KOHIMA — The Inspector General Assam Rifles (North), Maj. Gen. Manish Kumar, on Saturday reassured welfare benefits for the ex-servicemen, their family and veer naris saying, that they are a ‘soldier family.’
Speaking at the 51st anniversary of Assam Rifles Ex-Servicemen Association (ARESA), Kohima unit, at the 13th Assam Rifles Garrison in Kohima, the officer stated that it is the bounden duty of the present soldiers to ensure the ex-servicemen and their family gets what they deserved and have earned for themselves and the family.
“In force, our relationship runs deeper than the blood relationship as we have made sacrifices for the same cause. Every soldier today will be an ex-serviceman tomorrow and the present generation of soldiers should be thankful to the ex-servicemen,” he said.
He went on to state that the various facilities and schemes extended to the ex-servicemen are no favour but their rights. He added that it was because of the past services, the present soldiers could discharge their duties with conviction.
“If Assam Rifles talks of being friends of the northeast and people, believe it because you have given the essence to it.
“While there is a lot of bonding in the different tribes of the state, Assam Rifles is a soldier tribe with no boundaries and we transcend the district and state boundaries as we all belong to the entire nation. This is a huge and very proud tribe of those who have served, are serving and will serve in the future,” the IGAR said.
He further asserted that the Assam Rifles would ensure that the present soldiers do not forget those who have lent the essence to the very organisation–the Assam Rifles.
On the occasion, the IGAR also congratulated ARESA Kohima on attaining 51 years and also conveyed deepest gratitude to every past soldier, veer naris and their children for giving substance to the Assam Rifles.
Felicitating the ex-servicemen and veer naris, the general officer said, “We are proud of you and indebted for the service given to the region and nation.”
ARESA president, Merman Pradhan, shared the brief history of ARESA Kohima, while family members of ex-servicemen enthralled the gathering with songs and dances and recitation of Assam Rifles poem.