Manipur Pays Heartfelt Tribute on Kargil Vijay Diwas: Stories of Courage, Sacrifice, and an Unbroken Spirit
GENERAL
Imphal: On the solemn occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Manipur today stood united in honouring its brave sons who gave their all for the nation during the 1999 Kargil War. The day began with a state-level tribute at the Palace Auditorium, graced by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, who paid homage to the valor and sacrifice of India’s Armed Forces. He underlined the importance of remembering these heroes, saying their courage is the foundation of India’s unity and security.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla
Shri Shri Bal Mukunda Dev Music College, Imphal presenting an opening song at the State Level Kargil Diwas with Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Balla and Manipur Rajiv Singh gracing the function as Chief Gues and President respectively at the Palace Auditorium, MSFDS, Manipur
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the State Level Kargil Vijay Diwas at the Palace Auditorium, MSFDS in Manipur
Manipur DGP Rajiv Singhat the State Level Kargil Vijay Diwas at the Palace Auditorium, MSFDS in Manipur
The Governor, along with top officials including DGP Rajiv Singh, senior bureaucrats, armed forces personnel, and veterans, honoured seven gallant soldiers from Manipur who laid down their lives in the icy heights of Kargil. These names, etched forever in history, reflect Manipur’s enduring legacy as a land of warriors.
But beyond the official ceremony, the most poignant moments unfolded at the Rajya Sainik Board in Lamphelpat, where the Rajya Sainik Board, Manipur, and the All Bhartiya Purva Sainik Seva Parishad (ABPSSP) hosted a heartfelt gathering. Ex-servicemen, Veer Naris (war widows), and local youth came together to honour the martyrs and soldiers who fought in the war in different capacities, sharing memories of valour.
Families of Kargil Martyrs
Among those honoured were four Veer Naris and two soldiers critically wounded in Kargil. Their stories moved everyone present—stories of grit that refuse to fade.
Charas Rasma Moyon, elder brother of Sepoy Chara Nicholas Moyon who was martyred in the Kargil War.
Take Sepoy Chara Nicholas Moyon, for instance—a young soldier of the 1st Naga Regiment who had just packed his bags to go home on leave when news of the war broke. Instead of returning to the comfort of his family, Nicholas turned back, pleaded with his commander to let him join the mission, and marched to the frontlines. There, amidst the deafening roar of artillery, he fell to an enemy shell. “We are proud of him,” said his elder brother, Charas Rasma Moyon, his voice trembling with both pain and pride. “He gave his life for the nation, and today, seeing the state and the country honour him, we feel his sacrifice was not in vain.”
Naik N. Letzamang of 1st Naga Regiment, wounded in Kargil War
Then there is Naik Ningthoujam Letzamang, also from the 1st Naga Regiment, who survived but carries deep scars from that icy battlefield. Shrapnel tore through his hands and face, ending his military service—but not his spirit. “If the nation calls again, I will go without a second thought,” he said, his words echoing the indomitable spirit of Manipur’s soldiers.
Manipur contributed nearly 1,000 soldiers to the Kargil conflict, many serving in the Assam Regiment, Naga Regiment, Artillery, and other units. Six of them never came home: Naik Kaleshwar K., Lance Naik S Gerneithang, Sepoy Chara Nicholas Moyon, Sepoy Ng Beningvir Moyon, Sepoy K. Asholi Mao and Sepoy K. Ashuli Mao. The two who were severely wounded—Naik Ningthoujam Letzamang and Naik Dipak Toijam were also honoured today.
(L-R) Rtd. Lt General L. Nishikanta Singh and Rtd. Lt. General K. Himalaya Singh at the observation of Kargil Vijay Diwas
The event, attended by retired Lt. General K. Himalaya Singh, who commanded a battalion in the Kargil War, and retired Lt General L. Nishikanta Singh, who captured six Pakistani soldiers during the conflict, was a powerful reminder of Manipur’s role in safeguarding the nation’s frontiers. In his address, Lt Gen Singh said, “The mountains of Kargil are silent now, but the echoes of those battles live on in the hearts of soldiers and their families. Today, we salute the warriors who fought against all odds for the honour of the Tricolour.”
The ABPSSP reiterated its commitment to support war widows and veterans, spread awareness about the contributions of Manipur and other Northeastern states in India’s defence history—from the 1962 and 1971 wars to counter-insurgency operations—and to instill patriotism in future generations. Plans are already in place for similar Vijay Diwas observances on December 16, marking the 1971 victory.
As the day ended with patriotic songs and moments of silence, one truth stood tall—while bullets may end lives, they cannot dim the light of courage, sacrifice, and love for the motherland. For Manipur, that light will forever burn bright in the names of its sons who fought where the earth kissed the sky.