Assam Minister Pays Floral Tribute to Corporal Tage Hailyang at Guwahati Airport

The mortal remains of Indian Air Force Corporal Tage Hailyang were received with full military honours at Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, where a solemn and emotional tribute was held in his memory. Assam Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah, along with Guwahati City Police Commissioner Partha Sarathi Mahanta, led the ceremony, offering floral tributes to the fallen airman who lost his life in the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

The atmosphere at the airport was heavy with grief as officials, security personnel, and members of the public gathered to pay their respects. A silence befell the gathering as wreaths were placed in front of the casket, which was respectfully draped in the Indian national flag. The tribute reflected not only the military's reverence for its fallen comrade but also the collective mourning of the entire region, especially among the communities of the Northeast.

Corporal Tage Hailyang, a proud son of Arunachal Pradesh, hailed from Tajang village in the Ziro Valley of Lower Subansiri district. He had been visiting the scenic region of Pahalgam with his wife when tragedy struck on April 22. The heinous attack claimed his life, while his wife survived the incident. His untimely demise sent shockwaves through his native state and the defence fraternity, underlining once again the grave risks faced by members of the armed forces, even during personal moments.

Following the ceremonial honours at the Guwahati airport, arrangements were swiftly made to transport Corporal Hailyang’s remains to his hometown in Arunachal Pradesh. His final rites will be carried out with full military honours, befitting a soldier who laid down his life in the service of the nation. The Indian Air Force and local administration are coordinating to ensure that the funeral is conducted with the dignity and respect due to the young airman.

During the ceremony, Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah conveyed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Assam government to the bereaved family. He expressed solidarity with the Indian armed forces and strongly condemned the terrorist attack that led to Hailyang's death. “The people of Assam stand united with the armed forces in this time of sorrow. Corporal Hailyang’s sacrifice will always be remembered with pride and gratitude,” the minister said.

Commissioner Mahanta, too, paid homage and reiterated the city’s collective respect for the fallen soldier. The tribute not only marked a moment of mourning but also served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the brave men and women of the armed forces, who continue to serve the nation in times of peace and peril alike.

As Corporal Hailyang’s mortal remains make their way to his native village, the outpouring of grief and respect stands testament to the courage, dedication, and service of a young man whose legacy will live on in the hearts of many across the country.