Assam Rifles celebrates Raising Day

New Delhi, Apr 10 (ANI): President Pratibha Patil has commended the Assam Rifles for its role in maintaining internal security of the North Eastern states.

She was addressing a function here on the occasion of the Assam Rifles Raising Day on Friday. Assam Rifles is India's first para-military force.

On the occasion, the President unveiled a sculpted icon dedicated to the Assam Rifles and also released a First Day Postal Cover.

In her address President Patil said the Assam Rifles has created an atmosphere on peace in North East.

"The Assam Rifles continue to render invaluable service in guarding our North East Frontiers and in maintaining internal security. They have played an important role in containing counter-insurgency in the North East Region and in creating an atmosphere of security and peace," President Patil said.

"They have also contributed to ensure peaceful elections on the region and thereby, strengthening democracy," she added.

President Patil also lauded the significant role played by the Assam Rifles in undertaking developmental activities in the North East.

"I am told that Assam Rifles have been carrying out various civic action programmes for the welfare of the people in remote and inaccessible parts of the North East. They must continue to do so," she said.

"Their long association with the region gives them a special understanding of its people, because of which they are referred to as 'Friends of the Hill People.' In recognizing the achievements of the Assam Rifles, the nation also acknowledges the contribution of the Force in nation building, by assimilation of the people of the North East into the national mainstream," President Patil added.

Ever since its formation, Assam Rifles has progressed gradually and today it boasts of 46 battalions, 15 of which are deployed along the Indo-Myanmar border. (ANI)