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Rajnath Singh and high ranking officials of the Assam Rifles interact after the inauguration of a facility at the Assam Rifles Training Centre & School at Shokhovi near Dimapur on Dec. 8. (EM Images)[/caption]
Dimapur, Dec. 8 (EMN): Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh was there to not only inaugurate a training facility for one of the most fabled security forces in the country. He also got to experience anti-insurgency and jungle warfare manoeuvres and combat survival skills during his itinerary.
The Home minister inaugurated a swimming pool and an indoor sports complex of the Assam Rifles Training Centre & School (ARTC&S) at Shokhovi near Dimapur on Dec. 8.
Singh witnessed the training activities of the ‘mahila’ (women) recruits at the centre’s anti-insurgency training area during which the recruits displayed their weapon handling, battle obstacle course and bayonets fighting skills.
A demonstration of small-team operations for conducting raids on insurgent hideouts and counter-ambush drills was also organized during the occasion.
Singh said that training of mahila recruits will not only make them “capable of a worthy warrior but will also empower them in different facet of professional and personal life” resulting in further enhancement of the paramilitary force.
Inaugurating the KB Limbu Swimming Pool, ‘combat crossing’ involving manoeuvres to cross waters was demonstrated by the recruits. The swimming pool will be utilized to provide skill training to recruits, which can make them more competent and capable when operating in the Northeast state.
The Union minister inaugurated also the NB Thapa Indoor Sports Complex. During the event, the Assam Rifles’ Karate, Wushu and archery team displayed their skills. Reputed sportspersons in these areas were also introduced to the minister.
Singh hoisted the national flag in the training centre. The mast of the flag is said to be the highest in the state of Nagaland—its height being 100 ft. In his address, he appreciated the role played by the Assam Rifles in ensuring security, peace and development of the Northeast region.
The Home minister spoke about some welfare initiatives for soldiers that have been implemented for the force. He was briefed by the inspector general and the deputy inspector general of the force about recent successful operations conducted against insurgents.
The Home minister was also shown a demonstration of jungle survival skills and use of traps and snares. Singh complimented the Assam Rifles for their “par excellence professional commitment” which he said had been aptly illustrated by the laurels and gallantry awards won by the force.
He further appreciated the efforts of the force in safeguarding the North Eastern frontiers of the country and reaching out the farthest and remotest areas of the region. He declared that the force was ‘Friends of the North East’ in the true sense.
The minister also complimented the training centre for its excellent training, methodology and infrastructure. He appreciated that the self confidence achieved by the recruits through hard training was clearly visible in their faces.
According to Singh, the Northeast is a strategic area and its security is of paramount importance. He added that the Assam Rifles are playing a stellar role in this regard.