Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio described Kargil martyr Captain Niekezhakuo Kenguruse, Mahavir Chakra, as an icon for all especially the youth to emulate.
Addressing the Vijay Diwas celebration held in memory of Captain Kenguruse Memorial at Pheza village near Kohima on Thursday, Rio said Captain Kenguruse has become a household name as his story of bravery is discussed and remembered till today.
In memory of late Captain Kenguruse, Rio said, “We must continue to do good things to motivate the people.
He said Captain Kenguruse had left behind a mark for all to show courage and service not only for ourselves but for the people. He called upon the younger generation to take a step to serve the people in different disciplines, particularly in the army and police.
Lauding the Assam Rifles for organising the function, the chief minister said such events will give the family member happiness, hope and that the sacrifice made by the soldier was not in vain.
He informed that a request had been made to the Ministry of Defense to set up an Army Public School in the village in memory of Captain Kenguruse as having a public school in the village will benefit and motivate the children to join the army and transform the attitude of the youths.
Rio said Vijay Diwas is a special occasion to remember the supreme sacrifice made by the soldiers to protect the people and to uphold the nation.
He also expressed his gratitude to the Assam Rifles for their decision to organise a football tournament in memory of Captain Kenguruse. He called upon the villagers and the neighbouring villages to extend full cooperation with the activities of the Assam Rifles.
Inspector general of Assam Rifles (North) Major Gen P C Nair, in his address, said what Captain Kenguruse did on the eventful day 19 years ago in the Kargil War is something to be proud of. He called the late soldier the bravest in the battalion and was instrumental in holding up an attack of his battalion that caught the Pakistanis by surprise. In the process he made the supreme sacrifice, the general said.
Neiselie Kenguruse, father of Captain Kenguruse, thanked the IGAR (North) for successfully organising the 19th Vijay Diwas in honour of his son. He said Vijay Diwas is an occasion of both happiness and sadness for the families who lost their loved ones and humbly requested the people to uphold the family members of the slain soldiers in their prayers.
“It is only because of their sacrifices and services, we live peacefully as a nation and are celebrating the Kargil Vijay Diwas today,” he said. He also expressed his gratitude to Rio for being supportive during his family’s most difficult times.