In a strategic visit highlighting the critical role of the Assam Rifles in India’s Northeast, Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Sena Medal (SM), Director General of the Assam Rifles, reviewed the internal security and operational preparedness of the force at the Headquarters of the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (North) in Kohima.
Lieutenant General Lakhera was received and briefed by Major General Manish Kumar, Sena Medal (SM), the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (North), who provided an overview of the current security dynamics in the region. The Director General praised the professionalism and dedication of the troops, acknowledging their contribution to the significant 70% decline in insurgency-related incidents in Nagaland since 2014, as per the South Asia Terrorism Portal (2023). This progress has been largely attributed to sustained military vigilance and the impact of the 2015 Naga Peace Accord.
During his visit, Lieutenant General Lakhera interacted with Assam Rifles personnel, appreciating their efforts to enhance combat readiness and strengthen ties with local communities. He underscored the force’s dual commitment to security and development—an approach that has earned them the title “Sentinels of the Northeast.”
With 46 battalions and a strength exceeding 65,000 personnel, the Assam Rifles continue to play a pivotal role in counterinsurgency, border management along the sensitive 1,643-km India–Myanmar border, and community outreach initiatives, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
Founded in 1835 as the Cachar Levy, the Assam Rifles is India’s oldest paramilitary force. Its unique operational model—under the Indian Army’s operational control and the Ministry of Home Affairs’ administrative supervision—enables it to adapt effectively to the Northeast’s complex socio-political and geographic landscape.
Lieutenant General Lakhera’s visit comes at a time when the region is balancing security imperatives with developmental aspirations, particularly in the context of India’s Act East policy and the volatile situation in neighboring Myanmar. His emphasis on operational excellence and people-centric service reinforces the Assam Rifles’ motto, “Service Before Self,” as they continue to safeguard national interests while fostering peace and prosperity in the Northeast.
