Assam Rifles to induct indigenous dog breeds under Atmanirbhar push

Jorhat, Feb 12: The Assam Rifles is set to expand the induction of indigenous dog breeds into its canine squad for a range of operational roles in line with the Centre’s push for indigenisation under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

The force has already inducted six Tangkhul Hui dogs as a pilot project in 2022 and plans to introduce the Kombai breed from April this year, Officer Commanding of the Assam Rifles Dog Training Centre (ARDTC), Lt Col Alok Palei, said.

“The Union Home Minister has consistently advocated for Atmanirbhar Bharat across sectors. He has also encouraged the inclusion of Indian dog breeds in security forces. Following that vision, we began identifying suitable indigenous breeds for operational purposes,” Palei said.

A directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs last year further accelerated the process of identifying and inducting local breeds.

Currently, the force uses Labrador, German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois and Tangkhul Hui breeds. The Tangkhul Hui, native to Ukhrul district of Manipur, is known for its disease resistance and hunting abilities. All six inducted dogs are currently deployed in narcotics detection roles.

The Kombai breed, native to Tamil Nadu, is now being introduced across central armed police forces. Assam Rifles plans to induct two male and eight female Kombai dogs in April, with the first three years dedicated to breeding. Both Tangkhul Hui and Kombai breeds are expected to be fully integrated into the squad by March 2027.

The ARDTC in Jorhat will oversee their training.

Assam Rifles has an authorised canine strength of 344, of which 253 dogs are currently in service across the Northeast and Jammu & Kashmir. The force has over 1,200 trained handlers, with 9–10 personnel required for the care and maintenance of each dog.

The training centre presently houses 104 dogs and 174 handlers undergoing various stages of training. Courses include basic obedience, tracking, explosive detection and narcotics detection, along with handler training programmes.

Highlighting the operational significance of the canine unit, Palei said a major narcotics consignment transported from Myanmar was seized in September 2025 in a northeastern state with crucial assistance from the dog squad.

Looking ahead, the force is exploring dual-purpose training combining assault with tracking or explosive detection and may also induct search and rescue dogs for deployment during natural disasters.

PTI