Rifleman Khampai Wangsu SM

Rfn Khampai Wangsu after completing his initial education joined the army. He was recruited into 13 Assam Rif battalion of Assam Rifles, the oldest para-military force of India with its headquarters at Shillong. 

Jairampur Operation: 22 Jan 2017

During 2017, Rfn Khampai Wangsu's unit 13 Assam Rifles was deployed in Arunachal Pradesh. In view of the Pansau Pass winter festival in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh, organized by the Arunachal Pradesh government, 13 Assam Rif battalion was tasked to ensure the security of the tourists and sanitize the route expected to be taken by them. Consequently, a road opening party (ROP) was detailed to undertake this task from Jairampur in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh to Tinkopani in Tinsukia district of Assam on 22 Jan 2017. Rfn Khampai Wangsu and Rfn L Ginlan Ven Nagaithe were part of the team that was assigned this task. 

Around 8 AM in the morning, as the road opening party (ROP) was traversing along National Highway 38 in Jairampur in Assam’s Tinsukia district, they were attacked by the suspected ULFA (I) and NSCN (K) terrorists. It was a pre-planned attack by a group of 15-20 heavily armed terrorists. They hurled grenades and also resorted to indiscriminate firing form automatic weapons.  Rfn Khampai Wangsu being the lead escort faced the brunt of the attack and was grievously injured. However, disregarding the danger to his life, Rfn Khampai stood his ground and instantly retaliated with fire, which continued for approximately 30 minutes. Two vehicles carrying tourists to the Pangsau Pass Winter Festival too got damaged but none of the visitors was injured.

But during the exchange of fire, Rfn Khampai Wangsu and Rfn L Ginlan Ven Nagaithe got severely injured and were evacuated for medical treatment. However, they succumbed to their injuries and were martyred. Rfn Khampai Wangsu was a gallant and committed soldier who laid down his life in the line of his duty. Rfn Khampai Wangsu was given the gallantry award, “Sena Medal” for his commendable courage, devotion to duty and supreme sacrifice. The medal was received by his wife Smt Sesa Wangsu in a Investiture Ceremony conducted at Albert Eka Auditorium in Fort William Kolkata on February 24, 2018.. 

Rfn Khampai Wangsu  is survived by his wife Smt Sesa Wangsu.