Havildar Hangpan Dada, who died in Kupwara on May 27 after killing three terrorists, has been awarded Ashok Chakra, the highest peace time gallantry award. Havildar’s wife, Chasen Lowang Dada received the Ashok Chakra award from President Pranab Mukherjee on Rajpath during the Republic Day celebrations in the national capital. Havildar Hangpan Dada belonged to the Assam Regiment. The brave jawan killed four intruding terrorists before sacrificing down his life in North Kashmir on May 26, 2016.
An epitome of sheer grit and determination, 36-year-old Havildar fought valiantly at the 13,000-feet high Shamsabari range in Northern Kashmir along the Line of Control (LoC). It was him who spotted the suspicious movement of terrorists in the area. Soon after, in no time he engaged in an encounter and gunned down three terrorist before sacrificing his life for the nation. His body was taken to his native town where the last rites were performed with military honours. He, single-handedly killed the three terrorists and his actions led to the elimination of the fourth terrorist.
About Havildar Hangpan Dada:
- Hangpan was born on October 2, 1979 in Borduria village in Tirap district of Arunanchal Pradesh. He was fondly called Dada by his comrades.
- Hangpan was recruited in the 3rd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment on October 28, 1997.
- After six years, he was transferred to Assam Regimental Centre and on January 24, 2008.
- Later, he was taken on strength of 4th Battalion The Assam Regiment where he served the most.
The Ashoka Chakra Award:
The Ashoka Chakra is India’s highest peacetime military decoration which is being awarded for valor, courageous action or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield. It is the peace time equivalent of the Param Vir Chakra. The Ashoka Chakra is a depiction of the ‘dharmachakra’ which is represented with 24 spokes. The most visible use of the Ashoka Chakra is at the centre of the tricolor.
The Ashoka Chakra award is awarded for the most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent valour or self-sacrifice other than in the face of the enemy. The decoration may be awarded either to military or civilian personnel. It replaced the British George Cross.
To make his service memorable, The Assam Regimental Centre (ARC) has named its main office block in its headquarters after Hangpan Dada. The plaque was inaugurated by Dada’s wife Chasen Lowang Dada. Also, the then Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu renamed the annual football and volleyball tournaments for Chief Minister’s Trophy as Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy.
