Patil urges AR Jawans to protect nation's unity, integrity

Shillong, May 23 (UNI) Home Minister Shivraj Patil today urged jawans of the Assam Rifles to steadfastly guard the frontiers of the nation to defend its unity and integrity.

Addressing a special 'sainik sanmelan' at the Assam Rifles headquarters at Laitumkhra here he said the force was playing a vital role in guarding India's frontier regions, being one of the oldest defence wings of the country.

Mr Patil said the Centre was taking various steps to strengthen the force and improve its working conditions.

In this regard he mentioned the recent Acts of Parliament conferring more powers to the defence forces like the Assam Rifles and the SSB. He assured the force that the government will give full justice regarding pay and other conditions to the jawans under the terms of the Sixth Pay Commission by removing any anomalies.

Earlier, Mr Patil inaugurated the new Administrative Block of the Assam Rifles at Laitkor here.

The Union Minister is on a two-day visit to Meghalaya and Nagaland from today to review the law and order situation in the states and also visit the border areas.

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