SHILLONG, May 19: In a glittering ‘Attestation Parade’ held at the Assam Rifles Training Centre and School, Sukhovi in Dimapur district of Nagaland on Saturday, 233 recruits, including 22 women recruits were inducted into the force. Minister of State for Home Affairs KirenRijiju reviewed the parade which was witnessed by a large number of distinguished guests, including parents and guardians of recruits.
Addressing the recruits, Rijiju highlighted the antecedents of the Assam Rifles as the oldest para military force of the country and its diversified role which is all encompassing in the present day environment, ranging from security to providing welfare and developmental assistance to the civil population. He stated that the North-east is a strategic area and its security is of paramount importance. The Assam Rifles is playing a stellar role in this regard. He complimented Lt General Sukhdeep Sangwan, Sena Medal and Bar, DGAR for leading the force to its present stature and providing the futuristic window for its expansion. He also complimented Brigadier Gurjap Singh, Commandant ARTC & S and his team of dedicated staff for imparting value based training to the recruits for their future as trained soldiers of the nation.
The Minister presented awards to the passing out recruits for their outstanding performance during training. Rfn Sameer Ojha was awarded the medals for being the Best All Round Recruit. Rfn Arun Singh, Rfn Hemant Khatiwada and Rfn Aashish Kumar Jena were awarded the medal for being best in Firing. RfnShivanand Chauhan, Rfn CB Chhetri, Rfn H Abuto Sumi and Rfn Priya Praveen were awarded the medal for being best in drill while Rfn PushpaThapa, Rfn AniketTripathi, Rfn ChampaTirkey and Rfn Somya Ranjan Das were awarded the medal for being best in physical training.
The Minister also addressed troops of the Centre during ‘Special Sainik Sammelan’. In his address he appreciated the role played by Assam Rifles in ensuring security, peace and development of the North-eastern region. He complimented the Assam Rifles for their par excellence professional commitment which he said has been aptly illustrated by the laurels and the gallantry awards won by the force.
Rijiju exhorted the Assam Rifles personnel to keep up the good name of the force by way of hard work and dedication and keep the Assam Rifles flag flying high in the true spirit of it being the ‘Sentinels of the North East’ and ‘Friends of the Hill People’. This has been stated in a press release.
