Assam Rifles commemorated the 1962 Sino-Indian War heroes through outreach activities in Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Manipur, honouring veterans and martyrs while preserving military heritage, patriotism, and the legacy of extraordinary bravery displayed during fierce frontier battles.
A series of commemorative outreach activities were organised by the Assam Rifles to honour the brave soldiers who fought during the 1962 Sino-Indian War and to preserve the proud military heritage associated with the battalion’s legacy. Officials on Monday stated that the initiatives were aimed at paying tribute to the supreme sacrifices made by soldiers while encouraging patriotism and historical awareness among local communities and younger generations.
According to a defence spokesman, 11 Assam Rifles had been deployed in the Along–Manigong Sector covering the present-day West Siang and Shi Yomi districts of Arunachal Pradesh during the 1962 conflict. The battalion was tasked with defending the eastern frontier against advancing Chinese troops under extremely challenging conditions.
Despite inhospitable terrain, harsh weather and overwhelming enemy strength, the soldiers displayed remarkable courage, discipline and devotion to duty during intense battles fought at Henkar, Lamang, Tadadege and surrounding areas. Their determination in the face of adversity became a significant chapter in the military history of the region.
Among the distinguished officers remembered during the commemorative events was Lt Col P.A. Rege, who demonstrated exceptional bravery and leadership while commanding troops at the Henkar Post. Leading from the front during repeated enemy assaults, he inspired his soldiers to hold their positions and inflict heavy casualties on opposing forces. For his conspicuous gallantry and outstanding leadership under fire, he was awarded the prestigious Vir Chakra.
As part of the tribute initiative, members of the late officer’s family, including his son Hemant Rege, visited the historic battlefields of Along, Manigong and Tadadege. The visit served as both a remembrance of the sacrifices made during the war and a reaffirmation of the enduring legacy of the soldiers who defended the nation’s borders under extraordinary circumstances.
In another important outreach effort, Assam Rifles paid tribute to Hav Jupal Singh at his native village in Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. Officials described him as one of the youngest soldiers who participated in the war, having completed only one year of service at the time of the conflict. He fought alongside Lt Col Rege in the Manigong and Tadadege sectors during some of the fiercest engagements of the war.
The battalion also interacted with Sub D.S. Rawat in Dehradun district, another veteran who had served in the Manigong sector during the conflict. Through these interactions, Assam Rifles reaffirmed its continued commitment towards honouring war veterans and preserving the stories of courage and sacrifice that continue to inspire future generations of soldiers and civilians alike.
Further strengthening the spirit of camaraderie and institutional support for veterans, Assam Rifles organised an “Assam Regiment Ex-Servicemen Meet” on Sunday at the Battalion Headquarters in Khuga, located in Churachandpur district. The event witnessed the participation of 102 ex-servicemen of the Assam Regiment from various parts of the district.
Officials stated that the programme provided an important platform for reconnecting retired veterans with serving personnel and for fostering esprit de corps among members of the regiment. During the gathering, senior officials of the Assam Regiment interacted with the ex-servicemen to acknowledge their dedicated service and enduring contribution towards national security.
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Discussions during the event focused on welfare-related concerns, experiences from military service and the importance of maintaining strong bonds within the veteran community. The gathering concluded with a traditional Bara Khana, reinforcing the enduring relationship between serving personnel and retired soldiers while celebrating the shared legacy of service, sacrifice and national pride.
