Assam Rifles today started investigating the authenticity of a photo. The photo shows some soldiers in Assam Rifles uniform holding flags of a group that is being described on social media as a separatist organization of the Northeast. Assam Rifles has clearly said that if the photo is found to be true, strict action will be taken against the culprits. This photo has been shared on the official social media handle of Assam Rifles with the tag “under investigation” with two red crosses.
The resolve and responsibility of Assam Rifles
The Assam Rifles said it is committed to upholding the ideals and discipline of the force. They said the authenticity of the photo is being investigated and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken only after the investigation is completed. Top officials like the Home Ministry, the Eastern Command of the Indian Army, Home Minister Amit Shah and Manipur Governor AK Bhalla have also been involved in the matter. This is a clear indication that the matter is being taken very seriously.
The authenticity of the photograph is being verified. Based on confirmation suitable disciplinary action will be initiated against all the defaulters.
Assam Rifles remains committed to maintaining ethos of the force.@HMOIndia @AmitShah @PIBHomeAffairs @Spearcorps @easterncomd… pic.twitter.com/k6NLpLIC3O
— The Assam Rifles (@official_dgar) May 19, 2025
Questions raised regarding the flag and the complex situation in Manipur
Social media users have claimed that the flags shown in this photo belong to the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA), a separatist group active in Manipur. There has been a surge in fake images and misinformation in Manipur, leading to incidents of violence. The ZRA is part of the United People’s Front (UPF), an umbrella organisation of eight separatist groups that negotiates with the central government. The UPF and 17 groups of the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) have jointly signed a ceasefire agreement called Suspension of Operations (SoO).
Violation of ceasefire rules and security arrangements
Under the SoO agreement, separatist groups are required to live in special camps and keep their weapons under lock and key which are regularly checked. However, in the ethnic violence between the Meitei community and the Kuki tribe in Manipur, these groups have been accused of violating the agreement. The only separatist group of the Meitei community, the United National Liberation Front (Pambei), or UNLF (P), has also been accused of involvement in the violence. The Assam Rifles, which is under the control of the Indian Army and works under the administrative control of the Home Ministry , guards the Myanmar border and along with the Manipur Police, counters armed insurgency.
