ITANAGAR, Sep 4: As many as 23 personnel of Assam Rifles were felicitated by Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt General (Retd) KT Parnaik by conferring them with the Governor’s Gold and Silver Medals in an investiture ceremony at the Durbar Hall of Raj Bhavan here today.
The personnel were honoured "for demonstrating exceptional bravery, resourcefulness and leadership in operations and humanitarian missions", a communique from the Raj Bhavan said.
Congratulating the awardees, the Governor, in his speech, said that their achievements are a testament to the highest standards of professionalism and courage that define the Assam Rifles. "You have set the bar high, and your actions have not only brought glory to yourselves but also to the entire Force," he said.
Hailing the oldest paramilitary force for playing an important role in containing insurgency in the sensitive areas of the North-Eastern States and guarding the Indo-Myanmar frontiers, the Governor said that the Assam Rifles, often called the ‘Friends of the North East’, has become an inseparable part of the State of Arunachal Pradesh over all these years.
Parnaik, who took part in joint operations with Assam Rifles personnel in 1974, where the ‘China Return Groups’ were annihilated, said that the oldest paramilitary force comprises of true professionals with nonpareil national spirit, courage and commitment for the national cause, and bonhomie for the local populace.
He reposed his confidence that Assam Rifles will continue to uphold the highest traditions of their service to the Nation in the years to come.
"The Assam Rifles are the beacon of hope and stability for the communities they protect. The people of the Northeast look up to you, not just as protectors, but as pillars of strength and unity. Your presence ensures that the promise of peace and prosperity is not just a distant dream but a living reality," the Governor said.
The AR personnel who received the Governor’s Gold Medals include Havaldar Bhag Singh, Hav Sanjay Kumar and Warrant Officer Ram Krishan Joshi of 6 Assam Rifles, Rifleman Takar Taboh and Hav Longlam Shio of 11 AR, Warrant Officer Abdul Rashid and Hav Nagendra Bahadur Thapa of 12 AR, Rifleman Govind Singh of 19 AR, Rifleman Narendra Singh of 23 AR, Hav Mahipal Singh of 31 AR, Warrant Officer Rajendra Singh and Rifleman Warkhede Lalit Gajanan of 40 AR and Rifleman J K Deori of AR Dog Training Centre.
The recipients of the Governor’s Silver Medal are Hav Yadwinder Singh, Rifleman Lalnghihlova and Rifleman K Prashun Singh of 6 AR, Rifleman Kadam Manish Pratap of 11 AR, Hav Palwinder Singh of 12 AR, Rifleman Rohit Kumar Sharma and Rifleman Yashavant Shinde of 19 AR, Rifleman Gamer Roshanbhai of 31 AR and Rifleman Kotha Chozah and Warrant Officer Saraswati Rai of 40 AR.
Commander 25 Sector Assam Rifles, Brig Sarabjeet Singh also spoke on the occasion. Secretary to the Governor, Sharad Darade, and 10 AR Commanding Officer Col Jetendra Mehta attended the function amongst others.