The Home Ministry has decided to send two more units of the Assam Rifles (AR) to Jammu and Kashmir because of an increase in terror-related incidents. This brings the total number of Assam Rifles units in the region to 4. The move comes as the government is worried about safety in the area. Last year, two units with about 2,400 personnel were already deployed to help with counter-terrorism efforts.
Home Minister Amit Shah has asked security agencies to review their plans for deploying forces in Jammu and Kashmir to improve safety and readiness against new threats.
At the same time, the Assam Rifles is working harder to track the movement of people from Myanmar entering India. They have started a biometric registration system, which has already recorded around 7,000 foreign nationals since it began in December. An official from the Assam Rifles said, “This tracking helps us monitor movement and reduce security risks, including the entry of anti-national elements.” The registration is happening at 22 specific entry and exit points along the India-Myanmar border.
This new system comes after the Home Ministry changed the Free Movement Regime (FMR) policy, which used to allow free movement for people living near the border. Now, people can only travel up to 10 kilometers into each other’s territory.
Security agencies are also concerned about outside influences that may be causing violence in Manipur.
In a positive effort, the Assam Rifles will host ‘Unity Utsav,’ a five-day festival celebrating the sports and culture of Northeast India. This event, organized with the North East Association for Social Welfare, aims to promote unity and national pride among young people.
“Unity Utsav will bring together over 1,000 students from all eight Northeastern states, giving them a chance to show their talents and cultural diversity,” said Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, Director General of Assam Rifles. The festival, themed ‘One Voice, One Nation,’ will take place in New Delhi from February 15 to 20, ending with a big cultural evening featuring traditional music, dance, and performances from the Northeast.
“This festival shows our commitment to building national identity through sports and culture, highlighting the strength of unity in diversity,” Lt Gen Lakhera added.
By combining security efforts with cultural activities, the Assam Rifles aims to protect the nation while also promoting national integration.
