Assam Rifles battalion to be trained in Chennai

CHENNAI: A ceremony was held on Tuesday as part of the phase 2 of the Affiliation Charter between the Indian Coast Guard Ship Shaurya and the 3rd (Naga Hills) battalion of the Assam Rifles onboard the ICGS Shaurya anchored at Chennai Port.
This permanent affiliation is aimed at promoting bilateral cooperation between the forces, facilitating interaction on professional and social platforms and sharing experience and best practices.
The charter of affiliation was signed on May 22 by the director generals of the Indian Coast Guard and Assam Rifles at Laitkor, Shillong.
As part of the affiliation, a combat battalion of the Assam Rifles will soon be training onboard the ICGS Shaurya. In due course of time, arrangements will be made for embarking personnel of the Assam Rifles for overseas deployment on board the ICGS ships. Bilateral meeting between the two forces and participation of experts from both sides in such meetings will also form part of battalion.
ICG additional director general V S R Murthy said the affiliation, which is a first of its kind move by the Coast Guard, will see the forces visiting each other’s area and participating in joint operations.
“One is a land force and the other a marine force having our own experience and ethos. When we work together, we’ll understand each other’s operational philosophy, culture and more importantly develop a bond between the two organisations.”
Denying that the affiliation was a result of a shortcoming or a threat, the ADG said, “This is an initiative only in bridging a friendship between the two organisations.”