Video: Kupwara encounter braveheart Havildar Hangpan Dada awarded Ashok Chakra posthumously on 68th Republic Day

On the 68th Republic Day, Indian President Pranab Mukherjee awarded Ashok Chakra, the highest peace time gallantry award, to Havildar Hangpan Dada who laid down his life in Kupwara on May 27 after killing three terrorists.

Havildar’s wife, Chasen Lowang Dada received the Ashok Chakra award on behalf of her husband during the Republic Day celebrations at Rajpath in Delhi. Havildar Hangpan Dada belonged to the Assam Regiment. 

The brave jawan killed four intruding terrorists before laying down his life in Kupwara, North Kashmir on May 26, 2106.

An enduring saga of sheer bravery and determination, the 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.

Havildar Hangpan Dada's Army Career:

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 got recruited in the 3rd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment on October 28, 1997.

After serving for six years in the Parachute Regiment, he was transferred to Assam Regimental Centre.

Later, he was taken on strength of 4th Battalion of the Assam Regiment where he served for most of his career.

He was posted to 35 Rashtriya Rifles in May 2016, the unit with which he was serving when he was killed.