Assam Rifles has inducted Manipur’s indigenous dog breed Tangkhul Hui, also known as Haofa, into its dog squads under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The move follows a directive issued last year by the Ministry of Home Affairs, led by Amit Shah, asking all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) to induct two Indian dog breeds.
So far, six Tangkhul Hui dogs have been trained and inducted into the force, according to Lt Col Alok Palei of the Assam Rifles Dog Training Centre in Jorhat. Named after the Tangkhul Naga tribe of Manipur, the breed is hardy, disease-resistant, and well-suited to varied climates and terrain. All six dogs are currently engaged in narcotics detection duties.
In addition, Assam Rifles is preparing to induct the Kombai breed from Tamil Nadu as the second indigenous breed under the initiative, with induction expected in April. The force currently maintains a parent stock of 10 Kombai dogs.
Assam Rifles has an authorised strength of 344 dogs in its canine units, with 253 presently deployed. Over the years, its canine teams have won more than 140 medals from the Central Government for their role in tracking, and detecting explosives and narcotics. Newly inducted dogs undergo 12 weeks of basic training followed by 36 weeks of advanced training.
The force also has around 1,200 dog handlers. Among them, PV Seelakshmi from Kannur, Kerala, is the first woman dog handler in Assam Rifles. Inspired by her journey, eight more women soldiers are currently undergoing training to become dog handlers at the Jorhat center.
