Shivraj Patil to attend AR raising day

Shillong, Mar 21: Assam Rifles will be celebrating its 17th Raising Day from March 23 to 26 here.

Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil is scheduled to grace the occasion as the chief guest.

The celebrations would include investiture ceremony, wreath laying, special sainik sammelan and commanders' congregration.

Assam Rifles, known as the 'Sentinels of the North East' was raised in 1835 with 750 combatants for guarding the British settlements and tea estates.

This oldest Para-Military Force was used for extending help to British administration in the interior and frontiers of the North East and bringing inaccessible areas under their control.

The force took part in the West Asia operations during the World War I and won 76 gallantry awards.

The force was given the title of Assam Rifles during World War I due to its achievement and considered equivalent to Rifle Regiment of the Regular Army.

During the World War II, the force took part in the battle of Kohima and helped in management of refugee influx from Myanmar.

It organised resistance group called 'V' Force and Force 136, to harass Japanese and fought alongside regular troops in the defence boxes from Ukhrul to Kohima.

Assam Rifles has been the torch bearers in the North East region as far as sports and adventure activities are concerned.

UNI