Guwahati: The Assam Rifles organised a series of commemorative outreach activities to honour the bravehearts of the 1962 Sino-Indian War and uphold the rich military heritage and legacy of the battalion, officials said on Monday.
The initiatives aimed at paying tribute to the soldiers’ supreme sacrifice while inspiring patriotism and historical awareness among the local populace and younger generation.
A defence spokesman said that during the conflict, 11 Assam Rifles was deployed in the Along–Manigong Sector of West Siang and Shi Yomi districts in Arunachal Pradesh to defend the eastern frontier against advancing Chinese forces. Despite inhospitable terrain, harsh weather conditions and overwhelming enemy strength, the troops displayed extraordinary courage and devotion to duty during fierce battles fought at Henkar, Lamang, Tadadege and adjoining areas.
Among the gallant officials was Lt Col P.A. Rege, who displayed exceptional bravery and leadership while commanding troops at Henkar Post.
Leading from the front against repeated enemy assaults, he motivated his men to hold their ground and inflict heavy casualties on the enemy.
For his conspicuous gallantry, he was awarded the Vir Chakra, the spokesman said.
As part of this commemorative initiative, the family members of the late official, including his son Hemant Rege, undertook a visit to the historic battlefields of Along, Manigong and Tadadege.
In a simultaneous effort to acknowledge the living legends of the conflict, Assam Rifles paid tribute to Hav Jupal Singh (Retd) at his native village in Pauri Garhwal district.
One of the youngest soldiers of the war with only one year of service at the time, he fought alongside Lt Col Rege in the Manigong and Tadadege sectors.
Furthermore, the battalion interacted with Sub D.S. Rawat (Retd) in Dehradun district, another veteran who fought in the Manigong sector.
These initiatives reflect a continued commitment to war veterans and the preservation of the legacy of those whose sacrifices inspire future generations.
Furthering the spirit of camaraderie and institutional support, Assam Rifles organised an “Assam Regiment Ex-Servicemen Meet” on Sunday at Battalion Headquarters, Khuga in Manipur’s Churachandpur district.
The spokesman said that the event witnessed the participation of 102 ex-servicemen of the Assam Regiment from different parts of Churachandpur district.
The programme provided a platform for reconnecting veterans with serving personnel and fostering esprit de corps, he said.
During the event, a senior official of the Assam Regiment interacted with the ex-servicemen to appreciate their dedicated service and enduring contribution to the nation.
Discussions focused on welfare-related matters, experiences from service life and the importance of maintaining close ties within the veteran community.
The gathering concluded with a traditional Bara Khana, strengthening the bonds between the serving personnel and the veterans.
(IANS)
