Indigenous Canine Breeds in Security Forces: Revival of Tangkhul Hui and Kombai in Assam Rifles

Why in News ?

The Assam Rifles, India’s oldest paramilitary force, is preparing specialised dog squads comprising indigenous breeds such as the Tangkhul Hui and the Kombai, alongside imported breeds. This move marks a significant step toward integrating native Indian dog breeds into formal security and defence operations.

Background and Context

Security forces in India traditionally rely on imported dog breeds such as:

• German Shepherds,
• Belgian Malinois,
• Labrador Retrievers.

These breeds are favoured for:

• Trainability,
• Intelligence,
• Detection capabilities.

However, growing recognition of India’s indigenous breeds has led to renewed interest due to:

• Adaptability to local climatic conditions,
• Natural immunity to regional diseases,
• Lower maintenance requirements,
• Cultural and heritage significance.

Simultaneously, several native dog breeds are facing decline due to:

• Crossbreeding,
• Urbanisation,
• Lack of structured conservation programmes.

The inclusion of Tangkhul Hui and Kombai reflects a dual objective — enhancing operational efficiency and conserving indigenous genetic heritage.

About Tangkhul Hui (Haofa)

• Origin: Ukhrul district of Manipur.
• Raised by the Tangkhul tribal community.
• Also known locally as Haofa.

Key Characteristics:

• Strong will and protective instinct,
• Naturally alert and territorial,
• Traditionally used as a guard dog,
• Well-adapted to hilly terrain and harsh climatic conditions.

Conservation Concern:

The population of purebred Tangkhul Hui is steadily declining, making authentic lineage increasingly rare.

About Kombai

• Origin: Kombai region of Tamil Nadu.
• Also known as the Indian Bore Hound or Combai.

Key Characteristics:

• Renowned for bravery and fierce loyalty,
• Muscular build and high stamina,
• Historically used by South Indian royalty and warriors for protection and combat,
• Suitable for guarding and patrol duties.

The Kombai has long been valued for its defensive instincts and ability to operate in rugged terrain.

Operational Significance for Assam Rifles

1. Terrain Adaptability

• Tangkhul Hui is well-suited for North-East India’s mountainous terrain.
• Kombai adapts effectively to tropical and semi-arid conditions.

2. Enhanced Border Security

Dog squads are used for:

• Tracking insurgents,
• Detecting explosives and contraband,
• Guarding sensitive installations.

Indigenous breeds may offer improved endurance in region-specific environments.

3. Reduced Maintenance Costs

Native breeds are:

• More resistant to local diseases,
• Better acclimatised to Indian weather conditions,
• Less dependent on specialised dietary and medical support.

4. Conservation of Indigenous Genetic Resources

Formal induction into paramilitary forces:

• Encourages structured breeding programmes,
• Raises awareness about rare native breeds,
• Prevents extinction of traditional lineages.

5. Promoting Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence

The move aligns with:

• Indigenous resource utilisation,
• Reduced dependency on imported breeds,
• Strengthening domestic breeding ecosystems.

Broader Policy Significance

The initiative reflects a broader shift in policy thinking:

• Recognising biodiversity beyond wildlife to include domesticated native breeds,
• Integrating conservation with national security needs,
• Encouraging community participation in breed preservation.

It also underscores the evolving role of security forces in supporting sustainable and locally adapted solutions.

Challenges

• Need for structured training modules tailored to indigenous breeds,
• Ensuring scientific breeding to maintain genetic purity,
• Overcoming initial scepticism regarding performance benchmarks compared to imported breeds.