Imphal, June 27: In a sustained effort to strengthen border security and deepen cooperation with local communities, the Assam Rifles under Spear Corps conducted a series of security and coordination meetings across Manipur and Mizoram. The engagements brought together village councils, civil society organisations, and community leaders to discuss measures for maintaining peace, enhancing civil-military coordination, ensuring smooth movement along key highways, and combating the growing menace of cross-border drug trafficking.

In Kaimai village of Manipur, Assam Rifles officers held an interaction with the Village Council to review the local security environment and reinforce community participation in maintaining peace and harmony. The discussions focused on ensuring the uninterrupted movement of traffic along National Highway-37 (NH-37), one of the state's most important road corridors connecting Manipur with the rest of the country.
NH-37 serves as a critical lifeline for the movement of essential commodities, fuel, commercial goods, and emergency services. Any disruption on the highway has a direct impact on daily life and economic activities across the state. During the meeting, both the Village Council and Assam Rifles stressed the importance of maintaining normalcy and preventing any activities that could obstruct transportation or disturb public order.
Village representatives assured the security forces of their continued cooperation in preserving peace and promoting communal harmony. Assam Rifles, in turn, reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with local communities to address security concerns while ensuring that the needs of residents are taken into consideration.
Simultaneously, Assam Rifles organised a series of civil-military interaction programmes in the border districts of Champhai and Lawngtlai in Mizoram, engaging with Village Authorities, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and leaders of the Young Mizo Association (YMA) across four remote border villages.
The meetings were aimed at strengthening trust between security forces and border communities while creating an effective platform for dialogue on issues affecting the region. Participants discussed local grievances, infrastructure requirements, border-related challenges, and the need for greater coordination between security agencies and village institutions.
A major focus of the discussions was the growing threat of drug trafficking along the Indo-Myanmar border. Owing to its geographical location, Mizoram remains vulnerable to the movement of narcotics through international trafficking routes. Assam Rifles highlighted the importance of community participation in identifying suspicious activities and sharing timely information to help curb the illegal trade.
Officials and community leaders jointly explored strategies to enhance vigilance through better information sharing, regular coordination meetings, public awareness campaigns, and stronger cooperation between villagers and security personnel. The security force emphasised that local communities are key stakeholders in protecting border areas from criminal activities and ensuring long-term peace.
Representatives of the Young Mizo Association and other civil society organisations appreciated the proactive outreach by Assam Rifles and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at maintaining security, preventing drug abuse, and promoting the welfare of border communities.
The meetings also served as an opportunity for residents to raise local concerns directly with the security forces. Assam Rifles assured participants that issues requiring administrative attention would be taken up with the appropriate authorities and reiterated its commitment to supporting developmental initiatives in remote border areas.
Officials said the interactions reflect Assam Rifles' people-centric approach to border management, where operational preparedness is complemented by continuous engagement with local communities. Along with safeguarding the international border and conducting counter-insurgency operations, the force continues to foster trust through civic outreach, humanitarian assistance, and regular dialogue with community institutions.
By strengthening partnerships with village councils, civil society organisations, and youth groups, Assam Rifles aims to create a secure, peaceful, and cooperative environment along India's northeastern frontier, ensuring that development and security progress hand in hand.