The Assam Rifles, the nation’s oldest and most decorated paramilitary force, nicknamed the “Sentinels of the Northeast” or “Friends of the Hill People,” celebrated its 190th Raising Day with great fanfare at its headquarters in Shillong. The same was done at different places in the Northeast, which brought out the rich heritage and contributions of the force.
ASSAM RIFLES CELEBRATES 190TH RAISING DAY#AssamRifles celebrated its 190th Raising Day, with great pride and solemnity at its headquarters in Shillong on 24 Mar 2025. The milestone marks nearly two centuries of dedicated service, valor and unwavering commitment to safeguarding… pic.twitter.com/rR7K04lys4
— The Assam Rifles (@official_dgar) March 24, 2025
On this day in the year 1835, the oldest of India’s paramilitary forces, Assam Rifles, was raised. The force was originally raised by the British as the Cachar Levy to uphold law and order in the then-violent northeast India. Over the years, the force has seen various organizational and name shifts before eventually being known as the Assam Rifles in 1917.
The Director General of Assam Rifles (DGAR), Lt Gen PC Nair, and other senior officers paid homage to the courageous soldiers at the War Memorial in Shillong. Speaking on the occasion, Lt Gen Nair praised the officers and personnel for their unflinching commitment and exemplary role in fighting insurgency in the Northeast and Jammu & Kashmir.
“The Assam Rifles continues to prove its mettle in operations across the region. Over the past year, three battalions were awarded the Chief of the Army Staff Unit Citation, while five battalions received the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Unit Citation,” an official release stated. Besides, two personnel were awarded the coveted Shaurya Chakra, eight were given Sena Medals, and 412 were awarded Presidential and Governors’ medals for their outstanding service.
Lt Gen Nair also stressed the modernization efforts of the force, including equipment upgradation and training manpower to address changing security threats. He pointed out the Assam Rifles’ dedication to embracing advanced weapons, bolstering cybersecurity, and its traditional role in ensuring peace in the region.
The Indian Army, from its official account, posted a video on X praising the Assam Rifles on its Raising Day.
Sentinels of the North East#GeneralUpendraDwivedi, #COAS and All Ranks
of the #IndianArmy convey best wishes to
All Ranks and Families of #AssamRifles
on the occasion of Raising Day. @official_dgar pic.twitter.com/LesJ3Ouz8x— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) March 24, 2025
In 2023, when the Assam Rifles marked its 188th Raising Day at its Laitkor Garrison in Shillong, the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Development of North East Region, G. Kishan Reddy, attended the event as the chief guest. Last year, three battalions were awarded the Chief of the Army Staff Unit Citation, five were awarded the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Unit Citation, and a total of 419 medals, including one Shaurya Chakra and seven Sena Medals, were awarded.
Since 1835, the Assam Rifles has played a pivotal role in maintaining law and order in the Northeast region and has also contributed significantly towards counter-insurgency operations. The force continues to stick to its mission of safeguarding national security while constantly adjusting to emerging challenges.
