Homage paid to Kargil martyrs
CM calls for fighting together anti-national forces
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, July 26 2009: Manipur today paid rich homage to the martyrs of the 1999 Kargil conflict at a solemn function held at Bir Tikendrajit Park here where Chief Minister O Ibobi led in offering floral tributes to seven heroes from Manipur who laid down their lives in the conflict.

Seven jawans from Manipur were among more than 500 Indian soldiers killed in the Kargil conflict ten year back in 1999 when heavily armed intruders, aided by Pakistan army crossed the line of control in Kargil, Drass, Batalik and Turtok with the intention to cut off the strategic Srinagar-Leh national highway.

Chief Minister O Ibobi and cabinet collegues at BT Park during observance of Kargil Divas

The seven soldiers were lance naik Kaleshwor from Imphal east district, sepoys Nicolas Moyon, Beningbir Moyan and Birneithang from Chandel district, sepoy Jamkholan Vaiphei from Churachandpur district and sepoy Kapani Asuli and S Daikho Mao from Senapati district.

Offering of the last post by a contingent of the Manipur Rifles and two minutes silence marked the observation of the 10th Kargil Divas which state Chief Minister O Ibobi was the chief guest, while health minister Ph Parijat presided over the occasion.

The CM and other members of his council of ministers along with top civil and police officials and members of the public paid floral tribute at the Martyrs Memorial at the BT park in remembrance of the martyrs of the 1999 Kargil conflict with Pakistan.

A contingent of the Manipur Rifles provided a guard of honour.

Speaking on the occasion Chief Minister said many brave soldiers of India sacrificed their lives for the motherland in the Kargil battle.

"Their sacrifice has shown how much they love the integrity of the country," he said.

Recalling those Manipuris who laid down their lives in the war, Ibobi went on to say that "their sacrifice shows the extent to which the Manipuris take part in protecting the union of India".

Ibobi further said that "the true tribute to these martyred sons of the country will be to strengthen the unity of the country with our best effort and fight together with those forces trying to disintegrate it".