Fifty-Six Years of Valour, Sacrifice and Distinguished Service
Colonel Prakash Bhatt (Retd)
On 1 November 2026, the Naga Regiment completes 56 glorious years of service to the Nation. One of the Indian Army’s youngest infantry regiments, it has established a distinguished reputation through its courage in battle, professionalism in operations and unwavering commitment to duty. From the humble beginnings as a single battalion, the regiment has grown into a proud military institution whose achievements reflect the valour of its soldiers and the enduring spirit of the Naga people.
The story of the Naga Regiment is unique in the annals of the Indian Army. Its formation was closely linked to the political aspirations of the Naga people and their desire to participate in the Defence of the country. In October 1959, the Naga People’s Convention (NPC) unanimously adopted the 16-Point Proposals as the basis for negotiations with the Government of India towards a political settlement. Among the proposals was the demand for a separate Regiment, which would provide the Naga people with an opportunity to serve the nation through its armed forces. Consequently, the Naga Regiment occupies a distinctive place in the history of the Indian Army, having been raised in the context of a political agreement aimed at bringing the Naga people into the national mainstream.
From a Political Agreement to a Proud Regiment
Although Nagaland attained statehood in 1963, prevailing law-and-order conditions delayed the raising of the regiment. The proposal was subsequently revived by the then Chief Minister, Hokishe Sema, paving the way for the regiment’s establishment on 1 November 1970. The Central Government approved the raising of a single-battalion regiment, with the objective of inducting as many former hostiles as possible into the national mainstream. Lieutenant Colonel R. N. Mahajan of the Kumaon Regiment, who later rose to the rank of Lieutenant General, was entrusted with the responsibility of raising and commanding the new formation. Colonel Tinu Ao, a Naga officer then serving in the Assam Regiment, was transferred to the newly raised regiment. He was accompanied by Subedar Major Yimchat Sung Ao, who later became Honorary Lieutenant and was appointed the regiment’s first Subedar Major.
The first battalion, designated 1 NAGA, was initially the regiment’s sole battalion. It retained a distinctive uniform while maintaining an affiliation with the Kumaon Regiment in regimental matters. This association was rooted in the Kumaon Regiment’s long history of service in Nagaland, where several of its battalions had operated before the Naga Regiment was raised. The early years demanded determination, adaptability and a strong sense of purpose. The regiment had to establish its own traditions and identity while drawing upon the experience and institutional strength of the Kumaon Regiment. Over time, it developed a distinctive regimental ethos founded on courage, discipline and devotion to the nation.
Growth, Expansion and Regimental Identity
Over the past five and a half decades, the Naga Regiment has grown steadily in strength and stature. From its original single-battalion structure, it has expanded into a three-battalion regular regiment, with each battalion contributing to its growing reputation for operational excellence. The second battalion, 2 NAGA, was raised at Haldwani on 11 February 1985, marking a significant step in the regiment’s expansion. More than two decades later, the third battalion, 3 NAGA, was raised at the same location on 1 October 2009. The regiment’s extended family also includes the 164 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) (Home & Hearth), Naga, popularly known as the Naga Terriers. Raised on 1 November 2006, this Territorial Army infantry unit is affiliated with the Naga Regiment.
Today, the Naga Regiment stands as a symbol of the Naga people's contribution to the Defence of India. Its journey from a single battalion to an expanded regimental family is a testament to sustained professional development, institutional resilience and the commitment of successive generations of officers and soldiers. Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, SYSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM and two Bars, Military Adviser to the National Security Council Secretariat, is the present Colonel of the Regiment of the Kumaon and Naga Regiments and Kumaon Scouts. The institution of the Colonel of the Regiment serves as an important link between the regiment’s proud traditions, its serving personnel and its veterans.
Baptism by Fire: The 1971 Indo-Pakistan War
The Naga Regiment’s operational legacy was established early in its history. In 1971, 1 NAGA curtailed its training at Ranikhet and was inducted into the Eastern Theatre of the Indo-Pakistan War. The battalion was deployed in a demanding operational environment, where its soldiers demonstrated courage and professional competence. Fighting shoulder to shoulder with considerably older and more experienced units, the young battalion rose to the occasion. Its personnel displayed commendable fighting spirit and devotion to duty, earning individual gallantry awards of one Vir Chakra and three Sena Medals. The regiment’s baptism by fire was a defining moment, it demonstrated that a newly raised unit could meet the demands of war with determination and effectiveness.
Kargil: A Legacy Forged in Battle
The regiment added another distinguished chapter to its history during the Kargil War of 1999. Both 1 NAGA and 2 NAGA distinguished themselves in operations conducted under exceptionally challenging conditions in the high-altitude terrain of Western Ladakh. Despite operating in difficult terrain, the soldiers displayed endurance, courage and determination in the face of formidable operational challenges. Their contributions brought further recognition to the regiment and reinforced its reputation as a dependable and battle-proven formation. The regiment’s achievements during the conflict were recognised through the Theatre Honour Kargil and the Battle Honours Dras and Mushkoh.
Excellence in Operations and International Service
The Naga Regiment’s record extends beyond conventional warfare. Its personnel have also served in counter-insurgency operations, including operations in the Kashmir Valley, where professionalism, restraint, discipline and operational effectiveness are essential. The regiment has earned recognition for their services. All three have been presented with prestigious Presidential Colours, an honour reflecting distinguished service and high professional standards. In 1996, 2 NAGA received the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Unit Citation. The battalion subsequently earned the United Nations Force Commander’s Citation for its commendable service as part of an international contingent under the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS). The youngest of the three regular battalions, 3 NAGA, has also added to the regiment’s achievements. It received the COAS Unit Citation in 2021 and in January 2026, recognising its exemplary service on both occasions. These recognitions demonstrate that the regiment’s reputation has been built not on its age or size, but on the quality of its service and the performance of its soldiers.
Gallantry and Distinguished Service
At the heart of the Naga Regiment’s achievements are the men who have served in its ranks. Its history is enriched by countless acts of courage, sacrifice and devotion to duty, many of which have been recognised through prestigious gallantry and distinguished service awards. Among the most notable is the Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) awarded to Subedar Imliakum Ao, who was serving as a sepoy at the time of the action for which he was honoured. Another outstanding example is Major David Manlun, who was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra.
The regiment’s personnel have also received eight Vir Chakras, six Shaurya Chakras, one Yudh Seva Medal, 48 Sena Medals and six Vishisht Seva Medals. Behind every medal lies a story of courage, commitment and sacrifice. These honours are not merely individual distinctions; they form part of the collective heritage of the regiment. They embody the values that have guided its officers and soldiers through peace and conflict alike.
A Proud Legacy and a Promising Future
The Naga Regiment fraternity has acquitted itself with distinction in peace and war. Its record reflects the dedication of its officers and soldiers, the strength of its regimental traditions and the contribution to the Defence of the nation. As the regiment completes 56 years of service, it has every reason to look back with pride.
The road ahead will bring new challenges and responsibilities. Yet, guided by its proud traditions and strengthened by the experience of its predecessors, the Naga Regiment can look to the future with confidence. Its officers and soldiers will undoubtedly continue to uphold the highest traditions of the Indian Army, adding fresh laurels to the regiment’s distinguished record. As the Naga Regiment marches into its 57th year, may its colours continue to fly high, its regimental spirit remains unbroken, and its legacy of valour, sacrifice and service grow ever stronger.
Good luck and Godspeed to the Naga Regiment!
