Itanagar, April 24: Grief and fury gripped the ancestral village of Tajang in Ziro, Lower Subansiri district, as the mortal remains of IAF Corporal Tage Hailyang arrived. Corporal Hailyang, a dedicated airman and beloved son of Arunachal, was among the civilians tragically killed in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday.
He had served his country with quiet determination. He had dreams, like anyone else. And on a short break before his transfer to Dibrugarh, he chose to visit the picturesque valley of Kashmir with his wife—seeking peace, only to be met with unimaginable violence.
“Tage Hailyang’s inspiring journey, from his early education in Ziro and Haryana’s Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, to his graduation from Don Bosco, Itanagar, and his dedicated service in the Indian Air Force since 2017, is a shining testament to the strength, discipline, and patriotism of our youth” Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said while offering tributes and meeting his family members.
Khandu said 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. His selflessness in that critical moment stands as a rare and inspiring act of bravery” he said.
“This is a horrific tragedy that has unfolded for us,” said Tage Mali, the elder brother of the slain airman, his voice breaking as he addressed the media. “My brother has served the nation, but the terrorists have killed him and several other tourists. We want strong and strict action—justice in the language that terrorists understand.”
For the Hailyang family, the pain is overwhelming, and so is the sense of injustice. Two of my brothers are currently serving in the Indian Army. Tage was the third. “No matter where we are in India, we carry the nation in our hearts.”
“I cannot express it,” said Tage Mali. “We have lost a son, a brother, a patriot. We urge the Indian government to act quickly and decisively. We want justice, and we want it now.”
He was posted at Srinagar only and transferred to Dibrugarh, and asked his wife to come. But he wanted to spend time with his wife in Kashmir. It was there, while sightseeing in Pahalgam, that the attack unfolded, robbing him and others of their lives in a senseless act of terror.
His uncle echoed the family’s anguish: “We condemn this cowardly act in the strongest possible terms. He served his country with pride. And now, the very peace he protected has been shattered.”
In a mark of deep respect, Assam Cabinet Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah received Corporal Hailyang’s mortal remains at Guwahati airport late Tuesday night, offering floral tributes before the body was handed over to the grieving family.
Back in Ziro, Tajang village mourns its fallen son. Friends, family, neighbours—all united in silence and sorrow, standing vigil with candles and prayers.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has announced an ex gratia of ₹50 lakh for the next of kin of Corporal Hailyang. He also assured that a government job will be offered to a member of the bereaved family.
“To honour his sacrifice, we will build a memorial for Corporal Tage Hailyang in his village,” the Chief Minister said. “His courage and spirit will never be forgotten.
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