Naik Tape Yajo KC

Naik Tape Yajo hailed from Karo village of Shi-Yomi district in  Arunachal Pradesh. Son of Shri Tamang Yajo and Smt Yappon Yajo, Naik Tape Yajo was born on 19 Aug 1977.  He joined the army after completing his school education on 26 December, 1995 at the age of 18 years. He was recruited into 1 Assam battalion of the Assam Regiment, an infantry Regiment well known for its dauntless soldiers and numerous battle exploits. Raised on 15 June 1941 in Shillong, the Assam Regiment was awarded Battle Honours for its tenacious defence at Chamb in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Following the completion of his training, he served in various operational areas including North-East, and J&K, and took part in many significantly important operations such as 'Op Rakshak' and 'Op Parakram'.

As the years rolled by, he received many medals for his meritorious service including the 50th Year of Independence Anniversary Army Medal, Videsh Seva medal with Clasp Bhutan, Special Seva medal with Clasp Suraksha, 'Op Rakshak' Medal, High Altitude Medal, 9 Years Long Service Medal and 'Op Parakram' Medal.  By the year 2008, he had put in around 12 years of service and had been promoted to the rank of Naik.

Poonch Operation (J& K): 21 Sep 2008

During 2008, Naik Tape Yajo‘s unit 1 Assam battalion was deployed in the Poonch district of J&K. The unit troops were engaged in operations against the terrorists on a regular basis as the unit's area of responsibility (AOR) was active with militancy. The volatility of its AOR demanded 'high alert' at all times on the part of the troops. The area was also prone to infiltration, which necessitated regular armed patrols to check any infiltration from across the border. Based on information from intelligence sources about the presence of some hardcore terrorists in Poonch district, the unit decided to launch an operation to track down the terrorists on 21 Sep 2008. Naik Tape Yajo was part of the team that was tasked with the operation. On 21 Sep 2008, Naik Tape Yajo and his comrades set off for the suspected site for a search and cordon operation in the Poonch district.

However, as the operation was underway, the suspected terrorists attacked the troops using automatic weapons. It was a pre-planned move by the terrorists who apparently had done the reconnaissance of the area and planned to attack at the time of their choosing. The attack was sudden and from a very close range with heavy automatic weapons. In the ensuing gunfight at close range, Naik Tape Yajo was wounded with a bullet injury. Despite being wounded and bleeding profusely, he charged at the terrorists without caring for his safety. In a rare show of courage and gallantry, Naik Tape Yajo and his comrades managed to eliminate three terrorists. His gallant action led to the elimination of the terrorists and the successful completion of the operation. However, Naik Tape Yajo later succumbed to his injuries and was martyred on 22 September 2008. Naik Tape Yajo was a determined and courageous soldier, who laid down his life at the age of 31 years in the line of his duty. Naik Tape Yajo was given the nation’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award, “Kirti Chakra” posthumously on 26 Jan 2009 for his indomitable courage, bravery, devotion to duty, and supreme sacrifice.

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