Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. Gen. K.T. Parnaik (Retd.) hails Assam Rifles as the ‘Friends of the Northeast’, honouring their courage, compassion, and humanitarian service at the Raj Bhavan Investiture Ceremony in Itanagar, celebrating decades of dedication and sacrifice.
Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. General K.T. Parnaik (Retd.) on Monday paid glowing tribute to the Assam Rifles, calling them the “Friends of the Northeast” and lauding their exemplary service, bravery, and compassion across the challenging terrains of the region.
Speaking at the Investiture Ceremony held at the Durbar Hall of Raj Bhavan in Itanagar, the Governor conferred the prestigious Governor’s Gold and Silver Medals upon Assam Rifles personnel for their exceptional service in operations and humanitarian missions.
A total of twenty-one personnel, including a Riflewoman, were honoured for their outstanding courage, leadership, and dedication to duty. The ceremony celebrated not just military excellence but also the human spirit behind the uniform.
‘Sentinels of the Northeast’: A Legacy of Courage and Compassion
Recalling his long association with the Assam Rifles dating back to 1974, Governor Parnaik praised the force for standing resolutely “against every challenge, through harsh terrains, difficult climates, and unseen threats.” He said that the Assam Rifles has upheld its proud motto, ‘Sentinels of the Northeast’, with unmatched dignity and honour.
“The Assam Rifles is a legacy of sacrifice, duty, and unwavering courage,” the Governor said, highlighting the paramilitary force’s role beyond security operations. He emphasized that their work extended deeply into the social fabric of the Northeast, bringing the education, the healthcare, the disaster relief, and the humanitarian aid to the most remote communities.
“In the hearts of the people of the Northeast, the Assam Rifles is not merely a security force but a family, respected and revered as the ‘Friends of the Northeast’,” he remarked, capturing the emotional bond shared between the force and the people it protects.
Honouring the Brave: Medal Recipients Recognized for Excellence
The Governor conferred the Governor’s Gold Medals to:
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Deputy Commandant Keshar Singh Bisht
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Subedar Diwan Singh Mehra
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Naib Subedar Mohan Singh
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Naib Subedar Sarbeswar Saikia
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Warrant Officer Brij Mohan
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Havildar Letkhongam Kuki
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Rifleman Khang Phao Gosak
Each award recognized extraordinary acts of bravery, leadership, and dedication under challenging conditions. The Governor commended their professionalism, compassion, and the enduring spirit of service that defines the Assam Rifles.
Congratulating the awardees, he said, “This recognition is not only a celebration of your individual achievements but also a tribute to your silent sacrifices and indomitable spirit in the service of the nation.”
A Force Beyond the Battlefield
Governor Parnaik underscored that the Assam Rifles embodies the highest ideals of service — protecting borders while nurturing trust and development among border communities. Their efforts in building schools, conducting medical camps, and responding to natural disasters have made them pillars of hope and guardians of peace in the region.
“The uniform of the Assam Rifles carries the weight of history and the hopes of the nation,” the Governor said, urging all personnel to “continue serving with honour, bravery, and empathy.”
A Salute to the Spirit of the Northeast
The ceremony at Raj Bhavan reflected both pride and gratitude for the force’s role in maintaining peace and fostering development in one of India’s most strategically vital regions. The Governor reaffirmed his faith in the Assam Rifles as a bridge of trust between the people and the nation.
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As applause filled the Durbar Hall, the event stood as a reminder that the Assam Rifles are not just defenders of borders but guardians of hearts — truly the ‘Friends of the Northeast’.
