Key Facts about Assam Rifles

About Assam Rifles:

• It is one of the six central armed police forces (CAPFs).
• It is the only paramilitary force with 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 the Ministry 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 being in 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 force in 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 HQs of all other Central Para Military Forces are located in Delhi.