The Indian Armed Forces have launched an intensive series of live-fire drills at the Dollungmukh Firing Range in Assam’s Lakhimpur district. Nestled within the Dulung Reserve Forest, near the sensitive Arunachal Pradesh border, the high-intensity military exercises began on May 20 and are set to continue through August 31. The operations, which include real-time bombing, rocket launches, and aerial assaults, mark a significant escalation in the use of this strategically located firing range. For the first time, the Dollungmukh area is hosting full-spectrum aerial and rocket warfare simulations—an expansion from its earlier, more limited use by the Indian Air Force, which previously conducted occasional exercises from the Tezpur Air Base. In response to the increased military activity, the Lakhimpur district administration, in collaboration with the Forest Department, has imposed a complete ban on civilian movement in and around the range. A formal order has been issued to prevent unauthorized access to the area during the entire period of the exercises.
“Residents are strictly advised to avoid the restricted zone and remain alert for safety. The measures are necessary to protect life and property from accidental exposure to live ammunition and explosions,” stated a senior district official. The drills come at a time of heightened national security concerns. Experts view the timing of the exercises in light of shifting geopolitical dynamics in the region, particularly with the strengthening of defense ties between China and Pakistan. Defense analysts suggest that these exercises are part of a broader strategy to reinforce India’s military presence in the northeast and ensure readiness along its sensitive border areas. Sources within the Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that internal security protocols are also being ramped up. Enhanced surveillance systems and tighter border controls are being deployed simultaneously to address possible threats and bolster national security infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the local administration has begun awareness campaigns in nearby villages to ensure that residents are fully informed about the restricted zones and the risks associated with the drills. Emergency response units have also been placed on standby to handle any contingencies. The Dollungmukh range, given its proximity to both sensitive ecological zones and the international border, is now emerging as a crucial node in India’s defense preparedness strategy. As India continues to modernize its armed forces and respond to emerging challenges, such exercises signal the country’s firm commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity and maintaining regional stability.