‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’: Kargil war veteran Duozolie Theünuo and others honoured

Kargil war veteran Duozolie Theünuo, who lost both his hands during the war, was honoured on Monday during the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign

DIMAPUR — Kargil war veteran Duozolie Theünuo, who lost both his hands during the war, was honoured on Monday during the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign, which was observed at the Zia Zia Amrit Sarovar Site, Zhadima village, Kohima, along with the rest of the country.

Speaking on the occasion, ADC Chiephobozou Alemyapang Longchar stated that the campaign was one of many events taking place across India as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, which mark the 75th anniversary of India’s independence.

Longchar urged the people to honour and respect all those who have fought for the nation, as well as those bravehearts who continue to protect the country. He insisted that everyone must respect the tricolour because it is a source of pride for all Indians.

The Kargil war veteran was honoured with a memorial plaque at the Amrit Sarovar site as part of the campaign.

Zhadima village VDB secretary Roko Angami lauded the war veteran in his speech and informed the gathering that Theünuo joined the 1st Naga Regiment on July 1, 1997, and that the former sepoy suffered injuries on May 25, 1999, at Brass Sector, during Operation Vijay.

According to a press statement, he was awarded the Operation Vijay Medal in 2004. He also received the ‘Wound Medal’ for Operation Kargil. Despite his loss of hands, the war veteran continues to work at the Oil and Natural Gas Cooperation (ONGC) Ltd. in Assam.

During the campaign, 75 saplings were also planted to commemorate the event, and the ‘Paanch Pran’ pledge was taken by all attendees, which was chaired by Chiephobozou BDO Seyikhrielie Rio.

Assam Rifles: Assam Rifles honoured the nation’s bravehearts on Monday as part of the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign. The event was held in Wanu village to honour late Lance Naik Rangpha Wangjen of the 44 Assam Rifles, who sacrificed his life in the line of duty.

The villagers were informed about the ongoing campaign and the intention behind carrying it out from the village level to the national level in Delhi. According to a press release, the villagers showed a positive attitude towards the campaign and proudly participated in it.

The ceremony began with ADC Kanubari hoisting the flag at the war memorial dedicated to Wangjen. This was followed by the laying of wreaths by ADC Kanubari, the company commander, and the wife of Wangjen. The villagers then took the ‘Panch Pran’ pledge at the memorial.

In another initiative, the Assam Rifles interacted and participated with the locals at Wangto Chenloisho village in Mon during the inauguration of a memorial honouring the soldiers who gave their lives for India’s freedom. A total of 47 locals and 28 students were present.

Kohima: Various villages under five blocks in Kohima and ULBs participated in the nationwide ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign, a culmination of the celebration of the 75th year of Azadi Ka Amrit Mohotsav in Kohima district.

The campaign paid tribute to the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifices for the nation.

Hoisting the national flag, singing the national anthem, taking the ‘Panch Pran’ pledge with soil in hand, planting 75 saplings, installing shilaphalakam (memorial plaques), and honouring retired soldiers were among the activities organised across five villages.

SDO (Civil) Jakhama, Nockpai Konyak, emphasised at Sakhabama under RD Block Jakhama that the event aimed to honour the nation’s courageous martyrs who laid down their lives for the country.

Shamator Town Council: Shamator Town Council observed the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign on Monday at Government Higher Secondary School, Shamator.

The programme, chaired by Yentinoungbou, EAC HQ Shamator, included the hoisting of the National Flag, the singing of the National Anthem, and the unveiling of the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ memorial plaque by DC Shamator Y Chingyak Konyak.

The ‘Panch Pran’ pledge was led by Bodi Kapfo, SDO  Shamator, and saplings were planted as part of the campaign.

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