Agartala, Sep 18 (IANS) The Assam Rifles on Friday organised a display of weapons and equipment in Agartala to showcase its capabilities, operational preparedness and role in safeguarding the nation and maintaining security in the Northeast.

A defence spokesman said that the Assam Rifles organised a weapons and equipment display at Saheed Bhagat Singh Youth Hostel in Agartala on Friday for NCC (National Cadet Corps) cadets as part of its continued efforts to enhance awareness about the role, capabilities and operational preparedness of the force. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation by cadets and provided them the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of various weapons, equipment and specialised systems employed by Assam Rifles, he said.

The cadets actively interacted with Assam Rifles personnel and inquired about the capabilities, employment and operational significance of the weapons.

According to the defence spokesman, the initiative also served as an important platform to motivate and inspire the youth towards a career in the Armed Forces and Assam Rifles. The interaction provided the participants with insight into the professional ethos, commitment and role of Assam Rifles.

The event reaffirmed Assam Rifles’ commitment towards youth engagement, nation-building and fostering a spirit of patriotism and service among the younger generation. Such outreach initiatives continue to strengthen the bond between Assam Rifles and the people of the Northeast, the official noted.

Assam Rifles units are posted across several states in Northeastern India, including Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Assam and Tripura. While insurgency has been brought under control in most of the states, there are continuous attempts by banned outfits to regroup and build up networks through extortion and recruitment of youths. The paramilitary force has been playing a vital role in curbing organised drug trafficking networks in the Northeast, especially in Mizoram, Manipur, Assam and Tripura.

“The Assam Rifles maintains constant vigil on activities involving insurgent groups. Insurgents operate across state boundaries to evade the police. The insurgent groups are also linked to each other and provide shelter to each other’s cadres. A strong intelligence network is required to get to them,” a senior official said.

–IANS

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