Lakhipuronline Digital Desk, February 27, 2026: In a deeply moving tribute to supreme sacrifice and unyielding patriotism, the Barak Valley came together today to immortalize one of its bravest sons. The solemn unveiling of the statue of Kargil martyr Irom Nandachand Singha in Ningthemkhun, Cachar, serves as a powerful reminder of the heavy price paid for the nation's borders. This event is not merely about erecting a stone monument; it is a vital act of preserving regional history and inspiring future generations with the legacy of a local hero who gave his tomorrow for our today.
Assam’s Hon’ble Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, Mines & Minerals, and Barak Valley Development, Shri Kaushik Rai, officially inaugurated the memorial on Friday. Coinciding with the martyr’s birth anniversary, the momentous occasion was marked by a historic administrative declaration. Minister Rai announced that the bridge constructed over the local Nungphou Turel (Nungphou River) in Ningthemkhun will henceforth be officially known as the "Sahid Nandachand Singha Bridge."
Background & Context: The Life of a Soldier and Scholar
Born on February 27, 1977, to the late Irom Ketamani Singha and Smt. Benda Devi, Irom Nandachand Singha was a proud native of Sribar Awang Leikai within the Lakhipur sub-division of Cachar district. Raised with strong regional values, he was the second son in a family that instilled in him a deep sense of duty. Driven by a passion to serve the nation, he enlisted in the Artillery Regiment of the Indian Army on February 24, 1996.
His ultimate test of courage came during the grueling summer of 1999. Stationed in the treacherous terrains of the Kargil District in Jammu & Kashmir, Nandachand fought valiantly in the historic Operation Vijay. For those unfamiliar, Operation Vijay was the Indian military's massive campaign to clear the Kargil sector of infiltrated Pakistani troops and militants who had occupied high-altitude tactical peaks. It involved high-altitude warfare under extreme conditions, demanding unparalleled bravery.
Tragically, on July 2, 1999, at the height of the conflict, Nandachand made the supreme sacrifice on the battlefield. For his extraordinary gallantry and selflessness under enemy fire, the Government of India posthumously awarded him the "Sena Medal," a prestigious military decoration given for acts of exceptional devotion to duty or courage.
A Multi-Talented Cultural Icon
What makes the story of Sahid Irom Nandachand Singha uniquely poignant is that he was not just a fierce combatant, but also a deeply sensitive artist. He possessed a profound love for literature and was an accomplished playwright in the realm of Lila (traditional Manipuri courtyard theatre).
He penned the acclaimed play "Lukhrabido Eigisu Imani" (The Widow is Also My Mother), which was successfully staged in Sribar. The emotional depth of his writing resonated so strongly that the United Youth Organization of Sribar later broadcast the drama as a two-part series on All India Radio (AIR) Silchar, showcasing his multi-faceted cultural personality.
Impact on Local Community / Region
The establishment of this statue and the renaming of the Nungphou Turel bridge bring a renewed sense of pride to the people of Lakhipur and the broader Barak Valley. The land for the memorial site was selflessly donated by a local resident, Shri Y. Baladeb Singha, reflecting the community’s collective desire to honor their homegrown hero.
For the youth of Cachar, passing by the Nandachand Singha Bridge will serve as a daily touchstone of valor. The event successfully bridged the gap between civil society and the armed forces, fostering a deep regional solidarity.
Dignitaries and Community Felicitations
The inauguration ceremony was a grand assembly of political figures, administrative officials, and respected community leaders. Key dignitaries who graced the occasion included:
- Smt. Benda Devi: The proud mother of the martyred hero.
- Shri Kaushik Rai: Hon’ble Minister, Government of Assam.
- RK Sanahal: Chairman of the Martyr Nandachand Singha Statue Construction Committee.
- Kangabam Santikumar Singha: Retired ACS Officer.
- Smt. Mutum Reena Singh: Chairperson, Manipuri Development Council, Assam.
- Smt. Konjengbam ongbi Aruna Devi: President, All Assam Manipuri Women Meira Paibi (Women Torchbearers) Co-ordination Central Committee.
- Shri Mrinal Kanti Das: Chairman, Lakhipur Municipal Board.
Other prominent attendees included ZPC Smt. Seema Deb, Lakhipur BJP Mandal President Shri Gunjan Kaur (Nandu), Sribar GP President Smt. Priyabati Devi, and AP Member Smt. Kamini Devi. During the proceedings, the Construction Committee presented Minister Rai with a handcrafted Thambal Khudol (Lotus Memento), while the India Women SHG of Ningthemkhun offered a traditionally crafted gift. Adding to the grace of the event, Minister Rai honored 15 senior citizens of the region by presenting them with Lengyan Fee (traditional Manipuri scarves).
Why This Matters / Key Takeaways
The unveiling of this statue goes beyond a ceremonial gathering; it is a crucial exercise in collective memory. It underscores the administration's commitment to ensuring that the martyrs of Assam are never relegated to the footnotes of history. The prompt action and support from Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and Minister Kaushik Rai highlight the state government's dedication to honoring military sacrifices.
Furthermore, it highlights the rich, diverse contributions of the Manipuri diaspora in the Barak Valley. The community expressed immense gratitude to the leaders, the construction committee, and the local educators, mothers, and students who participated. Moving forward, the Nandachand Singha Bridge and the memorial will stand as an enduring beacon of patriotism, reminding every citizen of Lakhipur that true heroes live forever in the soil they died to protect.
✍️ Published by Lakhipuronline Team