S Gerneithang

Biography

Sepoy S Gerneithang hailed from the Chandel district of Manipur. After completing his school education, he joined the Indian Army and was recruited into the 2nd Battalion of the Naga Regiment, one of the youngest regiments of the Army, raised in 1985 with the motto "Parakramo Vijayate" (Valour Triumphs). During July 1999, his unit was deployed in the Drass sector of Jammu & Kashmir along the Line of Control as part of Operation Vijay. Following the capture of Tiger Hill, the next major objective was Point 4875, a feature dominating the national highway. The assault involved elements of several units, with 2 Naga tasked to capture the position known as Twin Bumps by first light of 7 July. When Phase 2 commenced on the night of 5/6 July, Sepoy Gerneithang and his comrades launched a fierce attack on enemy positions. Despite stiff opposition, they made steady progress and captured their objective as planned. The seizure of Twin Bumps enabled 2 Naga to destroy an enemy mortar position and launch further attacks, playing a pivotal role in the operation's success. During the fierce fighting, Sepoy Gerneithang was seriously injured and later succumbed to his wounds, laying down his life in the line of duty.