Fencing India-Myanmar border a huge challenge: Assam Rifles Director General
Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera, Director General of Assam Rifles, shed light on the force's role and its significance in maintaining peace in the strategically important region and spoke about a range of topics, including Manipur violence, India-Myanmar border fencing and the challenges of guarding the northeastern states.
The influx of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar into India has been an issue of grave concern for the government and has become a political flashpoint between the Centre and opposition parties. It is thus important to fence and keep the India-Myanmar border secure from infiltration and that is a huge challenge, says Lieutenant General Lakhera.
"The India-Myanmar border poses significant challenges, with dense forests and challenging terrain making it difficult to patrol. Assam Rifles personnel work tirelessly to secure the border, conducting day and night patrols," he said in an exclusive conversation with India Today TV.
"Fencing work is also underway, aimed at preventing infiltration and smuggling. The force is working to address concerns raised by local communities and organisations, ensuring that the fencing is seen as a measure to enhance security, not divide people," the Assam Rifles DG asserted.
The northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram border Myanmar.
On the question of maintaining peace in Manipur, which has witnessed ethnic violence between the Kuki-Zo and the Meitei communities for the last two years, Lt. General Lakhera said that the force is committed to preventing further escalation in the state, adding that the government is engaged in dialogue with both sides.
"The situation in Manipur has shown significant improvement, with violence having subsided. The government is engaged in dialogue with both sides, and the Assam Rifles is working to prevent any further escalation. The force is also focused on building bridges between different communities and promoting social cohesion," he added.
Over 250 people were killed and thousands were displaced in the ethnic violence that bled Manipur during the violence that began in May 2023. The state is currently under President's Rule.
Lt. General Lakhera further said that the Assam Rifles has been instrumental in maintaining peace and stability in the region, working closely with state governments to promote development and security.
"The force has also been actively involved in initiatives aimed at promoting education and welfare in the region. For instance, Assam Rifles has been providing residential coaching to students from remote villages for NEET and JEE examinations, in collaboration with non-government organisations," he said.
To date, over 500 students have been selected for these prestigious exams.
"As the sentinel of Northeast India, Assam Rifles remains committed to its mission, protecting the country and its people from threats both within and beyond its borders," the Assam Rifles DG concluded.
Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera, a recipient of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Seva Medal, took charge as the Director General of Assam Rifles on August 1 last year.
He earned his postgraduate degree from Defence Services Staff College, Wellington (New Zealand). He is also an alumnus of the Higher Defence Management Course and completed the prestigious NDC Course from The Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS), London.
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