Samaritans for the locals in samtal region
Source: PRO Cell IGAR(s) *
Imphal, August 01 2018:
Thanglet Haokip of Old Samtal village said, "I had heard about guardian angels but never saw one until today, when he came and saved my son".
This statement was in response to an act of saintly proportion carried out by an Assam Rifles Company Commander deployed in Samtal Salient wherein he employed all possible resources under his means to save Thanglet's child who had received a severe head injury.
Jamminlal, a eleven year old boy had got grievously injured on the scalp and was lying unconscious in a pool of blood.
His father Thanglet had given up hope of saving his son as the nearest primary health center is 90 kms away at Chakpikarong.
The state of road is so inhospitable that there are no vehicles plying in the hilly region and evacuation of the child would have amounted to a treacherous walk of around 30 kms.
Dismayed by the thought of such an eventuality coming true, Thanglet had surrendered to his fate.
The word spread quickly in the small hamlet housing 45 families and reached the attention of the Company Commander of Old Samtal.
Overcome by emotions, given the bonhomie that the officer shares with the villagers, the officer acknowledged the gravity and decided to act.
He immediately rushed to the site, and evacuated the child to the medical facility at the Company Operating Base.
Without delay and with sense of purpose, the nursing assistant present on duty treated the boy by administering 12 stitches on the head.
Troops of the Company Operating Base meanwhile had already lined up to volunteer to donate blood for the boy whom they would lovingly refer to as Lalboy.
Mr Thanglet with tearful eyes appreciated the selfless efforts placed by all ranks of the Company Operating Base in saving his sons life, and remarked, "I may not have much to offer in return, but these men will always find a reference in my prayers" .
It is not the first time that IGAR (South) Battalions have gone out of the way to assist the local populace in times of need.
They have time and again proved their grit and determination to stand by the slogan 'The Friends of North East People'.
This story teaches all of us one thing that we the people of Manipur and the Assam Rifles can together propel our State to become a destination where peace and tranquility can prevail in times to come.