Kolkata, Mar 24: The Assam Rifles, one of the oldest paramilitary forces in India, celebrated its 191st Raising Day on Tuesday, with its Director General Lt General Vikas Lakhera paying homage at the war memorial in Shillong, a defence official said.
Headquarted in the Meghalaya capital, the ‘Sentinels of the Northeast’ stands as a pillar of security and stability in the region, he said.
Lakhera, along with all ranks of the force, paid homage at the war memorial in Shillong to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, the official said.
Addressing the personnel, the DG commended all ranks for their outstanding contributions to counter-insurgency operations in the northeast and Jammu and Kashmir.
“The force has demonstrated exceptional operational excellence during 2025-26”, and in recognition, three battalions of the Assam Rifles were awarded the Chief of the Army Staff Unit Citation, the defence official said.
Four battalions of the force also received the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Unit Citation, while the ‘8 Assam Rifles’ battalion was conferred the prestigious title of ‘Bravest of the Brave’ on Army Day 2026, he said.
The paramilitary force has steadfastly modernised itself, inducting state-of-the-art weapons, surveillance systems and protective equipment, he said.
“As the region progresses towards greater development and prosperity, the Assam Rifles continues to foster a sense of trust and security among the local population in the northeast,” the official added.(PTI)
