A History of Assam c21.43

c21.43

About the same time a Sebundy regiment of eight companies was raised, and the strength of the Assam Light Infantry was reduced from twelve to ten companies. Gauhāti was the headquarters of the new force, which was composed mainly of Rābhas, Kachāris and other kindred tribes. Sebundies were irregular foot soldiers, who, in pre-British times, constituted the armed force which always accompanied the tax gatherers. They were also employed on police duties. The main object in raising this force was to protect the people of Lower Assam against raids by the Bhutias and other tribes; and, in the cold weather, outposts were occupied by it at Udalguri and other points along the frontier. The control exercised from headquarters over these isolated garrisons was not always as close as it should have been; and the Principal Assistant of Darrang, writing in 1853, complained that the conduct of the men on outpost duty was most objectionable. They were, he said, regarded by the people "as oppressors worse dreaded than the Bhutias, rapacious, insolent and tyrannical, abusing men from the highest to the lowest rank unless their most trifling wants are satisfied."