The victory was not just a strategic military success but a glowing testimony to the spirit of unity and sacrifice that runs through the veins of India. From the snow-capped peaks to the lush hills of the Northeast, brave sons of the soil answered the call of duty, laying down their lives for the integrity and honor of the nation. Their stories continue to inspire generations, instilling a sense of pride and reverence across the country.
Among the many gallant warriors was Captain Jintu Gogoi from Khumtai in Assam’s Golaghat district. A proud officer of the 17 Garhwal Rifles, he was recalled from leave just twelve days after his engagement. Undeterred, Captain Gogoi led his men in a daring assault to recapture Kala Pathar in the Batalik sector. Despite being severely injured, he charged at the enemy with fierce determination, eliminating two intruders before making the supreme sacrifice. His valiant actions earned him the Vir Chakra posthumously.
From the heart of Meghalaya emerged Captain Keishing Clifford Nongrum, a fearless soldier of the 12th battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry. Hailing from Shillong, his courage knew no bounds. In the high-stakes battle for Point 4812 in the Batalik sector, he led his troops under a barrage of enemy fire. He neutralized six enemy combatants and attempted to seize a critical machine gun post before succumbing to his injuries. For his unparalleled bravery and leadership, Captain Nongrum was honored with the Maha Vir Chakra posthumously, and remains a symbol of pride for the people of the Northeast.
Another name that shines bright is Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse from Nerhema village in Nagaland. Commissioned into the Army Service Corps, he soon became the lead commander of the Ghatak Platoon in the Rajputana Rifles. On the perilous night of June 28, 1999, he led an assault on the heavily fortified Black Rock post. Climbing barefoot to maintain his grip on the icy rocks, and even after sustaining injuries, he continued to dismantle enemy bunkers and engage in close combat. His courage on that night was nothing short of legendary. He laid down his life in the line of fire and was posthumously conferred the Maha Vir Chakra.
The contribution of Manipur too stands tall in this saga of heroism. Sepoy K. Ashuli Mao of the Naga Regiment, known for his indomitable spirit, volunteered to climb a vertical cliff under enemy fire during Operation Vijay. Even after being gravely wounded, he held his position and ensured his comrades could ascend and take control. His act of gallantry earned him the Vir Chakra. Alongside him, the sacrifices of Sepoy Chara Nicholas, Naik Kaleshwor, Ng Beningvir Moyon, and LNk S. Germinthang will always be remembered as a testament to the valor of Manipur’s warriors.
Kargil Vijay Diwas is not just a day of remembrance—it is a celebration of the unyielding spirit of the Indian soldier. It is a tribute to the courage that soared above the clouds, to the sacrifice that runs deeper than the valleys of Ladakh, and to the unity that binds a diverse nation into one indomitable force. As the tricolor flies high in the Kargil wind, it flutters in honor of every braveheart who wrote a chapter of courage in blood, so the nation could stand tall in peace.
