The history of the Assam Rifles dates back to 1835 when the Cachar 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 were  formed  into three Assam Military Police battalions, allocated territorially for  Naga Hills, Lushai Hills and Lakhimpur. These three battalions of the Assam Rifles Military Police were ultimately  converted to  the 3rd, 1st and 2nd Battalions of the Assam Rifles respectively. A fourth  battalion  of the 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 entwined  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 the 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 communications in remote areas for the civil administration. Rightfully, there­fore, the Force has earned for itself a befitting name of "Friends of the hill people" by its civic work.

The achievements of the Assam Rifles in 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, Companion of the British  Empire, Member  of  the  British-Empire, Military Cross  and  Military Medal. The Post-Independence tally of awards consisting of 3 Ashok Chakra, 22 Kirti Chakra, 4 Ati  Vishist. eva  Medal, 5 Vir Chakra, 71 Shaurya Chakra, 39 Sena Medal and 26 Vishist Seva Medal is equally glamorous and remains unrivalled. Three coveted Asbok Chakra the highest gallantry award during peace, is indeed 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 his Headquarters at Shillong and consists of five Range Headquarters and 21  Battalions spread  over  the North  Eastern  Region.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India