Morung Express News
Dimapur | January 25
In a major achievement, two defence personnel - Wing Commander S Akheto Jakhalu and Major Imliakum Keitzar will be receiving gallantry award for their respective services to the nation on the occasion of Republic Day 2019 from the President.
VSM for SA Jakhalu
Wing Commander of the Indian Air Force SA Jakhalu have been conferred the Presidential award- the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) “for dedication, extraordinarily contribution to the organisation and recognition for his distinguished meritorious service of highest order which is given to selected exceptional few in all the three services by a committee.”
“This year he is the lone officer in the rank of Wing Commander in the entire IAF to be awarded. The officer belongs to Sumi tribe and is from Surumi village under Suruhuto sub division Zunheboto district,” Director, Rajya Sanik Board Nagaland informed in a press release.
The officer is an alumnus of RIMC Dehradun and joined National Defence Academy, Pune after clearing the UPSC and 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 shall also be presenting him cash grants for Distinguished Service Medal and other benefits as per policy in vogue for the presidential awardees through Rajya Sainik Board Nagaland.
Shaurya Chakra for Maj Keitzar
Meanwhile, Major Imliakum Keitzar, of 4th Battalion of the 4th Gorkha Rifles will be awarded ‘Shaurya Chakra’ for displaying “courage, selfless devotion, leadership and conspicuous gallantry.”
The award citation released by the Ministry of Defence via PIB informed that Maj Keitzar successfully led the “Operation Rekha” in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, where he showed “exemplary tactical acumen and courage beyond the call of duty.”
According to the release, Keitzar was tenanting appointment of Ismali-Di-Deri Company Commander on Line of Control at Keran Sector of Kupwara district.
On June 9, 2018, he went in pursuit of enemies “hiding in the inhospitable and snow bound terrain, crawled in the steep and rugged High Altitude terrain” ahead of fence and closed in on to them exposing him to their heavy volume of fire.
“The officer showed extraordinary valour by eliminating three terrorist all by himself one after the other risking his life, time and again beyond the call of duty,” it added.
