Why in News?
- Tangkhul Hui and Kombai are indigenous Indian dog breeds recently highlighted for induction into the Assam Rifles dog squad. They are in the news due to efforts to promote self-reliance by reducing dependence on foreign breeds.
- Assam Rifles, India's oldest paramilitary force, is inducting these breeds into its dog squad at the Assam Rifles Dog Training Centre (ARDTC) in Jorhat as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
- A Ministry of Home Affairs directive last year urged central armed police forces (CAPFs) to adopt two Indian dog breeds each.
Tangkhul Hui (Haofa)
- Origin: Native to the Ukhrul district of Manipur, traditionally raised by the Tangkhul Naga tribe.
- Physical Traits: Large-sized with a strong body, powerful jaws, and a deep chest. They are typically black with white markings and possess erect ears, sometimes compared to a bear in appearance.
- Special Abilities:
- Originally developed as sighthounds and hunting companions.
- Highly disease-resistant and adaptable to the harsh terrain of the Northeast.
- Known for exceptional stamina and tracking; they are said to be able to chase a target for up to 48 hours without food or water.
- Operational Role: Currently specialized in narcotics detection.
Kombai (Indian Bore Hound)
- Origin: Ancient breed from the Kombai region of Tamil Nadu (Theni district).
- Physical Traits: Muscular and athletic with a short, smooth reddish-brown (tan) coat and a characteristic black mask.
- Special Abilities:
- Traditionally used for guarding property and hunting large game like wild boar.
- Renowned for their bravery, loyalty, and protective instincts, historically used by South Indian royalty for combat.
- Possess a strong, hardy constitution with significant resistance to local diseases.
- Operational Role: Being trained as guard and tracker dogs for border security and camp protection.
Training Details
- All indigenous recruits undergo training at the Assam Rifles Dog Training Centre (ARDTC) in Jorhat, Assam.
- Basic Training: 12 weeks of obedience and fundamental skills.
- Advanced Training: 36 weeks specialized in tracking, explosives, or narcotics detection.
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