Bust of Capt Clifford K Nongrum unveiled

The unveiling ceremony was organised by local Army unit and was well attended by a host of civil and military dignitaries along with parents of Late Captain Clifford Nongrum.

He was remembered by the host of locals and people associated with the martyr. Amongst  people present were the old teachers and principals of the schools where the martyr studied.

A long cherished wish of the parents of Late Capt  Clifford K Nongrum was fulfilled when the bust of the war hero from the state of Meghalaya was unveiled by the Colonel of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment, who specially flew from Delhi for the ceremony.

The gallant actions of Captain Clifford Nongrum were brought out in front of the gathering, as to how he lead his column bravely on the night of 01 June 1999 which led to capture of point 4812 in the Batalik sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

Late Capt Clifford Nongrum was born on  Mar 7, 1975 to Mrs Baily Nongrum & Keishing Peter Nongrum at Shillong, Meghalya. He was a student of Don Bosco Tech School, Shillong. 

"He was a sincere, obedient, honest and hardworking child ever since his school days and was also the captain of the school football team.   As a Student he always excelled in extracurricular activities and had an innate interest in music. After finishing his college his passion to join the Armed Forces led him to join the Officer Training Academy in 1996 in 64th SSC course, from where he got commissioned in the 12th Battalion The Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry," read a statement issued by the government.

"As a company commander he led his company in the Kargil war. Though severely wounded in the fire fight, Lieutenant Clifford Nongrum refused to be evacuated and fought valiantly till he succumbed to his injuries.   The gallant act resulted in the ultimate capture of Point 4812. For displaying most conspicuous bravery in the face of the enemy, single-minded devotion to duty, dogged determination and inspiring leadership of the highest order, Captain Clifford K Nongrum was posthumously awarded the ‘Maha Vir Chakra’. He is the first and only individual in the state of Meghalaya to be awarded the second highest gallantry award, the ‘Maha Vir Chakra’ for bravery," read the statement.

As a token of respect, senior officers of Army paid homage at the newly unveiled bust of the martyr along with the parents, relatives, teachers and friends.