Major Ravi Vaish of the Indian Army made the supreme sacrifice on 31 October 2007 when an Assam Rifles patrol came under a terrorist ambush in Manipur.
A native of Aliganj in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Major Vaish was an infantry officer serving with 1 Assam Rifles on deputation. His parent regiment is identified in memorial accounts as 5/11 Gorkha Rifles.
During 2007, 1 Assam Rifles was deployed in Ukhrul district of Manipur, where its personnel were conducting counter-insurgency operations.
On the morning of 31 October, Major Vaish was leading a vehicle column travelling from Sorde towards an outpost at Kasong in the Phungyar subdivision of Ukhrul district. The convoy was carrying troops and ammunition through a hilly, forested area.
Near Sorbung village, the column came under a sudden attack by heavily armed insurgents who had taken advantage of the surrounding vegetation and poor visibility.
Despite being caught in the ambush, Major Vaish and his troops retaliated against the attackers. A fierce exchange of fire followed.
During the encounter, Major Vaish sustained serious injuries. Two other personnel, Rifleman Gyaneshwar and Rifleman H. Sahini, were also among those who lost their lives in the attack.
Major Ravi Vaish made the supreme sacrifice while leading his men in the face of the ambush.
His actions remain an example of leadership and courage under fire. His service and sacrifice are remembered with respect.
