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, Naik Tape Yajo had risen through the ranks to achieve the position of Naik, a testament to his perseverance, leadership, and exemplary conduct throughout his military career

Poonch Operation (J& K): 21 Sep 2008

In 2008, Naik Tape Yajo’s unit, the 1st Assam Battalion, was deployed in the Poonch district of Jammu & Kashmir. The troops were engaged in counter-insurgency operations on a regular basis, as the unit’s Area of Responsibility (AOR) was highly active with militant activity. The volatility of the region demanded constant vigilance and a state of “high alert” at all times. The area was also prone to infiltration, requiring regular armed patrols to prevent militants from crossing the border and threatening local security. Based on credible intelligence about the presence of a group of hardcore terrorists in Poonch, the unit planned a search-and-cordon operation to neutralize the threat. Naik Tape Yajo was part of the team assigned to this critical mission, which was scheduled for 21 September 2008. On that day, he and his comrades set out to the suspected site, fully aware of the dangers that lay ahead.

As the operation was underway, the team was suddenly ambushed by terrorists armed with automatic weapons. The attack appeared premeditated; the terrorists had likely conducted prior reconnaissance and chose the moment to strike with precision. Despite the close-range, heavy gunfire, Naik Tape Yajo displayed extraordinary bravery. He sustained a bullet injury and was bleeding profusely, yet he pressed on without hesitation, charging at the terrorists alongside his comrades. In a rare display of valor and determination, Naik Tape Yajo and his team succeeded in neutralizing three terrorists, ensuring the successful completion of the operation. Tragically, despite his heroic efforts, Naik Tape Yajo succumbed to his injuries and was martyred on 22 September 2008. 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. His extraordinary bravery remains an inspiring example of selflessness and heroism in the Indian Army.

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, 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 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, 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, 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, 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)