Khandu pays homage to local hero who chose to save others

Guwahati: Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu lauded IAF corporal Tage Hailyang on Thursday for his exceptional bravery during the Pahalgam attack, where he prioritised others' safety, despite having a chance to escape. While Hailyang's wife, who was holidaying with him, remains distraught, Khandu shared his valiant story on his X account.
"In the face of grave danger, Tage Hailyang demonstrated exceptional courage. He had the chance to escape but chose instead to protect those around him. Risking his own life, he guided civilians to safety, helping them escape the line of fire," Khandu wrote on his ‘X' handle after visiting Tajang village in Arunachal's Lower Subansiri district on Thursday morning to honour Hailyang. Hailyang's mortal remains arrived at his home at Tajang village, near the district headquarters in Ziro, on Thursday morning.
Praising Hailyang's act as ‘rare' and ‘inspiring', Khandu met his wife, parents and family members to offer condolences.
As Hailyang's remains reached his residence at 7.30 am by road from Assam's Tezpur, villagers gathered, shouting "Tage Hailyang Amar Rahe" and "Pakistan Murdabad". His body arrived in Guwahati, via New Delhi, at approximately 11 pm on Wednesday and was received by Assam minister Jayanta Mallabaruah. It was then transported to the IAF base in Tezpur early on Thursday, before proceeding to Lower Subansiri.
District administration officials confirmed that Hailyang's last rites will be performed in the village on Friday. Acknowledging Hailyang's supreme sacrifice, Khandu announced employment for a member of Hailyang's family, Rs 50 lakh financial assistance and construction of a permanent memorial in his native village.
Tage Hailyang's educational journey began in Ziro and Haryana's Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, followed by graduation from Don Bosco, Itanagar, before joining the Indian Air Force in 2017. He was scheduled to begin his new posting in Assam shortly.
"We strongly condemn this heinous act of terrorism. Pakistan's continued sheltering of terrorists is a grave threat to global peace," Khandu said, commending Prime Minister Narendra Modi's firm stance. "I am confident that under his leadership, the nation will respond with the strength and resolve that such a grave sacrifice demands," Khandu added.
"Late Tage Hailyang's legacy will endure. His name will forever be etched in the history of Arunachal as a symbol of valour and his sacrifice will inspire generations to come," he added.
Accompanying Khandu were Arunachal East MP Tapir Gao, BJP state president Kaling Moyong, Minister Gabriel D Wangsu, and MLAs Hage Appa and Nakap Nalo, who paid their final respects to Hailyang. "We strongly condemn this barbaric act of terrorism and salute the unparalleled bravery and courage of our fallen hero," Tapir Gao said.