KHONSA, May 27:    Memorial of Martyr Hangpan Dada was inaugurated by Major General of GoC 2 Mountain Division (Indian Army), Gajinder Singh in presence of Advisor to Chief Minister, Wanglin Lowangdong, Khonsa MLAs Tirong Aboh and Wanglam Sawin, Former Home Minister and MP, L Wanglat, DC Tirap, PN Thungon and other hosts of dignitaries from public and Indian Army at Borduria on Saturday.                  

Encrypted with two quotations from the Bible, “There is no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends” and “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” along with a brief note on Operation Sabu Dada led by Dada and his biodata, the memorial depicts the true story of a real hero, who sacrificed his life in the service of the nation. 

Two years before, on the night of 26 May 2016, Dada, as Sabu Post Commander of 35 Rashtriya Rifles, while establishing a stop along with his section at 12,500 feet, led a charge on hiding terrorists in the Shamshabari Ranges in Naugam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the neutralisation 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. Dada sustained a sudden burst of automatic fire from the hiding fourth terrorist, receiving a gunshot wound. He continued to pin down the fourth terrorist and later succumbed to his injuries.

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

In recognition of his conspicuous exhibition of gallantry of highest order, Dada was honoured posthumously with the highest gallantry award during peace-time operations, the Ashok Chakra, on the occasion of Independence Day 2017. He was also honoured with the State Govt’s highest civilian award, “Arunachal Ratna” during the Statehood Day Celebration this year.

To remember his service, the Assam Regimental Centre (ARC) named its main office block in its headquarters after Hangpan Dada and the plaque was inaugurated by Dada’s wife, Chasen Lowang. Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu also renamed the annual football and volleyball (men and women) tournaments for Chief Minister's Trophy as Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy.

Among others from the rank and file of Indian Army and Assam Rifles, Brigadiers A K Bharadwaj & Sanjoy Ghosh, Chasen Lowang Dada along with their two children, Senwang Dada and Roankhin Dada also offered floral wreath on the occasion.

School Children also offered prayers and presented songs in honour of Dada. Personnel from the Indian Army and Assam Rifles also displayed guard of honour as a mark of respect to Martyr Dada on his 2^nd death anniversary.

The memorial has been constructed by State PWD with an estimate of Rs 28 lakhs under Untied Fund.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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