Governor salutes Kargil War heroes; highlights initiative for peace
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, July 26 2025: Along with the rest of the country, Manipur observed the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in the 1999 Kargil War.

The state-level observance was held at the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) auditorium, Palace Compound, on Saturday with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla as the chief guest and DGP Manipur Rajiv Singh as the president.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla highlighted the profound significance of the day, marking 26 years since the Kargil victory.

He said that the observance honours the Indian Armed Forces personnel who laid down their lives defending the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Governor salutes Kargil War heroes; highlights initiative for peace

Kargil Vijay Diwas, he said, serves as a powerful reminder of their sacrifice in the face of external aggression and terrorism and reinforces the values of unity, resilience, and national pride.

He paid tribute to the seven soldiers from Manipur who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Kargil War, calling their contribution a source of pride for both the state and the nation.

He also mentioned the government's appointment of Chingakham Naoba as an Assistant Sub-Inspector in Manipur Police in honour of his brother, BSF constable Chingakham Deepak, who was killed in cross-border firing during Operation Sin-door in Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing the ongoing crisis in the state, the Governor said that efforts were continuing to restore peace and prosperity.

He cited dialogues with civil society organisations from the Meetei, Kuki, and Naga communities to facilitate voluntary resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs), as well as joint operations by the Manipur Police and central forces in both hill and valley areas, which have led to recovery of arms and ammunition and contributed to improving law and order.

He also highlighted new initiatives such as the Anti-Extortion Cell and deployment of checkpoints on national highways to curb illegal activities, ensure free flow of goods, and improve security.

He stated that various welfare schemes have been introduced for IDPs staying in relief camps.

The Governor appealed to the people of Manipur to support the government's efforts in restoring peace and harmony and reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the nation's integrity and citizens' safety.

The event concluded with collective expressions of gratitude to the fallen soldiers and a pledge to strive for peace in the state.

The observance was attended by MLAs, senior administrative, police and military officers, armed forces personnel and veterans from Manipur who served in the Kargil War.

Separately, All Bhartiya Purva Sainik Seva Parishad (ABPSSP), Manipur Prant observed Kargil Vijay Diwas at the Rajya Sainik Board, Lamphelpat.

The event saw floral tributes offered to Kargil heroes from Manipur, with 'Veer Naris' (war widows) and families of critically wounded soldiers honoured.

Lieutenant General K Himalaya Singh and Lieutenant General L Nishikanta Singh attended the ceremony.

According to a release, around 1,000 soldiers from Manipur participated in the Kargil War, many serving in the Assam Regiment, Naga Regiment, artillery and other units.

Six soldiers from Manipur were martyred: Naik Kaleshwar K, Lance Naik S Gerneithang, Sepoy Chara Nicholas Moyon, Sepoy Ng Beningvir Moyon, Sepoy K Asholi Mao and Sepoy K Ashuli Mao, while Naik Ningthoujam L and Naik Dipak Toijam were seriously wounded.

Lt Gen Himalay had commanded a battalion in the war, and Lt Gen Nishikanta was involved in capturing-six Pakistani soldiers.

District administrations of Senapati, Churachandpur, and Chandel also held commemorative events in collaboration with Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat).

At each of the district headquarters, floral tributes were paid to Kargil martyrs and family members were felicitated, including those of Vir Chakra (posthumous) awardee Sepoy K Ashuli of Senapati, Sepoy Zamkholal Vaiphei of Churachandpur, and Sepoy Chara Nicolas Moyon and Sepoy Ng Beningvir Moyon of Chandel.

Kakching Khunou College observed the day at its Sivananda Memorial Hall with a quiz competition on 'Nationalist Leaders and the Indian National Freedom Movement', followed by prize distribution.

Mera Yuva Bharat units in Tamenglong, Chaengdai and Lubanglong villages in Noney district also commemorated the day.

As per MY Bharat, Tamenglong district youth officer Chunthuingam Dangmei, the event featured poster-making and message competitions among students.

Meanwhile, Assam Rifles held a wide range of patriotic events across various locations including Ukhrul, Kamjong, Moreh, Sehlon, Joupi, and Kakching, engaging students, youth and the public.

According to PRO IGAR (South), the commemorations included National Flag hoisting, National Anthem singing, wreath laying, motivational talks, debates, painting contests, essay competitions, patriotic film screenings, walkathons, tree plantations under 'Ek Paudha Ek Pran - Deshbhakton ko Samarpan', volleyball matches, and cycle rallies.

Assam Rifles also hosted a veterans' meet at Modi village, Chandel district.

Around 175 veterans, including those from the Naga Regiment who fought in Operation Vijay, were felicitated.

Senior officials expressed gratitude for their contributions, and veterans shared their wartime experiences and messages of inspiration.