Havildar Md. Khambaton Khan of 6 Assam Rifles was presented the President’s Medal for Gallantry on 23 October 2026 in recognition of his actions during a joint operation in Tirap district, Arunachal Pradesh, on 10 August 2023. The decoration had been announced on 15 August 2024 and later published in the Gazette of India on 9 November 2024; Khan received the physical medal after returning from training abroad in parts of Africa.
The action and official citation
The official citation says the operation was a coordinated effort by the Assam Rifles and Tirap Police near the villages of Hukanjuri and Noitong to locate armed cadres of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland‑Khaplang (Nikki) faction. According to the citation, two suspected militants opened fire on the security team. Khan, together with Havildar Ashwani Kumar, returned accurate fire under intense conditions. The operation resulted in the neutralisation of one militant described in the citation as the self‑styled secretary of the banned outfit; the other militant allegedly fled, abandoning his weapon.
- Weapons and stores recovered: two pistols and 12 live rounds, the citation states.
- Award timeline: incident dated 10 August 2023; award announced 15 August 2024; Gazette publication 9 November 2024; medal presented 23 October 2026.
Service and recognition
At the time of the presentation Khan was serving with 6 Assam Rifles in Manipur. The citation commends him for “conspicuous gallantry, courage and devotion to duty of a high order” and notes that the monetary allowance attached to the award is admissible with effect from 10 August 2023. The ceremony took place after Khan returned from overseas training.
Local response
Khan is a resident of Kanthgram village in Lalang Part‑I under the Lakhipur Assembly constituency of Cachar district. His recognition has been reported as a source of pride locally.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Counter‑insurgency operation in Tirap district | 10 August 2023 |
| Award announced | 15 August 2024 |
| Gazette publication | 9 November 2024 |
| Medal presentation to Havildar Khan | 23 October 2026 |
No additional operational details, including the nature of the overseas training, were disclosed in the report citing the official citation. The account attributes operational and battlefield claims to the citation and to the Assam Rifles as presented in the report.
