SHILLONG: The GOC 101 Area Lt Gen DS Ahuja handed over a terminal benefit cheque of Rs 75 lakh to the family of late Major David Manlun at their residence at Madanrting here on Thursday.
Major David made the extreme sacrifice during an encounter with militants in Mon district of Nagaland on June 6 this year . During the operation, three militants were also killed and the army recovered an AK-56 assault rifle and two Chinese AK series rifles, two grenades, three IEDs and 270 live rounds of AK-series ammunition.
The 32-year-old officer of the 164 Brigade of the Territorial Army, Major David Manlun, was born and brought up in Shillong though his family originally hail from Manipur.
Speaking to media, Lt Gen DS Ahuja recalled the sacrifice made by Major David Manlun saying there is no better way to lay down your life than for the service of the nation.
Terming Major David Manlun as brave, he said that he salutes the sacrifice made by the late Army major and the late soldier showed exemplary courage in operations against insurgents in Nagaland where he sacrificed his life.
He said that the terminal benefit of Rs 75 lakh to the family of David Manlun was just a beginning and his family was scheduled to get around Rs 40-50 lakhs more including Central Government ex gratia.
In addition, the State Government is also scheduled to provide Rs 7.5 lakh to the family as ex gratia which is under process.
The mother of Major David Manlun, Mannuam Niang said that her son was an example for the country. “If we follow what my son did, there will be peace in the entire country,” she said. She added that her son died like a hero and she is proud of the sacrifice made by her son.
Meanwhile, Siampu Manlun, brother of David Manlun recalled that he and his late brother since childhood were always fascinated by Army officers Gorkha from Training Centre (GTC) and Assam Regimental Centre as they grew up in Madanrting and they wanted to join the Army.
“I am also interested in joining the Army,” he said. He however lamented that they want to a build a house in the name of Major David Manlun in Shillong and they want to buy a land in Shillong but people tell them that they should take the permission from the Government before purchasing the land.
The family also took up the matter with the GOC 101 Area Lt Gen DS Ahuja and he has assured that he would personally take up the matter with the Meghalaya Chief Minister.