Dimapur, March 24: Assam Rifles celebrated its 188th Raising Day at its Laitkor Garrison, Shillong today. Its various formation and units in the Northeast and J&K also celebrated the Day.
Raised on March 24, 1835 the Force has done yeoman service to the Nation and contributed immensely in bringing peace in the North East states.
This year the celebration of the Raising Day was graced by Minister of Tourism, Culture and Development of North East Region, G Kishan Reddy, as the Chief Guest.
The Minister along with Lt Gen P C Nair, DG Assam Rifles and all ranks of the Force paid homage to the Bravehearts of the force who in the past 188 years have made the Supreme sacrifice in the line of duty at the War Memorial in Shillong.
The Minister also addressed all ranks of the Force in a Special Sainik Sammelan wherein he complimented all ranks for their outstanding contribution in fighting insurgency in the North East & Kashmir.
He said that Assam Rifles has a major contribution in the North East Region. He further added that this era of peace has enabled us to realize the real potential of North East Region and added that “we can now confidently showcase our strengths in different sectors to the world community during the various G20 summits being held across North Eastern States”. He also said that these G20 conferences being held across the region, will help position the Ashtalakshmi States as Growth centres of India.
The Minister also lauded the efforts of the Force during disaster management operations and appreciated the fact the force has been deputed as a unit of NDRF due to their rare show of strength and team work during such times.
Reddy also appreciated Assam Rifle efforts for combating Drug trafficking and smuggling of other contraband in the region.
He exhorted the rifle women of the force and lauded their contributions not just in India but in peacekeeping forces across the world and becoming symbols of India’s Nari Shakti. He further said that Assam Rifles has on many occasions gone beyond the call of duty and have enthusiastically participated in various civic action projects such as medical camps, women empowerment schemes, national integration tours etc. These engagements have massively helped the local population, he added.
Minister said that the force is rightly called the ‘Sentinels of North East’ and ‘Friends of the Hill People’ for dedication, passion and sacrifices made for security and stability in the region.
The Force has continued to prove its mettle in Operations in 2022-23. During this period three Battalions received Chief of the Army Staff Unit Citation and five Battalions received General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Unit Citation. In addition personels of the Force were awarded with one Shaurya Chakra, seven Sena Medals, 411 Presidential and Governors Medals.
The Force has also excelled in Sports by winning six medals in International Games (Gold-01, Silver-01& Bronze-04), National Games (Gold-17, Silver-17& Bronze-15) and AIPDM (Gold-31, Silver-25 & Bronze-26) in the year 2022-23.
In a unique and iconic moment, former DGs of the Force were also present on the occasion and were able to interact with all ranks of the Force and shared their valuable experience.
(Page News Service)