DIPHU: – Meghalaya Governor Tathagata Roy formally inaugurated the All India Police Commando Competition 2018-19 here today (Jan 2) at Diphu where police personnel, paramilitary forces like the Assam Rifles and the armed forces are participating. The mega event was inaugurated at Karbi Anglong Sports Association (KASA) Stadium by the Meghalaya Governor.
According to the organisers, police teams from 20 States and Union Territories are participating in events like shooting and parachute diving.

On January 9, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal will be present at the closing ceremony.
The weeklong event has been organised at two venues: the KASA Stadium and the Assam Rifles Training Centre, just a few kilometres from Diphu town. Col C. Konwar, Public Relation Officer, Defence informed that beside slithering and small team demonstrations, events like sky diving, martial art display were carried out during the opening ceremony.

In Dimapur: Aimed at improving the professional performance of the police forces, the gathering at the stadium was treated to a stunning demonstration of insertion and exhilaration of slithering and combat free fall by 21 paratroopers from two Indian Air Force helicopters, martial art by some other personnel and a cultural item titled Rhythm of Manipur on the inaugural day.

Altogether 22 teams – eight central armed police forces and 14 from state police forces from across the country – are participating in the seven-day competition that will begin from Thursday. The competition will include small team operation (jungle), small team operation (urban), battle obstacle course firing and various physical proficiency tests with battle loads.

Meghalaya Governor Tathagata Roy declared the event open in presence of Assam Rifles Director General Lt. Gen Sukhdeep Sangwan and other dignitaries.

The Governor, in his address, expressed extreme happiness at the demonstrations by the personnel. He said past hijacking and terrorist-related incidents in the country would not have happened if they had acquired such skills earlier.

He spoke highly of Assam Rifles and hoped that the force will take the lead in containing conflicts in the Northeast. He also lauded the efforts of Assam Rifles in conducting the competition.

In his opening address, Lt Gen Sangwan exhorted the participating personnel to put in their best and contribute towards building a strong, effective and professional police force in the country. He also spoke about the resilience and dynamism of the Assam Rifles in contributing towards peace and development of the north-eastern region.