Imphal, Jan 1 (NationPress) The Assam Rifles celebrated the New Year with great zeal and warmth in villages along the India-Myanmar border in Manipur, strengthening its connection with local communities through numerous outreach initiatives, as reported by officials.

Manipur has a 398 km unfenced international border with Myanmar. Defence spokesman Lt Col Mahendra Rawat mentioned that to celebrate the New Year in 2026, a lively event was held by Assam Rifles involving local communities in Sehlon, Kovang, and Kachinbung villages in the bordering Chandel district of Manipur.

The event's purpose was to promote goodwill and enhance the lasting relationships with the villagers near the India-Myanmar Border (IMB) through shared festivities and meaningful interaction.

One of the main attractions of the celebrations was a series of friendly volleyball matches played between local youth and the Assam Rifles team.

According to the spokesman, these matches, conducted across several villages, drew enthusiastic participation and created a lively atmosphere, effectively promoting sportsmanship and unity.

By involving the younger generation in positive competition, this initiative fostered a sense of camaraderie and healthy interaction. The winning teams were recognized to encourage ongoing youth engagement in sports.

In addition to sports, the festive spirit was shared with the younger members of the community through the distribution of sweets and gifts, as stated by the official. The inclusive atmosphere was further enhanced by refreshments provided for all attendees, ensuring the New Year commenced on a note of warmth and harmony.

Lt Col Rawat noted that around 250 local residents participated in the event, along with a group of 45 officials and troops from Assam Rifles, concluding with the community expressing heartfelt gratitude for the shared celebration, further solidifying trust and cooperation in the border region.

Meanwhile, the Indian Army also strengthened civil-military ties through a New Year outreach program in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Siang district, which shares an international border with China and an inter-state boundary with Assam, as officials stated.

Army personnel organized several sports and community interaction activities, including tug of war, archery, and other traditional games, which saw enthusiastic participation from villagers of all ages, including women and children from Bene Village in West Siang district.

In another celebration, in a heartwarming gesture showcasing commitment to society, the Red Shield Division under the Spear Corps of the Indian Army organized the New Year Celebration 2026 with children of the Nirasoi Shishu Bhawan orphanage in Assam’s Jorhat district.