Guwahati: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma received the Assam Regiment’s highest traditional honour during a Shillong visit on Saturday.At the Assam Regimental Centre, Sarma was conferred the honour of ‘Gaon Bura’. He also paid homage to soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice by laying a wreath at the War Memorial.In a social media post, he said, “Salute to the bravehearts of the Assam Regiment who have always put the Nation First, rising above every circumstance and making the supreme sacrifice.”“We owe an eternal debt of gratitude to our soldiers and their families, who choose Rashtra Seva over every comfort,” he added.He said, “The Assam Regiment embodies the spirit and legacy of undivided Assam. I am honoured to be here today, following in the footsteps of earlier Assam chief ministers who have been invited to this proud Centre.”Sarma recalled the regiment’s origins and battle record.“Raised in 1941 in Shillong amid the threat of Japanese invasion, the Assam Regiment drew its first soldiers from the diverse communities of undivided Assam. They spoke different languages but served with one purpose: the defence of India,” Sarma wrote on X.He highlighted its deployment to protect the Digboi oilfields, role in surveying the Stilwell Road and contribution to the battles of Jessami and Kohima during World War II. Within three years of its raising, 1st Assam earned six Battle Honours and the Theatre Honour “Myanmar”.He also noted the regiment’s role in the 1947–48, 1962, 1965 and 1971 wars, including the defence of Chhamb, and its service in Siachen, Kargil, Sri Lanka and UN missions in Cambodia, Lebanon and the Congo.Referring to the War Memorial, inaugurated in 1953 by then chief minister Bishnu Ram Medhi, Sarma said he felt “deeply humbled” to follow in the footsteps of Medhi and former CM Bimala Prasad Chaliha.“For our youth, this is not merely a memorial. It is a lesson in courage, duty and love for the nation,” he wrote, signing off: “Asam Vikram. Rhino Charge!”Sarma witnessed demonstrations of combat tactics, including drone operations, jungle lane shooting, commando briefing, tribal trap and reflex shooting exercises. Army personnel also showcased martial arts and karate.At the Dah Auditorium, he attended a documentary screening on the regiment’s history, interacted with families of 24 Agniveers and 20 ex-servicemen, and discussed the prevailing situation with the Centre Commandant.Lt General Mohit Wadhwa, GOC, 101 Area, and Centre Commandant Brigadier Vikas Rai Sandilya were present, the CMO said.
