Army pays tribute to Naugam encounter martyr

The Indian Army today paid a befitting tribute with full military honours to Havildar Hangpan Dada who attained martyrdom yesterday during an operation in Naugam sector in Jammu and Kashmir.

Homage was paid to the valour and sacrifice of the braveheart in a solemn ceremony held at Badami Bagh Cantonment.

Late Havildar Hangpan Dada, led his team from front and located a group of terrorists in the forward area of Naugam sector on Thursday morning.

Realising the importance of time and gravity of situation, Havildar Hangpan Dada led a small team of six men and started engaging the terrorists with effective fire. He closed in with the terrorists and brought precision fire, killing two of them on the spot.

According to a statement by the Army, Havildar Hangpang Dada, with no disregard to personal safety, crawled towards the balance of the two terrorists hiding behind the boulders.

"He charged on to the location with his personal weapon blazing and killed the third terrorists but in the process was hit by a volley of bullet that severely injured him. Showing undeterred determination and grit he kept engaging the fourth terrorists till the reinforcement along with the Company Commander arrived. Subsequently, the fourth terrorist was eliminated. While being evacuated, the brave heart succumbed to his injuries and made supreme sacrifice in the line of Duty," the statement said.

36 years old, Havildar Hangpang Dada was enrolled in the Assam Regiment in year 1997.

Laying wreath to salute the brave soldier's final journey, Lt Gen Satish Dua, The Chinar Corps Commander said that such exemplary acts always serve as an inspiration to the serving generation. This ultimate sacrifice in line of duty will continue to motivate the Chinar Corps fraternally.

The mortal remains have been taken to his native village where the last rites will be conducted with full military honours.