On March 21, thirty-four women from Manipur, forming part of Assam Rifles National Integration Tour (NIT), interacted with the Eastern Army Commander, Lieutenant General Ram Chander Tiwari, at Kolkata.
The interaction accorded these ‘Women Ambassadors’ an opportunity to share their experiences about the NIT, and also gain valuable insights about the role of Assam Rifles and Indian Army towards restoration peace in the ‘Seven Sister States’ of North East India.
The women from Manipur are on a ten day tour to Ahmedabad and Kolkata from 12th March to 22nd March . The tour, conducted by the Assam Rifles formation under Spear Corps has enabled the participants to witness economic, infrastructural and cultural advancements in Ahmedabad and Kolkata. During their stay in Gujarat, they visited key landmarks such as the Statue of Unity, Sabarmati Ashram, and Akshardham Temple. The women also witnessed Ahmedabad’s urban lifestyle, including the Sabarmati and Narmada riverfronts. At Kolkata, they visited iconic monuments like the Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum and Mother Teresa’s Home.
While in Ahmedabad, the women interacted with Acharya Devvrat, Hon’ble Governor of Gujarat. The Hon’ble Governor urged them to emulate Gujarat’s development model for peace and prosperity in Manipur.
While interacting with the NIT participants, the Eastern Army Commander highlighted the potential of Manipur to evolve as a powerhouse of sports and tourism sectors, and the crucial role of Women in the prosperity of the State. He appreciated the participants for stepping out to explore other parts of India and exhorted upon them to emulate the development models they witnessed in Ahmedabad and Kolkata. As a token of appreciation, he felicitated the participants with shawls. The women in turn felicitated the General with a traditional stole and a painting from Imphal.
The NIT is testimony of the Assam Rifles’ continued efforts in fostering national integration and empowering women from remote regions.
JOINT OPERATIONS BY SECURITY FORCES RESULT IN RECOVERY OF ARMS AND AMMUNITION
In a series of operations, Indian Army and Assam Rifles formation under Spear Corps launched intelligence-based operations in the hill and valley districts of Thoubal, Bishnupur, Imphal West, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal and Jiribam between 17 – 21 March 25 in coordination with Manipur Police, CRPF, BSF, and ITBP and recovered 28 weapons, Improvised Devices (IEDs), grenades, ammunition and war like stores.
Acting on specific intelligence of presence of arms and ammunition in general area Angtha of Thoubal district, Indian Army and Manipur Police launched a joint operation on 17 March 25 and recovered three weapons comprising two pistols and one Single Bore Barrel Rifle.
In Kangpokpi district an operation in general area Chingmang (near Sagolmang) by Indian Army on 18 Mar 25, resulted in recovery of one 0.22 rifle.
Based on input recd from sources regarding presence of arms cache in T’Minou village near the Indo Myanmar Border in Tengnoupal district, Assam Rifles and Manipur Police launched a joint operation on 18 March 25, resulting in recovery of two weapons comprising one 7.62mm LMG and one AK-56, ammunition and war like stores.
Similarly, an intelligence-based operation launched in the general area of Phubala in Bishnupur district by Indian Army on 18 March 25, resulted in recovery of one pistol. In the same district on 19 Mar 25, a joint operation launched by Assam Rifles and Manipur Police resulted in recovery of one M-20 pistol.
In Churachandpur district, an intelligence-based operation in general area Thingkangphai village resulted in recovery of one .303 rifle.
In Jiribam district, an intelligence based joint operation in general area Moulzawl by Assam Rifles and Manipur Police resulted in recovery of nine weapons comprising five single barrel rifle, one 12 bore rifle, one pistol (local made), two improvised mortars, ammunition and war like stores.
Intelligence based operations by Assam Rifles in general area Zero Pt – N Boljang village track in Kangpokpi district, Manipur on 21 Mar 25, resulted in recovery of six weapons comprising two 7.62mm SLR, one .22mm pistol, one Improvised Mortar, two Rifles, ammunition and war like stores.
In Imphal West district, Assam Rifles and Manipur Police launched joint intelligence-based operations on 21 Mar 25 and recovered four weapons comprising one 5.56 INSAS Rifle, one 9mm Pistol, two Air Guns, ammunition and war like stores. The recovered items have been handed over to Manipur Police.
These coordinated efforts by security forces highlight their unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and security in Manipur.
*NATIONAL INTEGRATION TOUR CONCLUDES: A JOURNEY OF HOPE AND UNITY FOR MANIPUR’S WOMEN
The National Integration Tour for 34 Women from Manipur culminated in a grand Flagging-In Ceremony at Haflong Hall, Mantripukhri, where Maj Gen Ravroop Singh, Inspector General Assam Rifles (South) and Mrs Navjeet Kaur, Regional President, ARWWA, welcomed the participants. Organised from 13th to 22nd March 2025 as part of Operation Sadbhavana, the initiative provided a transformative experience, offering exposure to India’s rich heritage, development, and the vital role of women in nation-building.
The participants, hailing from different parts of Manipur, embarked on a journey through Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Kolkata, engaging in meaningful interactions and witnessing India’s diverse cultural and developmental landscape. The tour was a step towards empowerment and integration.
In Gujarat, they visited the Sabarmati Ashram, Statue of Unity, Dandi Kutir, Adalaj Stepwell, Indroda Park, Akshardham Temple, and Motera Stadium, gaining insights into history, resilience, and national progress. A key highlight was their meeting with Shri Acharya Devvrat, Hon’ble Governor of Gujarat, where discussions centered on the role of women in fostering unity and driving social change. They also interacted with Major General Gaurav Bagga, General Officer Commanding, 11 RAPID, at Headquarter 11 RAPID, gaining a deeper understanding of the Indian Army’s contributions beyond security.
In Kolkata, the participants explored Victoria Memorial and Mother Teresa’s Tomb, drawing inspiration from historical figures that shaped India’s inclusive ethos. Their interaction with Lieutenant General Ram Chander Tiwari, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, underscored the importance of leadership, unity, and women’s role in shaping Manipur’s future.
This journey was more than a tour—it was a message of resilience and harmony. The Flagging-In Ceremony was a celebration of the spirit of Manipur’s women, who returned with renewed inspiration to contribute to the state’s progress. The Assam Rifles remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering unity, empowering communities, and strengthening the fabric of peace in Manipur.
*ASSAM RIFLES ORGANISES EX-SERVICEMEN RALLY AT SOMSAI, UKHRUL DISTRICT, MANIPUR*
Assam Rifles organised an Ex Servicemen Rally at Somsai Garrison, Ukhrul District, Manipur on 22 March 2025 and carried out interaction with Ex-Servicemen, Veer Naris, widows and their dependents.
The event was organized with the objective of engaging with veterans and their families, understanding their concerns and addressing issues they face. Additionally, the attendees were briefed about various government welfare schemes aimed at supporting their well-being.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from approximately 90 individuals, including Veer Naris, widows, veterans and their dependents. Highlights of the event included the felicitation of Veer Naris and widows in recognition of their unwavering support, along with the distribution of home and kitchen appliances to the families. Various counters/ cells were established to include a medical and dental camp, CSD counter, pension cell, ECHS and polyclinic, grievance cell, and SBI counter to address the concerns faced by the Ex-Servicemen. The event fostered a spirit of camaraderie and gratitude among all attendees.
The Ex-Servicemen, Veer Naris, widows, and their dependents conveyed their profound gratitude to the Assam Rifles authorities for thoughtfully organizing the rally.
