Itanagar, Oct 13: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt General (Retd) KT Parnaik on Monday conferred the Governor’s Gold and Silver Medals to 21 personnel of the Assam Rifles,including a Riflewoman, in recognition of their exceptional courage, leadership, and service during various operations and humanitarian missions.
He presented the medals during an impressive investiture ceremony held at the Durbar Hall of Raj Bhavan, Itanagar,
Congratulating the awardees, the Governor said that the recognition is not only a celebration of their achievements but also a tribute to their unwavering dedication, silent sacrifices, and indomitable spirit in the service of the nation. He hailed them as guardians of trust and resilience, who have displayed courage in conflict and compassion in crisis.
Recalling his long association with the Assam Rifles since 1974, Lt Gen Parnaik described the force as a legacy of sacrifice, duty, and unwavering courage. He said the Assam Rifles has always stood firm against challenges, enduring harsh terrains and difficult climates while upholding its proud motto, “Sentinels of the North-East.”
The Governor highlighted the force’s significant role beyond security duties, acknowledging its humanitarian contributions in remote communities through education, healthcare, and disaster relief. “In the hearts of the people of the Northeast, Assam Rifles is not just a security force but a family—respected and revered as the ‘Friends of the Northeast’,” he said.
Governor Parnaik also commended the Assam Rifles for its initiatives towards women’s empowerment, citing his recent review of the attestation parade of Assam Rifles Mahila (Women) recruits at ARTC&S, Sukhovi, Nagaland. Extending his good wishes, he urged all ranks to continue serving with honour, bravery, and empathy, remaining steadfast pillars of faith and guardians of the people.
The Governor’s Gold Medal was conferred upon Deputy Commandant Keshar Singh Bisht (HQ 25 Sector Assam Rifles), Subedar Diwan Singh Mehra (10 AR), Naib Subedar Mohan Singh (44 AR), Naib Subedar Sarbeswar Saikia (44 AR), Warrant Officer Brij Mohan (44 AR), Havildar Letkhongam Kuki (23 AR), and Rifleman Khang Phao Gosak.
The recipients of Governor’s Silver Medal included Naib Subedar Bhangadhar Basumatry, Naib Subedar Ghanshyam Singh Chauhan, Warrant Officer Sushil Kumar, Havildar Gam Bahadur BK, Havildar (Clerk) T Hutoi Sema, Rifleman Chngkham Bishorjit Singh, Rifleman Shiva Krishna, Rifleman Yumnam Nabakumar Singh, Rifleman Thanggin Touthang, Rifleman Khangeswar Mallik, Riflewoman H Jamuna Chanu, Rifleman Prakash Kumar Chakama, Rifleman Jay Prakash Dhyani, and Rifleman Jitendra Singh.
Brigadier Sarabjeet Singh, Commander of 25 Sector Assam Rifles, also addressed the gathering, lauding the Governor’s continued support and inspiration.
Among those present were Commissioner to Governor Pawan Kumar Sain, officers of the Raj Bhavan, Commanding Officer, 11 Assam Rifles, Col Vivek Tripathi, and Major Bobby Singh Raghav, who conducted the ceremony.