Assam Rifles conducted solemn wreath-laying ceremonies yesterday to honor the extraordinary courage and supreme sacrifice of two of its valiant soldiers—Rifleman (Late) Chandra Shekhar Singh and Rifleman (Late) Mahender Singh, SM. These poignant commemorations, held at Imphal and Tengnoupal respectively, marked the anniversaries of their martyrdom during counter-insurgency operations in Manipur.
At Mantripukhri, the ceremony paid tribute to Rifleman Chandra Shekhar Singh, who laid down his life following a fierce encounter on 17 August 1994. While deployed on Road Opening Party duty along the Chassad-Imphal road, a column from 4 Assam Rifles came under intense insurgent fire. Rifleman Singh, with resolute bravery, retaliated with rifle and mortar fire. Despite sustaining grievous gunshot wounds, he continued to engage the enemy despite his injuries. He later succumbed on 22 August 1994. His sacrifice remains etched in the annals of Assam Rifles’ history as a symbol of unwavering dedication to the nation.
Simultaneously, at Tengnoupal, Assam Rifles paid homage to Rifleman Mahender Singh, SM (Posthumous), who displayed exceptional gallantry during Operation Hifazat on 22 August 1990. As Scout of his section, he led the advance into a heavily fortified insurgent hideout deep within the dense jungles of Yangkhunou. Amidst heavy enemy fire, he pressed forward with unmatched courage, deploying hand grenades to neutralize hostile elements. Even after being wounded, he continued to fight valiantly until his last breath. His conspicuous bravery was recognized with the posthumous award of the Sena Medal (Gallantry) on 15 January 1993.