The Assam Rifles came into being in 1835, as a militia called the
‘Cachar Levy’. With approximately 750 men, this Force was formed to
primarily protect British Tea estates and their settlements against
tribal raids. Subsequently, all these Forces were reorganized and
renamed as the ‘Frontier Force’ as their role was increased to conduct
of punitive expeditions across the borders of Assam. This Force
significantly contributed in opening the region to administration and
commerce and over time they came to be known as the “right arm of the
civil and left arm of the military”. In 1870, existing elements were
merged into three Assam Military Police Battalions, named as Lushai
Hills, Lakhimpur, and Naga Hills…..