A wreath-laying ceremony with full military honours was held at the Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, Imphal under the aegis of HQ IGAR (South) on Friday, to honour the supreme sacrifice made by Havildar (GD) Pranay Kalita, Rifleman (GD) Methna Konyak and Rifleman (GD) Ratan Salam of the Assam Rifles, who laid down their lives in the line of duty on July 29 in Manipur, stated a release issued by IGAR (South).
During the solemn occasion, wreaths were laid to pay homage to the fallen soldiers by Chief Minister N Biren Singh; MLA L Shushindro; DGP, Manipur, LM Khaute; Dy IG AR (South), Brigadier DS Shishodia; Commander, 9 Sector Assam Rifles Brigadier Deepak Joshi and Col ‘A’ 57 Mountain Division, Colonel Prashant Misra, it stated.
The sacrifice of the fallen soldiers hailing from Manipur, Nagaland and Assam, truly represents the idea of unity in diversity - the strength of our nation and the Assam Rifles, it stated. Assam Rifles remains committed to the security of the nation and will continue to uphold its ideals in its pursuit to defeat secessionist forces, it added.
Havildar (GD) Pranay Kalita, a resident of Barpeta, Assam, is survived by his wife and two daughters, while Rifleman (GD) Methna Konyak, a resident of Mon district, Nagaland is survived by his wife and daughter. Rifleman Ratan Salam is a resident of Kakching Makha Leikai, Manipur and he has left behind his wife and two sons, the release stated. They were dedicated, brave and courageous soldiers of the Assam Rifles, it added.
Further it stated, the nation salutes their supreme sacrifice made in the highest traditions of the Force in service of the nation. In this hour of grief, the Assam Rifles stands firm in its solemn commitment to ensure the welfare of the families of the fallen soldiers, it added.
