DIMAPUR, Jan 25 - Major Imliakum Keitzar of Nagaland has been awarded the Shaurya Chakra, the third highest gallantry award of the Indian Army, for courage, selfless devotion, leadership and conspicuous gallantry. The announcement was made by the Union Defence Ministry on the eve of the Republic Day today, PRO of the Indian Army, Col Chiranjeet Konwer, said.
Major Keitzar is presently serving in the 4th Battalion of the 4th Gorkha Rifles in Jammu and Kashmir. Major Keitzar is the only officer from the North East, among nine Army personnel, who were awarded the Shaurya Chakra for 2018-2019, Col Konwer said.
On June 9, 2018, Major Keitzar went in pursuit of terrorists hiding in the inhospitable and snow-bound terrain along the Line of Control at the Keran sector of Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir. He crawled in the steep and rugged high altitude terrain ahead of the fence and closed in on three terrorists, exposing himself to heavy fire.
The officer showed extraordinary valour by eliminating the three terrorists all by himself one after another, risking his own life in the call of duty.
Born in Kohima, Major Keitzar joined the Indian army in 2006 as a lieutenant after passing out from the Officers Training Academy, Chennai. He also served in the Indian Air Force from 2000 to 2006.
