On 'Kargil Vijay Diwas', Northeast states remember the war heroes of 1999

IMPHAL/SHILLONG/ITANAGAR/TRIPURA: Remembering the brave war heroes, 'Kargil Vijay Diwas' was observed in states across the northeast on Friday, during which glowing tributes were paid to the matyrs who laid down their lives for the country.
In Manipur, the occasion was observed through a state programme at the Banquet Hall of the 1st BN Manipur Rifles. Naga Regiment rifleman G Garnethang and sepoys Chara Nicholas Moyon and Ng Beningvir Moyon, all from Chandel district in Manipur, had laid down their lives during the war in 1999.
Agriculture minister V Hangkhanlian, while mentioning that 527 Indian soldiers sacrificed their lives for the country during the 74-day-long war, said, "On this occasion, we feel proud for the selfless sacrifices made by our soldiers who fought valiantly for the country."
Similar programmes were also held in Chandel and at Assam Rifles and Army units across the state.The armed forces paid homage to the martyrs of Operation Vijay, in the city even as tributes were paid to martyr Captain Clifford Keishing Nongrum, who hailed from Shillong. Floral wreaths were laid at the Assam Rifles War Memorial at its headquarters at Laitkor here. Nongrum, who was posthumously honoured with the Maha Vir Chakra, had laid down his life after killing six enemy soldiers at Point 4812 Batalik Sector during Operation Vijay of Kargil War on July 1, 1999.
"In a sombre and befitting wreath laying ceremony, held as per military customs, the Additional Director General Assam Rifles, Major General Balwinder Singh, and all ranks of Assam Rifles remembered the ultimate sacrifice of the officers and men of the Indian Army who, in the best traditions of the Indian Army, died fighting for the security of the nation," a spokesperson of the oldest paramilitary force of the country said.
In Meghalaya, the Border Security Force has been holding a week-long programme since July 20 to mark the occasion. The programme is being held at the Umpling BSF Camp and all along the international border with Bangladesh. BSF IG Kuldeep Saini, DIG UK Nayal and other senior officers participated in the wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial at the BSF frontier headquarters in Umpling.
Tributes to war heroes were also paid in Arunachal Pradesh on Friday, with a programme organized at the Raj Bhavan to mark the occasion.
Governor Brig (Retd) BD Mishra, along with chief minister Pema Khandu, deputy chief minister Chowna Mein and people from different walks of life, laid wreaths and paid tributes to the martyrs of 'Operation Vijay'.
Honouring the warrior martyrs and their families, the governor and the chief minister felicitated Dinuo and Neiselie, parents of martyrs Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse and his siblings Mhozienuo and Viketoulie, on the occasion. Kargil war heroes - Subedar Imliakum Ao, Col Gurpreet Singh and Subedar Harinder Singh - were felicitated during the function.
Speaking on the occasion, the governor recalled the sacrifices made by the Kargil war martyrs. "Recalling the bravery of our war heroes is a proud moment for every Indian," he said.
The governor, while reminding the people of their duty towards martyrs' families, called upon them not to forget their sacrifices. Cabinet ministers, senior officials, teachers and students from different colleges and schools of the state capital attended the event.
In Tripura, chief minister Biplab Deb on Friday paid tributes to the Kargil War martyrs at the Albert Ekka Memorial at Lichu Bagan, on the outskirts of Agartala.
After laying a wreath at the martyrs' memorial, the chief minister said, "Thousands of soldiers of the Army and other paramilitary forces have sacrificed their lives to protect our motherland."
The BSF is conducting a series of events to commemorate the valour and sacrifice of the Indian Army during the Kargil war. A BSF release said that the chief minister would flag-off a Run for Martyrs mini marathon here on Saturday. BSF official Arun Kumar Verma said, "At least 2,000 people from various paramilitary forces as well as civilians will take part in the marathon."
The BSF release said that during the week-long celebrations that are being held since July 20, banners were displayed with photographs and details on the Kargil war heroes at all prominent locations.
Various other programmes were also held, including screening of movies and documentaries on the Kargil war, at selected town halls, panchayat bhavans and community halls. "Blood donation and medical camps are being organised by BSF personnel in hospitals. Drawing, painting, debates, patriotic song competitions are also being organised for students," the release added.