| Postal Stamp Image |
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 |
| Stamp Issue Date |
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29/03/1985 |
| Postage Stamp Dinomination |
: |
1.00 |
| Postal Stamp Serial Number |
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1155 |
| Postal Stamp Name |
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THE ASSAM RIFLES |
| Stamp Information |
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THE ASSAM RIFLES: SENTINELS OF THE NORTH-EAST
The history of Assam Rifles dates back to 1835 when the Cacher Levy with about 750 men was raised to counter the tribal raids frequently launched on the plains of Assam. Subsequently, the Force underwent a number of titular changes. It was in 1870 that the various existing elements of the Force was formed into three Assam Military Police battalions, allocated territory for Naga Hills, Lushai Hills and Lakhimpur. These three battalions of Assam Rifles Military Police were ultimately converted to the 3rd,1st and 2nd Battalion of the Assam Rifles respectively. A Fourth battalion of Assam Rifles Military Police was raised in 1915 at Imphal, which today is the 4th Assam Rifles.
During the First World War the personnel of the four Assam Military Police battalions saw action in France, Egypt, East Africa, Palestine, Mesopotamia, Gallipoli, North Persia and the North West Frontier of India. In recognition of their outstanding performance and excellent services the Government of India redesignated these units in October 1917 as The Assam Rifles.
The history of the Assam Rifles is etwined with the history of growth and development of the tribal area of erstwhile Assam. Though a Para military force, the Assam Rifles has always functioned in close conjunction with the civil administration for over a century. The force extends all forms of aid to civil population in the development of the region while fulfilling its primary role of watch and ward. Its multifarious activities engulf road construction extension of medical assistance, spreading literacy, running fair price shops, assistance in agriculture, house construction and provision of vital radio communication in remote areas for civil administration. Rightfully, therefore, the Force has earned for itself a befitting name of "Friends of the hill people" by its work.
The Achievements of Assam Rifles i the pre-Independence and post-Independence periods are striking and praise worthy. 84 honours and awards bestowed on the officers and men, during the period before Independence, comprise a number of Indian Distinguished Service Medal, King's Police Medal, Campanions of the British Empire, Member of the British Empire, Military Cross and Military Medal. The post-Independence tally of awards consisting of 3 Ashok Chakras, 22 Kirti Chakra, 4 Ati Vishishta Seva Medal, 5 Vir Chakra, 71 Shourya Chakra, 39 Sena Medal and 29 Vishishta Seva Medal is equally glamorous and remain unrivalled. Three coveted Ashok Chakra-the highest galantry award during peace, is needed a rare distinction.
The growing threats and dangers confronting national security and integrity after independence, posed new challenges for the Assam Rifles calling for a major reorganisation and expansion to meet the growing demands of counter insurgency and border vigilance in the disturbed North Eastern Region. The Force today is headed by a Director General with its headquarters at Shillong and consists of five Range Headquarters and 21 Battalions spread over the North Eastern Region. |
| Philatelic Stamp Description |
: |
Description of Designs
The one rupee stamp designed by Alka Sharma, shows the North-Eastern Region of the country alongwith soldiers of the Assam Rifles in their uniforms of 1835 and 1985. The First Day Cover shows troops of the Assam Rifles helping in the education of refugees from Burma during the Second World War. The cancellation and First Day Cover have been designed by Alka Sharma. |
| Stamp Currency |
: |
R |
| Stamp Type |
: |
COMMEMORATIVE |
| Stamp Language |
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English |
| Stamp Overall Size |
: |
3.91 x 2.9 |
| Postal Stamp Print Size |
: |
3.55 X 2.5 cms. |
| Number of Stamps Per Sheet |
: |
35 |
| Stamp Perforations |
: |
13 x 13 |
| Postal Stamp Shape |
: |
Horizontal |
| Postage Stamp Paper |
: |
Unwatermarked P.G. Matt coated paper |
| Indian Stamp Process |
: |
Photogravure |
| Number of stamps printed |
: |
15,00,000 |
| Stamp Printed At |
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India Security Press |
| Indian Stamp's Color |
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Multicolour |
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