GUWAHATI: Along with the Nation, Assam also today observed Kargil Vijay Divas today, 26 July. On this occasion, the Assam government organised a programme to pay homage to the martyr soldiers who fought bravely in the Kargil War against Pakistan. Martyr Captain Jintu Gogoi, who also laid his life to defend the country, was also paid honour.
After taking part in the programme, organised at the War Memorial, Dighali Pukhuri, Guwahati, Gogoi's mother said that she feels proud of her son's sacrifice. "We have lost our only son. But we are proud of him. He sacrificed his life for the country. His sacrifice changed thinking of our many youths including some ULFA cadres,'' the mother said.
His father who also took part in the programme said that he is happy as the BJP-led Assam government has been honouring the Kargil martyrs. "The former Assam government did not take a step to honour the Kargil martyrs. But Sarbananda Sonowal-led government started honouring the martyrs. He himself visited our home. This year we have got an invitation from the Assam government."
On this day in 1999, India defeated Pakistan in Kargil. Since then the day has been observed as the Kargil Vijay Diwas. Captain Jintu Gogoi, who was commissioned into the Garhwal Rifles, attained martyrdom on June 30, 1999.
Remembering Jintu:
Captain Jintu Gogoi was born in Khumtai town in the Golaghat district of Upper Assam. The son of a veteran IAF officer, he was commissioned into 17 Garhwal of the Garhwal rifles, one of the most decorated regiments of the Indian Army. It was just twelve days after his engagement that he got a call to join his unit deployed in Jammu & Kashmir at the beginning of the Kargil War.
In the 1990s, Assam was not just troubled by the Kargil War, but also by the attacks of ULFA and their constant compulsion to back the Kargil intruders. Jintu Gogoi became the saviour of the state and the people started following his instructions and backing India.
On the night of June 29, Jintu and his troops were assigned a mission to clear the enemy troopers from the Kala Pathar area. Hardly twenty-nine years old, Jintu displayed exceptional valour and courageously lead the troops. Together, they climbed the arduous trek to the top of a ridge, but the enemy troops soon spotted him. Although he managed to kill two enemy soldiers, he was shot dead soon.
Awards and honours:
Captain Jintu Gogoi was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra in 1999 for bravely fighting to evict the enemies till his last breath at the Kala Pathar region. He forgot his safety and sacrificed his life for the nation. Jintu Gogoi continues to be an inspiration for the people of Assam, especially for the younger generation.
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