Assam Rifles Celebrates Diwali with Local Communities in Manipur, Strengthening Bonds of Brotherhood

Imphal, November 11 (Daily Kiran) : Assam Rifles recently joined local communities in Manipur to celebrate Diwali and the traditional festival of Ningol Chakkouba. This initiative aimed to foster values of peace, harmony, unity, and cultural preservation in the region.

The celebrations took place in several villages within Chandel district, including Gamphajol, Changpol, Faisangjang, Molcham, New Samtal, Old Samtal, and Aivomjang. Soldiers interacted with residents, shared sweets, and lit lamps, spreading messages of goodwill and communal harmony in these remote border areas. This joint celebration deepened the sense of connection and strengthened the bonds of trust and respect between security forces and the local population.

Continuing their community outreach efforts, Assam Rifles organized a Ningol Chakkouba event in Nambol on November 10, 2026. This traditional Manipuri festival symbolizes the bond of affection between brothers and sisters. The event saw participation from 48 women and two children from Oinam, Maibam Chingming, Maibam Chingmang, and Nambol Sabal Leikai in Bishnupur district.

During the festivities, activities included a musical chair competition, traditional Manipuri folk dance, and an exchange of local delicacies and sweets. The women expressed heartfelt appreciation for this annual initiative by the security forces, which transcends social boundaries to promote camaraderie, unity, and lasting friendships.

From November 10 to 11, 2026, Assam Rifles conducted various community outreach programs across Chandel, Ukhrul, Kamjong, Tengnoupal, Imphal East, and Imphal West districts. These programs focused on civil-military cooperation, youth empowerment, substance abuse awareness, and promoting sportsmanship.

In Nungaurak village of Chandel district, soldiers engaged with approximately 30 members of the All Tribal Women’s Organization, led by President Moikhom Ronglo and Acting Secretary Sunita Salemar. During this interaction, local families received blankets and essential household items.

In Imphal East district, soldiers held a dialogue session with 17 local youths at Kalilei Khong in Lilong. They also engaged with residents in Ke Somrei village, discussing career guidance, skill development, digital awareness, and sports. Gifts and sweets were exchanged to celebrate Diwali and Ningol Chakkouba. A session was also held in Wainam village of Imphal West district, urging youth to act as ambassadors for peace and communal harmony.

To promote health, education, and sports, 72 Assam Rifles personnel participated in an awareness film screening as part of the “Nasha Mukt Bharat” campaign, held at the IG Assam Rifles (South) headquarters in Haflong Hall.

In Tengnoupal district, friendly volleyball matches were organized between teams from Chawangphai and S Molzol and Govajang villages, attended by around 30 villagers who awarded prizes to the participating teams. On November 11, 2026, coinciding with National Education Day, Assam Rifles hosted sports competitions, educational discussions, and gift distribution programs, involving 126 students and 15 teachers from Kasong, Sorde, and ARPS Shangsak in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts.

Meanwhile, Assam Rifles expressed deep condolences over the passing of retired Havildar Kamthianlal, who died on November 10, 2026, at the age of 67. A resident of Khopi Veng in Churachandpur district, his final rites were held on the same day, attended by around 273 people, including family, relatives, well-wishers, and 23 Assam Rifles personnel, who paid their respects with a formal floral tribute.