Rajnath Singh rules out withdrawal of Assam Rifles from Myanmar

Shillong: Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday ruled out withdrawal of Assam Rifles from Indo-Myanmar border and its replacement with another paramilitary force, saying no such decision has been taken yet.

"We have not taken any decision yet. Whenever we take any such decision, we will let you know," he told reporters here on the sidelines of a 'Sainik Sammelan' organised on the occasion of 181st Raising Day of Assam Rifles.

There have been reports that the central government may entrust the task of guarding this border to another border guarding force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Border Security Force was earlier being considered for the task and it had also prepared an assessment report in this regard.

India and Myanmar share an unfenced border of 1,643 km adjoining Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Nagaland (215 km), Manipur (398 km) and Mizoram (510 km) and permit a "free movement" regime up to 16 km across the border.

Assam Rifles, raised in 1835, functions under the operational command of the Union Home Ministry. The Home Minister is on a two-day tour of Meghalaya beginning yesterday.

Over the course of its history, the Assam Rifles and its predecessors have served in a number of roles, conflicts and theatres in World War I and II during which it had served in Europe, Middle East and Myanmar.

The Assam Rifles, under the control of Ministry of Home Affairs, at present is serving in different capacities, including maintaining internal security, anti-insurgency operations and guarding the Indo-Myanmar border.

Singh, who is on a two-day tour of Meghalaya, had yesterday said the Centre was ready for talks with insurgent groups in the Northeast if they shun violence.

"We are ready for talks with anyone who gives up violence. I appeal to everyone to shun violence," he had told reporters here.

There are two militant groups in Meghalaya, HNLC and ANVC, active in Khasi hills and Garo hills regions respectively.

The central government is in talks with a number of insurgent groups, including NSCN-IM and ULFA(pro-talks). However, several outfits are against any kind of negotiation and continue to indulge in violence that include NSCN-K, PLA in Manipur and Paresh Baruah-led faction of ULFA.