Latest news with #VikasLakhera
India Today
03-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Fencing work on India-Myanmar border picks up pace, border haats planned
The work of fencing the India-Myanmar border is progressing rapidly, with a key focus on preventing Rohingya infiltration and curbing smuggling. India is constructing a 1,643-kilometre-long fence along the porous international border, of which approximately 401 kilometres have been completed so fencing project is currently underway in the border states of Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland, where the open border has historically allowed free movement of people. In Manipur's Moreh, a strategic town on the border, 9.2 kilometres of fencing have already been India Today team visited the Moreh border and saw that cross-border movement, which was earlier halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic, has now resumed. (Image: India Today) The Assam Rifles is playing a vital role in facilitating movement and maintaining security in the an exclusive interview with India Today, Director General of Assam Rifles, Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera, said that the border presents unique challenges, including dense forests and difficult terrain, requiring continuous patrolling. He stressed that the fencing is meant to check illegal activities, not divide Assam Rifles, responsible for guarding the India-Myanmar border, has been instrumental in ensuring peace in the region. In the last six months alone, the force has neutralized more than 11 militants and seized narcotics worth the fencing, plans are in place to set up border haats to boost local trade and livelihood opportunities for people living on both sides. The fencing work has been entrusted to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).However, some organisations have opposed the fencing work, citing logistical difficulties during the India-Myanmar border stretches across four northeastern states, including Manipur, with 1,472 kilometres of the boundary already demarcated.- EndsMust Watch
India Today
02-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Fencing India-Myanmar border a huge challenge: Assam Rifles Director General
The security and stability in India's northeast states are key to the country's territorial integrity as they are bordered by countries like Bangladesh, China and Myanmar, which makes them geographically vulnerable. This is where the Assam Rifles play a huge part and see to it that India's northeast borders remain secure and unviolated. 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.
India Gazette
23-06-2025
- General
- India Gazette
Asia Book of Records felicitates DG Assam Rifles for longest bike rally across India by a team
Shillong (Meghalaya) [India], June 23 (ANI): The Director General of Assam Rifles, Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera, was felicitated by the Asia Book of Records for endorsing and successfully conducting the longest motorcycle rally across India by a team. The remarkable feat covered over 4,300 km, starting from Vijaynagar in Arunachal Pradesh and culminating at the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, traversing nine states and diverse terrains. The rally, organised as part of the Shaurya Yatra, aimed to promote national unity. It highlighted the spirit of adventure and fostered greater civil-military cooperation under the theme 'EK BHARAT, SHRESTHA BHARAT'. Passing through key cities including Vijaynagar, Jairampur, Dimapur, Siliguri, Patna, Varanasi, Gwalior, Udaipur, Ahmedabad and Bhuj, the rally symbolised resilience, determination and the seamless coordination of the Assam Rifles. At a felicitation ceremony held at the Directorate General of Assam Rifles, Shillong, representatives from the Asia Book of Records formally acknowledged this historic achievement. The recognition stands as a proud testament to The Assam Rifles' unwavering commitment to national integration and its enduring legacy of 'Sentinels of the North East'. (ANI)
