Sepoy Agoi Wangsa SC

Sepoy Agoi Wangsa was born in Tirap district, Arunachal Pradesh, to Shri Wangpoi Wangsa and Smt. Wangkhou Wangsa. Growing up in a region known for its rugged terrain and rich tribal heritage, he was instilled with qualities of resilience, discipline, and patriotism from a young age. After completing his initial education, Sepoy Wangsa felt a deep calling to serve the nation. Inspired by the dedication and bravery of soldiers, he decided to join the armed forces. His commitment to protecting the country led him to enlist in the Assam Regiment, a force known for its role in maintaining security in the Northeast and safeguarding India’s borders. He was recruited into the 3 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.

From the very beginning of his military career, Sepoy Wangsa proved himself to be a dedicated and courageous soldier. He underwent rigorous training and quickly adapted to the demanding life of a soldier. His strong sense of duty, discipline, and unwavering determination made him an invaluable asset to his battalion. His service in 3 Assam placed him on the frontline of numerous challenging operations. He actively participated in counter-insurgency missions and security operations in the Northeastern region, where the battalion was frequently engaged in tackling militant threats and ensuring the safety of civilians.

Punjab Operation: 16 Jun 1992

In June 1992, Sepoy Agoi Wangsa's unit, 3 Assam, was deployed in Punjab, which was severely affected by devastating floods. The calamity submerged vast areas, posing a serious threat to thousands of lives. Amidst this challenging period, Sepoy Agoi Wangsa was part of a search party assigned to conduct a cordon and search operation in Jagatpura village of Punjab on 16 June 1992. The mission aimed to locate and neutralize potential militant threats in the area. Around 12:30 PM, while the team was meticulously searching a house, they were suddenly ambushed by militants concealed in a corner room. The surprise attack placed the search party in immediate peril. Reacting swiftly, the soldiers assumed defensive positions, and an intense exchange of gunfire ensued. During the fierce encounter, two members of the search team became trapped in an adjoining room, directly exposed to the militants' line of fire. With no immediate escape and their lives hanging in the balance, the situation grew increasingly critical.

Realizing the criticality of the situation, Sepoy Wangsa acted with exceptional courage, quick thinking, and selflessness. Without considering his own safety, he decided to take immediate action to rescue his fellow soldiers. With bullets flying all around, Sepoy Wangsa crawled forward to the compound gate, positioning himself in an exposed area where the militants could see him. He engaged the enemy with fire, intentionally drawing their attention towards himself. This bold and calculated move created a crucial diversion, allowing the trapped soldiers a chance to escape. While maintaining suppressive fire against the militants, Sepoy Wangsa simultaneously signaled the two trapped soldiers to move across the compound wall to safety. His quick and fearless decision-making ensured the successful rescue of his comrades, who were able to reach a secure position.

As the gunfight raged on, Sepoy Wangsa was hit in the chest by enemy fire. Despite his serious and life-threatening injury, he remained undeterred and focused on his mission. With incredible willpower, he mustered his remaining strength to close the compound gate, effectively trapping and cornering the militants inside. His brave and decisive action helped his team gain a tactical advantage, ultimately leading to the elimination of the enemy threat. However, during the evacuation process, Sepoy Wangsa succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital. Through his unwavering dedication, exceptional bravery, and supreme sacrifice, Sepoy Agoi Wangsa not only saved the lives of his fellow soldiers but also played a crucial role in securing victory for his unit. Sepoy Agoi Wangsa was given the nation’s third-highest gallantry award “Shaurya Chakra” for his courage, unyielding fighting spirit and supreme sacrifice.

Sepoy Agoi Wangsa is survived by his wife Smt Koiman Wangpan and son Shri Sanpha Wangsa. 

The citation for "Shaurya  Chakra" awarded to him reads:

Sepoy Agoi Wangsa was a member of a search party deployed for cordon and search operation at village Jagatpura on the 16th June 1992. At approximately 1230 hours while carrying out a search of a house. the party was fired upon by some militants hiding in a corner room. The search party immediately took up positions and on intense exchange of fire took place. In this process, two members of the party got trapped in an adjoining room. These people faced serious and grave risk of life from the militants. It was essential to extricate them. Realising the gravity of the situation, Sepov Wangsa crawled forward to the compound gate ard engaged the militants dive ting their attention. Then, he simultaneously directed the two men across the compound wall to move in a safer direction During this exchange of fire, Seney Wangsa was hit in the chest. Unmindful of his injury. be close the cate braving the militants' fire, thereby corner- in them. Sepoy Wangea later, succumbed to the iniury on way to hospital. By his gal'ant action. Sepoy Wangsa saved the lives of his fellow jawans and ensured swift elimination of the militants.

Sepoy Agoi Wangsa, thus, displayed conspicuous courage and devotion to duty.