A Soldier of the Assam Rifles
Naib Subedar Shyam Gurung served with 33 Assam Rifles and hailed from Meghalaya. He served in Manipur, where the Assam Rifles carries out demanding security duties alongside humanitarian missions.
On 19 September 2025, Shyam Gurung was leading a section of 33 Assam Rifles returning from flood-relief operations in the Imphal Valley. The troops were travelling towards their Company Operating Base at Nambol when their vehicle came under attack.
The Nambol Ambush
At around 5:40 pm, the Tata 407 carrying the troops reached the Nambol Sabal Leikai area on National Highway 2 in Bishnupur district. The vehicle was suddenly ambushed by armed elements.
Shyam Gurung was seated in the co-driver's seat, with Rifleman Dhurba Jyoti Dutta driving the vehicle and other ranks travelling in the rear compartment. During the initial burst of fire, Shyam Gurung was struck in the neck and succumbed to his injuries.
The ambush took place as the soldiers were returning from a mission to provide flood relief to civilians affected by flooding in the Imphal Valley.
A Supreme Sacrifice
Naib Subedar Shyam Gurung made the supreme sacrifice on 19 September 2025 while serving with 33 Assam Rifles. His final mission had been one of service to civilians affected by flooding before the journey back to his base ended in the Nambol ambush.
His sacrifice remains part of the story of the soldiers of 33 Assam Rifles who continue to serve in challenging operational environments in the Northeast.
On 19 September, The Honour Post pays tribute to Naib Subedar Shyam Gurung for his courage, service and supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.
