Brave son of Nagaland remembered for supreme sacrifice in defending India

CHIEF MINISTER NEIPHIU RIO ADDRESSES 19th VIJAY DIWAS AT PHEZA VILLAGE

Along with the rest of the country, Vijay Diwas was celebrated at Captain Lt. Niekezhakuo Kenguruse, Mahavir Chakra Pheza Memorial at Pheza Village on 26th July

Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year to commemorate the victory of Kargil war’s heroes who fought valiantly and also made supreme sacrifices for the nation.

Speaking at the function Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio said ‘it is a special occasion to remember the supreme sacrifice made by the soldiers to protect the people and to uphold the nation’. He said Captain (late) Neikezhakuo Kenguruse is a household name as his story of bravery is discussed and remembered till today.

‘Captain Kenguruse is an icon for all especially the youth to emulate’ said Rio. He added that Captain Kenguruse had left behind a mark for all to show courage and service not only for ourselves but for the people. He called upon the younger generation to take a step to serve the people in different disciplines, particularly in the army and police.

He also expressed his gratitude to the Assam rifles upon learning that they will be conducting a football tournament in memory of Lt. Captain Kenguruse and that his memorial will be further improved. He called upon the villagers and the neighboring villages to extend full cooperation with the activities of the Assam Rifles.

He informed that a request had been made to the Ministry of Defense to set up an Army Public School in the village in memory of the Lt. Captain Kenguruse. Adding that having a Public School in the village will benefit and motivate the children to join the army and also the attitude of the youth will be transformed.

In memory of Lt Captain Kenguruse, Rio said we must continue to do good things to motivate the people. Lauding the Assam Rifles for organizing the function Rio stated that such events will give the family member happiness, hope and that the sacrifice made by the soldier was not in vain.

Rio called upon all not to forget the sacrifices made by the soldiers for our country. He said that the soldiers are to be respected for all the sacrifices they make to keep the country safe and secure from the enemy. Concluding his speech he said ‘let us strengthen each other and give our service to our people and nation to be peaceful and prosperous’.

YSM, IGAR (N) Major Gen. P.C. Nair addressing the gathering said 19 years ago in the Kargil War what Captain Niekezhakuo Kenguruse did on the eventful day is something to be proud of. He said that he was the bravest among the battalion, where holding up an attack of his battalion was instrumental in catching the Pakistani by surprise and in the process he made the supreme sacrifice.

He appraised the people that every year on Vijay Diwas he is honored so that his memory is not lost and sacrifice not gone in vain. He encouraged the young people to take inspiration from Captain Kenguruse’s act of bravery and sacrifice and urged them to join the forces to emulate and live up like him for the people and for the country.

Neiselie Kenguruse, father of Lt. Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse, Mahavir Chakra speaking on the occasion thanked the IGAR North for successfully organizing the 19th Vijay Diwas in honour of his son. He said Vijay Diwas is an occasion of both happiness and sadness for the families who lost their loved ones. He humbly requested the people to uphold the family members of the slain soldiers in their prayers. As it is only because of their sacrifices and services we live peacefully as a nation and celebrating the Kargil Vijay Diwas today, he said. He also expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio for being supportive during the most difficult times.

Captain S. Dwivedi, narrating a Recap of Act of Valour of Lt. Kenguruse said captain Kenguruse, Maha Vir Chakra, was a brave young boy, born in Nerhema Village on 15th July, 1974. He was commissioned into 2nd Rajputana Rifles on 12th December 1998 and was fondly addressed as ‘Nimbu Sahab’ by the soldiers serving under him. He said that his moment of Valour came when he was part of ‘Operation Vijay’. He was the Ghatak Platoon Commander during the attack on area ‘Black Rock’ on the night of 28th June, 1999.

Without thinking of his own safety, he volunteered to undertake a daring commando mission of attacking a well- sited enemy machine gun post, on a cliff face. At a height of 16000 feet and a freezing temperature of -10 degrees, he took off his shoes to get a good grip and scaled the rock wall along with the rocket launcher and fired at bunker. Unmindful of his personal safety, charged at the enemy and personally killed two men with his Rifles and another two with his commando knife in hand to hand combat before succumbing to his injuries.

He single handedly neutralized the enemy bunker which held up the battalion’s progress. Captain Kenguruse displayed conspicuous gallantry, indomitable resolve, grit and determination beyond the call of duty and supreme sacrifice in the face of enemy, in true tradition of the Indian Army, for which he was honoured with The Maha Vir Chakra posthumously.

The programme was chaired by captain S Dwivedi. The occasion also witnessed laying of wreaths on the memorial by Maj Gen. P C Nair, YSM, IGAR (N) and Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio. Two minutes silence was also observed in remembrance of soldiers who laid down their lives during Kargil war 1999. Offertory prayer was pronounced by Pastor, Dziesetuolie Chadi, Baptist Church Chiephobozou.

Report compiled by Nongozo, Esuihangle & Tovikali | Source—Directorate of Information & Public Relations, Govt of Nagaland