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SA Jakhalu[/caption]
Dimapur, Jan. 25 (EMN): On the eve of Republic Day of India 2019, Indian Air Force officer from Nagaland, Wing commander SA Jakhalu was awarded the prestigious Presidential Award ‘Vishisht Seva Medal’ by the President of India.
He was awarded for dedication, extraordinarily contribution to the organisation and recognition to his distinguished meritorious service of highest order which is given to selected exceptional few in all the three services by a committee.
He is the lone officer in the rank of Wing Commander in the entire IAF to be awarded this year. The officer belongs to Sumi tribe from Surumi village under Suruhuto sub-division in Zunheboto district, a press release issued by the director of Rajya Sanik Board Nagaland stated on January 25.
The officer is an alumnus of RIMC Dehradun and joined National Defence Academy, Pune, after clearing the UPSC. He was commissioned in December 2000 from Air Force Academy, Hyderabad, as a fighter pilot. He was also earlier a recipient of the Vice chief of Air Staff (VCAS) of Indian Air Force commendation medal in the year 2012 for his administrative acumen, leadership, commitment and initiatives.
As per government policy issued by Ministry of Defence (GoI), the state government would present him cash grants for distinguished service and other benefits as per policy in vogue for the presidential awardees through Rajya Sainik Board Nagaland.
In another achievement for the state, Major Imliakum Keitzar of 4th Gorkha Rifles was conferred ‘Shaurya Chakra’ award for displaying courage, selfless devotion, leadership and conspicuous gallantry.
According to a citation, Major Imliakum Keitzar was conferred the award for successfully leading ‘Operation Rekha’ on the Line of Control at Keran Sector of Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir wherein he had showed exemplary tactical acumen and courage beyond the call of duty.
It stated that on June 9, 2018, Major Keitzar went in pursuit of terrorists hiding in the inhospitable and snow bound terrain and eliminated three terrorists all by himself one after the other risking his life.