Arunachal Pays Homage to Martyr Hangpan Dada on His 9th Death Anniversary

Hagpan Dada laid down his life fighting terrorists in J&K in 2016. He was awarded the Ashoka Chakra posthumously

It was a solemn day on Monday at Borduria village in Tirap District of Arunachal Pradesh, the native village of Havildar Hangpan Dada where his 9th death anniversary was observed.

Hangpan Dada made the supreme sacrifice on the night of 26 May 2016, when he came under sudden automatic fire while fighting terrorists in the Shamshabari Ranges in Naugam, Jammu and Kashmir.

It may be recalled that Dada, as Sabu Post Commander of 35 Rashtriya Rifles, while establishing a stop along with his section at an altitude of 12,500 feet, led a charge on hiding terrorists in the Shamshabari Ranges resulting in the neutralization of four heavily armed terrorists.

He along with his team spotted the movement of terrorists in the area and engaged them in a fierce encounter that went on for over 24 hours. He charged at the spot where terrorists were and killed two terrorists on the spot and later the third one after a hand-to-hand scuffle as they slid down the hill towards the Line of Control. Just then, Dada came under a sudden burst of automatic fire from the fourth terrorist who was hiding. Dada received a gunshot wound. He continued to pin down the fourth terrorist but later succumbed to his injuries.

Dada’s action of eliminating three terrorists in an engagement at close quarters and injuring a fourth one, ignoring his personal safety, foiled the infiltration bid and ensured the safety of his men.

He was honoured with the Ashok Chakra posthumously, the highest gallantry award during peacetime operations, in 2017.

The tribute ceremony on Monday was attended by the General Officer Commanding of Spear Corps, Lt Gen Abhijit S Pendharkar, local MLA and Adviser to the Minister for Environment & Forests, Government of Arunachal Pradesh Wangling Lowangdong; Deputy Commissioner of Tirap, Techu Aran; Superintendent of Police, Singjatla Singpho,Brig. Sarabjeet Singh, Commander, 25 Sector, Assam Rifles, Col. Ankit Harjai, Commanding Officer, 44 Assam Rifles, Commandant, 36 Bn CRPF Lamkhokam Lhoujem, ex-servicmen and other dignitaries.

The event, marked by patriotic fervour, was also attended by veterans, the martyr’s family members, and local citizens, reflecting the nation’s enduring respect and gratitude for its brave soldiers.

Lt Gen Pendharkar interacted with the martyr’s family, reaffirming the Army’s and the nation’s unwavering support for their sacrifice. He also addressed Ex-Servicemen from Tirap and Longding districts, acknowledging their continued commitment to the nation and assuring them of the armed forces’ dedication to their welfare.

While paying homage to Martyr Hangpan Dada, MLA Wanglin Lowangdong appreciated the state government’s initiative to rename the Chief Minister’s Trophy to the Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy (Football & Volleyball) over the past eight years. He further appealed to the state government to consider naming important institutions—such as a Sainik School or other significant establishments in the Capital Region, Itanagarin honour of the martyr.The program concluded with a short story presentation on the life and heroism of Martyr Hangpan Dada, witnessed by all attendees.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Pema Khandu poted on X paying tributes to martyr Hangpan Dada. Khandu wrote “We solemnly remember the supreme sacrifice of Shaheed Hangpan Dada Ji on his death anniversary. A true son of Arunachal Pradesh and a fearless warrior of 4 Assam Regiment/35 Rashtriya Rifles, Hangpan Dada Ji laid down his life fighting terrorists in Kupwara, Jammu & Kashmir, in 2016.

Awarded the Ashoka Chakra posthumously, his bravery continues to inspire generations across the nation.

His legacy is not just etched in medals, but in the hearts of every Indian who values selfless service and patriotism. Shaheed Hangpan Dada Amar Rahe!”

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