Imphal/Itanagar: In a vibrant display of cultural unity and goodwill, troops from the Assam Rifles and Dao Division under the Spear Corps celebrated the festival of Holi with local communities across two north-eastern states, underscoring the Indian Army’s commitment to fostering harmony in sensitive border regions.
The festivities unfolded on two fronts: in Manipur’s volatile Kakching District, where over 90 Meira Paibis, the iconic women vigilantes known for their role in upholding social justice and peace, joined Assam Rifles personnel at Pallel for a colorful exchange of greetings, traditional sweets, and playful splashes of gulal. In a parallel event in Arunachal Pradesh, soldiers from the Dao Division brought joy to the students of Sunrise School in Hayuliang, organizing games, music, and Holi-themed activities that echoed with laughter and shared songs.
These initiatives, organized under the aegis of the Spear Corps headquartered in Guwahati, aimed to reinforce community bonds amid the Northeast’s diverse ethnic tapestry. By immersing in local traditions, the troops not only celebrated the triumph of good over evil but also symbolized a deeper ethos of integration and mutual respect. “Such engagements go beyond festivities; they build enduring trust and resilience in our operational areas,” a Spear Corps spokesperson remarked, highlighting how these interactions humanize the security forces in the eyes of civilians.
In Manipur, where ethnic tensions have occasionally strained civil-military relations, the gathering with Meira Paibis held particular significance. The torch-bearing women, revered for their night patrols against social ills, shared stories of resilience with the soldiers, who in turn distributed essential supplies and organized health awareness sessions. Eyewitnesses described the scene as a “rainbow of unity,” with participants from various communities mingling under the shade of Pallel’s historic landscapes.
Meanwhile, in the remote Dibang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, the event at Sunrise School served as an educational outreach, blending Holi’s spirit with lessons on environmental conservation and border awareness. Over 150 students, many from indigenous tribes, participated in eco-friendly color-making workshops, promoting sustainability alongside celebration. “It’s heartening to see our guardians of the nation joining us in joy, making us feel safer and more connected,” said a school teacher, capturing the sentiment of the young attendees.
The Spear Corps, responsible for securing India’s eastern frontiers against multifaceted threats, has long prioritized ‘Winning Hearts and Minds’ through such grassroots initiatives. From yoga sessions to literacy drives, these efforts have been instrumental in stabilizing insurgency-prone areas and enhancing operational intelligence via community goodwill. As Holi’s colors fade, the lasting hues of strengthened ties remain, a testament to the armed forces’ role as not just protectors, but partners in progress.
With the Northeast witnessing renewed focus on development under the Act East Policy, events like these exemplify the synergy between security and socio-cultural integration. The Assam Rifles, often called the ‘Sentinels of the North-East,’ continue to exemplify this blend, ensuring that festivals become bridges rather than barriers.
contact: drrajeshjauhri@gmail.com
Dr Rajesh Jauhri is a Journalist with an experience of over 25 years in Indian and foreign media, a Social Scientist, an Ac-complished Author, a Political & Strategic Analyst, a Marksman (Rifle & Pistol), an Orator, a Thinker and an Educationist. He holds a Ph.D. degree on “Impact of colonial heritage on Indian police”. He runs an NGO dedicated to the social and eco-nomic uplift of tribal communities in MP and two decades back, he established a school in a village of Indore district, providing education and moral values to children belonging to underprivileged and minority families. Has received multiple awards in various fields.
