Assam Rifles director-general H.S. Kanwar at the function in Shillong on Monday

Shillong, April 26: They go after militants because it is their job, they promote tourism because it is a passion.

The Assam Rifles has initiated a slew of tourism projects in the Northeast, particularly in Meghalaya, as part of its new mission to earn goodwill. The paramilitary force’s commitment to the task of promoting the region as a destination worth visiting was on display today at Shillong viewpoint, where it has built a beautiful gazebo for tourists.

Outgoing Assam Rifles director-general H.S. Kanwar formally handed over the glass house, which provides a majestic view of Shillong and part of the eastern mountain ranges, to the Syiem (local chieftain) of Mylliem.

Other recent gifts from the Assam Rifles to Meghalaya include a musical fountain at Ward’s Lake and sheds at Golf Links and Cherrapunjee.

“This is just the beginning. We have to continue our efforts to help the state realise its tourism potential,” Kanwar said after handing over the gazebo to Latho Manik Syiem.

Members of the Raid Laban committee, which will maintain the glass house, attended the function.

The idea of building such a structure at Shillong Viewpoint struck Kanwar after he interacted with residents during one of his visits to the area.

“I hope tourists will like this gazebo when they come to the viewpoint for a glimpse of the picturesque city of Shillong,” the Assam Rifles director-general said.

Thousands visit Shillong viewpoint every year, but the site does not have any facilities except a few makeshift shops and a solitary restaurant.

On whether the new gazebo would make a difference, one of the Assam Rifles officers who was involved in building the structure said: “Depends on how it is used.”

The Assam Rifles, formed 169 years ago, believes small gestures like this can convey the message that security personnel are “friends of the hill people”.