Assam Rifles starts off the ‘Freedom Cycling Rally’ between Shillong and New Delhi. This cycling rally is to commemorate India’s 75 years of Independence. The motive is to cover areas and places that have been in association with India’s freedom movement years ago.
Assam Rifles commemorate India’s Independence through memory lane
On September 5, Director General Assam Rifles Lieutenant General Pradeep Chandran Nair opened the ‘Freedom Cycling Rally’ which will cover places between Shillong and New Delhi. The cycle rally, which is about 3,000 km in length, has been organised by the Assam Rifles as a part of the Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav which is the Indian government’s initiative in its 75 years of Independence.
The rally is a commemorative journey and an event that celebrates 75 years of progressive India and the glorious rich history of its people, achievements and culture. Not only is this event patriotic but also promotes fitness as it also promotes the Fit India Movement.
The 3,000 km long journey will cover places that are of importance to India’s importance with respect to freedom movement en-route. This event will include people’s interactions with locals in the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations’ spirit.
Dignitaries in attendance
At the event, Krishna Lahkar, a 94-year-old freedom fighter, Captain Keishing Clifford Nongrum, Maha Vir Chakra awardee, Maj David Manlun, Kirti Chakra awardee and all ranks and families of the Laitkor garrison were present at Directorate General Assam Rifles headquarters at Laitkor, Shillong.
Lieutenant General Nair highlighted the role of the Assam Rifle in the Northeastern side of India which supports and builds up more towards peace and security. They are also known as the ‘Sentinels of the North East’ which is a ‘force’ that binds the region according to the lieutenant.
The Lieutenant-General of the Assam Rifles is the head position of the Assam Rifles, where their office is located in the Headquarters LGAR at Shillong. This position is appointed by the government of India.
Assam Rifles’ contribution to the country
The Assam Rifles is the oldest paramilitary force of the Indian Army which dates back to 1835 under British Rule and was formerly named Cachar Levy. Therefore, the present name “Assam Rifles” came into use in 1917.
They have been a huge part of India’s history as they have served a number of roles and took an active part in World War where they served in the Middle East and Europe, and in
World War II they served in Burma. They also took a huge part in maintaining law and order in the tribal area of Arunachal Pradesh.
Currently, it has no connection with the Assam Regiment of the Indian Army. This force works under the jurisdiction of the Home Ministry of India. In 2002, they were given the role of guarding the Indo-Myanmar border.
The force has grown substantially over the years, since 1947, from a force of just 5 battalions. Lastly, the force has several area Headquarters training centres that process up to 1,800 recruits at the moment with several logistic units.
