Right-wing organizations conduct arms training camp in Assam, over 200 youths participate

Amid the ongoing eviction drives in Assam targeting alleged encroachments, a six-day arms training camp organized by the Antarashtriya Hindu Parishad (AHP) and Rashtriya Bajrang Dal (RBD) has sparked fresh concerns. 

The event, named “Veer Hindu Vijeta Hindu Prasikhn Sibir 2025” (Brave Hindu Victorious Hindu Training Camp), was held from July 2 to July 7 at Arimatta Mini Stadium in Rangia, located around 55–60 kilometers from Guwahati.

The camp reportedly trained over 200 young men, aged between 20 and 35, in martial arts, weapon handling, survival tactics, ideological orientation, Vedic rituals, and hand-to-hand combat. Sources from within the organizations confirmed that small arms training was also part of the regimen.

Speaking to India TodayNE, a senior member of the Rashtriya Bajrang Dal justified the program, citing concerns about “security threats” posed by alleged illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. “If these Bangladeshis attack us on a huge scale and engage in combat, we are preparing our people for self-defence,” the spokesperson claimed.

Organizers stated that the training was intended to equip cadres for potential “civil strife-like situations,” allegedly stemming from unverified incidents involving illegal migration. The individual further alleged that several such incidents have gone unreported, contributing to a heightened sense of threat within certain communities.

According to internal sources, several of the trainers were individuals from Assam who volunteered their expertise, particularly in survival skills and martial arts. Cumulatively, the organizations claim to have trained over 2,000 individuals through similar camps across the state.

Leaders from AHP and RBD revealed that more such training initiatives are planned, especially in regions of Assam that they perceive as having a higher concentration of suspected Bangladeshi immigrants. These ideological and physical training sessions have already been held in multiple districts, including Tamulpur, Hojai, Dhubri (twice), Nalbari, Mangaldoi, and previously also in Rangia.