While throwing some light on the dual control structure of armed forces in India, discuss the role played by Assam Rifles in internal security of India.
Assam Rifles is a part of the central paramilitary forces (along with the Indian Coast Guards) of India to provide internal security. It is the oldest paramilitary force and also a region-specific force to carry out anti-insurgency operations.
They play a crucial role in Assam, given its unique security challenges:
- Inter-tribal conflict and violence – Bodos v/s others, Assam v/s Mizoram border issue (Lushai hills), Greater Nagalim areas.
- Terrorism threat – ULFA, NDFB, NSCN-K, etc
- Anti-migrant rhetoric against Bangladesh migrants/refugees.
In the light of these challenges, the Assam rifles provides dual role:
- It is under administrative control of Home ministry, but its operations are under control of Indian Army which comes under Defence ministry. Hence, it has a dual control mechanism.
- It acts as a net security provider through coordination with army against border security and terrorist threat from ULFA, etc.
- Internal security to mitigate inter-tribal violence and clashes against refugees.
It is both internally and externally equipped to deal with issues rising from both within and outside the country.
Originally written on
July 10, 2023
and last modified on
October 27, 2024.
Tags: Assam