The oldest paramilitary force in India, the Assam Rifles traces its lineage back to ‘Cachar Levy’, a police force formed under the British in 1835. In its long and lustrous history, the Assam Rifles soldiers have served the nation in a number of ways, including during World War I and World War II.
Currently, the Assam Rifles has 46 battalions with a strength of 66,411 personnel. They are involved in border security operations, counter insurgency, internal security and civic assistance. From time to time, the Rifles have been accused of human rights violations in Manipur under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958.
The Assam Rifles is currently conducting a massive army recruitment drive at Senapati District in Manipur. They are conducting pre-recruitment physical and medical tests on aspirants. The drive has attracted a large number of jobless youth.
Hopefully, once more locals join the army, there will be a peaceful and permanent solution to the conflicts that sometimes rise between civilians and the army personnel.
