Shillong, Feb 4, 2026: As part of a press tour to Meghalaya organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India, a media delegation from Karnataka on Tuesday visited the Directorate General Assam Rifles (DGAR) at Laitkor.
During the visit, the journalists were briefed on the history and evolution of the Assam Rifles, its force structure, operational significance, and its pivotal role in maintaining peace and security in the North Eastern region. Officials highlighted the force’s achievements across a wide range of operations, including counter-insurgency duties, border management along the Indo-Myanmar frontier, and coordination with Myanmar authorities to curb transnational crime.
The briefing also covered the Assam Rifles’ exposure to international operational environments and overseas deployments. Special emphasis was laid on the participation of Assam Rifles personnel, including women riflemen, in United Nations peacekeeping missions, particularly the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), where they have made significant contributions to peacekeeping, security, and humanitarian assistance.
Officials highlighted the growing role of women in the Assam Rifles, who were first inducted as riflewomen in 2015. Their active involvement in operational duties, border guarding, intelligence operations, civic action programmes, and international peacekeeping assignments was underscored as a reflection of the force’s commitment to gender inclusivity and operational excellence.
During an interactive session, Brigadier Sandip Chatterjee, SM, Brigadier Swarn Singh, VSM, and other senior officials engaged with the media delegation, addressing queries and sharing insights on operational preparedness, challenges, and people-centric initiatives undertaken by the force.
The delegation also visited the Assam Rifles Museum, which showcases the force’s illustrious legacy through historical artefacts, weapons, uniforms, and accounts of gallantry. Additionally, journalists were briefed on the Assam Rifles’ sustained efforts in combating smuggling and transnational crime, including the seizure of narcotics, arms, ammunition, and other contraband, significantly strengthening border security in the region.
The visiting journalists expressed appreciation for the professionalism and dedication of the Assam Rifles, acknowledging the force’s vital contribution to national security as well as its role in supporting international peacekeeping efforts.
