The Indian Army and Assam Rifles on Saturday, 20 June 2026, organised yoga sessions across multiple Northeastern states as part of week-long celebrations ahead of the 12th International Yoga Day, drawing participation from soldiers, students, villagers, and border officials, according to defence spokesmen.

Arunachal Pradesh: Siyom Valley Session

Defence spokesman Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said the Spearhead Division under the Spear Corps conducted a special yoga session in partnership with North Eastern Frontier Technical University (NEFTU), Aalo, set against the backdrop of the Siyom Valley in Arunachal Pradesh. The morning session, lasting over an hour, drew more than 100 students and Army personnel, who practised yoga postures, breathing exercises, and wellness techniques aimed at improving flexibility, concentration, emotional balance, and overall fitness. Officials described the event as a reflection of the Army's commitment to youth engagement and military-civil synergy.

Manipur: 2,372 Participants Across Four Districts

Assam Rifles mounted a wide-ranging wellness campaign across Churachandpur, Kakching, Tengnoupal, and Chandel districts of Manipur, aligned with the global theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing' — focused on longevity, preventive healthcare, and life discipline across all age groups. The multi-location effort recorded a turnout of approximately 2,372 participants, comprising 1,892 security personnel and civil officials, alongside local villagers, schoolchildren, family members, NCC cadets, and Agniveer aspirants.

In Churachandpur, the central event was held at Khuga and Veng, with parallel sessions at all local operating bases. The Pallel Garrison in Kakching hosted its own initiative, while outreach in Tengnoupal extended to Moreh, Kwatha, Sita, and the RRC Khudengthabi base. At Moreh, officials from the Border Security Force, Immigration Bureau, and Integrated Check Post staff joined locals in the sessions. In Chandel, participants gathered at Modi and Chandel towns.

At the Pallel Garrison, Mrs Elangbam Anita, a senior faculty member of the Art of Living International Organisation, led participants through specialised yoga asanas, deep-breathing techniques, and meditation routines targeting stress relief and mental focus. Assam Rifles also leveraged its community radio station, CRS Radio Highway, to broadcast a wellness podcast and radio programme from Pallel, reaching a broader audience with messaging on healthy lifestyle choices and stress management.

Tripura: Iconic Landmarks as Yoga Venues

In Tripura, the Radhanagar Battalion of Assam Rifles chose two of the state's most celebrated destinations — the Unakoti Rock Carvings and Jampui Hills — as venues for yoga sessions. Participants practised various asanas and pranayama exercises in the serene surroundings of both sites, with officials noting that the settings provided an ideal environment for promoting physical fitness and holistic well-being.

Broader Significance

This year's coordinated outreach across the Northeast underscores the dual role the armed forces play in the region — security and community engagement. Notably, the campaign reached remote and border areas that are often underserved by mainstream health and wellness programmes. With the 12th International Yoga Day falling on 21 June 2026, Saturday's events formed the culmination of a week-long build-up, reinforcing the message of harmony, unity, and collective well-being that underpins the annual observance.