Meet Major Laichat Wangpan: 1st Wancho Officer to Attain the Rank of Major

In the remote hills of Longding district in Arunachal Pradesh, a young boy from a modest Wancho family dared to dream beyond his circumstances. Today, that dream stands realised in the form of Major Laichat Paul Wangpan — the first officer from the Wancho community to be commissioned into the Indian Army and, more remarkably, the first to rise to the rank of Major.

His journey from a government school student and Army sepoy to a commissioned officer in the Sikh Light Infantry is not merely a personal triumph; it is a powerful testament to perseverance, self-belief, and the inclusive ethos of the Indian Armed Forces.

Early Life: Roots in Longphong Village

Major Laichat Paul Wangpan hails from Longphong village in Longding district, Arunachal Pradesh. Belonging to the Wancho community, he grew up in a financially constrained household. Like many children from rural Northeast India, he attended a government school and completed his education up to Class 8 under challenging conditions.

To support his family, the young Laichat took up work as a night watchman with the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) under the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). This early exposure to disciplined work and the ethos of national infrastructure projects planted the seeds of his future calling.

Determined to serve the nation in uniform, he joined the Indian Army as a sepoy (jawan). While shouldering the rigorous duties of a soldier, he pursued higher education through distance learning, completing his secondary and senior secondary examinations as well as college studies. His story exemplifies the quiet determination that defines many successful defence aspirants from modest backgrounds.

From Sepoy to Commissioned Officer: The Path of Determination

Life as a sepoy is demanding — long hours, strict discipline, and limited personal time. Yet Laichat Paul Wangpan harboured an ambition: to become an officer. He began preparing for the Services Selection Board (SSB) while in service, fully aware of the difficulties involved.

His persistence paid off. In June 2020, he passed out from the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, and was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Indian Army. This achievement carried historic significance — he became the first person from the Wancho community to serve as a commissioned officer in the Indian Army.

The moment was celebrated across Arunachal Pradesh. Chief Minister Pema Khandu took to social media to congratulate him, stating it was “a proud moment for Arunachal” and wishing him a bright career ahead. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) Arunachal unit also hailed the milestone as a source of pride for the entire state and the Wancho community.

Joining the Sikh Light Infantry: A Warm Welcome into a Valorous Regiment

Lieutenant Laichat Paul Wangpan was allotted to the Sikh Light Infantry (Sikh LI), one of the Indian Army’s distinguished light infantry regiments. The regiment traces its lineage to the Sikh Pioneer units and carries the inspiring motto “Deg Teg Fateh” — prosperity in peace and victory in war.

At the time of his commissioning, the Colonel of the Regiment was then Chief of the Army Staff, General Manoj Mukund Naravane. Fellow officers and soldiers from the Sikh community welcomed the young officer from Arunachal with open arms. In the true spirit of the Indian Army, questions of caste, clan, or regional background held no relevance. Lt Wangpan was embraced as one of their own.

Over the years, he has served with dedication in the regiment, rising steadily through the ranks. His journey within the Sikh Light Infantry stands as a shining example of the Army’s meritocratic and inclusive culture.

A New Historic Milestone: Promotion to Major in 2026

In June 2026, Major Laichat Wangpan achieved yet another first for his community. He was promoted to the rank of Major — becoming the first Wancho officer to attain this distinction in the Indian Army.

The news was met with an outpouring of pride and congratulations from across Arunachal Pradesh. Political leaders, community organisations, and defence enthusiasts took to social media to celebrate the achievement.

Prominent figures who extended their felicitations include:

• Gabriel D. Wangsu, Minister in the Government of Arunachal Pradesh
• Chowna Mein, senior BJP leader
• Kaling Moyong, President, BJP Arunachal Pradesh
• Tapir Gao, Member of Parliament (Arunachal East)
• Chau Zingnu Namchoom, MLA and BJP Arunachal Pradesh State Vice President
• BJP Arunachal Pradesh as an organisation

In their messages, leaders described the promotion as a “historic achievement” that reflects dedication, discipline, and selfless service. They noted that Major Wangpan has etched his name in history and serves as an inspiration for every Wancho youth and defence aspirant in the state.

An Inspiration to the Youth: Lessons from Longding

In July 2020, shortly after his commissioning, Lieutenant Laichat Paul Wangpan returned to Longding and addressed an interaction programme organised by the Longding District Students’ Union. Speaking before students, ex-servicemen, and community members, he shared candid insights from his journey.

He recounted the hardships of growing up in poverty and the challenges of preparing for commissioning while serving as a sepoy. His most memorable advice was directed at parents:

“Parents need not give too much luxury to their children early in their life. If parents give everything, there’s nothing left for the children to strive for and they end up doing nothing.”

He emphasised that true character is built through struggle and that government school students are in no way inferior to those from private institutions — a point reinforced by Longding MLA Tanpho Wangnaw, who was present at the event.

Major Wangpan’s words continue to resonate with young people across Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast, reinforcing the values of hard work, resilience, and unwavering focus — qualities essential for success in the SSB and beyond.

A Beacon for the Wancho Community and Defence Aspirants

Major Laichat Paul Wangpan’s story holds profound significance beyond personal achievement. For the Wancho community, he represents a trailblazer who has opened doors and set new benchmarks. For defence aspirants from remote regions, marginalised communities, and modest economic backgrounds, he stands as living proof that barriers can be broken with determination and disciplined effort.

His seamless integration into the Sikh Light Infantry further highlights the Indian Army’s strength as a national institution that transcends regional, linguistic, and cultural divides.

As Major Wangpan continues his service, his journey serves as a powerful reminder that the path to glory in the armed forces is open to all who possess the courage to dream and the will to persevere.

Major Laichat Paul Wangpan — from the hills of Longphong to the proud ranks of the Sikh Light Infantry — has not only made history for his community but has also illuminated the path for countless young Indians who dare to serve the nation in uniform.