In a heartfelt ceremony marking the ninth anniversary of Havildar Hangpan Dada’s heroic sacrifice, Lieutenant General Abhijit S Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Spear Corps, paid tribute at the soldier’s memorial in Borduria village, Tirap district. The ceremony, held on May 26, 2025, commemorated the day in 2016 when Havildar Dada laid down his life after eliminating four terrorists during a fierce encounter in Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir.
Lt Gen Pendharkar laid a wreath at the memorial, honoring the courage of Havildar Dada, who was posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra in 2017—India’s highest peacetime gallantry award. The solemn ceremony included a guard of honor by Indian Army soldiers and a garlanded bust of Havildar Dada, symbolizing his enduring legacy. The site was adorned with flowers and candles, drawing community members and local dignitaries to pay their respects.
Born on October 2, 1979, in Borduria, Havildar Dada served in the Assam Regiment and later with the Rashtriya Rifles. On May 26, 2016, while deployed in the volatile Kupwara sector, he exhibited unparalleled bravery by killing three terrorists at close quarters and wounding a fourth, effectively foiling an infiltration attempt. His decisive actions came at the cost of his own life, a sacrifice that has become a beacon of valor for the Indian Armed Forces.
During the event, Lt Gen Pendharkar met with Havildar Dada’s family, offering assurances of the Army’s unwavering support and expressing the nation’s gratitude. His interaction with the family underscored the Army’s enduring commitment to the welfare of its fallen heroes’ loved ones.
The GOC also took time to engage with ex-servicemen from Tirap and Longding districts, recognizing their contributions to national security and development. Addressing the veterans at a local community hall, he highlighted the strategic importance of the region, which has seen both counter-insurgency operations and developmental challenges near the Line of Actual Control. The interaction reflected the Indian Army’s role not only in defense but also in fostering stability and growth in the Northeast.
Havildar Dada’s legacy continues to be honored across India. A bridge in Daporijo, Arunachal Pradesh, and a stand at Eden Gardens in Kolkata bear his name. The Assam Regimental Centre has named its main office block after him, and the Chief Minister’s Trophy in Arunachal Pradesh for football and volleyball has been renamed the Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy. These tributes ensure his memory lives on in both military and civilian spheres.
As the ceremony concluded, Lt Gen Pendharkar called for continued operational preparedness, reinforcing the Army’s readiness and dedication to safeguarding the nation. The tribute in Borduria was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers like Havildar Hangpan Dada and the responsibility of the nation to remember and honor them.
