Assam Rifles honours martyrs of 1994 Manipur firefight

AIZAWL: The Lunglei Battalion of 23 Sector Assam Rifles under the aegis of Inspector General Assam Rifles (East),conducted a wreath-laying ceremony on Thursday to pay tribute to 18 bravehearts of the unit who sacrificed their lives in a firefight with terrorists during 'Operation Hifazat' in Manipur on August 18, 1994.

A press release stated that on August 18m 1994, a special operation was launched under Major Sirohi with one JCO and 30 personnel in Sangkhomei-Willong area in Manipur. The party moved from Shakhomei via the Yangkhullen jungle area. As the party reached Yangkhonou, where GHQ of NSCN (IM) was located in a dense forest, the party came under heavy fire from NSCN (IM). Harka Bahadur Thapa and 17 other ranks of this unit without concern for their personal safety, moved across in a flash and showing great determination dashed towards the firing terrorists. During the firefight, they sustained gunshot wounds and succumbed to their injuries, thereby laying down their lives in a supreme sacrifice for the nation.

The Commandant of the Naga Hills Battalion, while laying the wreath, highlighted the fact that gallant actions by soldiers of the battalion has always been a motivating factor for the battalion to carryout relentless operations against anti-national elements. Lunglei Battalion has been forthcoming in conducting events of national significance like honouring martyrs, Independence Day and Kargil Diwas, which helps kindle the spirit of nationalism and sacrifice for the nation amongst the local population.

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