Key Facts about Assam Rifles

Assam Rifles Latest News

Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently announced the relocation of Assam Rifles battalions to Mizoram.

About Assam Rifles

• Assam Rifles is one of the six Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) that come under the MHA’s administrative control.
• It conducts counterinsurgency operations in north-eastern India and other areas where deemed necessary.
• Its operational control is with the Indian Army, with an officer of the rank of Lieutenant General commanding the force. 
• The headquarters of the Director-General of Assam Rifles (DGAR) is in Shillong unlike other Central paramilitary forces, all of which have their headquarters in New Delhi.

Assam Rifles History

• Assam Rifles has its origins in 1835 as a militia called the ‘Cachar Levy’ to protect British tea estates and their settlements against tribal raids. 
• It later became the ‘Frontier Force’ conducting punitive expeditions across the borders of Assam. 
• In 1870, the existing elements were merged into three Assam Military Police Battalions, sending over 3,000 men as part of the British Army to Europe and West Asia. 
• In 1917, the name was changed to Assam Rifles.
• The force has evolved post-Independence, from combat roles during the Sino-India War 1962 to being a part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka in 1987, besides performing peacekeeping roles in north-eastern India. From 17 battalions in 1960 it has grown to 46 battalions today.

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Assam Rifles FAQs

Q1: Who founded Assam Rifles?

Ans: Assam Rifles was founded by the British in 1835 as “Cachar Levy” to protect tea gardens from tribal raids.

Q2: Is Assam Rifles central or state?

Ans: Assam Rifles is a central paramilitary force under India’s Ministry of Home Affairs, operationally controlled by the Indian Army.

Source: Statesman