The Assam Rifles is enhancing its commitment to indigenisation by planning to incorporate additional Indian dog breeds into its canine training squad, as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, according to an announcement made by a senior official. Lt Col Alok Palei, Officer Commanding of the Assam Rifles Dog Training Centre (ARDTC), confirmed that the organization has already introduced the Tangkhul Hui breed as part of a pilot project and intends to commence the induction of the Kombai breed starting in April.
Government Encouragement for Indigenous Breeds
According to Lt Col Palei, the Union Home Minister has consistently promoted the Atmanirbhar Bharat program, emphasizing the inclusion of more indigenous dog breeds within various security forces. As a result, the Assam Rifles has been working diligently to identify local breeds suitable for its operational needs, following a directive from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs issued last year.
Current Canine Composition and Pilot Initiatives
Currently, the Assam Rifles deploys four dog breeds: Labrador, German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and the Tangkhul Hui. In 2022, the force took a significant step by initiating the induction of six Tangkhul Hui dogs, which have proven to be highly resilient to diseases. These dogs are currently utilized for narcotics detection tasks. The Tangkhul Hui breed originates from the Ukhrul district of Manipur and is traditionally bred for hunting.
Future Inductions of Kombai Breed
The Assam Rifles plans to induct the Kombai breed, native to Tamil Nadu, in phases. Lt Col Palei disclosed that they are in the early stages of identifying the parent stock for this breed, with the first phase set to see the induction of two male and eight female dogs in April. The complete integration of both the Tangkhul Hui and Kombai breeds into the dog squad is anticipated to be finalized by March 2027.
Operational Capabilities and Training Infrastructure
The ARDTC in Jorhat district serves as the sole training facility for the Assam Rifles’ canine unit, currently housing 104 dogs alongside 174 handlers at various training levels. The authorized capacity for the canine unit stands at 344 dogs, of which 253 are actively deployed across battalions in the Northeast and Jammu & Kashmir. The Assam Rifles employs over 1,200 skilled dog handlers, with approximately nine to ten personnel allocated for the care of each dog.
Recent Achievements and Training Programs
Highlighting the operational effectiveness of the canine unit, Lt Col Palei referenced a significant operation in which the unit successfully seized a substantial quantity of narcotics originating from Myanmar in a Northeastern state in September 2025, although further details were not disclosed. The ARDTC offers a range of training programs, including a basic dog handler course lasting 23 weeks, supplemented by specialized courses in tracking, explosive detection, and narcotic detection.
Innovative Training Approaches on the Horizon
The ARDTC is currently conducting its 42nd batch of basic dog handler training, with select handlers qualifying for an advanced master trainer course at the CRPF Dog Breeding & Training School. Plans are also in place for future dual-purpose training, merging assault with tracking and explosive detection. Furthermore, there are discussions regarding the potential adoption of search and rescue dogs, aimed at providing assistance during natural disasters.