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Institution
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Institution
1. The history of Assam Rifles dates back to 1830s when the Force was raised under Mr Grange a Civilian Officer - in-charge Nowgong and designated as the Cachar Levy mainly to guard the Tea Gardens in the plains of Assam. Gradually more such units were raised and employed for establishing posts in the interior and thus acted as the strong arm of the civil administration in extending their authority into these remote inaccessible areas. They also helped in opening up these remote areas and were always in the forefront of all development activity earning many accolades from the administration. Their long association with the tribals have made them totally acceptable to the locals and earning for themselves the name `Friends of the Hill People’. Today the Assam Rifles is the oldest Central Para Military Force
2. It was only after independence that the force really gained in stature as a strategic asset in the defence of North Eastern India. The Force is a happy blend of both military and civil and its officers have distinguished themselves in both fields. Today its 24 battalions are deployed in Counter Insurgency Operations in North East Region and seven on border guard duties.
3. During its long history, the Assam Rifles has earned many laurels both in aid to the civil administration as also fighting alongside the Army. The Force has been officered by Army Officers since 1884. Today, on a per capita basis it remains perhaps the highest decorated security force in the country.
4.The Force has proud traditions of extending a helping hand for humanitarian causes and in natural calamities. In 1941 when thousands of refugees were pouring into India after the conquest of Burma by the Japanese, it was the Assam Rifles which received them, cared for them and helped them in every possible way. Assam Rifles have made a mark in contribution to the development activities in Nagaland. Construction of roads and tracks, water sup schemes, Schools, Community Halls, play grounds for village children and repair/maintenance of buildings are few major works executed in the remote areas.
On the Military side also, the force has a proud record of taking part in number of border and trans-border operations since the 19th century, operating with and under the Army. During 1917 – 18, Assam Rifles conducted operation in the State of Manipur and Chin Hills and successfully handled a well organised Kuki Rebellion.
5.During World War I the Assam Rifles fought alongside the Indian Army in Flanders. 11 officers and 69 other ranks of this force were awarded decorations during the operation. Till later half 1941, the Assam Rifles remained untouched by World War II. The danger of Japanese invasion made it imperative to deploy forces on the North East Sector as well. The first troops General Wavell turned to were Assam Rifles. The long list of gallantry awards won by the officers, VCO and men of this small force was disproportionately high, by any reckoning ; and stands testimony to the Assam Rifles contribution to the defence of India and the eventual defeat of the Japanese on the Burma Front.
6.Towards the end of 1947, the State of Tripura was threatened by Pakistani irregulars. Their aim was to mount an offensive operation on the lines of invasion of Jammu and Kashmir. The operation started with large scale infiltration of Muslims into Tripura. Consequently a special force of the Assam Rifles comprising ten platoons under Colonel Sidhiman Rai was flown from Agartala. This force carried out operations against infiltrators and deterred the main body of Pakistani irregulars from making any further move.
7.During Indo - Pak War 1962, 1965 and 1971 the Assam Rifles relieved all Army units deployed on the Counter Insurgency Operation in the North East. They handled the insurgency operations till the successful completion of the wars. The Assam Rifles were also actively involved in `Op Pawan’ in Sri Lanka and insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir. They distinguished themselves creditably and won a number of decorations and praise from various quarters for their excellent work.
8.In 1953 the first signs of political unrest started showing in Tuensang. By 1954 it took form of a general revolt. Eventually the Naga rebellion developed into full scale insurgency. The hostiles struck at the Security Forces with great vehemence ; the Assam Rifles bore the main brunt. In Mar 1956 more Army units were inducted into Naga Hills and the overall command was given to Army under Major General R K Kochar. The Assam Rifles were made exclusively responsible for Tuensang Frontline Division. In 1963 Nagaland attained Statehood after a violent period of open rebellion and intense counter insurgency operations. At this critical juncture, the custodians of the North East ‘The Assam Rifles’ are busy playing a vital role in leading the state of Nagaland towards political, cultural and economic development. The force in Nagaland is headed by Major General R N Kapur, AVSM, Inspector General Assam Rifles (North) with its HQ at Zakhama, located near Kohima. Apart from some Army units, there are nine Assam Rifles Battalions located in the state which cover all eight districts as under :-
a) Kohima - 29 AR & 27 AR
b) Dimapur - 16 AR
c) Wokha - 24 AR
d) Zunheboto - 15 AR
e) Mokokchung - 10 AR
f) Mon - 13 AR
g) Tuensang - 4 AR
h) Phek - 14 AR
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Police Training Schools/Academies/Colleges
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