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KOHIMA — Along with the rest of the country, the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas was commemorated across the state with various events on July 26.
In a tribute, Neiselie Kengurüse, father of the late Captain Neikezhakuo Kengurüse, MVC, a Kargil War hero, shared memories of his son at the Neikezhakuo Memorial Hall in Nerhema, Kohima.
Neiselie reminisced about his son’s early life and his journey to becoming an Indian Army officer while speaking with Eastern Mirror.
He shared that Neikezhakuo had recently graduated from Kohima Science College, Jotsoma, before joining the Army. Due to financial constraints, Neiselie advised his son to forgo further studies and find a job to support the family, which Neikezhakuo agreed to.
After graduating, Neikezhakuo worked as a teacher at Baptist High School in Kohima for about a year.
When asked about the motivation behind his son’s decision to join the armed forces, Neiselie recounted how Neikezhakuo's NCC commandant encouraged and assisted him in the process after he cleared an interview.
Reflecting on the significance of Kargil Vijay Diwas, he expressed that the day serves as both encouragement and a source of consolation through the commemorative activities held in honour of his son.
Neiselie, who was accompanied by his wife Dinuo Kengurüse during the conversation, shared that such anniversary programmes feel like a plan of God, offering solace and positive thoughts.
Neiselie recalled a moment from the war when his son called him, advising him to avoid spending money on an elaborate grave and to keep it simple should he die.
He said that the various programmes organised in honour of the captain inspire young people to join the Indian Army and continue his son’s legacy.
Meanwhile, the Assam Rifles also commemorated the day by organising various events.
At St. Xavier's School in Jalukie, an event was held in honour of their alumnus, Captain Kengurüse. Students, faculty, and a team from the Assam Rifles were present.
The Assam Rifles celebrated the silver jubilee of Kargil Vijay Diwas at Assam Rifles High School Mokokchung by paying homage to the fallen heroes of the war.
According to a press release, the principal highlighted the significance of Kargil Vijay Diwas and the valiant efforts of the Indian armed forces during the war in his address to the students.
The day was also marked by a wreath-laying ceremony at Chui village, where homage was paid to braveheart late Sep. Gangching Konyak, SM (posthumous) of the 1st Naga Regiment.
He sacrificed his life during the war on May 27, 1999, in Operation Vijay.
The day was observed in the presence of Kargil War veterans from the 1st Naga Regiment, veer naris and next of kin (NOK), Assam Rifles personnel, students, CSO leaders, and approximately 100 villagers.
In honour of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Assam Rifles organised a series of commemorative events in the villages of Akhen, Ziphu, New Thewati, and Pokhungri, situated along the India-Myanmar border.
The day featured a blend of patriotic activities and interactive sessions, bringing together the local community. A total of 150 civilians, including school students, participated in the events.
Additionally, the Assam Rifles honoured the bravery and sacrifice of Captain Kengurüse, with a special ceremony held at the primary schools in Pokhpur, Pungro, Mimi, and Akhegwo in Kiphire district.
The ceremony was attended by 275 students, teachers, and village authorities.