Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera, Director General of Assam Rifles, on Thursday, 24 July 2025, visited the Headquarters of Assam Rifles (East) in southern Assam to mark the formation's 15th Raising Day, commending personnel for sustaining high operational readiness amid complex security conditions. The visit was followed by a civil-military outreach in Chandel district, Manipur, reinforcing coordination between security forces, civil administration, and local communities.

Raising Day Celebrations and Operational Review

The Assam Rifles (East) formation was raised on 23 July 2010 at Laitumkhrah, Shillong, and has, according to a Defence spokesperson, earned recognition over 14 years for its role in tackling internal security challenges, conducting disaster relief operations, leading anti-narcotics campaigns, and securing India's international borders.

During the visit, Lt Gen Lakhera was briefed by Inspector General, Assam Rifles (East), Major General I.S. Bhinder, on operational preparedness, administrative functioning, and key achievements of the formation. At a Sainik Sammelan, the Director General acknowledged the dedication of all ranks and presented DG Assam Rifles Commendation Cards to personnel for outstanding service and exemplary contributions.

Civil-Military Security Meeting in Chandel, Manipur

Separately, in Manipur, Assam Rifles organised a comprehensive Security Meeting at Mahamani in Chandel district to strengthen coordination among security agencies, civil administration, and local communities. The session drew 55 participants, including village chiefs, Chandel Police personnel, civil society representatives, tribal bodies, women's groups, and youth organisations.

Discussions centred on assessing the prevailing security situation, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere ahead of the forthcoming electoral process, and enhancing operational coordination. Assam Rifles officials stressed the importance of sustained vigilance, timely intelligence-sharing, and active public cooperation in countering anti-national activities.

Focus on Community-Centric Development

The deliberations also highlighted community-centric initiatives such as youth empowerment, skill development, and lawful livelihood opportunities. Officials underlined the need for greater public participation in nation-building, framing the outreach as part of a broader effort to promote communal harmony and inclusive regional development in a state that has witnessed prolonged ethnic tensions.

This comes amid continued efforts by security forces to stabilise Manipur, where inter-community violence has posed persistent challenges to civil administration. The Chandel district meeting reflects a pattern of Assam Rifles leveraging civil-military dialogue as a conflict-mitigation tool alongside conventional security operations.

What Comes Next

With electoral processes on the horizon in the region, security coordination meetings of this nature are expected to intensify. The Assam Rifles' dual mandate — operational security and civil outreach — will remain under close watch as Manipur navigates its ongoing path toward normalcy.