New Delhi: Elevating the legacy of military exceptionalism to the pinnacle of national recognition, an extraordinary narrative of battlefield grit and supreme sacrifice took center stage at the highest seat of the republic. The Hon’ble President of India, Droupadi Murmu, presented prestigious gallantry awards to eight stellar personnel of the Assam Rifles during the solemn Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 08 June 2026.
The force was decorated with one Kirti Chakra and seven Shaurya Chakras for displaying exemplary courage and tactical brilliance under intense hostile conditions. Headlining the decorations for the Lushai Hills Battalion (1 Assam Rifles) were two bravehearts who rose above the call of duty. Major Arshdeep Singh Gill was awarded the Kirti Chakra for leading a high-stakes counter-insurgency operation near the border fencing site, where he personally neutralized five armed cadres and ensured the elimination of ten hostiles without any friendly casualties. From the same battalion, Subedar PH Moses received the Shaurya Chakra for his sharp tactical maneuverability, drawing enemy fire away from his scouts and neutralizing an armed cadre to safely secure vantage points for his team.
In another display of raw fortitude, Rifleman Dhruba Jyoti Dutta of 33 Assam Rifles was awarded the Shaurya Chakra for surviving a fierce militant ambush in September 2025 whilst returning from a flood relief mission in Imphal Valley (Imphal West District) towards Nambol (Bishnupur District). Despite sustaining multiple critical gunshot wounds, he steered his damaged vehicle out of the killing zone, saving eight fellow soldiers.
This massive recognition stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit, sacrifice and operational excellence of the force in safeguarding the nation. The Assam Rifles takes immense pride in their continuous acts of heroism underscore the force’s enduring commitment for security of the nation.
