Nagaland: 868 mahila recruits inducted into Assam Rifles

Dimapur, March 2 (MExN): A total strength of 868 new mahila recruits passed out of the parade ground of the Assam Rifles Centre and School (ARTC&S) at Shokhuvi, Dimapur on March 2.

The occasion was the special attestation parade to mark the completion of 44 weeks of training in battle craft, weapon handling, jungle lane shooting and other specialization in Counter Insurgency operations, stated a press release from the PRO, Assam Rifles. “This POP was unique for the fact that it had only mahila recruits and the parade was led by Maj Sita Shelke, lady officer posted at the ARTC&S,” it said. 

The Passing Out Parade (POP) was reviewed by Brig (Retd) Dr BD Mishra, Governor of Arunachal Pradesh in the presence of Lt Gen PC Nair, AVSM, YSM, Director General Assam Rifles and other senior officers of the Indian Army and the Assam Rifles. 

Addressing the recruits, the Governor highlighted the rich history of the Assam Rifles as the oldest paramilitary force of the country and its diversifiedrole. He congratulated the recruits and their proud parents on successful completion oftraining and wished them success and happiness in their future endeavours. 

The Governor called on the recruits to serve the Nation with all sincerity besides asking them to keep pace with technology. “As mahila soldiers their job was even more challenging than their male counterparts given that besides their job responsibility they would also have to shoulder the responsibility of their families,” he said. Stating it as a “unique POP” which was all women, he said that “perhaps” it was “the longest number of mahila recruits passing out from any Academy or Training Centre anywhere in the country.”

“The newly passed out Riflewomen (mahila soldiers) will now join their respective Units in all frontline duties and will continue to serve the Country thereby, making it a moment of glory not only for the Assam Rifles but also the entire nation,” it added.