Arunachal Air Force Corporal Killed in Pahalgam Terror Attack; Northeast Leaders Condemn Carnage
The terror attack that shook the serene hills of Pahalga
m in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday has claimed the life of Indian Air Force Corporal Tage Hailyang, a native of Tajang village in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Subansiri district. Corporal Hailyang was among the 16 civilians killed when terrorists opened indiscriminate fire at the tourist-frequented Baisaran meadow, leaving scores injured.
Hailing from the far-flung tribal hills of Arunachal Pradesh, Hailyang was posted at the IAF base in Srinagar and had gone to Pahalgam on leave with his wife when he tragically fell victim to the brutal assault.
Arunachal CM Mourns ‘Brave Son of the Soil’
Expressing profound sorrow, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to pay tribute to the fallen airman.
“Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Corporal Tage Hailyang of the Indian Air Force, a brave son of Arunachal Pradesh who hailed from Tajang village in Lower Subansiri,” he posted.
“While visiting Pahalgam with his wife, Hailyang’s life was cruelly taken in a senseless act of terror. He served the nation with courage and honour, and his untimely death is a great loss not only to his family but to the entire country,” he added.
He also expressed hope for strength and recovery for Hailyang’s wife, who miraculously survived the attack. “May they find strength and solace in this unimaginable time of grief. We will always remember Corporal Hailyang for his service and sacrifice. Om Mani Padme Hum,” Khandu wrote.
According to official sources, Hailyang’s mortal remains are being flown to Guwahati on Wednesday and will be taken to his hometown for the final rites.
|Also Read : Pahalgam : Manhunt Intensifies as Security Forces Identify Suspects |
Terror in the Valley: Northeast Reacts in Unity
The gruesome incident, which occurred on April 22 in South Kashmir’s Baisaran meadow, claimed 16 lives and left over two dozen people injured. The attack targeted innocent tourists and is believed to have been carried out by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy outfit linked to the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba.
The loss of Corporal Hailyang and other civilians has triggered a wave of condemnation across India’s northeastern states, whose leaders united in grief and outrage.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said,
“I have full faith that Bharat will hunt down each and every one of those cowards responsible for the dastardly attack in Pahalgam. The entire nation stands firmly with the bereaved families in this hour of grief.”
Tripura CM Manik Saha echoed the sentiment:
“Strongly condemn the cowardly attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. Condolences to the families who lost loved ones. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma called it a “heinous act of violence” that demanded nationwide unity.
“We strongly condemn this senseless act, which targeted innocent lives and caused irreparable harm to families and communities… In the face of hate and violence, I urge everyone to unite against terrorism.”
A Life of Service Cut Short
Corporal Tage Hailyang, like many youths from the Northeast, joined the Indian Armed Forces with pride and dedication. His death has left Lower Subansiri district in mourning, with villagers and family members preparing to receive his body for traditional rituals. His tragic demise has also reignited discussions on the security of defense personnel on leave and the safety of civilians in conflict zones.
Meanwhile, a large-scale counterterrorism operation is underway in South Kashmir’s forests to track down the attackers. The Ministry of Defence and the Indian Air Force have yet to issue a formal statement but are coordinating with state authorities to ensure proper honors are bestowed upon the fallen airman.
