In a deeply moving ceremony marked by military precision and heartfelt emotion, the Assam Rifles laid to rest Naib Subedar Kunjabihari Singha with full military honors in his native village of Madaripur, Hailakandi district. The soldier, who served with the 27 Assam Rifles, passed away on May 22 in Shillong. The final rites were performed in the presence of fellow soldiers, grieving family members, and local villagers who came together to pay their last respects.

The ceremony reflected the time-honored traditions of the armed forces. The coffin, draped in the national tricolor and adorned with marigold garlands, was carried in solemn procession by uniformed personnel of the Assam Rifles. A ceremonial guard of honor was presented as a mark of respect, while fellow soldiers stood in formation to salute their comrade one last time. The ground, covered in a blue tarp, hosted a modest yet dignified memorial setup, including a signboard commemorating Singha’s service and sacrifice.

Assam Rifles officials spoke of Singha’s dedication and courage, emphasizing his role in maintaining peace and security in one of India’s most challenging regions. The force, often referred to as the “Sentinels of the North East,” has a long and distinguished history dating back to 1835 when it was established as the Cachar Levy. Today, it continues to play a pivotal role in counterinsurgency operations and border security, especially along the India-Myanmar frontier.

Military funerals are among the highest honors an active service member can receive in India. Although typically reserved for those in active duty or select high-ranking veterans, the full ceremonial tribute for Naib Subedar Singha underscores the deep respect and reverence the armed forces extend to those who serve with distinction.

The event served as a moment of unity and reflection for the villagers, many of whom expressed pride in Singha’s legacy. It was not just a farewell, but a tribute to a life spent in service to the nation. The Assam Rifles’ gesture reaffirmed their commitment to honoring their fallen and reminded the nation of the silent sacrifices made daily by those guarding its borders.

In a crucial move reflecting India’s heightened military alertness, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, the newly appointed Northern Army Commander, visited the frontline formations of the Fire & Fury Corps deployed along the Line of Control (LoC) in Ladakh on Saturday. The high-level visit comes in the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives and has been attributed to Pakistan-sponsored militants.

During his tour, Lt Gen Sharma conducted a detailed assessment of the operational readiness of troops stationed in one of the world’s most hostile terrains. He reviewed the security situation along the LoC and interacted directly with soldiers, lauding their grit, commitment, and resilience in maintaining a strong defensive posture under extreme conditions.

Significantly, the Army Commander highlighted the Fire & Fury Corps’ increasing reliance on advanced technologies, such as AI-driven surveillance systems and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which have become critical tools for monitoring and deterring cross-border threats. He praised the successful integration of these systems, stating that technological modernization is key to India’s strategic edge in Ladakh.

Lt Gen Sharma also underscored the need for continued vigilance along both western and eastern borders, pointing to the evolving threat landscape involving both Pakistan and China. The Fire & Fury Corps, led by Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla and headquartered in Leh, remains the spearhead of India’s defense in Ladakh, a region of pivotal strategic interest.

The visit echoes the Indian Army’s broader focus on modernization and capability enhancement, particularly after the 2020 Galwan Valley clash exposed deficiencies in surveillance and intelligence infrastructure. According to a 2024 report by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), over 140 AI-based surveillance systems have been deployed along the LoC and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to counter infiltration and hostile activity.

By reviewing frontline deployments and engaging with the troops, Lt Gen Sharma not only assessed preparedness but also reaffirmed the Indian Army’s commitment to the ethos of “Nation First.” His visit served as a strong morale booster and a clear message to adversaries that India remains resolute in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity amid a volatile security environment.

Colonel (Retd) Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, an Olympian and former Indian Army officer, paid a special visit to the Indian Army’s elite 3 Para SF (Russell’s Vipers) on May 23, 2025, engaging with special forces personnel and demonstrating his signature shooting skills at an undisclosed military firing range.

The visit reflected Rathore’s enduring connection to the armed forces and his background in competitive shooting. Wearing a white shirt, blue trousers, and formal brown shoes, he was photographed handling an M4A1 Carbine and a sidearm, while interacting with troops and inspecting an array of firearms. The rugged terrain of the range, marked by sandbags and sparse vegetation, served as a fitting backdrop for the interaction.

A veteran of the Kargil War and former officer of The Grenadiers regiment, Rathore retired from the Army in 2013 with the rank of colonel. His presence with the 3 Para SF—renowned for their participation in high-risk operations and joint exercises like Vajra Prahar with U.S. forces—underscored a shared spirit of service and excellence.

Sources suggest the visit was made possible through special permissions, not typically granted to retired officers, highlighting Rathore’s unique stature as both a military veteran and Olympic medalist. His illustrious sporting career includes a historic silver medal in shooting at the 2004 Athens Olympics, as well as multiple world and Asian championship titles between 2003 and 2006.

After retiring from the Army, Rathore transitioned to public life, becoming a Member of Parliament with the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2014. He has since held ministerial roles, including as Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and later as Cabinet Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports.

Rathore’s visit serves as both a tribute to his dual legacy as a soldier and sportsman, and a celebration of the professionalism and readiness of India’s special forces. His interaction with the 3 Para SF stands as a motivational moment for both serving personnel and aspiring youth across the country.

In a solemn ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu awarded the Shaurya Chakra to Major Ashish Dahiya of the Corps of Engineers, currently attached to the 50 Rashtriya Rifles, for acts of exceptional bravery, leadership, and tactical brilliance during multiple counter-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district. The Shaurya Chakra, India’s third-highest peacetime gallantry award, is given for valorous action in non-combat zones such as anti-terrorism and counter-insurgency duties.

Major Dahiya, who has served with the Rashtriya Rifles since June 2022, was a key leader in at least five high-risk operations that led to the elimination of four hardcore terrorists and the neutralization of three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). His actions directly enhanced operational success and troop safety in one of India’s most volatile conflict zones.

One of the most daring missions occurred on June 2, 2024, in a densely populated area of Pulwama. Intelligence reports indicated the presence of well-armed militants preparing for a major strike. As Major Dahiya led the cordon and search operation, the terrorists launched a fierce assault using small arms and grenades. In the chaos, a grenade blast wounded one of his team members. Undeterred and fully aware of the danger, Major Dahiya crawled under sustained enemy fire to reach the injured soldier. Risking his own life, he provided first aid and coordinated a safe evacuation, preventing further casualties.

He later engaged one of the fleeing militants in close-quarter combat, eliminating an A++ category terrorist known for orchestrating several attacks across South Kashmir. His decisive action turned the tide of the encounter, reinforcing the operation’s success.

These courageous efforts were part of a larger campaign by the 50 Rashtriya Rifles, a specialized counter-insurgency battalion raised from the Indian Army and deployed in Jammu and Kashmir. The Rashtriya Rifles (RR), established in 1990, is the Indian Army’s dedicated counter-insurgency force with over 65 battalions. It operates under the Ministry of Defence but maintains its flexible structure by drawing personnel from various regiments of the Army. Known for their deep local intelligence networks and specialized training, RR units have been instrumental in reducing militancy and stabilizing volatile districts, particularly in the Kashmir Valley.

The 50 RR, to which Major Dahiya is attached, has a distinguished track record of conducting high-precision operations in the Pulwama-Anantnag axis, one of the most active sectors for insurgent activity. The unit’s operational philosophy revolves around “Surgical Strikes with Surgical Precision” and aims to disrupt terrorist networks while minimizing collateral damage.

In addition to frontline action, Major Dahiya has also contributed to the detection of concealed IEDs during route-clearance patrols, directly preventing potential loss of life among both soldiers and civilians. His leadership, presence of mind, and unwavering commitment to mission objectives earned him admiration across ranks.

The Gallantry Awards 2025 were announced earlier this year, with a total of 93 personnel honored for exceptional service, including 14 Shaurya Chakras. Major Dahiya’s name stood out not only for his daring but for the consistent valor and composure he demonstrated across multiple operations in challenging terrain and hostile conditions.

The investiture ceremony, attended by senior military leaders and dignitaries, served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and heroism exhibited daily by India’s armed forces. President Murmu lauded the bravery of the awardees, emphasizing the nation’s deep respect and gratitude for those who serve at the frontlines of national security.

Major Ashish Dahiya’s recognition adds to the long legacy of bravery associated with the Rashtriya Rifles and the Indian Army. His actions underscore the importance of initiative, tactical awareness, and personal courage in today’s asymmetrical warfare landscape. As India continues to battle terrorism and insurgency in sensitive regions, officers like Major Dahiya exemplify the unwavering spirit and professionalism of its armed forces.

On May 24, 2025, the Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO) Academy at Dhana, operating under the Army Training Command (ARTRAC), successfully concluded its Combat Leadership Course aimed at strengthening junior leadership within the Indian Army. The course culminated with the graduation of 759 NCOs, who completed rigorous training tailored to the evolving demands of modern warfare.

Havildar Chhabilal Khatri of the Gorkha Rifles was recognized as the Best Student of the course, honored for his outstanding performance across multiple combat leadership modules. The graduation ceremony included the awarding of certificates and honors, with participants demonstrating their preparedness to command in complex operational environments. The event also reflected the academy’s guiding motto, “युद्ध नेतृत्व कौशल वहाम्यहम्” (I Bear the Skill of War Leadership), highlighting the vital leadership role of NCOs.

Since Brigadier Rajesh Sharma took over as Commandant in August 2024, the NCO Academy has emphasized practical battlefield leadership, incorporating training on cutting-edge technology, asymmetric warfare, and small-unit tactics. Under his leadership, the curriculum has evolved to better prepare soldiers for real-world challenges on both conventional and hybrid battlefields.

NCOs, often referred to as the backbone of armed forces worldwide, serve as a crucial link between officers and enlisted soldiers. Their role in upholding discipline, training, and operational efficiency is foundational to the Army’s success. The Combat Leadership Course represents a key initiative in the Indian Army’s broader effort to enhance its operational readiness through empowered junior leadership.

The Indian Army continues to highlight such initiatives on its official social media platforms, providing a glimpse into the professional development and preparedness of its personnel.