Coinciding with the Tsüngremmung Festival in Chuchuyimpang Village, Mokokchung, Lok Sabha Member of Parliament S Supongmeren Jamir inaugurated a monolith honoring Captain (Honorary) Imliakum Ao MVC. The event was part of the Kargil Vijay Diwas Silver Jubilee Commemorative Program, organized by the Chuchuyimpang Citizens Forum.
The inauguration ceremony paid tribute to Capt. Imliakum Ao, a Kargil War hero, and was attended by a large gathering of villagers and dignitaries. Capt. Ao speaking at the ceremony expressed his gratitude to the Chuchuyimpang Citizens Forum and ‘Reongsanger Putu Tatar Menden’ for honoring him during the ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas Rajat Jayanti Mahotsav’ (Kargil Vijay Diwas Silver Jubilee Celebration).
In his address, Capt. Ao highlighted a recent article published in “Nagaland Post” by Col. Amit Shukla, PRO and Spokesperson for Manipur, Nagaland, and Southern Arunachal Pradesh, Ministry of Defence. The article, titled “Role of the Naga Regiment in the Kargil War of 1999,” acknowledged the 1 Naga Regiment but overlooked the significant contributions of the 2 Naga Regiment. Capt. Ao expressed regret and reminded attendees of the raid conducted by the 2 Naga Regiment on an enemy mortar position in Twin Bumps, quoting General VP Malik, the then Chief of Army Staff, who praised Rifleman Imliakum Ao for his bravery.
Reflecting on his own experience, Capt. Ao recounted the moment he was awarded the Mahavir Chakra by the President of India in 1999. When asked by the then Defence Minister, George Fernandes, about his wishes, he requested the establishment of a Sainik School in Nagaland. His request was honored, and the first Sainik School in Nagaland was established in Punglwa, Peren district.
“Here, I am not claiming credit for establishing the first Sainik School in Nagaland, but I feel satisfied that I could contribute a little towards its establishment,” he said.
Capt. Ao also appealed to MP Supongmeren Jamir and other dignitaries to consider further development projects in honor of Mahavir Chakra awardees, benefiting the younger generation of Nagas.
Brig. Vikram Singh, DIG, HQ 7 Sector, AR, said that it has been 25 years since the Kargil War was fought, and it was because of the courage and sacrifices of Captain Imliakum that the day is being celebrated. Brig. Singh stated that the monolith was not just for the Chuchuyimlang village but for the entire India, and therefore, future programs related to the Kargil War will be held at this spot. He also mentioned that he would talk with higher authorities to ensure the monolith is maintained through the Army Civic Program.