The Eastern Frontier Rifles (EFR), a historic force closely linked with the Gorkha community of Darjeeling and the surrounding hill regions, is set for a major revival. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced the recruitment of more than 1,000 Gorkha youths into the force, which functions as an armed unit of the West Bengal Police.

The announcement came during Adhikari’s first visit to the Darjeeling hills after the BJP formed the government in West Bengal. The move carries political, historical and emotional significance in the region, where the EFR is regarded as much more than a security force. For generations, it has been associated with the identity, pride and employment opportunities of the Gorkha community.

The BJP has been advocating for the revival of the force for several years. Darjeeling MP Raju Bista has repeatedly raised concerns about its condition and accused the previous Trinamool Congress government of neglecting it. Following the Chief Minister’s announcement, BJP leaders described the decision as the restoration of an institution that had been allowed to decline under the earlier administration.

The EFR occupies a special place in the history of northern Bengal. The force has served in major military and security operations over the years. It has participated in wars and internal security missions and has provided employment to generations of families in the Darjeeling hills. Because of this long association, the force remains an important symbol for the Gorkha community.

Addressing a gathering in Kurseong on Tuesday, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the fresh recruitment drive. He said, "In the coming months, 1,000 youths will be recruited into the Eastern Frontier Rifles, and 30 per cent of the jobs will go to women."

The announcement was welcomed by BJP leaders from the region. Darjeeling MP Raju Bista expressed his gratitude and highlighted his long-standing efforts to revive the force.

"Most grateful to Honourable Chief Minister Shri Suvendu ji for announcing the recruitment of over 1000 Gorkha youths in Eastern Frontier Rifles and West Bengal Police," Bista wrote on X.

He further said, "For the past many years, I have been working to revive the EFR, but the TMC government repeatedly stopped the proposal."

Referring to an election promise made by the BJP, Bista added, "Honourable CM Suvendu ji had assured me, as soon as the BJP forms the government, we will revive EFR. Today, he has made this historic announcement from Kurseong".

The Chief Minister also heads the Home and Hill Affairs departments in West Bengal. He is assisted by Bishal Lama, who serves as deputy minister in both departments. Lama represents the Kalchini Assembly constituency in Alipurduar district of northern Bengal.

The future of the Eastern Frontier Rifles had become an important political issue in the hills before the 2026 Assembly elections. While the demand for a separate Gorkhaland state often receives greater attention, concerns over the EFR remained significant among residents of the region.

Earlier in January 2026, Raju Bista met representatives of the force and alleged that the previous state government had failed to support the institution. He pointed out that no fresh recruitment had taken place since 2010 despite a large number of vacancies.

"There has been no fresh recruitment conducted since 2010, despite over 2,000 Riflemen vacancies remaining unfilled," Bista wrote on X.

He also criticised the handling of the force by the previous administration. "Instead of modernising and strengthening this historic force, the Government of West Bengal has opted to merge three battalions into two".

Describing the situation as worrying, Bista alleged that the West Bengal Government was "trying to kill the force of such repute".

The BJP has consistently argued that institutions linked to the Gorkha community were neglected under the Trinamool Congress government. On the other hand, the TMC rejected these allegations and maintained that it had undertaken several welfare and development initiatives in the hill regions.

The Eastern Frontier Rifles (EFR) has a long and distinguished history. Its roots can be traced back to a frontier protection force raised during the period of the East India Company. Although its origins go back to the eighteenth century, it has officially carried the name Eastern Frontier Rifles since 1907.

Today, the EFR functions as an armed wing of the West Bengal Police. Its headquarters is located at Salua in Kharagpur, in the West Midnapore district. Despite being based far from Darjeeling, the force remains deeply connected with the people of the hills.

Over the decades, the EFR has taken part in several major military and security operations. It served during both the First and Second World Wars. It also participated in the 1962 India-China conflict, the 1965 India-Pakistan War and the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. In later years, the force was involved in anti-Naxalite and anti-Maoist operations.

The force also has a unique historical connection with Bangladesh. Following the Partition of India in 1947, the EFR was divided between India and Pakistan. The Pakistani portion later became the East Pakistan Rifles. After Bangladesh gained independence, it evolved into the Bangladesh Rifles and is now known as the Border Guards Bangladesh.

One of the main reasons the EFR holds such importance in northern Bengal is its strong connection with the Gorkha community. The force has historically recruited heavily from the hill regions of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and nearby areas.

Its insignia features the khukuri, the traditional Gorkha knife that is recognised as a symbol of Gorkha identity and military service. Over the years, generations of Gorkha youths have served in the EFR. As a result, the force became closely linked with the aspirations and social identity of the community.

A 2021 report in The Darjeeling Chronicle described the EFR as being deeply connected to Gorkha sentiments. The report argued that the decline of the force had become a matter of concern for many people in the hills. It also supported demands for converting the EFR into a Central Armed Police Force, similar to organisations such as the CRPF and BSF.

For many families in the region, joining the EFR carries prestige comparable to serving in the Army, paramilitary forces or other police services. The force is viewed not only as a source of employment but also as a symbol of honour and tradition.

For people outside the hill districts, the latest announcement may appear to be a routine recruitment drive. However, in Darjeeling and neighbouring regions, the revival of the Eastern Frontier Rifles represents much more. It brings back memories of a proud legacy and renews hopes among many Gorkha families. Through the revival of the EFR and the recruitment of over 1,000 youths, the BJP is seeking to strengthen its connection with the Gorkha community while restoring an institution that remains deeply respected across the hills.