Battalion Boost: Arunachal Pradesh Fortifies Internal Security with New IR Unit

As a big step towards improving internal security, the Arunachal Pradesh government has sanctioned the formation of a new Arunachal Armed Police Battalion (AAPBN), the state's eighth and sixth in the India Reserve (IR) category. The cabinet decision was given during a cabinet meeting headed by Chief Minister Pema Khandu on July 18, 2025.

Key Highlights:

- The new battalion will be brought under the India Reserve system, enabling deployment across states if required, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

- Arunachal Pradesh now has two State Armed Police Battalions and five IR battalions; the addition is intended to decrease the dependence on Central Armed Police Forces.
- The project will most likely generate employment opportunities for the educated local youth, resulting in socio-economic integration.

Strategic Significance:

- The battalion will enhance law enforcement capacity, enhance public safety, and provide quick response capabilities in exposed border areas.

- Since Arunachal is a neighbor of China, the action is within national security objectives and regional stability aspirations.

Administrative Impact:

- The cabinet also sanctioned reforms in technical education, child protection, and prosecution services, including 34 new jobs at Toru Engineering College and new guidelines under the POCSO Act.

- Other vacancies at the Directorate of Prosecution and Civil Aviation were authorized to improve governance and service delivery.

Forward Outlook:

- The new battalion will be ready in the fiscal year, with recruitment and planning for infrastructure already in progress. - The move is viewed by experts as a proactive step towards self-policing and a strengthening of state preparedness. 

Sources: The Morung Expres, Economic Times, Devdiscourse, ThePrint, ANI News, New Kerala.com