Imphal , July 7: The Indian Army on Monday paid rich tributes to two personnel of the Assam Rifles who laid down their lives in the line of duty during an operational deployment in Manipur.

Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Havildar Chandra Mohan Singh made the supreme sacrifice while performing their duties in the violence-affected northeastern state. The circumstances surrounding the operation have not yet been officially disclosed.
Expressing profound grief over the loss, Lieutenant General V.M.B. Krishnan, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command, along with all ranks, conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
In a statement, the Eastern Command said the Indian Army salutes the courage, dedication and selfless service of the two brave soldiers, who upheld the highest traditions of the armed forces in the discharge of their duties.
"The Indian Army stands firmly with the bereaved families during this hour of grief," the statement said, reaffirming its unwavering support to the next of kin of the fallen personnel.
The Assam Rifles, India's oldest paramilitary force operating under the operational control of the Indian Army, has been at the forefront of counter-insurgency and internal security operations in the Northeast, particularly in Manipur, where security forces continue to undertake operations to restore peace and stability.
The sacrifice of Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Havildar Chandra Mohan Singh has once again underscored the immense risks faced by security personnel deployed in challenging operational environments to safeguard the nation's security and protect civilian lives.