Ziro — The mortal remains of Indian Air Force Corporal Tage Hailyang were received with deep reverence and sorrow in his hometown of Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh, as community members gathered on Thursday to honour the fallen serviceman who lost his life in the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
A solemn ceremony unfolded at the Hapoli Check Gate, where Lower Subansiri MLA Er Hage Appa, Deputy Commissioner Vivek HP, Superintendent of Police, and representatives of various community-based organisations paid their final respects to the native of Tajang village. The emotional reception was marked by silent tributes, patriotic salutes, and the unfurling of the national flag over the late soldier’s casket.
Earlier, the hero’s final journey began in Guwahati, where Assam Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah and Guwahati City Police Commissioner Partha Sarathi Mahanta led a floral tribute ceremony at the airport. The poignant farewell in Assam paved the way for a more personal mourning in the serene hills of Arunachal Pradesh.
Corporal Hailyang was killed in the April 22 terror strike while visiting the scenic region of Pahalgam with his wife, who survived the attack. The tragedy has shaken the nation, with security agencies pointing to the involvement of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed profound grief over the young airman’s death. “Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Corporal Tage Hailyang of the Indian Air Force, a brave son of Arunachal Pradesh. His life was cruelly taken in a senseless act of terror,” Khandu stated, emphasizing the corporal’s valour and selfless service. “He served the nation with courage and honour. His death is a great loss not only to his family but to the entire country.”
The air in Ziro was heavy with sorrow as neighbours, family members, and residents united in mourning the loss of their own. Corporal Hailyang’s legacy, marked by sacrifice and patriotism, has left a deep imprint on his community and the country he proudly served. His final rites are set to be conducted with full military honours in the presence of family, dignitaries, and fellow servicemen.
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