Reinforcing its role as a key pillar of security, community engagement and grassroots development in Northeast India, Assam Rifles has undertaken a series of people-centric initiatives across Manipur, focusing on youth empowerment, women’s economic independence, environmental sustainability, public health, community trust and operational fitness.
Through coordinated outreach programmes conducted between October 15 and 17 across Kakching, Churachandpur, Kamjong and Imphal West districts, the force has combined its security responsibilities with practical measures to strengthen livelihoods, promote social harmony and deepen engagement with local communities.
The initiatives underline Assam Rifles’ broader commitment to Winning Hearts and Minds (WHAM), recognising that lasting peace and stability are reinforced not only through security measures but also through education, economic opportunities, public cooperation and community welfare.
SKILL DEVELOPMENT: OPENING NEW CAREER PATHWAYS FOR MANIPUR’S YOUTH
At Pallel Garrison in Kakching district, Assam Rifles facilitated the opening ceremony of the sixth Front Office and Food & Beverage Service Programme on October 15. The programme, implemented by REACHA under the Corporate Social Responsibility framework of the IIFL Foundation, commenced training for 31 local participants.
The initiative aims to equip young people with practical hospitality skills, improve their employability and encourage entrepreneurship in the growing service sector. Assam Rifles personnel interacted with trainees, urging them to make full use of the training and pursue sustainable employment and self-employment opportunities.
By connecting skill development with livelihood generation, the programme seeks to strengthen household incomes and expand economic opportunities for local youth.
FIGHTING DRUG ABUSE: YOUTH MOBILISED FOR A DRUG-FREE MANIPUR
On the same day, Assam Rifles organised a “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat” awareness programme at Assam Rifles Public School, Pallel, in Kakching district.
More than 100 students and five teachers participated in the initiative, which used educational videos and interactive sessions to highlight the physical, psychological and social consequences of substance abuse.
The campaign encouraged students to make informed life choices, resist harmful influences and become peer ambassadors for a drug-free school environment. Messages such as “Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to a Bright Future” reinforced the importance of preventive education and responsible youth leadership.
The initiative reflects the force’s commitment to safeguarding the younger generation and promoting a healthier, more resilient society.
WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT: 16 SEWING MACHINES DISTRIBUTED IN CHURACHANDPUR
Strengthening grassroots entrepreneurship and economic self-reliance, Assam Rifles distributed 16 sewing machines to women in Kaprang village, Churachandpur district, on October 16 under Operation Sadbhavana.
The programme, attended by 65 local residents, aims to help women transform their tailoring skills into income-generating activities, take up stitching assignments and establish small-scale businesses.
The distribution provides practical support for women seeking financial independence while enabling them to contribute more effectively to household incomes.
By creating opportunities for self-employment at the village level, the initiative seeks to advance inclusive development and strengthen the economic foundations of local communities.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: CLEANLINESS DRIVE UNDER SPECIAL CAMPAIGN 6.0
Assam Rifles personnel joined 20 local residents in a cleanliness and environmental awareness drive at Old Hengkot in Churachandpur district on October 16 under Special Campaign 6.0.
The drive focused on removing plastic waste, non-biodegradable litter and refuse from public spaces while raising awareness about the environmental damage caused by single-use plastics.
Community members were encouraged to adopt responsible waste segregation and disposal practices and use environmentally friendly alternatives.
The joint effort demonstrated how collaboration between security personnel and residents can translate environmental awareness into practical action, improving public hygiene and promoting sustainable community practices.
EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH: 230 PARTICIPANTS JOIN SCHOOL EXCURSION
In another community-focused initiative, Assam Rifles facilitated a one-day educational and motivational excursion for students at Geljang Resorts and Green Hills in Churachandpur district on October 16.
The excursion brought together 230 participants, comprising 150 students, 68 parents and 12 teachers. Assam Rifles provided logistical and transportation support to facilitate the visit.
Designed to extend learning beyond the classroom, the initiative offered students an opportunity for educational exposure, recreation and interaction while encouraging stronger bonds among students, parents and teachers.
The programme also strengthened engagement between the force and the civilian population, reinforcing mutual trust and goodwill through practical support for educational and social activities.
COMMUNITY TRUST: 150 RESIDENTS ENGAGE WITH ASSAM RIFLES IN KAMJONG
Strengthening direct engagement with local communities, Shangshak Battalion of Assam Rifles organised an “A Day with Coy Commander” programme at Nambashi village through its Kasong Company Operating Base in Kamjong district on October 16.
The event brought together 150 residents, including 50 men, 60 women and 40 children. Recreational competitions and sporting activities encouraged participation, teamwork and camaraderie among villagers of different age groups.
A prize distribution ceremony recognised participants’ achievements and added to the spirit of community participation.
Beyond recreation, the programme provided an opportunity for residents to interact directly with security personnel in a welcoming environment, promoting dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation.
Such initiatives form an important part of Assam Rifles’ community engagement approach, strengthening public confidence and supporting the broader objective of peace and social harmony in the region.
SECURITY COORDINATION: JOINT EFFORT FOR PEACE AND STABILITY
In a parallel initiative, Shangshak Battalion convened a Security Interaction Meeting at Phungyar village in Kamjong district on October 16.
The meeting brought together 45 participants, including Assam Rifles personnel, Manipur Police representatives, village headmen, civil society organisation members, women leaders and village authorities from Phungyar and Tusom.
Discussions centred on the prevailing security environment, coordination among security agencies and local authorities, timely information sharing, community vigilance and public cooperation in maintaining law and order.
The participation of women leaders and civil society representatives highlighted the importance of inclusive dialogue in addressing local concerns and strengthening community-level cooperation.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continued coordination among security forces, police and village stakeholders to help preserve peace, stability and public safety across Kamjong district.
FIT INDIA FREEDOM RUN 7.0: 160 PERSONNEL PARTICIPATE
Reaffirming the importance of physical preparedness and operational fitness, Assam Rifles organised the Fit India Freedom Run 7.0–2026 at Keithelmanbi Garrison in Imphal West district on October 17.
A total of 160 Assam Rifles personnel participated in the run, promoting endurance, discipline, determination and camaraderie.
The event formed part of the nationwide Fit India Freedom Run 7.0 campaign, which began on October 2 to mark Gandhi Jayanti and is scheduled to conclude on October 31 with a Unity Run commemorating the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Inspired by the theme “Fitness Ki Dose, Aadha Ghanta Roz”, the activity reinforced the importance of regular exercise and physical conditioning in maintaining personal well-being and operational readiness.
The initiative also reflected Assam Rifles’ commitment to fostering a culture of fitness and discipline within its ranks.
A BROADER COMMITMENT TO PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT
From creating livelihood opportunities and promoting women’s self-reliance to strengthening security coordination, combating substance abuse and encouraging environmental responsibility, Assam Rifles’ recent initiatives reflect a comprehensive approach to community engagement in Manipur.
The programmes demonstrate the importance of sustained cooperation between security forces and local residents in addressing social challenges, expanding opportunities for young people and building stronger community relationships.
Through Operation Sadbhavana, the WHAM philosophy and a range of welfare-oriented activities, Assam Rifles continues to combine its security mandate with grassroots outreach, reinforcing its commitment to peace, public trust and inclusive development across the Northeast.
