Asem Bhakta, Special Correspondent North East
lmphal: Rifleman Alok Rao, gave supreme sacrifice in a gunfight with armed miscreants at Dolaithabi in May 17 last year. He was awarded with Shaurya Chakra posthumously. Commandant of 18 AR, Colonel Oinam Akash; Commandant of 28 AR, Colonel Deval Dikshit along with members of local club, and representatives of Meira Paibi attended the Shaheed Divas programme. People also paid floral tribute to the photo of late Rifleman Alok Rao. They also observed 2-minute silence in honour of the slain soldier. Speaking in the programme, Colonel Oinam Akash remembered the Rifleman Alok Rao who gave supreme sacrifice while performing his duty as neutral force. Colonel Oinam Akash also highlighted the role played by 16 AR and 18 AR in maintaining peace in Dolaithabi area. He said 28 Assam Rifles, under Colonel Deval Dishit is also continuing the effort of maintaining peace in the area. Colonel Akash also gave assurance that Assam Rifles will continue to keep the area peaceful. It may be mentioned that Riflemen Alok Rao was hit by a bullet while fighting against armed miscreants on May 10 at Dolathabi Top. Later he succumbed to his injury at Kolkata Militart Hospital on May 17. In recognition of his courage and supreme sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra, the third highest peacetime gallantry award in January this year.
