Chandel: In a solemn ceremony at Joupi in the Chandel district, Assam Rifles paid rich tributes to the late Naib Subedar Chandra Singh, Kirti Chakra, of 17 Assam Rifles. The event honoured the supreme sacrifice of the braveheart who laid down his life during a historic expedition to Mount Kanchenjunga in Sikkim on 31 May 1987.
Demonstrating indomitable courage, Naib Subedar Chandra Singh led the second summit party after the first party went missing under inclement weather conditions. Despite a grueling seventeen-hour climb and a daring rescue of a team member during the final ascent, the party successfully scaled the summit at 1430 hours on 31 May 1987. They unfurled the Indian Tricolour without the aid of supplemental oxygen. Tragically, while descending via the Yalung glacier, he lost his balance and made the ultimate sacrifice.
The memorial event was attended by 40 personnel who gathered to reflect upon his extraordinary tenacity and devotion to duty. The ceremony commenced with the laying of wreaths by the unit representatives, who recounted the hero’s saga to inspire a sense of pride across all ranks. A Guard of Honour was subsequently presented to commemorate his valour. This tribute reaffirms the commitment of Assam Rifles to honouring the legacy of its heroes and upholding the highest traditions of the force.
