166th raising day of Assam Rifles

SHILLONG, March 22: Assam Rifles, the oldest central para-military force in the country is celebrating its 166th raising day with a six-day programme at its headquarters here, reports UNI. Popularly known as 'the sentinels of the Northeast' and 'friends of the hill people' the programme of the Assam Rifles began here on March 30 with a wreath laying ceremony at the War Memorial at Happy Valley by Meghalaya Governor M M Jacob. The programme was followed by an investiture ceremony. Assam Rifles is the only force in the country which is the recipient of three Ashok Chakra Class-I, the highest gallantry award during peace time. Jacob, while appreciating the role played by the Assam Rifles in socio-economic development of Northeast, said the force was raised as "Cachar Levy" in 1835 and since then it had blossomed into a modern, efficient and effective armed force. He said the force had played a significant role during both the World Wars, Indo-China War 1962, Indo-Pak War 1971, peace keeping operations in Lanka guarding the border as well as in combating insurgency and assistance in maintenance of law and order in the Northeast for the past 165 years. He stated that Assam Rifles was operating under the most trying conditions, difficult terrain, weather and insurgency. In the opening address of investiture ceremony Lt Gen G K Duggal, in brief covered the history of Assam Rifles. He also mentioned that Assam Rifles is the oldest central paramilitary force of the country and it has a long and distinguished record of service of over a century and half in guarding the Northeast borders of the country and combating insurgency. The Governor awarded gallantry medals for meritorious and distinguished service to Assam Rifles personnel.