When India’s ‘sentinels of the sea’ work in tandem with the ‘sentinels of the northeast’ 

In a first for the Indian Coast Guard, a Charter of Affiliation was signed between the ICGS Shaurya and the 3rd (Naga Hills) battalion of the Assam Rifles, the Oldest Paramilitary Force at a ceremony on board the Indian Coast Guard Ship Shaurya here, in the presence of Officers and sailors, troops.

The objective of the affiliation is to promote bilateral cooperation between the Indian Coast Guard and the Assam Rifles in the field of exchange of information and personnel, build up camaraderie, utilize one another’s assets for training, sports/ adventure, understand culture and traditions. This affiliation will go a long way in strengthening the ties between the land and sea forces of the Union of India.

ICGS Shaurya is an indigenously built 105m Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) which draws more than 3000 ton of displacement and is based at Chennai. The ship was commissioned on August 12, 2017 and manned by 10 officers and 100 sailors. The ship is fitted with state-of art equipment and is capable of carrying one twin engine light helicopter for operations at sea.

3rd (Naga Hills) Battalion Assam Rifles is the oldest battalion of the force raised in 1853 as “The Cachar Levy” for guarding eastern frontier of Assam from Brahmaputra river to Cachar Hills and comprises 750 personnel of all ranks.

The Phase I Charter of Affiliation had been signed by the Director Generals of the Indian Coast Guard and Assam Rifles on May 22,2019 at Laitkor, Shillong and the Phase II of the charter was signed in Chennai during the reciprocal visit of the Officers and troops of Assam Rifles to the city.

Speaking to WION, SParamesh, IG Coast Guard, East Region said, “the affiliation would familiarise both the forces in their each others domain of operation and it also provides troops the opportunity to understand the challenges faced in terms of terrain, weather, and to make best use of technology that is available.”

The ultimate aim is to synergise the potential of the two services so as to produce an unbeatable combination in conflict/ humanitarian mission undertaken by both the Armed Forces.It is a permanent affiliation of Assam Rifles with the Coast Guard. “When Coast Guard Officers and sailors went to Shillong it was an enriching experience to understand the terrain, the rigors of the working environment and the weather at the mountainous regions. Overall it helps broaden the horizon of soldiers and we would endeavor to carry it forward”, IG Paramesh added.

A combat battalion of Assam Rifles, consisting 14 Officers and 40 troops(including Mahila Platoon Riflemen) will be training onboard ICGS Shaurya while at sea. In due course of time, arrangements will be made for embarking personnel of Assam Rifles for Over-Seas Deployment (OSD) onboard ICG Ships. Bilateral meeting between the two forces and participation of experts from both sides in such meetings will also form part of affiliation.

The event was attended by Additional Director General VSR Murthy, PTM, TM,Additional Director General Indian Coast Guard, Lt Gen Sukhdeep Sangwan, SM**, Director General Assam Rifles and Inspector General S Paramesh, PTM, TM, Commander Coast Guard Region, East along with officers and men from both the forces.