Assam Rifles salutes oldest gallantry award winner Hav Mering Ao

At 105 years previous, Ao is a residing bridge to among the most defining chapters of India’s navy historical past. Born on November 15, 1920, in Sungratsu village, he served within the third Battalion of the Assam Rifles, and fought valiantly throughout World Conflict II, taking part within the historic battles of Kohima and Burma.

But it surely was within the tumultuous years after Independence, throughout a counter-insurgency operation in Nagaland in 1960, that he displayed a second of remarkable braveness — eliminating one rebel and injuring two others.

For this act of sheer bravery, he was awarded the Ashok Chakra Class III — now generally known as the Shaurya Chakra — by then President Dr. Rajendra Prasad on April 21, 1960.

Lt Gen Lakhera’s go to to Hav Ao’s residence in Sungratsu was greater than a courtesy name and offered him a token of appreciation. It was a heartfelt gesture of gratitude from the current era of troopers to certainly one of their most revered elders.

“Havildar Mering Ao’s braveness is etched not simply within the annals of navy historical past, however within the hearts of each rifleman who follows in his footsteps,” stated an Assam Rifles officer who accompanied the DG.

This isn’t the primary time the veteran has been recognised. In 2023, then director normal Lt Gen PC Nair had additionally visited him, reaffirming the pressure’s dedication to honouring its heroes.

Over time, Assam Rifles has remained in contact with Hav Ao and his household, guaranteeing that the gratitude of the nation shouldn’t be restricted to ceremonial events.