By M S Nazki
-Assam Rifles are not doers of small things, they believe in bigger ones! Here is a compilation of events/episodes which the Assam rifles have conducted in the past fortnight or so!
-Both in operations or dealing with the public they are of and on the same grid!
-First we will take the operational matters:
Assam Rifles seize drugs worth over INR 15 crore in Manipur, arrest one person! In a major blow to the drug cartel, Assam Rifles apprehended a suspected drug dealer and seized drugs worth INR 15.4 crore, officials said . In a major blow to the drug cartel, Assam Rifles apprehended a suspected drug dealer and seized drugs worth INR 15.4 crore, officials said. Acting on specific intelligence regarding a drug ring, Assam Rifles carried out an operation in Thingkangphai Village, Churachandpur district, under the aegis of Headquarter Inspector General Assam Rifles (South). The operation was launched on March 3 to apprehend drug dealers and seize contraband substances. According to an official statement, Assam Rifles caught 44-year-old Thangsuanman, a resident of M Tanglian Village, in the late hours of March 3. He was attempting to finalize a drug deal in a white Mahindra Bolero. Upon searching the vehicle, security personnel found approximately 1.5 kg of suspected heroin concealed in 132 soap cases, with an estimated market value of INR 15.4 crore. The apprehended suspect, along with the seized drugs and vehicle, was handed over to Churachandpur Police Station for further investigation. Earlier on March 3, Assam Rifles, in a joint operation with Mizoram Police, seized methamphetamine tablets worth INR 60.63 crore in the Champhai district of Mizoram. The operation, conducted on February 28 in the general area of Crossing Point One, Zokhawthar, led to a significant drug recovery.
In a post on X, Assam Rifles stated, ‘Assam Rifles, along with Mizoram Police, recovered methamphetamine tablets weighing 20.209 kg worth INR 60.627 crore in the general area of Crossing Point One, Zokhawthar, Champhai District, Mizoram, on February 28, 2025.’ On the same day, Assam Rifles and Mizoram Police conducted intelligence-based joint operations in Mizoram, leading to the arrest of three individuals and the recovery of arms and ammunition. A day earlier, on February 27, security forces launched an operation in Lawngtlai town, Lawngtlai district, based on specific intelligence inputs. This resulted in the arrest of two individuals and the recovery of ammunition.
-Arunachal police-Assam Rifles seize ammunition linked to ULFA(I), NSCN(K-YA) in South Arunachal: Assam Rifles and Arunachal Police seized a large ammunition cache in a joint operation. The cache is linked to insurgent groups, marking a significant security success.The Assam Rifles and Arunachal Pradesh police, launched a joint operation successfully seizing a massive cache of ammunition in Launu village near Kanubari, South Arunachal. The ammunition, linked to insurgent groups ULFA (I) and NSCN (K-YA), was hidden in the area. The recovered weapons include 29 rounds of 7.62mm SLR; 200 rounds of 7.62mm AK-47 and 245 rounds of 5.56mm M-16. The operation marks a significant step in efforts to curb insurgent activities in the region. Authorities have launched further investigations to identify those responsible for hiding the weapons. The successful recovery highlights the continued efforts of security forces to maintain peace and security in the sensitive border areas of Arunachal Pradesh.
– Army And Assam Rifles Facilitate The Surrender Of Weapons in Manipur: The Assam Rifles, operating under the Army’s Spear Corps, in coordination with Manipur Police, other security forces and the civil administration has facilitated the surrender of 99 weapons in the hill and valley districts of Manipur between February 27 and March 1, a senior official of the Army’s Eastern Command said. Over 300 weapons have been surrendered in the state after the Governor’s recent appeal. “Persistent negotiations by the security forces in the area of Phaitol, in the Tamenglong district, resulted in the surrender of 17 locally made single barrel rifles, nine improvised mortars (Pompi), grenades, ammunition and other war like stores. At Saikul in the Kangpokpi district, engagement by Assam Rifles in coordination with other stake holders resulted in surrender of seven 12 bore pump action guns and 15 improvised mortars. Similar engagement by Assam Rifles at Sagolmang in the Imphal East district resulted in the surrender of five 12 bore bolt action rifles, a lathode (improvised grenade launcher) gun and 11 improvised mortars,” the official said. According to him, security forces also facilitated the surrender of 10 weapons that include a 7.62 mm Self Loading Rifle (SLR), a .303 rifle, four single bore barrel rifles, two pistols and two improvised mortars in the hill areas on February 27. A day later, 14 weapons, including a sniper rifle, a pistol, five improvised mortars, two INSAS rifles, a carbine machine gun, a country made pistol, a 51 mm mortar, two improvised mortars, three IEDs, ammunition and war like stores were surrendered in the Kanagpokpi and Tengnoupal district. “The Indian Army also engaged with relevant stake holders in the general areas of Moirangpurel, Itham and facilitated the surrender of a Sten Machine Carbine, three 12 bore single barrel rifles and a .303 rifle. In general area Siden, in the Churachandpur district, the Army facilitated surrender of five weapons comprising a .303 Rifle, a 7.62 mm Rifle, a 12-bore rifle, a single barrel rifle, an improvised mortar, an IED and ammunition,” he said. Intelligence based joint operations in the Samukom area of Tengnoupal district also resulted in the recovery of six weapons comprising a 12 bore Single Barrel Rifle, a muzzle loaded rifle, two 9mm pistols, two improvised mortars, 10 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and ammunition. The recovered arms have been handed over to the Manipur Police.
-Assam Rifles seizes over 622kg of explosives in Aizawl, 3 held: Assam Rifles personnel intercepted a vehicle in Aizawl, seizing 4,980 sticks of explosives weighing approximately 622.5kg, and arrested three individuals. The seized explosives were suspected to be procured by the Bangladesh-based insurgent group PCJSS. The arrested individuals and the explosives were handed over to Vaivakawn police station officials. Assam Rifles personnel recovered and seized huge quantity of explosives at the Sakawrtuichhun area in western part of Aizawl on Friday and arrested three persons, a media statement issued by the Assam Rifles said on Sunday.
The statement said acting on specific intelligence on movement of explosives at the Sakawrtuichhun area, Assam Rifles established a mobile vehicle check post on Sakawrtuichhun Quarry Road. The troops intercepted a vehicle travelling from Aizawl to Sakawrtuichhun. A thorough search of the vehicle resulted in recovery of 4,980 sticks of emulsion explosives, weighing approximately 622.5kg, the statement said. The troops seized the vehicle and arrested the three individuals, including two women travelling in it. The apprehended personnel, seized vehicle and the explosives have been handed over to the officials of Vaivakawn police station in Aizawl, police sources said.
The destination of the explosives is not yet known though the possible involvement of a Bangladesh insurgent group is yet to be ruled out. Three persons travelling in the car — Roni Chakma (45) of Dhalai in Tripura, Anirban Chakma (34) of Adubangasora, in Mizoram’s Lawngtlai district and Ribeng (24) of Tipperaghat in Lunglei district — were arrested for alleged possession and smuggling of the seized weapons. A senior police officer said it was proved by the statement made to the police by the accused persons that the seized weapons were being clandestinely procured by the Bangladesh-based Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS), a breakaway faction of the Bangladesh insurgent group ‘Shanti Bahini’.
This were just few of many episodes as far as the operational front goes but there are several other things which the Assam Rifles are doing!
-Assam Rifles conducts a program for widows, senior citizens and destitute women in Nagaland: AssamRifles organised an awareness and interaction program for widows, senior citizens and destitute women in Mahinamasti Village, Peren District, Nagaland on 04 March 2025. The initiative was conducted in observance of International Women’s Day Week and aimed at empowering women by educating them about various government welfare schemes like Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Schem (IGNWPS), National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) and Varius other schemes such as Mission Shakti was deliberated upon.
-Science quiz and a drawing competition held in Nagaland: AssamRifles organised a series of educational and recreational activities at Yatrang School in Nagaland on 04 March 2025, to encourage creativity and learning among students. As part of the event a Science Quiz Competition was held for students of Classes 7 and 8, fostering curiosity and a spirit of scientific inquiry among young minds.
-Lecture on world wild life day conducted in Nagaland: AssamRifles conducted an educational lecture on the occasion of World Wildlife Day in Pokhpur of Kiphire District and for the students of Bishop High school of Phek District, Nagaland on 03 Mar 2025. In a significant step towards raising awareness about the wildlife conservation the event aimed to educate villagers and young minds about the significance of wildlife conservation and the crucial role biodiversity plays in sustaining ecological balance.
-A multipurpose community hall dedicated to the people of Manipur Assam Rifles inaugurated a Multipurpose Community Hall at Joupi Village in Khengjoi Sub Division of Chandel District, Manipur on 28 Feb 2025. The inaugural ceremony was attended by representatives of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and villagers.
-National Science Day Commemorated in Manipur: Assam Rifles orchestrated a series of dynamic events across Manipur in celebration of National Science Day on 28 Feb 2025. These initiatives spanned multiple districts, engaging students, educators and community members in a collective pursuit of knowledge and innovation.
-Sewing machines distributed to women in Manipur: In a heartwarming initiative aimed at empowering women, the #AssamRifles recently distributed ten sewing machines to the women of Purul Village, Senapati District, Manipur. This event which took place on 02 March 2025 was part of the forces ongoing efforts to support and uplift rural communities through skill development programs.
– Promoting fitness and sports in Manipur: AssamRifles promoted fitness and sports wherein they organised the Tirap-Changlang-Longding Powerlifting Championship 2025 at Government Gym Hall, Changlang, Arunachal Pradesh on 28 Feb 2025. The championship witnessed a very positive response with female and male participants competing in various age and competition categories.
-Late Major Bob Khathing honored in Manipur: AssamRifles organised a wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial statue of the Late Major Bob Khathing followed by the closing ceremony of the 113th Birth Anniversary Tournament in Ukhrul District, Manipur on 27 Feb 2025. The 11th edition of the Late Major Bob Khathing Tournament concluded with the men’s football final marking the end of a week-long sporting event held in collaboration with the Ukhrul District Sports Association (UDSA) from 20 Feb to 27 Feb 2025. In the tournament’s grand finale HPFA emerged as champions of the 11th Bob Khathing Football Tournament while Eagle Club secured victory in the volleyball final.
So much these guys are doing and the people are singing, ‘Dost Ban Kar Aaye Ho, Dost Ban Ke Hi Rehna, Ab Bahut Hi Mushkil Hai, Bewafaa Tumhee Kehna!’
