Jorhat, Feb 12: The Assam Rifles is planning to increase the use of native dog breeds within its canine units, aligning with the government's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative aimed at promoting self-reliance.

In 2022, the force began a pilot program by incorporating six Tangkhul Hui dogs and is set to introduce the Kombai breed starting in April, as stated by Lt Col Alok Palei, Officer Commanding of the Assam Rifles Dog Training Centre (ARDTC).

According to Palei, the Union Home Minister has been a strong proponent of Atmanirbhar Bharat across various sectors, advocating for the inclusion of Indian dog breeds in security operations. In response to this vision, the Assam Rifles has been identifying indigenous breeds suitable for operational tasks.

A directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs last year expedited the identification and induction of local breeds into the force.

Currently, the Assam Rifles employs breeds such as Labrador, German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Tangkhul Hui. The Tangkhul Hui, which originates from the Ukhrul district in Manipur, is recognized for its resilience to diseases and hunting skills. The six Tangkhul Hui dogs that were inducted are actively engaged in narcotics detection.

The Kombai breed, hailing from Tamil Nadu, is being introduced to central armed police forces. The Assam Rifles plans to bring in two male and eight female Kombai dogs in April, with the initial three years focused on breeding. Both the Tangkhul Hui and Kombai breeds are anticipated to be fully integrated into the unit by March 2027.

The training of these dogs will be managed by the ARDTC located in Jorhat.

Currently, the Assam Rifles has an authorized canine strength of 344, with 253 dogs actively serving in the Northeast and Jammu & Kashmir. The force employs over 1,200 trained handlers, with each dog requiring 9–10 personnel for its care and upkeep.

The training center is home to 104 dogs and 174 handlers at various training stages. The courses offered include basic obedience, tracking, explosive detection, and narcotics detection, along with specialized handler training programs.

Palei emphasized the operational importance of the canine unit, noting that a significant narcotics shipment from Myanmar was intercepted in September 2025 with vital support from the dog squad.

Looking forward, the Assam Rifles is considering dual-purpose training that combines assault with tracking or explosive detection, and may also introduce search and rescue dogs for use during natural disasters.