Ukhrul: As India celebrates Kargil Vijay Diwas 2023, the 24th anniversary of the Kargil War to honour India’s victory over Pakistan in July 26, 1999, and remembers the brave Indian jawans who laid down their lives for the country, the significant role played by the Nagas bring the annual commemoration to focus.
The Nagas considered to be the unsung heroes of Kargil War, played a significant role in the Kargil War, displaying their courage and valour in the face of the enemy. Two Naga battalions namely 1 Naga under 56 Mountain Division and 2 Naga under 79 Mountain Brigade took part in the war.
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2 Naga during the night of July 3-4 1999 played a very crucial part in capturing the famous Tiger Hill and many other strategic outposts of the enemy.
Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse who joined the service corps in 1998 was among the Naga heroes, who was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra medal posthumously, India’s second highest gallantry award. Born in Nerhema village in the district of Kohima, Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse killed seven enemy soldiers and destroyed seven bunkers before being shot dead.
Imliakum Ao who as a Subedar in the Kargil War is another Naga hero who showed courage killing two enemy soldiers and destroyed two bunkers before being fatally wounded during the Kargil War. Imliakum Ao joined the 2nd Battalion of the Naga Regiment on May 4, 1994. The point that he helped capture, P.T. 5113 is now named as ‘Imli Point.’
“His determination, grit, cool confidence and raw courage in the face of the enemy was exemplary in the true spirit and traditions of the Indian Army and the Regiment which was a factor in eliminating the enemy from the almost indomitable mortar position,” the Indian Army citation reads about Imliakum Ao.
Another brave officer, Captain Keishing Clifford Nongrum of the 12 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry was killed in action in July 1, 1999. He was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra. His battalion was posted to the Batalik sector. Captain Keishing Clifford Nongrum was part Naga part Khashi. His parents are Peter Keishing, a Tangkhul Naga from Manipur State’s Ukhrul District while his mother, Saily Nongrum from Meghalaya.
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Defence Minister of India, Rajnath Singh paid tribute today at Kargil War Memorial in Dras in the Kargil district of Ladakh.
“Paid tributes to India’s bravehearts at Kargil War Memorial in Dras. The Indian Armed Forces fought valiantly and many soldiers laid down their lives in the line of duty. The nation will remain indebted to their service and sacrifice,” wrote Rajnath Singh.
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