Dimapur, May 11: In a significant milestone for regional integration and youth employment, the Eastern Command and Assam Rifles flagged off the first batch of Mizoram youth recruited into the 166 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army), Assam.

The ceremony marked the beginning of formal induction and training for the selected candidates, who will now undergo military preparation as part of the Territorial Army framework. Officials described the initiative as a landmark step in expanding opportunities for northeastern youth to serve in national defence structures while also contributing to local development.
The event highlighted the long-standing role of the Assam Rifles in the Northeast, particularly in fostering trust, security, and community engagement in remote and strategically important regions. The recruitment drive is seen as part of broader efforts to strengthen local participation in national institutions and provide structured career pathways for young people from Mizoram.
Commanding officers present on the occasion praised the enthusiasm of the recruits and emphasized discipline, dedication, and service to the nation as core values of the training programme. They also underlined that the inclusion of local youth would enhance the operational effectiveness of the Territorial Army while deepening its connection with the region’s social fabric.
The initiative was widely welcomed as a positive step towards empowering youth in Mizoram, promoting national integration, and strengthening the bond between the armed forces and local communities in the Northeast.