Jogindernagar / Mandi: Agniveer Arjun Rana, a young soldier from Salang village under Tikru Panchayat in the Jogindernagar tehsil of Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh, has been awarded the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Commendation Medal for displaying exceptional courage during a militant attack on an Army camp in Assam.
Arjun Rana, son of Rajkumar Rana, was recruited into the Indian Army in 2024 under the Agniveer scheme and serves with the 19 Grenadiers. He was honoured with the medal at a ceremony held in Gujarat.
According to reports, the award recognises Arjun’s prompt and decisive action during an extremist attack on an Army camp in Tinsukia, Assam. When militants arrived in a vehicle and engaged in a firefight with the camp, Arjun opened accurate fire on the driver of the vehicle carrying the attackers, targeting him at close range. The effective response forced the militants to abandon their assault and flee the scene.
Local reports from Divya Himachal and Amar Ujala highlight that Arjun’s presence of mind and fearlessness under fire played a key role in thwarting the militants’ plans. The entire village of Salang and the surrounding Tikru Panchayat area have expressed pride over the recognition received by their young Agniveer.
The Chief of Army Staff Commendation Medal is awarded for distinguished service or acts of exceptional devotion to duty. Arjun’s case stands out as an early recognition of operational bravery by an Agniveer from Himachal Pradesh serving in a sensitive operational area in the Northeast.
Residents of Jogindernagar and Mandi district have welcomed the honour, viewing it as a reflection of the region’s contribution to the Indian Army. Arjun Rana’s family and the local community continue to take pride in his service and the recognition he has earned while serving the nation.
