Morung Express News
Dimapur | July 15
Two years after their return following a successful campaign in Chhattisgarh against Maoist insurgents (April 2005-2007), the ‘Daring 9th IRB’ erected a memorial at its Battalion Headquarters (IR) in Saijang, Jalukie, in memory of their fallen comrades. The memorial was unveiled by Nagaland DGP, K Kire this morning at 9:30 am.
The triangular memorial — made of marble and granite — was constructed from freewill donations from the ranks and file of the 9th IR Bn. It stands near the main entrance gate of the battalion headquarters and has the name, rank and regimental number of the slain IRB soldiers who were killed in action in Chhattisgarh.
The words “With pride and honour we remember you, dear comrade,” is inscribed on the memorial for all to see. The holes on the sides of the tower symbolises the ‘space’ left by departed jawans, while the triangular base represents the foundation of the battalion to render ‘service security and sacrifice; the triangular tower represents the three creeds of Christianity, Hinduism and Islam to denote ‘oneness in the battalion, in the belief of God’.
Chief guest DGP K Kire said to have felt humbled and sad because he was not aware of the construction of the memorial and that he could not contribute anything towards it. Nonetheless, he expressed happiness that the men and officers of the 9th IRB contributed to built the memorial in memory of the slain heroes.
Expressing sympathy to the friends and relatives of the slain soldiers, Kire said the fallen soldiers made ‘extreme sacrifice in the line of duty’ and laid down their lives for the nation. He asserted that as long as the Nagaland Police exists, the sacrifice of the killed 9th IRB jawan would never be forgotten. “We are proud that they have laid down their lives in the line of duty,” said Kire. Sharing the grief of the dead soldiers. he said “This is extreme sacrifice a policeman can do in the line of duty.” Suggesting that the memorial site be converted into a park, the DGP assured that the PHQ would extend assistance.
The IGP of Bastar zone Chhattisgarh, TJ Longkumer who was scheduled to attend, could not do so due to the volatile situation in Chhattisgarh after the recent incident were 30 policemen were killed. He sent a message which was read out. IGP Longkumer, while extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and relatives, said that the 9th IRB has etched on the minds of the tribals about the “Naga Force”, and that would be the legacy of the fallen soldiers, he said.
The Deputy Commandant of the 9th IRB, Iherie Ndang said that the force, as it is normal in wartime, suffered casualties and lost to Maoist insurgents twenty men which included an assistant commandant and two ABSI.
On returning to Nagaland after their two-year stay, the soldiers could not console themselves over the dead of their comrades, Ndang said. For this, all the rank and file of the 9th IRB starting from the commandant to the lowest rank, decided to collect money and erect the tower in memory of the slain soldiers. The design was created by Engineers Wati and Satu, free of cost.
Speaking on behalf of the bereaved families was the father of slain assistant commandant Sarhotho Pochury. He urged the gathering to pray for the souls of the departed souls and at the same time urged the DGP to arrange a trip for the relatives and family members to Chhattisgarh for them to see the place where their near and dear one had laid down their lives. DGP, Kire assured that once the situation improves in Chhattisgarh, the Nagaland PHQ will talk with the Chhattisgarh government for the trip. Special songs were presented by soldiers of the 9th IRB and the Unit School students during the programme.
It may be mentioned here that the 9th NAP Bn (IR) is the first IR battalion in the state of Nagaland raised on April 1 1999. It was engaged with various law and order duties throughout the duties and clinched a name during the 2003 state assembly election where its role was highly acclaimed. Thereafter, the Chhattisgarh government through the Union Home Ministry requisitioned the help of the 9th IRB to fight the naxalites in the state. The battalion moved out on 20th June 2005 for Chhattisgarh and actively involved in anti Maoist operations for two years. However, the 9th IRB also lost 21 of its soldiers in action which included an assistant commander and two ABSI.
After two years in Chhattisgarh, the 9th IRB returned to Nagaland during mid 2007, and was headquartered permanently at Saijang in Peren district.
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