The oldest paramilitary force of India, Assam Rifles, celebrated Veterans Day in Shillong, honouring its dedicated veterans and Veer Naris. With over 97,000 ex-servicemen and 587 Veer Naris across the country, the Force ensures their welfare through various support networks. The occasion featured a Mega Ex-Servicemen Rally and felicitation of distinguished veterans by the Director General of Assam Rifles.
Mizoram police and Assam Rifles have intercepted a large cache of explosives believed to be intended for anti-junta resistance forces in Myanmar. This is the second major seizure of weapons and explosives in recent weeks. Officials have noted a rise in smuggling activities through Mizoram's porous border with Myanmar, likely due to the ban on vehicle movements between the two countries in Manipur. The Indian government has begun fencing the Indo-Myanmar border to curb these illegal activities.
Acting on intelligence, joint forces in Mizoram recovered a large cache of war-like stores, including Gelatin sticks, Detonators, and Cordtex, from a white vehicle occupied by two individuals. The apprehended individuals and recovered items were handed over to Mizoram Police for further investigation. This comes after Assam Rifles, along with Excise and Narcotics Department and Customs Preventive Force, seized heroin and illegal areca nuts worth Rs 1.01 crore and apprehended three individuals in a separate operation.
In two separate operations, Assam Rifles, along with the Excise & Narcotics Department and Customs Preventive Force, seized a lucrative haul of illegal drugs and contraband items worth over Rs 1 crore in the Champhai district of Mizoram, India. Three individuals were also apprehended in connection with the smuggling ring. This serves as a warning to other smugglers operating in the region that Assam Rifles will not hesitate to take down any illegal activities in the Northeast.
On International Yoga Day, Assam Rifles and Brahma Kumaris joined forces to promote the practice of yoga for physical and mental well-being. The event, held at Kisama Heritage Village in Kohima, featured an address on the importance of yoga and a series of yoga asanas led by experienced instructors. In addition, Assam Rifles also paid tribute to a fallen soldier in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Unit War Memorial in Kohima.
In a shocking turn of events, suspected insurgents launched attacks on multiple police outposts and set homes on fire in Manipur's Jiribam district in India. The attack, believed to be carried out by Kuki insurgents, has caused panic among the local communities. As a precautionary measure, the Assam Rifles has evacuated over 250 members of the Meitei community who were living on the outskirts of Jiribam town. Tensions have been rising between the Kuki and Meitei communities in the area, leading to concern among residents about their safety. This attack has once again brought attention to the ongoing ethnic tensions in the region.
The capital of Manipur, Imphal, was hit by severe flooding due to the overflowing of two rivers. The situation has been worsened by cyclonic storms that hit the region on Tuesday, causing widespread damage and claiming two lives. Rescue operations are currently underway to evacuate stranded individuals and assess the damage caused by the floods, which have been described as the worst the state has seen since 1988 and 2015. The Governor of Manipur has expressed her concern over the damage to homes and properties and requested assistance from the Indian Army and Assam Rifles.
The Indian Army has signed an agreement with the Mizoram State Cancer Institute to provide comprehensive cancer treatment to Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme beneficiaries, expanding healthcare support for retired armed forces personnel and their dependents. The partnership aims to provide cashless and capless medical treatment across Mizoram, including ECHS benefits of Assam Rifles at CGHS rates. The collaboration is expected to streamline healthcare delivery and improve the overall well-being of veterans who have dedicated their lives to the nation. Additionally, a help center has been established at the hospital by the local Military Authority to facilitate accessibility and ease the process for beneficiaries and their dependents.