The Assam Rifles marked a significant milestone in its ongoing 15-day National Integration Tour on September 12, 2025, as participants from civil society organizations in Moreh, Tengnoupal, and adjoining areas of Manipur visited the Directorate General Assam Rifles (DGAR) Headquarters in Shillong. The event featured a meaningful interaction with Lt. Gen. Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, the Director General of Assam Rifles, who shared valuable insights into the force’s critical role in safeguarding national security and strengthening community ties.
The tour, a flagship initiative launched in 2006, aims to promote unity among the diverse communities of Northeast India. During the visit, participants had the honor of engaging with Lt. Gen. Lakhera, who assumed command in August 2024 following a distinguished career that includes extensive experience in counterinsurgency operations across the region. The ceremony included cultural exchanges, such as the traditional presentation of a ceremonial shawl, symbolizing respect and collaboration.
The Assam Rifles, known as the “Sentinels of the Northeast,” has been tasked with guarding the India-Myanmar border since 2002. With a reported strength of 46 battalions and 65,143 personnel according to a 2019-2020 Ministry of Home Affairs report, the force plays a pivotal role in maintaining stability in a region recently affected by ethnic tensions, notably in Manipur. The event underscores the force’s dual mandate as both a paramilitary unit and a combat-ready entity, a legacy that traces back to its origins in the Cachar Levy of 1835 and its contributions during post-1950 Assam earthquake reconstruction efforts.
The interaction highlighted the Assam Rifles’ commitment to fostering unity and peace, aligning with its historical role in community engagement and national integration. The tour continues to serve as a bridge between communities, reinforcing the motto “Unity in Diversity” in Northeast India.
