In a moving display of respect and remembrance, Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, Director General of Assam Rifles, led all ranks of the force in paying tribute to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty on this solemn day, July 22.
The wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Assam Rifles War Memorial in Laitkor, Shillong, a place that resonates with the echoes of bravery and sacrifice. Officers, junior commissioned officers, and jawans stood united in a moment of silence, honouring those who laid down their lives for the nation.
Lt Gen Lakhera addressed the gathering with emotion and reverence, stating, “The courage of our fallen soldiers is etched in the soul of this nation. They gave their all—not just their service, but their lives—for the ideals we cherish: peace, sovereignty, and national unity. Today, we do not mourn their loss; we honour their legacy.”
The Assam Rifles, often referred to as the “Sentinels of the Northeast,” has a long and storied tradition of guarding India’s eastern frontier and playing a critical role in internal security, counter-insurgency, and humanitarian efforts. On July 22, the force collectively remembers not just one event, but the many lives lost over the decades on this date while performing selfless service.
Each fallen soldier’s name was called out during the Roll of Honour, followed by a ceremonial gun salute. Family members of some martyrs were also present, their grief accompanied by pride, as their loved ones were remembered with dignity and gratitude.
In his address, Lt Gen Lakhera urged all ranks to draw strength from the sacrifices of their comrades. “Let their courage be our compass, their discipline our guiding force. Every drop of blood shed in the line of duty strengthens our resolve to protect the integrity of our nation.”
The ceremony also served as a moment of reflection for the younger recruits and officers present, reminding them of the values of honour, duty, and sacrifice that define the ethos of the Assam Rifles.
While the ceremony marked a day of remembrance, it also reaffirmed the Assam Rifles' commitment to its core mission—ensuring peace and stability in the region. Lt Gen Lakhera emphasized that modernization efforts would continue, but never at the cost of the human spirit that drives the force.
As bugles sounded and flags lowered in honour of the fallen, the message was clear: their sacrifice will never be forgotten.