Guwahati, Aug. 14: Major David Manlun, who made the supreme sacrifice while fighting militants in Nagaland in June this year, was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra, the second highest gallantry award in peace time, on the eve of Independence Day today.

Manlun of the Territorial Army laid down his life fighting a group of Ulfa (I) and NSCN (K) militants at Lapa village in Mon district of Nagaland near the India-Myanmar border on June 7. Three militants also died in the encounter.

Born in Manipur's Churachandpur on July 27, 1985, Major Manlun was brought up in Shillong where he completed his Bachelor of Business Administration from St Anthony's College. His father, M. Khamzalam, is a retired subedar in the Assam Regiment.

"We are happy that the Centre has recognised what my son had sacrificed for the nation. It is a great honour. We are also glad that the award did not take much time coming," Khamzalam said.

Commissioned to 1 Naga Regiment in 2010 after completing his training from the Officer's Training Academy in Chennai, Manlun served in the 164 Infantry Battalion Territorial Army (Naga) from 2014 till his death.

He had been part of a number of successful operations and in recognition of his exemplary service, he was awarded the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card on August 15 last year.

ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY ANDREW W. LYNGDOH IN SHILLONG