Kohima battalion of Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North) celebrated its 183rd “Raising Day” on April 8 at its headquarters Kohima.
According to AR PRO, the raising day celebrations included an all faith religious ceremony which was followed by a “Sainik Sammelan” wherein the commandant addressed all ranks of the battalion. The commandant commended their steadfast commitment, professionalism and hard work and exhorted them to continue to strive for success in all fields.
AR said that it is the oldest Para Military Force of India and was raised in 1835 as “The Cachar Levy” to guard the eastern frontiers which was renamed as “Naga Hills Military Police Battalion” in 1883.
During World War-I, the Naga Hills Military Police Battalion, provided 10 drafts at different times, totalling one subedar, four Non Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and 550 other ranks, to different Gorkha regiments, who fought in France, Egypt, Gallipoli and Mesopotamia with great zeal and tremendous courage.
In June 1917, in recognition of the services rendered by the battalion, it was re-titled 3 (Naga Hills) Battalion Assam Rifles.
The battalion took part in World War-II and was instrumental in saving Kohima town, where it fought gallantly in the battle of Kohima. The battalion stayed at Kohima for 110 years in service of the people of Kohima. The unit came back to Kohima after a gap of 30 years, youth and people of Kohima welcomed the battalion to Kohima on its return.
The Battalion celebrated its raising day by reuniting with veterans, paying homage to martyrs and a barakhana for the families and troops.