The Assam Rifles have a reputation of being 'Friends of the Hill People'. There are numerous stories of the shining example of the Assam Rifles' "dedication" to the people and the nation and the unwavering commitment to safeguard lives in times of crisis.
But this is a different tale.
'Jai Jawan - Jai Kisan' slogan did come alive when the men in olive green ensured safety of the farmers of two warring communities Kukis and Meities in violence-hit Manipur.
Months of violence between two ethnic communities since May 2023 had left a very fearful impact. The traditional spirit of share and care is now a vanished entity. There is immense trust deficit and hence you cannot spot a Kuki or Zo person in Imphal valley and similarly in Kuki-stronghold Churachandpur; Meities are not to be found.
That's one way of ensuring peace, as they put it.
But last paddy season efforts were made by concerned authorities and the Assam Rifles was tasked to ensure safety of the farming crowds from both the groups in the buffer zone. This region falls under security control of the 9 Sector and hence Assam Rifles soldiers and officers were deputed for the job.
"It was a unique example of soldiers protecting the farmers.... The true spirit of Jai Jawan - Jai Kisan came to the fore and the food grains have been made available in the process," says a junior commissioned AR officer.
For the consecutive second season, Assam Rifles provided security cover to communities to cultivate their respective lands in the foothills. The Assam Rifles, along with other CAPFs deployed in the fringe areas, ensured security of both the communities and enabled sowing and harvesting.
"One hundred percent of fields were cultivated, and incident free harvesting and sowing was carried out." says one source.
Prior to that on May 28 and for about a week, as many as 16 columns of Assam Rifles (numbering 640 individuals) were deployed round the clock to rescue and evacuate those in need as flash floods have hit the region triggered actually by Cyclone Remal.
The operation led to the rescue and evacuation of more than 6500 people including women and children sparing them from the imminent danger posed by the rising waters of Imphal city.
Empowering the youth and locals of Nungba Village, Noney district of Manipur, the Assam Rifles inaugurated a fully equipped computer cell under Operation SADBHAVNA project in September 2024.
The computer cell is part of Assam Rifles’ commitment to fostering education, skill development, digital literacy and employment opportunities in remote areas, ensuring that the local population, especially students, has access to modern digital tools.
Such centres cater to the growing needs of the youth in the village, offering training in basic computer skills, online education, and other digital literacy programs.
In September 2024, the Assam Rifles also inaugurated a state-of-the-art computer cell in Phaithol village, Tamenglong district. The new facility, aimed to boost digital literacy and skill development among the local youth.
The computer cell is equipped with advanced computer systems, including modern accessories such as computer tables, chairs, and printers. This new hub has started serving as a vital resource for students and residents, providing access to essential digital tools and training in basic computer skills.
It also offers online education opportunities and other digital literacy programs.
Assam Rifles in collaboration with the North East Skill and Entrepreneurship Development (NESEED) foundation, organised an event to mark the completion of a 45-day skill development program in Churachandpur District.
The program was carried out in this tension-gripped Kuki-dominated township from June 1, 2024 for 45 days.
Essentially this aimed to equip 60 students—30 each in the trades of Assistant Electrician and Construction Wall Painter—with industry-relevant skills to enhance their employability.
NESEED, a training provider for the National Skill Development Corporation, New Delhi, and an empaneled training partner of the Manipur Society for Skill Development (MSSD), conducted the training.
The program included hands-on training and theoretical knowledge imparted by experienced instructors. The students were assessed on their performance and awarded certificates upon completion, a senior official said.
This initiative, which concluded on ‘World Youth Skills Day’ (July 15th) is part of Assam Rifles’ ongoing efforts to empower the youth of Manipur and contribute to the region’s socio-economic development.
The program - as expected - received an overwhelming response from the local community.
NESEED expressed their gratitude for Assam Rifles’ efforts in providing this opportunity to the youth of Churachandpur District.
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