Imphal, March 31 2009: Assam Rifles will take up necessary action if any of its ex-servicemen are victimised as a result of the current conflict situation in the State.

This was stated by IGAR (South) Major General AK Choudhury while talking to reporters on the sidelines of an ex-servicemen rally organised at Keithelmanbi garrison today.

Responding to a question, the Maj General said, "If we come to know that any of our ex-servicemen are victimised, we will help them." He further added that the society must also help ex-servicemen in adjusting to the civilian way of life after they retire from their services.

Responding to a query regarding the role of Assam Rifles in the coming Lok Sabha polls, Major General AK Choudhury said, "AR and Army will be ensuring 'environment' security (in the LS polls), because our basic task is counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.

"We'll ensure the (election) environment fully secure, other things will be looked after by the State Government", the IGAR(S) added.

Regarding the benefits of ex-servicemen and AR personnel, the Major General said that the wards of AR and ex-servicemen can enrol at Assam Rifles Nodal Schools where hostel facilities with free fooding are provided.

All the grievances of ex-servicemen can be lodged at any of the battalion headquarters and at the office of Assam Rifles Ex-servicemen Association (ARESA) at Minuthong, he added.

Earlier, Director General Assam Rifles Lt Gen KS Yadava, who was the chief guest of the function felicitated 29 kins of AR ex-servicemen in cognizance of their service towards the Nation and paramilitary force.

Speaking on the occasion, KS Yadava lauded the service of the troops and ex-servicemen, which according to him has made AR the most promising force of the North East India.

He said that the rally was organised to listen to the grievances of ex-servicemen ensuring that they are still a part of Assam Rifles.

Hundreds of ex-servicemen from different parts of the State took part in the rally.

A colourful cultural programme was also organised as part of rally which was conducted by 28 Assam Rifles of 9 Sector under Hqs IGAR (South) .

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