Sunday Monitor

Remembering the Kargil hero

July 1 was 23rd death anniversary of Capt. Clifford Nongrum

On July 1, 1999, Captain Keishing Clifford Nongrum was killed while fighting on the warfront in Kargil. He not only became a martyr and local hero, but also inspired a generation in Meghalaya and other parts of the northeastern region.

On his 23rd death anniversary, brother Geoffrey Nongrum said Clifford’s memories still inspire many in the state as well as the region. Though no special programme was organised on the day, Geoffrey informed that their parents will visit Dras in Kargil district on July 26 for the Kargil Vijay Diwas, the day the Indian Army recaptured all the Indian posts which were taken over by Pakistan.

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Geoffrey informed that the family had an informal gathering on the day but official programmes would be held on the Vijay Diwas, both at the museum at Rhino Point and at St Anthony’s College.

Nongrum and his platoon were responsible for protecting Point 4812, a peak at Batalik in Jammu & Kashmir that was strategically crucial for the Indian Army. The captain was to launch an assault on the enemy bunkers. The unit climbed up the steep slopes of the peak on the night of June 30, 1999.

The Pakistani army was in bunkers made of boulders and was barely affected by artillery fire, making it difficult for Nongrum’s unit to put up resistance. At a juncture like that, Nongrum decided to charge through the firing line, killing six enemy soldiers. Even after getting severely injured, the captain continued to fight, even hand-to-hand, until he succumbed to the injuries. He was only 24.

Remembering Clifford, Meghalaya Police posted on its social media, “His unflinching valor and courage & will continue to be an inspiration to all of us.”

Clifford’s father, Keishing Peter, was still working with a city branch of State Bank of India when he received the news of his son’s martyrdom. He was planning to come home in July.

As he remembered his brother’s sacrifice for the country, Geoffrey also shared his thoughts about the Agnipath scheme that the Centre has announced under which youths will get a chance to serve in the defence for four years.

“Though I have not gone through the details of the scheme but I don’t think it is proper to have a four-year scheme,” he said, adding that when his parents visit Dras on July 26, they can speak to the families of other martyrs to know their opinion and write to the government.

Geoffrey said the love and support which Clifford and his family have received in all these years were overwhelming and the memory of the hero will always be an inspiration for the generations to come.

~ Team Sunday Monitor

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