In two separate operations, Keithelmanbi and Loktak Battalions under aegis of IGAR (S) foiled smuggling of timber and narcotics in Kamjong and Bishnupur district on May, 14 and 22 respectively, stated a release issued by IGAR (South) on Sunday.
Based on specific input, a joint team of Assam Rifles and Manipur Police launched an operation and recovered 1 Kg of opium from two drug peddlers at Saiton Bazaar, Bishnupur district, it stated.
In another operation, based on inputs regarding stockpiling of illegally smuggled teakwood in Salampatong village, Kamjong district, troops of Assam Rifles launched a search operation and recovered 134 logs of teakwood, it stated. The recovered teakwood is assessed to be worth Rs 47.86 lakh, it added.
The recovered narcotics along with drug peddlers and timber were handed over to Moirang Police and Forest department, Kamjong district respectively for further legal action, it mentioned.
Meanwhile, as part of its initiative to reach out to the former servicemen of the Assam Rifles, a new Assam Rifles Ex-Servicemen Association Centre was established at Kozhikode, Kerala and was inaugurated by Lt Gen PC Nair, AVSM, YSM, DG Assam Rifles on May 15. Ex-Servicemen, Veer Naris, other dependents and Officers of Headquarters Directorate General Assam Rifles attended the inauguration ceremony, it added.
It further stated that Assam Rifles has formed Assam Rifles Ex-serviceman Association (ARESA). It has 30 ARESA centres which are manned by Veterans of Assam Rifles and are spread all over the country. ARESA centre at Kozhikode is the latest edition which aims to extend the welfare related facilities to all veterans and families of the Assam Rifles, it added.
During the course of the event, the Ex-servicemen were made aware of the welfare related schemes and financial grants of the Force, it stated. Lieutenant general PC Nair, AVSM, YSM, DG Assam Rifles gave a special address where he highlighted the contributions of the Ex-Servicemen to the Force and the commitment of Assam Rifles towards their welfare. DG asked all present to spread the message of Pension enhancement and welfare related schemes of the Force, it added.
As part of the event, a cultural function was organised by the enthusiastic Ex-Servicemen of the Assam Rifles, it mentioned. Gallantry Award Winners and Veer Nari’s were also felicitated during the event. Grievances were registered during the rally out of which some were resolved on the spot while others were noted for early resolution. During the Rally Veer Naris, Gallantry Awardees and other Veterans, were also felicitated, it stated.
It mentioned that Assam Rifles is forever indebted to the valour and sacrifices of its veterans and families and it forever strives towards welfare and aid of all its Bravehearts, veer naris and veterans.
During the course of last six months Assam Rifles has granted an amount of Rs 2.68 Crores as financial grants and benefits to veterans and veer naris from Aug 2021 to Apr 2022. Assam Rifles is the oldest and the most decorated Para Military Force of the Nation, it stated.
With a rich history of valour and sacrifice spanning more than 187 years, the Assam Rifles has carved a niche for itself in operations and has contributed for the overall development of the Nation, it added.
