Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma paid tribute to soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during a visit to the Assam Regiment War Memorial in Shillong on Saturday, August 29.
Sarma visited the Assam Regimental Centre, the headquarters of the Indian Army’s Assam Regiment, and laid a wreath at the memorial. He remembered fallen personnel and highlighted their courage, dedication and commitment to national service.
Assam CM pays homage at War Memorial
During the visit, Assam CM Sarma paid homage to the soldiers commemorated at the War Memorial. He also signed the visitors’ book at the Assam Regimental Centre.
In a post on X, Sarma said the courage and sacrifice of the fallen soldiers would continue to inspire generations to serve the nation with dedication. He also described his interaction with serving personnel as an opportunity to understand their daily life, discipline and responsibilities.
The tribute came during a wider visit to the regimental centre, where the Chief Minister observed military training and interacted with Army personnel.
Assam CM visits historic regimental centre
The Assam Regimental Centre has been based in Shillong since 1941, when it was established during the Second World War. The centre is the headquarters of the Assam Regiment and has a long association with the military history of the Northeast.
According to reports, Sarma’s visit was the first by an Assam Chief Minister to the centre after Dispur became the permanent capital of Assam. Earlier, former chief ministers Bishnuram Medhi and Bimala Prasad Chaliha had visited the centre.
The War Memorial carries the names of soldiers who died in service. It was inaugurated in 1953 and was later expanded and renovated. The expanded memorial was dedicated in 2016.
Assam CM witnesses Army training
As part of the visit, Sarma witnessed demonstrations of combat tactics and military training. These included drone-based tactics, jungle lane shooting, commando briefing, tribal trap exercises and reflex shooting range activities.
Army personnel also demonstrated martial arts and karate. The activities gave the Chief Minister an overview of the physical training, operational skills and discipline expected of serving personnel.
Moreover, the programme included a screening of a documentary on the history of the Assam Regiment at the centre’s Dah Auditorium. Sarma also interacted with officers and other Army personnel during the visit.
Interaction with Agniveer families and veterans
Sarma met the families of 24 Agniveers and 20 ex-servicemen during his visit. He also held discussions with the Centre Commandant on the functioning of the regimental centre and the prevailing situation.
The interactions added a broader dimension to the visit, bringing together serving personnel, veterans and families connected with military service. For Assam and the wider Northeast, the Assam Regiment has a longstanding association with the region and its communities.
The Chief Minister said spending time with soldiers and their families was an honour and an inspiring experience. He also recalled the role of the armed forces in safeguarding the country’s freedom and territorial integrity.
Assam CM highlights legacy of sacrifice
The visit placed renewed attention on the history and traditions of the Assam Regiment. Sarma said the regiment’s record of valour and sacrifice remained a source of inspiration.
The Assam Regiment was raised in Shillong in 1941, and its early personnel came from different communities of undivided Assam. Its wartime service included operations connected with the defence of northeastern India during the Second World War.
In his remarks after the memorial visit, Sarma stressed that the sacrifices of soldiers who gave their lives in service of the country would remain part of the nation’s collective memory. He also saluted the regiment’s fallen personnel and acknowledged the continuing commitment of those serving today.
The visit therefore combined remembrance with engagement with the present-day Army. By paying respects at the memorial and meeting soldiers, veterans and families, Assam CM Sarma underlined the enduring importance of military service and sacrifice. The occasion also highlighted the historic connection between the regiment, Shillong and the wider Northeast.