Director General of Assam Rifles (DGAR) Lt Gen PC Nair said the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the India-Myanmar border areas was decided by the government for security reasons.
“This is a decision that has been taken by the government, understandably for security reasons,” he said while interacting with media persons on the sidelines of a wreath-laying ceremony to mark the 33rd anniversary of ‘Operation Dudhi’, organised by 7th Assam Rifles, Ghaspani Battalion on Sunday.
Nair acknowledged that there may be stiff opposition by various organisations, against scrapping of FMR, but said that the fine print of was not out yet.
“Let the fine print come out and we will see what exactly is there in the details and we will find ways to handle it,” he stated, adding that it should not be very alarming as many were fearing.
On the war against drugs and trafficking in the state, he highlighted the Assam Rifle’s (AR) relentless efforts in combating the menace.
He expressed shock on the kind of recovery made in the past three years, disclosed that even during the Covid years there was a lot of drug movement across the India-Myanmar border.
He revealed that the Assam Rifles had seized contraband worth around Rs 1500 crore in 2023, while the paramilitary force had seized drugs/contraband worth around Rs 900 crore till April this year, with 90% being drugs.
Asked on the current situation in Manipur, the DGAR claimed that there was a decrease in the number of violent incidents, but acknowledged that presence of large number of weapons in the hands of people was a matter of great concern.
He remarked that a society getting weaponised was a big concern, adding that both the warring communities were hugely polarised, which was an equally worrisome matter.
He said the AR had been working on back channel to try and get both the communities together.
Nair referred to the establishment of Centre of Excellence up by the AR in Nagaland two years back, stating that the centre aimed at nurturing talents from remote regions for higher education in medicine and engineering.
He revealed that 30 bright students, who had completed their 12th exams, were trained and given coaching for medical and engineering depending on their aptitude. He said all the 30 students got admission in nationally-recognised colleges. He mentioned that the model was being extended to other states.
Reflecting on Operation Dudhi, Nair hailed it as a pinnacle of success in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, vowing to amplify recognition of the valiant soldiers involved and their enduring legacy.
He recounted the valorous actions of Naib Subedar Padam Bahadur Chhetri and his men, who, despite facing overwhelming odds, demonstrated unparalleled bravery and tactical acumen.
“It is something which is not heard these days, and my aim was more to acknowledge what they did. Unfortunately, we also lost two men in the operation, but I think what they achieved is something magnificent,” he stated.
Honouring the memory of the fallen soldiers martyred in the operation and supporting their families, Nair affirmed AR’s commitment to their welfare, ensuring financial assistance and commemorative tributes.
Operation Dudhi carried out in Kupwara, Jammu &Kashmir, on May 5, 1991 stands out as the most successful counter-insurgency operation ever by any of Indian security force.
Later, the DGAR also interacted with the ex-servicemen of AR, Veernaris and their families, and also some of the soldiers who were involved in the operation hailing from India and Nepal.
It may be mentioned that during the operation, 72 terrorists were neutralised and 13 were apprehended, while 118 weapons (largely AK 47 series) were seized.
All the soldiers who had taken part in the operation were invited to AR and felicitated for ensuring the operation’s success.