Hangpan Dada was a brave Indian Army soldier whose extraordinary courage and sacrifice made him a national hero. He was born on 2 June 1979 in Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh. He served as a Havildar in the Assam Rifles, one of India’s oldest and most prestigious paramilitary forces.
Havildar Hangpan Dada is remembered for his supreme bravery during a counter-insurgency operation on 26 May 2016 in the Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh. During the operation, his team encountered heavily armed militants. Despite being critically injured, Hangpan Dada continued to fight fearlessly. He charged at the terrorists at close range, eliminated several of them, and protected his fellow soldiers.
His actions prevented the militants from escaping and saved many lives. Even after sustaining fatal injuries, he displayed exceptional courage, leadership, and devotion to duty. His selfless act stands as one of the finest examples of valor in the Indian Armed Forces.
For his unmatched bravery and supreme sacrifice, Havildar Hangpan Dada was posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award. He was the first person from Arunachal Pradesh to receive this prestigious honor.
Havildar Hangpan Dada attained martyrdom at the age of 36. He is remembered as a symbol of courage, patriotism, and sacrifice. His life continues to inspire the youth of India to serve the nation with honor, bravery, and unwavering commitment.