Imphal, March 20: The Assam Rifles, the oldest Para Military force of the country, commonly called as the 'Friends of the hill people' and 'Sentinels to the North East' would be celebrating its 169th year of raising from March 21 to 25.The celebration would start with lying of wreath at war memorial by Governor of Meghalaya MM Jacob to pay homage to the gallant soldiers of the force who have laid their lives while defending the frontiers of integrity of the nation.

It would be followed by Investiture ceremony in which the Governor would award Assam Rifles personnel with President's Police Medals and Governor's Gold and Silver Medals for bravery and distinguished service.

The senior officers of the force would also be gathering at Shillong to attend a high level force annual administrative conference to be held under the chairmanship of Director General of Assam Rifles Lt Gen HS Kanwar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM to mark the occasion.

During the conference various issues pertaining to operation, training, welfare activities and other allied subjects concerning for the betterment of the Force would be discussed and important policies would be reviewed.

Senior ladies of the force would also be attending general body meeting of the Assam Rifles Wives' Welfare Association and Assam Rifles Officers' Wives Association where various issues pertaining to the benefit of the families and children of the family and children of the Assam Rifles jawan would be discussed.

To mark the occasion, a documentary film on Assam Rifles with the message of Director General of Assam Rifles Lt Gen General H S Kanwar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM would be telecasts on Doordarshan and other TV channels.

NCC cadet: Cadet Under Officer Aheibam Basanta Singh, an Air Wing 'C' certificate holder of No I Manipur Air Squadron (Flight), NCC, Imphal has been selected for commissioning training in army starting at Officers' Training Academy in April, 2004.Cadet Basanta has participated Republic Day parade at Delhi in 1999.

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