Homage paid to the valiant Soldiers of 29 Assam Rifles

Imphal, 24th May, 2016

Homage paid to the valiant Soldiers of 29 Assam Rifles

In a solemn wreath laying ceremony conducted in the true traditions of the Indian Armed Forces, homage was paid to the six Martyrs of 29 Assam Rifles. Wreaths were laid by Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur, Shri Gaikhangam Gangmei, Deputy CM of Manipur, Lt Gen Abhay Krishna, AVSM, SM, VSM, GOC 3 Corps, Shri L M Khaute, IPS, DGP Manipur, Maj Gen VS Sreenivas, VSM**, IG AR (South) and Maj Gen S S Mishra, GOC 57 Mtn Div to honour the supreme sacrifice made by these valiant soldiers in the line of duty while fighting insurgents in Manipur. Wreaths were also laid on behalf of COAS, GOC-in-C Eastern Comd and DG Assam Rifles.

The Chief Minister of Manipur while addressing the media strongly condemned the incident. He said that we stand united in the fight against insurgents and will continue to strive for furtherance of peace in the region. He further added that those involved in such crimes will be severely punished.

Homage paid to the valiant Soldiers of 29 Assam Rifles

The martyrs, Subedar Baldev Kumar Sharma from Himachal Pradesh, Havildar Surjit Barla from Jharkhand, Rifleman Pawan Kumar from J&K, Rifleman Mahesh Gurung from Uttrakhand, Rifleman Bhupinder Singh from Himachal Pradesh and Rifleman Akhilesh Kumar Pandey from Bihar were all part of the team lead by Commanding Officer of 29 Assam Rifles which had an encounter with insurgents near Joupi under Tegnoupal PS in Chandel Dist on 22 May 2016.

The team was returning back to the Battalion Headquarters location at Joupi after assessing a landslide in the area near Hollengjang. In the ensuing fire fight these brave soldiers attained martyrdom.

GOC 3 Corps expressed his deep condolences to the families of the brave martyrs. He said that the nation owes gratitude to the Assam Rifles personnel like them and we are committed to provide all necessary support to their families in this hour of grief.

In Counter Insurgency scenario, it is a matter of initiative and opportunity and such acts of violence by insurgents only strengthen the resolve of Indian Armed Forces to carry out relentless operations against these anti-national elements for furtherance of peace in the region. The mortal remains of the martyrs were sent to their home towns in specially requisitioned Indian Air Force aircrafts accompanied by a team of Assam Rifles personnel.