Naik Tape Yajo KC

Naik Tape Yajo hailed from Karo village in the Shi-Yomi district of Arunachal Pradesh. Born on 19 August 1977 to Shri Tamang Yajo and Smt Yappon Yajo, he grew up in a family that instilled in him the values of discipline, perseverance, and dedication. After completing his school education, he chose to serve the nation and joined the Indian Army on 26 December 1995, at the age of 18. He was recruited into the 1st Assam Battalion of the Assam Regiment, an infantry unit renowned for its dauntless soldiers and exemplary battle record. The Assam Regiment, raised on 15 June 1941 in Shillong, had earned Battle Honours for its tenacious defence at Chamb during the 1971 Indo-Pak War, a legacy of courage that Naik Tape Yajo proudly inherited. Following his initial training, Naik Tape Yajo was deployed across various operational areas, including the North-East and Jammu & Kashmir, where he actively participated in critical military operations. Among these were ‘Operation Rakshak,’ focused on counter-insurgency, and ‘Operation Parakram,’ a major mobilization along India’s western front, reflecting his adaptability and dedication in both peacetime and operational contexts.

Over the years, his exceptional service and commitment were recognized through numerous awards and medals. These included the 50th Year of Independence Anniversary Army Medal, the Videsh Seva Medal with Clasp Bhutan, the Special Service Medal with Clasp Suraksha, the ‘Op Rakshak’ Medal, the High Altitude Medal, the 9 Years Long Service Medal, and the ‘Op Parakram’ Medal. Each award symbolized not only his courage and discipline but also his unwavering dedication to the country. By 2008, after approximately 12 years of distinguished service, he had risen through the ranks to achieve the position of Naik, a testament to his perseverance, leadership, and exemplary conduct throughout his military career.

 Operation Kalas (Poonch: J&K): 21 Sep 2008

In 2008, Naik Tape Yajo was serving with the 1st Assam Battalion, which was deployed in the Poonch district of Jammu & Kashmir—one of the most volatile regions along the Line of Control. The area was frequently targeted by infiltrating militants, demanding constant vigilance and round-the-clock counter-insurgency operations. The soldiers of his unit operated under extreme conditions, often facing hostile terrain, unpredictable ambushes, and relentless enemy fire. During September 2008, intelligence inputs indicated the presence of heavily armed terrorists in the dense Kalas Forest area. In response, the unit launched “Operation Kalas” from 21 to 26 September 2008, with the objective of neutralizing the infiltrating group. Naik Tape Yajo, serving as the lead scout of a search party, was tasked with moving ahead of his team to detect and engage any concealed militants. While searching through the thickly wooded re-entrant in grid reference MY 0976, Naik Tape Yajo noticed movement behind a large boulder. On closer observation, he spotted a terrorist hiding amidst the dense undergrowth. Displaying remarkable composure and tactical skill, he crawled forward under cover and, in a sudden and precise burst of fire, eliminated the terrorist from close range.

However, this action immediately drew intense retaliatory fire and grenade attacks from another terrorist concealed nearby. Despite sustaining severe bullet and splinter injuries, Naik Tape refused to retreat. Bleeding profusely, he continued to crawl through the thick vegetation toward the second terrorist’s position. In an extraordinary act of courage and determination, he neutralized the second terrorist with a grenade, even as his condition worsened. Before his comrades could provide cover, a third terrorist opened fire from a nearby position. By now, Naik Tape Yajo’s weapon had been damaged and his injuries were critical—but his spirit remained unbroken. Summoning his last reserves of strength, he charged towards the terrorist armed only with his traditional dah (knife). In the fierce exchange that followed, he was mortally wounded by hostile fire from close quarters, making the supreme sacrifice on 22 September 2008 in the highest traditions of the Indian Army.

The close-quarter battle lasted for nearly an hour, during which Naik Tape Yajo displayed unmatched courage, leadership, and devotion to duty. His fearless advance under heavy enemy fire and his refusal to abandon the mission even after being grievously injured inspired all his comrades and turned the tide of the engagement. At just 31 years of age, he had laid down his life in the supreme service of his nation. In recognition of his indomitable courage, unwavering devotion to duty, and ultimate sacrifice, Naik Tape Yajo was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra, the nation’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award, on 26 January 2009. 

Naik Tape Yajo is survived by his father Shri Tamang Yajo, mother Smt Yappon Yajo and three children including daughter Ms Yaming Yajo. 

The citation for the ‘Kirti Chakra’ awarded to him reads :

Naik Tape Yajo was the leading scout of a search party launched to clear a thickly wooded re-entrant in Kalas Forest MY 0976 during OPERATION KALAS conducted from 21 to 26 September 2008. During the search, Naik Tape spotted one terrorist concealed behind a boulder in thick undergrowth. He crawled close to this terrorist and engaged him. The charging terrorist was killed by Naik Tape by fire from close range. This action drew intense fire and grenade attack from a second terrorist who was concealed behind another boulder. Inspite of severe bullet and splinter injuries, Naik Tape crawled through thick undergrowth to close on this terrorist and killed him with a grenade. This exposed him to the fire of a third terrorist. Profusely bleeding and with his weapon damaged, Naik Tape charged on the terrorist with his dah to be felled down by intense hostile fire from close quarters.

Throughout this one hour close quarter battle, Naik Tape displayed indomitable courage and undaunting resolve even when mortally injured. Naik Tape Yajo displayed exceptional bravery and leadership with total disregard to his life while leading the operation against the terrorists. Naik Tape Yajo sacrificed his life in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. For this conspicuous act of gallantry he was awarded “KIRTI CHAKRA” on 26 Jan 2009. (Posthumously)

• The Army Auditorium at Aalo in Arunachal Pradesh has been named “Tape Yajo Auditorium” in honour of Naik Tape Yajo, as a lasting tribute to his distinguished service and sacrifice for the nation.

• The approach road from the Trans-Arunachal Highway to Naik Tape Yajo's residence has also been named “Tape Yajo Road”, serving as a proud reminder of his courage and dedication to the Indian Army.

These memorials stand as enduring symbols of his valour, patriotism, and the deep respect he continues to command among the people of Arunachal Pradesh.