Strengthening Civil-Military Relations: A New Initiative in Assam

Enhancing Collaboration Between Armed Forces and Civil Administration

Guwahati, June 2: A recent initiative aimed at improving collaboration between the Armed Forces and civil authorities was held in Rangia, organized by the Red Horns Division. This Military-Civil Fusion (MCF) interactive session gathered important representatives from the district administrations of Lower Assam and Meghalaya, along with personnel from Central Armed Police Forces such as the BSF, CRPF, SSB, and various Indian Army units.

The primary goal of this gathering was to enhance coordination among different agencies, promote the sharing of strategic and operational insights, and synchronize civil-military efforts to bolster border management, internal security, and regional stability.

Five key themes were addressed during the session: challenges in border management, socio-cultural factors, development of dual-use infrastructure, internal security, intelligence sharing, and disaster response.

Presentations focused on security issues along the India-Bangladesh and India-Bhutan borders, infrastructural needs in the Siliguri Corridor, and methods for intelligence gathering.

Discussions highlighted ongoing threats such as smuggling, infiltration, radicalization, and human trafficking, emphasizing the necessity for better coordination in surveillance, information sharing, and collaborative response strategies.

Interactive discussions featured input from civil and police officials, who underscored the need for established mechanisms for intelligence sharing, increased vigilance in sensitive border areas like Dawki, and integrated infrastructure planning through initiatives like PM GatiShakti.

The conclave also addressed emerging threats from regional instability in Bangladesh and Myanmar, which could affect security in the Northeast.

In his concluding remarks, Maj Gen Rohin Bawa YSM, General Officer Commanding of the Red Horns Division, stated that this initiative exemplifies a "Whole-of-Nation" approach to national security. He stressed the importance of fostering lasting professional relationships between military and civil entities and announced that the next phase of the Military-Civil Fusion initiative will take place in Umroi with broader participation.