In News:

The Assam Rifles, India’s oldest paramilitary force, has initiated the induction of two indigenous dog breeds—Tangkhul Hui (Haofa) from Manipur and Kombai from Tamil Nadu into its dog squads. The move aligns with the 2025 directive of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) encouraging greater adoption of Indian canine breeds in armed forces.

This initiative aims to reduce long-term dependence on foreign breeds such as Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Labrador, with full operational induction of indigenous breeds targeted by 2027 and gradual replacement of foreign breeds by 2050.

Assam Rifles:

• Established in 1835 as the Cachar Levy.
• India’s oldest paramilitary force.
• Functions under dual control:
  • Administrative: Ministry of Home Affairs
  • Operational: Ministry of Defence
• Primary roles:
  • Counter-insurgency in the Northeast
  • Guarding the Indo-Myanmar border
• Operates the Assam Rifles Dog Training Centre (ARDTC), Jorhat, its sole canine training facility.

Role of Dog Squads

Dogs are trained for:

• Trackers – Follow human/animal trails in difficult terrain.
• Guard dogs – Secure camps, convoys, and border posts.
• Detection dogs – Identify hidden arms, explosives, and narcotics.

They are particularly deployed in sensitive regions like the Northeast and Jammu & Kashmir.

Tangkhul Hui (Haofa)

Origin

• Native to Ukhrul district, Manipur
• Raised traditionally by the Tangkhul tribe
• Originally developed as a hunting companion (sighthound)

Key Features

• Large, strong body; deep chest and powerful jaws
• Usually black with white markings
• Erect ears and alert expression
• Highly disease-resistant
• Strong stamina (more endurance than speed)
• Intelligent and protective

Current Status

• Part of a pilot project since 2022
• Six dogs already trained and deployed in narcotics detection
• Purebred population is declining, making it relatively rare

Kombai (Polygar Dog)

Origin

• Indigenous to Kombai region, Theni district, Tamil Nadu
• Also known as:
  • Polygar Dog
  • Indian Bore Hound
  • Combai

Historical Use

• Guarding property
• Hunting wild boar and large game
• Used by South Indian royalty and warriors
• Employed in regional military contexts historically

Key Characteristics

• Muscular, athletic build
• Broad head, deep chest, strong limbs
• Short, smooth reddish-brown coat
• Distinct black mask-like muzzle
• Loyal, protective, highly defensive
• Hardy and disease-resistant

Induction Plan

• First batch (2 males, 8 females) scheduled for induction in April 2026
• Full integration expected by March 2027