In recent news, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has proposed a merger between the Assam Rifles and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). This proposition has raised many questions, largely due to the duality of administrative control and operational control that currently exists within the Assam Rifles. Presently, the Assam Rifles falls under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the operational control of the Army; the Ministry of Defence.
Assam Rifles: Origin and Evolution
The Assam Rifles traces its origins back to 1835 when it was formed as a single unit called Cachar Levy. Its initial purpose was to assist British rulers in maintaining peace in Northeast India. Over time, this unit evolved and in 1870 it was converted into the Assam Military Police Battalion, adding two additional battalions; the Lushai Hills Battalion, and the Naga Hills Battalion. The Darrang Battalion joined shortly before World War I. After serving in World War I, these battalions were collectively renamed as the Assam Rifles. In response to Chinese aggression in 1962, the Assam Rifles battalions were placed under the operational control of the Army.
Indo-Tibetan Border Police: A Brief Overview
On the other hand, the ITBP came into being years later on October 24th, 1962. It plays a vital role in internal security, dealing with counter insurgency and border security operations, and providing aid to civilians in times of emergency. Since 2002, the force has been guarding the Indo-Myanmar border. The ITBP is also deployed on border guarding duties from Karakoram Pass in Ladakh to Jachep La in Arunachal Pradesh, covering 3488 km of the Sino-India Border. The ITBP is a specialized mountain force with officers and men who are professionally trained mountaineers and skiers. It is often the first responder for natural disasters, carrying out numerous rescue and relief operations across the country.
Table of Facts
| Feature | Assam Rifles | Indo-Tibetan Border Police |
|---|---|---|
| Year of Inception | 1835 | 1962 |
| Responsibilities | Assisting in maintaining peace | Internal security and border operations |
| Headquarters Location | Shillong | New Delhi |
The Opposition to the Merger
Despite the apparent benefits that could come from merging the Assam Rifles with the ITBP, the Army opposes this move. They argue that the Assam Rifles should instead be fully merged with them. High-ranking officers of the Assam Rifles are typically sourced from the Army on deputation, due to the operational control that the Ministry of Defense presently has over Assam Rifles. If the merger with the ITBP goes through, the Assam Rifles will fall solely under the control of the MHA. The Army has expressed concerns about losing its promotional avenues in Assam Rifles, which are currently available. Furthermore, they argue that shifting the operational control of the Assam Rifles to the MHA could potentially have adverse consequences for vigilance along China’s border.
Final Thoughts
The proposition of merging the Assam Rifles with the ITBP is not a decision to be taken lightly. It involves various considerations about the management of India’s borders and internal security. The future will reveal how this proposition unfolds and what effect it will have on the Indian defense system.