In a solemn ceremony commemorating the ninth anniversary of Havildar Hangpan Dada’s selfless sacrifice, Lieutenant General Abhijit S Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding of the Spear Corps, paid his respects at the soldier’s memorial located in Borduria village, Tirap district. This poignant event took place on May 26, 2025, honoring the memory of Havildar Dada, who, in 2016, bravely laid down his life during a fierce encounter in Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir, where he eliminated four terrorists.
During the ceremony, Lt Gen Pendharkar laid a wreath at the memorial, recognizing Havildar Dada’s extraordinary courage, which earned him the Ashok Chakra posthumously in 2017—India’s highest award for gallantry during peacetime. The occasion featured a solemn guard of honor performed by Indian Army soldiers, and a memorial bust of Havildar Dada adorned with a garland, representing his lasting legacy. The site was beautifully decorated with flowers and candles, drawing numerous community members and local dignitaries who came to pay their respects.
Born on October 2, 1979, in Borduria, Havildar Dada made his mark in the Assam Regiment before serving with the Rashtriya Rifles. On that fateful day in May 2016, while deployed in the volatile Kupwara sector, he demonstrated remarkable bravery by neutralizing three terrorists and injuring a fourth, successfully thwarting an infiltration attempt. His heroism, however, came at a great personal cost, as he ultimately sacrificed his life in the line of duty, becoming a symbol of valor for the Indian Armed Forces.
At the event, Lt Gen Pendharkar took the opportunity to meet with Havildar Dada’s family, assuring them of the Army’s unwavering support and expressing the nation’s heartfelt gratitude for their loss. His engagement with the family highlighted the military’s ongoing commitment to the welfare of the loved ones of fallen heroes, ensuring they are not forgotten.
The General Officer also reached out to ex-servicemen from the Tirap and Longding districts during his visit, acknowledging their valuable contributions to national security and local development. Speaking to the veterans at a local community hall, he emphasized the strategic importance of the region, which has been a focal point for both counter-insurgency operations and developmental challenges in proximity to the Line of Actual Control. This interaction underscored the Indian Army’s dual role in defense and in fostering stability and growth within the Northeast.
The legacy of Havildar Dada is celebrated across India, with several tributes established in his honor. A bridge in Daporijo, Arunachal Pradesh, and a stand at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens bear his name. Their recognition is further solidified as the Assam Regimental Centre has named its main office block after him, and the Chief Minister’s Trophy for football and volleyball in Arunachal Pradesh has been renamed the Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy. These honors help to keep his memory alive in both military and civilian contexts.
As the ceremony drew to a close, Lt Gen Pendharkar emphasized the importance of continued operational readiness within the Army, reinforcing their unwavering dedication to protecting the nation. The tribute in Borduria stand as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by brave soldiers like Havildar Hangpan Dada and the collective responsibility of the nation to remember and honor their valorous deeds.
