 1835 as the Cachar Levy to protect tea gardens, Assam Rifles evolved into a multifaceted force under British rule. Post-independence, its operational dynamics underwent transitions, eventually falling under the dual control of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Indian Army.

They played a pivotal role during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. In this documentary, Assam Rifles’ Director General, Lt Gen P C Nair highlights the organisation’s strategic importance in thwarting potential incursions and safeguarding vital territories.

An intriguing facet is its inclusive approach, welcoming women soldiers since 2015, marking a progressive shift in its operational paradigm.

Despite challenges like the Manipur ethnic conflict, Assam Rifles maintains its commitment to impartial peacekeeping, fostering stability in the region.

With 46 battalions, Assam Rifles actively guards the India-Myanmar border and engages in counter-insurgency operations, underscoring its adaptability.

As it approaches two centuries of service, Assam Rifles’ legacy endures as a symbol of resilience and duty, resonating with generations past and future alike.

+ posts

Neelanjana Banerjee is a Broadcast Media Specialist with 23 years of cross-media experience in designing and producing content for television, radio and online media.

Having held a wide range of roles in various aspects of electronic media, she is a multifaceted professional and has an in-depth and hands on experience in broadcast
content, programming, media production, channel / product launch, TV and
radio skills training and online content.

Neelanjana was awarded the Chevening Gurukul fellowship in Leadership & Excellence from King's College, London in 2016.