Soldiers remembered on AR Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 24 2012: Inspector General Assam Rifles (south) Maj Gen UK Gurung expressed confidence that peace and tranquillity will be restored in Manipur earlier than expected.

Speaking to newspersons after offering tribute to martyred Assam Rifles soldiers on the occasion of the Assam Rifles' 117th raising day celebrated today at Kangla Fort, the Major General said peace is a must for development Manipur.

Pledging unflinching support and contribution of the Assam Rifles in bringing peace and development in the State, he opined that the large number of voters' turned out at the recently held general elections was ample proof that the masses long for peace and development.

The fact that the election recorded encouraging turn-out despite attempts by anti-national elements to thwart the democratic process is a healthy sign that violence has no place in a civilised society, mooted the IGAR (S) .

IGAR (S) Maj Gen UK Gurung salutes at the AR War Memorial

To commemorate the Raising Day of Assam Rifles, a wreath laying ceremony was held at Assam Rifles War Memorial at Kangla this morning where the Major General led other Assam Rifles officers paying homage to the brave martyrs.

Assam Rifles over the period have been relentlessly pursuing to bring in visible changes in overall development of Manipur State.

The legacy of the good work done by the Assam Rifles in Manipur over the ages is being coordinated by HQ IGAR (S) and its contribution towards the development in Manipur has gone much beyond the realms of just operations against the militant groups, said a PRO IGAR (S) release.

Projects useful to the local population, at all levels in fields like education, training, public work, agriculture, transportation, communication, health, sanitation and others contributing to economic and social development, go much beyond simply improving the standing of the military forces with the local population.

Kangla War Memorial is of great importance since 4 Assam Rifles represented the AR Force in entirety with participation in two great World Wars.

This war memorial has assumed the importance of a Central memorial to the Force.

It is a matter of honour and pride that IGAR (South) with vast expansion of the Force has organized wreath laying ceremony and remembered the martyrs at this Historical Memorial, the release informed.

The ceremony also marked the significance that the Assam Rifles has completed 177 years of dedicated service to the nation and North East in particular.

Maj Gen UK Gurung took special care and interest to perform the ceremony in a most befitting way and to the best traditions of the Force.

The Memorial aesthetically bedecked with flowers added to its glory and its shine and glitter resented an impressive show amidst buglers sounding the last post and smartly turned out AR contingent offering national salute to the departed souls.