Air Marshal I.S. Walia Pays Tribute at Assam Rifles War Memorial in Shillong
Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia, AVSM, VM, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Air Command, visited the Assam Rifles War Memorial at the Headquarters Directorate General Assam Rifles in Shillong on August 17, 2026, where he paid tribute to fallen soldiers and met personnel serving in the North Eastern region.
During the solemn ceremony, Air Marshal Walia laid a wreath at the memorial to honour the brave personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation. The tribute was a recognition of their courage, valour and selfless devotion to duty, with their legacy described as continuing to inspire generations of service members.
The visit also served as an opportunity for the Eastern Air Command chief to interact with officers and jawans of the Assam Rifles. He praised their professionalism, dedication and unwavering commitment to duty, particularly in the difficult and demanding terrain of the North Eastern region.
Air Marshal Walia also commended the troops for maintaining high standards of operational preparedness and for their contribution to security and stability in the region. His interaction with the force reflected the close working relationship between the two organisations and their shared focus on service and operational excellence.
The engagement also recognised personnel who had demonstrated notable performance and dedication in the discharge of their duties. On the occasion, Dy Comdt Angam Zimik, WO Aswini Patgiri and Rfn Virendra Singh were awarded the AOC-in-C, Eastern Air Command Commendation Card in acknowledgment of their commendable service.
The ceremony combined remembrance and recognition, underlining both the importance of honouring those who have fallen in the line of duty and the value of acknowledging personnel who continue to serve in challenging operational environments.
Air Marshal Walia’s visit to Shillong highlighted the enduring connection between the Eastern Air Command and the Assam Rifles, and reflected a shared commitment to duty, discipline and service to the nation.
