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Growth of Assam Rifles
Until 1947, the Force comprising five battalions formed
part of civil police under the Inspector General of Police,
Assam. After Independence this arrangement was terminated
and a full-fledged Inspector General was appointed to head
the Force, the first incumbent being Mr HG Bartley, IP, CIE.
Since 1948 the Inspector General has traditionally been an
Army officer on deputation. The first Indian to hold the coveted
appointment was Colonel Sidhiman Rai, MC. As the strength
of the Force grew, the post of Inspector General was upgraded
to Brigadier, then to Major General and eventually to Lieutenant
General (Director General) in September 1979. Today, the Force
comprises of the Directorate General Assam Rifles at Shillong,
the apex controlling headquarters, two Inspector General headquarters,
nine Range Headquarters and forty one battalions deployed
all over the North Eastern Region (including Sikkim). The
total number of Battalions will become 46 by the year 2007.
It has its own Training Centre for training recruits drawn
from different parts of the country. The Force is officered
primarily by Army officers on deputation, with some percentage
of cadre officers.
The Assam Rifles has acquired an All India responsibility
as a Central Para Military Force. Three battalions were employed
in Sri Lanka and eight in Jammu and Kashmir, where two battalions
were awarded “Unit Citation” by the Chief of Army
Staff, and one battalion the GOC-in-C’s Unit Citation
for their excellent performance. Considering that the Force
comprises of only 41 battalions presently, the achievements
of the Assam Rifles during the post Independence period have
been stupendous. The Force has won about above 1000 awards
which include 03 Ashok Chakras, 04 PVSM, 29 Kirti Chakras,
05 VrC, 118 Shaurya Chakras, 01 YSM, 178 Sena Medals, and
73 VSM. The award of 03 Ashok Chakras, the highest gallantry
award in peace, is indeed a rare distinction which remains
unrivalled amongst paramilitary forces.
Role and Task
- CONDUCT COUNTER INSURGENCY OPERATIONS IN THE NORTH-EAST
AND OTHER AREAS WHERE DEEMED NECESSARY, UNDER CONTROL OF
THE ARMY.
- DURING PEACE AND ‘PROXY WAR’, ENSURE SECURITY
OF THE INDO-CHINA AND INDO- MYANMAR BORDERS.
- DURING WAR, REAR AREA SECURITY IN THE TBA.
- ASSIST ARMY IN OTHER OPERATIONAL TASKS DURING WAR
AND PEACE.
- ACT AS PENULTIMATE INTERVENTIONIST FORCE OF THE CENTRAL
GOVERNMENT IN INTERNAL SECURITY SITUATION, UNDER THE CONTROL
OF ARMY; WHEN THE SITUATION GOES BEYOND THE CONTROL OF CENTRAL
PARA-MILITARY OPERATIONS.
Assam Rifles Crest
Assam Rifles Profile
The force profile as on date is as follows :-
(a) HQ DGAR located at Shillong.
(b) Two HQ IGAR operationally deployed.
(c) Nine Sector HQs operationally deployed.
(d) 43 Battalions of Assam Rifles.
Contact Details
HQ DGAR
Assam Rifles
Shillong - 793011
Meghalaya
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Assam Rifles