Assam Rifles conducts outreach initiatives across Nagaland

DIMAPUR — Assam Rifles recently conducted various activities in different districts of Nagaland including, youth empowerment initiative, lecture on harmful effects of drug abuse, and promotion of sports.

Mokokchung: In a landmark initiative to promote education and youth empowerment, Assam Rifles, in collaboration with NIEDO (National Integrity and Educational Development Organisation) and Axis Bank (official sponsor), on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the Hav. Mering Ao, SC (Retd.) ‘Centre of Excellence and Wellness’ in Mokokchung.

The MoU was signed in presence of DIG Assam Rifles, a defence release stated.

The centre aims to provide free academic coaching, mentorship and holistic wellness programmes to the youth of North-East Region and in particular Nagaland.

The facility will also provide guidance for NEET and engineering entrance examinations, as well as personality development and career counselling initiatives.

The facility, located at Ungma, will offer free coaching, study material, food and lodging to 30 students including 21 girls and nine boys, as part of a one-year residential programme, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder the aspirations of the talented students.

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“The ‘Centre of Excellence and Wellness’ will stand as a beacon of hope and opportunity for the aspirations of the youth of Nagaland and North-East,” it stated.

Peren: In its continuous efforts to promote social awareness and safeguard the future of the youth, the Assam Rifles recently organised a lecture on the harmful effects of drug abuse and the dangers of illicit drug trafficking at Kiepeujang village, Peren district.

The event aimed to educate young minds and community members about the growing threat posed by narcotics and the urgent need to curb its spread in society. The lecture highlighted the physical, psychological, and social consequences of drug abuse.

Speakers emphasised how addiction not only destroys an individual’s health but also affects families and communities. The role of peer pressure, lack of awareness, and unemployment in pushing youth towards substance abuse was also discussed in detail. The event witnessed active participation from local youth, it stated.

The Assam Rifles also organised a football match with the local youths at Tening village. The match was played between the Assam Rifles team and local team from Tening village.

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The event was attended by 20 young boys from the village with great enthusiasm and zeal. The local youth expressed gratitude to Assam Rifles for their prompt and dedicated assistance, reinforcing the strong bond between the force and the local community. “This initiative exemplifies Assam Rifles’ unwavering commitment to uplifting the regions they serve through meaningful community engagement,” the release stated.

Phek: In a concerted effort to safeguard children and spread awareness against abuse, Assam Rifles extended active support to Project ‘MAVENO: The Warrior,’ launched at Christian Mission Higher Secondary School, Phek.

The initiative is aimed at preventing child abuse by equipping students with knowledge, awareness, and essential life skills. The project, a collaborative endeavour involving Assam Rifles, Phek Police, Sakhi Centre, District Hospital, Mothers’ Welfare Society, and other NGOs, features a series of educational sessions for students.

The sessions cover topics including, self-defence training, first aid and emergency response, adolescent health and education, anti-drug and intoxicant awareness oath, cyber safety and responsible digital behaviour, understanding good touch and bad touch, and laws, legal rights and responsibilities.

Assam Rifles contributed by deputing trained instructors to conduct the self-defence module, focusing on taekwondo, karate and basic unarmed combat techniques.

“These sessions not only build confidence among children but also prepare them to respond to adverse situations with resilience,” the release stated.

The event witnessed participation from students, teachers, civil society members, and representatives of various government agencies.

“The collaborative approach of multiple stakeholders underscores the collective responsibility towards child safety and youth empowerment in the region. Assam Rifles continues to play a pivotal role in fostering social harmony, security awareness and developmental outreach in remote districts of Nagaland,” it added.