A forum of several influential organisations representing the Meitei community in conflict-hit Manipur recently issued a call to boycott Assam Rifles.
About Assam Rifles:
It is one of the six central armed police forces (CAPFs).
It is the only paramilitary forcewith a dual control structure.
While the administrative control of the force is with the Ministry of Home Affairs, its operational control is with the Indian Army, which is under theMinistry of Defence.
It has a dual role of maintaining internal security in the Northeastern region and guarding the Indo-Myanmar Border.
History:
It is the oldest paramilitary force of India.
It came into beingin 1835, as a militia called the ‘Cachar Levy’.
With approximately 750 men, this force was formed to primarily protect British Tea estates and their settlements against tribal raids.
Over the period of time, it was expanded and rechristened Assam Military Police Battalion, with additional battalions.
It was later renamed as Assam Rifles.
The post-Independence role of the Assam Rifles continued to evolve, ranging from
conventional combat role during Sino-India War 1962,
operating in foreign land as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) to Sri Lanka in 1987 (Op Pawan)
to the peacekeeping role in the North-Eastern areas of India.
Assam Rifles has grown substantially over the years, from 17 battalions in 1960 to 46 battalions at present.
Fondly called ‘Friends of the North East People’, the force is the highest awarded and decorated paramilitary forcein both pre- and post-independent India.
The force is commanded by an officer of the rank of Lieutenant General of the Army.
The highest Headquarter (HQ) of the force, known as the HQ Directorate General of Assam Rifles, is located at Shillong.
The HQsofall other Central Para Military Forces are located in Delhi.
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