SHILLONG: Shillong’s own, Major David Manlun’s who was killed during an encounter with militants in Mon district of Nagaland in June this year was approved for the Kirti Chakra (posthumously) by the President Ram Nath Kovind.
President Ram Nath Kovind altogether approved 112 Gallantry Awards to armed forces and paramilitary personnel on the occasion of the 71st Independence Day.
The other Kirti Chakra recipients apart from Major David are Major Preetam Singh Kunwar, Havildar Giris Gurung, CRPF commandant Pramod Kumar (Posthumous) and CRPF commandant Chetan Kumar Cheeta.
Major Manlun of the 164 Brigade of the Territorial Army and three militants belonging to NSCN(K) and ULFA (I) were killed during an encounter at remote Lappa, close to the Myanmar border.
An alumnus of St Anthony’s School and College, Shillong, David used to command an NCC unit and grew up in the Happy Valley-Madanrting area of the Shillong city.
The parents of Late Major David Manlun has expressed their happiness over the recognition of the supreme sacrifice made by their son.