Family of IAF Martyr Tage Hailyang Demands Deadline to End Terrorism on Pahalgam Anniversary
On the first anniversary of the devastating Pahalgam tragedy, the family of Indian Air Force Corporal Tage Hailyang in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Subansiri district has declared that they have moved beyond mourning and are now intensely focused on seeing terrorism eradicated from the country. The family’s resolve was powerfully expressed as they inaugurated a memorial park and installed a bronze statue in Hailyang’s honor in the Ziro Valley.
Call for Government Action Against Terrorism
Tage Laliang, Hailyang’s elder brother, articulated the family’s demand for the government to set a definitive deadline to end Pakistan-backed terrorism, drawing a parallel to the timelines announced against naxalism. "We want the government to establish a clear deadline to eliminate terrorism, similar to efforts against naxalism," Laliang stated. Another elder brother, Tage Mali, who serves as an Army soldier posted in Siachen, has reinforced this sentiment by telling the family he is determined to eliminate terrorists, with Laliang adding, "Our message to brother Tage Mali is to write down the names of terrorists in his bullets."
Memorial Inauguration and Government Support
The memorial park and bronze statue were inaugurated by Ziro-Hapoli MLA Hage Appa, alongside Hailyang’s father Tage Tade, in a ceremony attended by defence personnel, administrative and police officials, and community leaders. Appa highlighted the state government’s support, noting that "Rs 50 lakh has been provided to the family as relief, and one job is currently in process for them." He emphasized that while no compensation can replace a life, these measures offer some solace.
Family’s Emotional Journey and Hailyang’s Legacy
Laliang described Hailyang as "an adorable, social, and kind-hearted brother who was liked by all," acknowledging that the loss is irreparable but the family has found courage to face reality. He recounted the initial confusion after the attack, where the family first heard Hailyang had a head injury from a fall before learning it was a bullet wound as reports of the Pahalgam massacre spread. "My heartbeat increased, and there was total unrest among family members," he recalled.
Details from Hailyang’s wife, Charo Kamhua, revealed that the couple were attempting to escape but stopped to help a family whose father had been shot dead, with Hailyang likely hit by a bullet while trying to rescue a child. Laliang added, "He was our most peace-loving brother, and his absence is felt most by our mother, who breaks down at times, but we have learned to be strong."
Hailyang’s Background and Sacrifice
Hailyang, the seventh among 11 siblings, was a major financial support for his family. He had served in Srinagar for five years and was recently transferred to Dibrugarh, visiting Jammu and Kashmir with his wife on a short break before joining his new post in Assam when the attack occurred. Relatives shared that he applied to the IAF after seeing an advertisement while studying at Don Bosco College in Itanagar, despite initial family hesitation, with some members unaware of his application.
Family’s Hope for Justice and Elimination of Terrorism
The family expressed gratitude for the Modi government’s efforts to nab the terrorists involved, noting that one attacker had been killed, but they demand that all terrorists who fled to Pakistan or are hiding be punished. "We do not cry but feel proud of Hailyang’s heroics," Laliang said, underscoring their hope that terrorism will be eliminated from India. This anniversary marks not just a remembrance but a renewed call for action against terrorism, honoring Hailyang’s sacrifice and the family’s unwavering spirit.
