Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai attended the Annual Assam Rifles Commanders’ Conference on 19th October at Shillong HQ of Directorate General, Assam Rifles

Rai who was on his maiden visit to Motth East was given the Ceremonial Guard of Honour by the mixed contingent comprising of Male and Female soldiers of Assam Rifles. He later paid homage to the martyrs of the Force at the Laitkor War Memorial.

Rai said that the development of North East region has been the priority for the Government. The Minister also attended the Special Sainik Sammelan comprising of all Ranks of Assam Rifles. In his address, Rai complimented Assam Rifles for playing a pivotal role in guarding the national frontiers and facilitating various Government schemes in North Eastern States leading to infrastructure development. He lauded the efforts of the Assam Rifles for the selfless service in far flung border areas like Vijaynagar in Arunachal Pradesh and remote areas of Nagaland and Manipur. He appreciated the efforts of all Assam Rifles battalions engaged in skill development of the youth leading to employment generation opportunities under Skill India Mission and also towards organising sports related activities like local tournaments and coaching camps for talented youths. The Minister complimented the Force for spreading awareness about Swaccha Bharat, Jal Shakti Abhiyan and Fit India Movement in the entire region. 

Rai urged the troops of the oldest border guarding force to continue their good work in all spheres including being an ever alert force and countering Insurgency in the most challenging terrain of the North East.

Minister also inaugurated the newly constructed OPD wing of Assam Rifles Multi Speciality Hospital at Laitkor in Shillong.

During the Conference, Lt Gen Sukhdeep Sangwan, DG Assam Rifles, briefed the Minister about the general security situation in the North East, the activities of the Force while guarding the Indo Myanmar border and about counter insurgency operations being undertaken. He also highlighted various developmental and welfare initiatives taken by Assam Rifles in the region.