Itanagar, Apr 20: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. General KT Parnaik (Retd.) virtually inaugurated the War Memorial at Longding on Sunday in honour of Lance Naik Agoi Wangsa, Shaurya Chakra (Posthumous), a valiant son of the State, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
Paying heartfelt tributes, the Governor stated that the Indian Army, the State, and the Nation salute the unmatched bravery and sacrifice of Lance Naik Agoi Wangsa. He lauded the courage and resilience of Veer Nari Koiman Wangsa, wife of the late soldier, and assured the family that the Arunachal Pradesh administration would continue to provide every possible support.
Expressing deep gratitude to all those serving the nation, the Governor called upon citizens to honour and preserve the legacy of our brave soldiers and extend unwavering support to their families. “As we unveil this memorial today, it is my hope that it will stand as a lasting tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and service of our heroes of past, present, and future,” he said.
Reflecting on the heroism of L/Nk Agoi Wangsa, the Governor described the inauguration as both a solemn and proud moment, marking a powerful tribute to the bravery of those who laid down their lives in defence of the nation. He emphasized that the war memorial serves not only as a monument of remembrance but also as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.
Highlighting the proud military tradition of Longding, the Governor said that the district has a rich legacy of brave sons and daughters serving in the Armed Forces. The significant presence of ex-servicemen in the region is a testament to its deep-rooted patriotic spirit.
“The War Memorial is not just a structure but it is a call to duty, honour, and sacrifice,” the Governor remarked. He further added that the people of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly in border districts like Longding, have always stood shoulder to shoulder with the nation in times of need. Military service, he noted, is a respected and time-honoured tradition passed down through generations.
State Minister for Agriculture Gabriel D Wangsu, Longding MLA, Thanwang Wangham, Pongchau MLA, Honchun Ngandam, IG AR(North), Major General Manish Kumar, Commander, 25 Sector, AR, Brig. Sarabjeet Singh, Deputy Commissioner, Bekir Nyorak and Superintendent of Police Kirli Padu along with large numbers of Ex-Servicemen and Veer Naris participated in the inaugural function.
Lance Naik Agoi Wangsa, Shaurya Chakra (Posthumous), joined the Indian Army on 13 September 1983 and was inducted into the 3rd Battalion of the Assam Regiment on 05 September 1984. His unit was deployed for ‘Operation Rakshak’ in Tarn Taran, Punjab from 01 December 1991. On 16 June 1992, acting on specific intelligence about the presence of militants from the ‘United Liberation Khalistan’ outfit in a village in Amritsar District, L/Nk Agoi Wangsa was part of the Quick Reaction Team tasked with neutralising the threat. As the operation commenced at 0600 hrs, two militants attempted to escape and opened heavy fire on Army personnel from concealed positions. Displaying indomitable courage, L/Nk Agoi Wangsa advanced fearlessly towards the militants, crawling through open ground under fire. He engaged the militants at close quarters, eliminating one and saving the lives of two Police personnel in the process. In the fierce encounter, he sustained grievous injuries and later succumbed while being evacuated. In his final moments, he urged his comrades to complete the mission.
L/Nk Agoi Wangsa’s valour led to the elimination of both militants and the recovery of arms and ammunition. For his extraordinary bravery, selfless courage, and supreme sacrifice, he was awarded the Shaurya Chakra (Posthumous) on 15 August 1993.