Who Was Capt. Neikezhakuo Kenguruse? The Officer Who Led his Men Barefoot During The Kargil War

Kargil, India: Neikezhakuo Kenguruse was born on 15 July 1974 in the serene village of Nerhema in Kohima district, Nagaland. He grew up with a heart brimming with dreams and courage. Known affectionately as ‘Neibu’ by his loved ones and ‘Nimbu Sahab’ among his friends, Neikezhakuo was the proud son of Neisielie Kenguruse and the protective elder brother to Ngseue and Atoulie Kenguruse. His journey began at St Xavier School in Jalukie, where his academic prowess shone brightly, leading him to graduate from Kohima Science College. Before donning the military uniform, he served as a dedicated teacher at the Government High School in Kohima from 1994 to 1997, nurturing young minds with wisdom and inspiration.  

The winds of change swept over Neikezhakuo’s life on December 12, 1998, when he was commissioned into the Army Service Corps of the Indian Army. His first posting took him to the challenging terrains of Jammu and Kashmir, a place where courage was a daily necessity. As fate would have it, the Kargil War erupted in 1999, thrusting the young officer into the crucible of conflict. A junior commander in the Rajputana Rifles battalion, Neikezhakuo's exemplary leadership and unyielding spirit soon earned him command of the elite Ghatak Platoon, a testament to his extraordinary physical and mental fortitude.  

Kargil War: The Defining Battle  

The night of June 28, 1999, was shrouded in a tense silence, broken only by the distant echoes of artillery. Capt Kenguruse, leading his Ghatak Platoon, faced an audacious mission – to neutralize a heavily fortified enemy machine gun post on the perilous Black Rock cliff. The enemy's position had stymied the battalion's progress for days, and it was imperative to silence it. The cliff's steep gradient and the relentless enemy fire made the task almost insurmountable, yet Capt Kenguruse, with a glint of determination in his eyes, embraced the challenge.

Under the eerie glow of the night sky, the platoon began its treacherous ascent. Enemy fire rained down upon them, causing severe casualties. A grenade exploded near Capt Kenguruse, embedding splinters into his abdomen. Bloodied but undeterred, he urged his men forward, his voice a rallying cry amidst the chaos. Reaching the first bunker, Capt Kenguruse, with steely resolve, fired a rocket launcher, obliterating the enemy stronghold. His fearless act galvanized his troops, infusing them with the strength to push onward.  

Barefoot and Brave: The Final Assault   

As they neared the final barrier, a towering rock wall loomed before them, standing between the platoon and their objective. In the frigid air at 16,000 feet, with temperatures plummeting to -10 degrees Celsius, Capt Kenguruse made a fateful decision. Kicking off his boots for better grip, he scaled the rock barefoot, his resolve as unyielding as the stone beneath his feet.

Engaging two enemy soldiers in hand-to-hand combat, he dispatched them with his commando knife. But as he advanced towards the third bunker, a hail of bullets struck him, sending him tumbling down the cliff, a hero to the end. Capt Kenguruse’s ultimate sacrifice ignited a fierce determination within his men. Fueled by his bravery, they surged forward, capturing the enemy position and completing their mission. His indomitable spirit and leadership left an indelible mark, inspiring his comrades to overcome insurmountable odds.  

A Nation's Tribute: The Maha Vir Chakra  

In honour of his unparalleled bravery and selfless sacrifice, Capt Neikezhakuo Kenguruse was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India’s second-highest gallantry award. His legacy endures as a symbol of valour and dedication, making him the only recipient of this prestigious award from the Army Service Corps.  

At the tender age of 25, Capt Neikezhakuo Kenguruse laid down his life, embodying the very essence of heroism. His story, etched in the annals of history, is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who defend their nation. As we honour his memory, his actions during the Kargil War stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Indian soldier. The bravery and sacrifice of Capt Kenguruse continue to inspire, lighting the path for future generations with the flame of patriotism and courage.