Cachar’s Brave Son Havildar Md. Khambaton Khan Receives President’s Gallantry Medal

Being awarded by the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces is undoubtedly a matter of prestige for any member of the defence forces of our country. In a proud moment for Cachar district, Havildar Md. Khambaton Khan of the Assam Rifles, a resident of Kanthgram village in Lalang Part-I under the Lakhipur Assembly constituency, has received the President’s Medal for Gallantry in recognition of his exceptional courage during a counter-insurgency operation in Arunachal Pradesh. However, receiving this award was not as simple; Khan had to wait more than 2 years to feel the medal in his hands.

Currently serving with the 6 Assam Rifles in Manipur, Khan was honoured for his bravery during a joint operation conducted by the Assam Rifles and Tirap Police in Tirap district on August 10, 2023. The gallantry award was announced on Independence Day, August 15, 2024, and subsequently published in the Gazette of India on November 9, 2024. But he received the medal on October 23, 2026, as he was participating in international training exercises abroad.

According to the official citation, Khan played a crucial role in an operation to track down armed cadres of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (Nikki) faction near Hukanjuri and Noitong villages. When two suspected militants opened fire on the security team, Khan, displaying courage under intense fire, returned accurate fire alongside Havildar Ashwani Kumar.

The operation resulted in the neutralisation of one militant, identified in the citation as the self-styled secretary of the banned outfit, while the other fled, abandoning his weapon. Security personnel recovered two pistols, 12 live rounds and other war-like stores.

The official citation commended Khan for his conspicuous gallantry, courage and devotion to duty of a high order. The award carries the admissible monetary allowance with effect from August 10, 2023.

Khan received the honour on October 23, 2026, after returning from training in parts of Africa. Details of the training remain undisclosed due to operational secrecy.

His recognition has brought pride to his native village in Lakhipur and to Cachar district, highlighting the contribution of a soldier from Barak Valley to the nation’s security. Khan expressed happiness and gratitude after receiving the medal, saying he was pleased that his efforts had been recognised.