Dignitaries with parents of Capt Neikezhakuo Kengurüse at Nerhe-Phezha on June 28.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 28
The Spear Corps and the Assam Rifles on Sunday commemorated the 27th Memorial Day of Kargil war hero Capt Neikezhakuo Kengurüse, Maha Vir Chakra (MVC), at the Kengurüse War Memorial in Nerhe-Phezha, Kohima district.
Capt Kengurüse, a native of Nerhema village in Kohima district, was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for displaying exceptional courage during the 1999 Kargil War.
Born on July 15, 1974, he was commissioned into the Indian Army on December 12, 1998, and attained martyrdom during the Kargil War on June 28, 1999.
The solemn ceremony was organised to honour the unparalleled courage, sacrifice and devotion to duty displayed by the gallant officer during the conflict.
Lieutenant General Girish Kalia, AVSM, VSM, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Spear Corps, attended the event as the chief guest and laid a wreath at the memorial in honour of the fallen soldier.
Addressing the gathering, Lt Gen Kalia paid rich tributes to Capt Kengurüse and highlighted the values of courage, selfless service and patriotism that he embodied. He urged the youth to draw inspiration from the officer's life and legacy and contribute meaningfully towards nation-building and national service.
The ceremony was attended by Major General Harinder Singh Mavi, Inspector General Assam Rifles (North), the parents and family members of Capt Kengurüse, senior military officers, ex-servicemen, NCC cadets, local villagers and other distinguished guests.
The programme began with wreath-laying ceremonies by military dignitaries, family members and representatives of local communities.
A prayer service and eulogy were conducted in remembrance of Capt Kengurüse, whose extraordinary bravery and supreme sacrifice continue to inspire generations of soldiers and citizens alike.
A documentary depicting the life and heroic actions of the decorated officer was also screened during the programme.
The chief guest felicitated Capt Kengurüse's parents, Neisalie Kengurüse, in recognition of their son's exceptional service and supreme sacrifice for the nation.
A ceremonial march-past by Assam Rifles personnel, NCC cadets, ex-servicemen and pipe bands marked the occasion, reflecting the enduring respect for the fallen hero.
The event concluded with a reaffirmation of the commitment of the Assam Rifles and the Spear Corps to preserving the legacy of the nation's bravehearts and strengthening their enduring bond with the people of Nagaland.
