Assam Rifles (AR)

Introduction

Assam Rifles is the dedicated force that carries out anti-insurgency operations in challenging terrain regions of the northeastern states.

• The Assam Rifles was set up as Cachar Levy in 1835, and it is the oldest Central Para Military Force in India. 
• The Force was created primarily to protect Assam’s alluvial plains from the wild and unruly tribes that lived in the adjacent hill ranges. 
• It, together with the Indian Army, is responsible for maintaining law and order in the north-eastern region, as well as guarding the Indo-Myanmar border in this area. 
• During peace and ‘proxy war’, it ensures the security of the Indo-China and IndoMyanmar borders. 
• The Force is a powerful organisation with 46 battalions and related command and administrative support, and it also oversees several civic action programmes for the benefit of the people of the north-east (CAPs). 
• Construction of community halls, provision of water supply schemes, establishment of vocational training centres, upliftment of rural schools, national integration tours for students, free medical camps, awareness programs, sports activities for the youth, and other important plans/activities are among the important plans/activities.

Flood Relief Operations by AR 

• Because of heavy rains, a flood-like situation developed in the Imphal West, Bishnupur & Churachandpur districts of Manipur, as also in North & West Tripura. Therefore, Assam Rifles also perform flood relief operations in this region.

United Nations Peace Keeping Operations (UNPKO) by AR

• AR is also contributing to international peace & harmony by performing well in the UN Peacekeeping Operations.
• AR has earned a magnificent name for the country for their correct and prompt feedback to all emergencies, outstanding working relations with all UN staff and local police/Government officials and their respectful and gentlemanly behaviour toward the local people.