The Assam Rifles took time on Tuesday to pay tribute to their oldest recipient of a gallantry award, Havildar Mering Ao, at his home in Sungratsu village in Nagaland. The Director General went to the veteran personally and gave him a gift to honour his dedicated and heroic service.
On November 15, 1920, Hav Ao was born in a world that helped shape the Indian military. While he was part of the 3rd Battalion of the Assam Rifles, he fought bravely in World War II during the Battle of Kohima and took part in Burma operations. They were key moments in the fight today
He saved many lives for the first time after India secured its independence. During the 1960 counter-insurgency in Nagaland, Hav Ao demonstrated extreme courage while facing fire. For taking the life of one insurgent and injuring two others in one move, he received the Ashok Chakra Class III—now called the Shaurya Chakra. The highest award was conferred on Nehru by India’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, on April 21, 1960.
Lt Gen Lakhera had a real purpose for coming. It made it clear that the Assam Rifles deeply respects and appreciates its veterans. “Seeing how brave Havildar Mering Ao was has become an inspiration to all who follow our military path,” a colleague added.
The force has marked Hav Ao with honour before. The DG Lt Gen PC Nair did the same in 2023, marking that the Assam Rifles honours and values its vets both after serving and years later.
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