Major Laichat Wangpan Becomes First Wancho Officer to Attain Rank of Major in Indian Army

 

Itanagar, June 15:

A moment of immense pride and celebration has arrived for the Wancho community and the people of Arunachal Pradesh as Major Laichat Wangpan, hailing from Longphong village in Longding district, has been promoted to the rank of Major in the Indian Army. With this achievement, he becomes the first officer from the Wancho community to attain the rank of Major, marking a historic milestone in the community's journey of service and contribution to the nation.

Major Wangpan's journey has been one of dedication, discipline, and perseverance. In 2020, he was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Indian Army after successfully graduating from the prestigious Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai. Since then, he has served the nation with distinction and commitment, steadily advancing in his military career through hard work and exemplary service.

The promotion has been widely welcomed across Arunachal Pradesh. Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Chowna Mein, extended his warm congratulations to Major Laichat Wangpan on his well-deserved promotion. 

In his message, he described the achievement as particularly significant, noting that Major Wangpan's success reflects the determination, capability, and potential of the people of Arunachal Pradesh. He also expressed hope that the officer's accomplishment would inspire countless young people across the state to pursue careers in the armed forces and serve the nation with pride.

The Wancho Students' Union (WSU) also conveyed its heartfelt congratulations, describing the promotion as a historic moment for the entire Wancho community. The union stated that Major Wangpan's success is not merely a personal achievement but a source of collective pride for the community. As the first Wancho officer to reach the rank of Major, he has become a role model for the younger generation, demonstrating that dedication, perseverance, and unwavering commitment can overcome every challenge and lead to extraordinary accomplishments.

Major Laichat Wangpan's promotion stands as a powerful symbol of progress, national integration, and the growing representation of Arunachal Pradesh's tribal communities in the country's armed forces. His remarkable achievement is expected to inspire many aspiring youths from the region to dream bigger, work harder, and contribute meaningfully to the nation. 

The people of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly the Wancho community, have wished him continued success, good health, and greater distinctions in his future service to the country.

Army Defuses 1962-Era Live Mortar Shell in Tawang

 

Tawang, June 12: 

An unexploded live mortar shell believed to be from the 1962 Indo-China War era was successfully defused by the Indian Army after being discovered in the Lebrang area of Tawang Township, averting a potential threat to life and property.

According to official reports, on June 11, 2026, at around 4:00 PM, Officer-in-Charge of Tawang Police Station, SI Lham Thinley, received information regarding the presence of an unexploded live mortar bomb in the Lebrang area. Upon receiving the report, Superintendent of Police (SP) Tawang, Tasi Darang, immediately contacted the Commandant of the 190 Mountain Brigade stationed in Tawang and sought assistance for the safe disposal of the explosive.

Following the alert, Tawang District Police promptly cordoned off the area to ensure public safety. However, due to fading daylight and the high-risk nature of the operation, the disposal process could not be carried out on the same day.

In the early hours of June 12, a coordinated operation was launched in the presence of Brigadier Bhupal Singh, Sena Medal, Commander of the 190 Mountain Brigade; Colonel N. Vasantharaj; SP Tawang Tasi Darang; and Major Mohammad Akhlas. A specialized Army Bomb Disposal Team carefully assessed the situation and transported the live mortar shell to the Methang area for a controlled disposal operation.

Despite the significant risks involved, the Army team successfully neutralized the explosive through a controlled detonation, ensuring that no loss of life, property, or livestock occurred during the operation.

SP Tasi Darang expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the officers and personnel of the 190 Mountain Brigade for their swift response, professionalism, and invaluable assistance in safely disposing of the live ordnance.

Officials noted that unexploded mortar shells and other war remnants from the 1962 Indo-China War are occasionally discovered in several border areas of Arunachal Pradesh. Such explosives remain highly dangerous even after decades and can cause catastrophic damage if accidentally triggered.

SP Tasi Darang has urged members of the public to immediately inform the district police or nearest security authorities if any suspected unexploded ordnance or similar objects are found, and to avoid handling or approaching such items under any circumstances.