News : Indigenous dog breeds from Tamil Nadu and Nagaland are being inducted into Assam Rifles dog squads to gradually replace foreign breeds.
About Tangkhul Hui and Kombai Breeds
Background:
- The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a directive in 2025 to increase the induction of Indian canine breeds in dog squads of all armed forces.
- The Assam Rifles is the nodal force implementing this process by identifying suitable indigenous breeds to work with existing trained dogs.
- The Assam Rifles Dog Training Centre (ARDTC), Jorhat is the training facility where both breeds will be trained and prepared for operational deployment.
About Tangkhul Hui breed
- Origin: The Tangkhul Hui ( also called Haofa) is an indigenous working dog raised by the Tangkhul people in Ukhrul district of Manipur and traditionally used for hunting.
- Key Features
- Disease Resistance: It is highly disease-resistant and known for strong stamina rather than speed.
- Intelligence and Alertness: It is an intelligent and alert watchdog, typically black with white markings.
- Physical Characteristics: It has a strong body, powerful jaws, and erect ears.
- Rarity: It exists in two size varieties and has a limited population, making it rare.
About Kombai breed
- Origin: The Kombai is an indigenous working dog from Tamil Nadu, especially the Kombai region of Theni district.
- Key Features
- Strong Physical Build: It has a broad, muscular and athletic body suited for guard roles.
- Distinct Appearance: It has a short reddish-brown coat with a black mask-like muzzle.
- Loyal and Protective Nature: It is deeply attached to owners and highly defensive.
- Traditional Working Role: It has been used for guarding property and hunting large game.
About Assam Rifles
- It is India’s oldest paramilitary force, established in 1835.
- The Assam Rifles is often nicknamed “Sentinels of the North East” and “Friends of the Hill People“.
- It functions under dual control of the Home Ministry administratively and the Defence Ministry operationally.
- It’s primarily responsible for border security, counter-insurgency, and maintaining law and order in the Northeast region.
- Its trained dogs help in seizing arms and narcotics across northeastern states and Jammu and Kashmir.
