Dimapur, March 25 (EMN): Assam Rifles celebrated its 182nd Raising Day on March 24. To mark the occasion, a solemn ceremony was held at the Directorate General of Assam Rifles, Laitkor, in Shillong.
The programme commenced with wreath laying ceremony, wherein Director of General of Assam Rifles Lieutenant General, Shokin Chauhan, and other officers of the Headquarters paid homage to the valiant martyrs at the War Memorial.
It was followed by a special Sainik Sammelan which culminated with a ‘community meal.’ Retired Assam Rifles personnel were the special invitees of the celebration.
It may be recalled that brief function to commemorate the 182nd year of Raising Day of the Force was also held at New Delhi on March 19, which was attended by the Minister of State (Home Affairs) Kiren Rijiju; General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Army Staff; General Dalbir Singh Suhag (Retired) Ex Army Chief; Army Commanders; Senior government officers; Service officers; officers who have been associated with the Force in the past and the veterans of the Assam Rifles.
Raised in 1835 with just 750 combatants as the Cachar Levy, the Assam Rifles with 46 Battalions today is the oldest Paramilitary Forces in the country. Assam Rifles also has the distinction of being the highest decorated force in the nation.
During the past 182 years, the force has rendered yeoman service through gallant acts, fearless commitment and sacrifices. The long saga of the force is seamlessly associated with the history and development of the North Eastern Region.
The Dhai Murti symbolises the Assam Rifles dedication to the people of the North East.
Governor greets AR on Raising Day
Governor PB Acharya, in a message addressed to Director General, Assam Rifles, Lt. Gen. Shokin Chouhan, greeted all rank and file as well as family members of the Assam Rifles, on the occasion of 182nd Raising Day which was celebrated on March 24.
In his message, the Governor stated that Assam Rifles has a rare distinction of having participated in WW I in Europe and Middle East, WW II in Burma, Indo China War of 1962, Indo-Pak War of 1971, counter insurgency operations in Sri Lanka, Jammu & Kashmir and the entire North Eastern States of India, as well as part of UN Mission at Haiti.
“Over the years, the brave soldiers of Assam Rifles have made numerous sacrifices while operating in hostile terrain and in strategic border areas of our country for which I salute them”, he added.
Acharya also paid respects to the Veer Naris and their family members for making supreme sacrifice towards the nation building.
Stating that the Assam Rifles is the oldest Para-Military Force in India and have been implementing various welfare projects for the upliftent of tribal people of North East India besides safeguarding the country from within and foreign invaders, the Governor hoped that the Assam Rifles will continue to uphold the great traditions of the Nation.
