Major David Manlun, Kirti Chakra (Posthumous), remains one of the finest examples of courage, leadership and selfless service in the Indian Army. An officer of the Naga Regiment, he laid down his life on the night of 6/7 June 2017 during a fierce counter-insurgency operation in Nagaland’s Mon district. At just 31 years of age, Major Manlun displayed extraordinary bravery while leading his men from the front against heavily armed militants. His actions not only saved the lives of his soldiers but also reflected the highest traditions of the Indian Army. For his conspicuous gallantry and supreme sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award.
Major David Manlun was born on 27 July 1985 in Imphal, Manipur, and hailed from Churachandpur district. He came from a proud military family where patriotism, discipline and service to the nation were part of everyday life.
His father, Subedar (Retired) M. Khamzalam, had served in the Assam Regiment. Growing up in a “Fauji Parivar,” David was deeply influenced by the values of the armed forces. His elder brother also continued the family tradition by serving in the 8th Battalion of the Assam Regiment, while his sister is married to Colonel Ashutosh Kumar of the same regiment.
From a young age, David Manlun showed qualities that would later define his military career — determination, physical toughness, calmness under pressure and a deep sense of responsibility.
Major Manlun studied at Army Public School, Shillong, and later graduated from St. Anthony’s College, Shillong, in 2006. He was known to be bright, disciplined and highly active in sports.
One of his remarkable strengths was his command over multiple languages. He was fluent in English, Hindi, Zou, Mizo, Kuki and Paite. This ability later helped him immensely during his service in the Northeast, where understanding local people, their language and their culture was crucial for effective counter-insurgency operations.
He was also fond of sports and music. Friends and family remember him as a motivated, humble and cheerful person who always wanted to join the Indian Army and serve the country in uniform.
Determined to become an officer, David Manlun cleared the UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination and joined the Officers Training Academy, Chennai, in 2009.
In March 2010, he was commissioned as a Lieutenant into the 1st Battalion of the Naga Regiment. The Naga Regiment is one of the proud infantry regiments of the Indian Army and has a distinguished record in combat and counter-insurgency operations.
Major Manlun’s early service included an operational tenure in Naugam, Jammu and Kashmir, where he gained valuable experience in active field conditions. He later served in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh, before being posted in Nagaland.
In 2014, Major David Manlun was posted to 164 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) (Home & Hearth) Naga Regiment in Nagaland.
This posting proved to be significant. His knowledge of local languages and customs helped him build a strong connection with the people. He understood that successful counter-insurgency was not only about operations but also about winning the trust of the local population.
He interacted closely with villagers, encouraged youth through sports and even organised football tournaments to keep young people away from insurgent influence. His approach combined firmness against militants with compassion for civilians.
Because of his dedication and professionalism, Major Manlun was awarded the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card on 15 August 2016. He was also selected for deputation to the elite National Security Guard. His NSG probation was scheduled to begin on 23 June 2017, but destiny had other plans.
On the night of 6 June 2017, Major David Manlun led an operation in the Lappa area near Tizit in Mon district of Nagaland. The operation was based on specific intelligence developed by him.
The target was a group of hardcore militants belonging to ULFA(I) and NSCN(K). The area was difficult, remote and close to the Myanmar border. The militants were heavily armed and familiar with the terrain.
A joint team, including troops from 12 Para Special Forces and 164 Infantry Battalion TA (Naga), moved in for the operation. Around 2200 hours, the column came into contact with the militants. A fierce firefight immediately broke out.
The militants opened heavy fire and lobbed grenades at the Army column. Major Manlun and three other soldiers were injured in the initial burst of fire and grenade attack.
Despite being wounded, Major David Manlun refused to step back. Instead, he moved forward under intense enemy fire and engaged the militants from close range.
His action pinned down the militants and prevented them from causing more casualties among his troops. In the intense exchange, he eliminated three hardcore militants who were involved in several violent incidents in Upper Assam.
Major Manlun’s bravery inspired his men to continue the operation with determination. His leadership in those critical moments saved lives and ensured that the militants were neutralised.
However, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after the engagement. He had led from the front till his last breath.
For his outstanding bravery, Major David Manlun was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra. His official citation stated that despite suffering injuries from militant fire and grenade blasts, he moved forward with utter disregard for his personal safety and opened fire from close range to pin down the militants.
His courageous action prevented further casualties to his own troops and led to the elimination of three militants. The citation described his act as one of “conspicuous personal bravery and leadership of the highest order.”
The Kirti Chakra was presented by the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, to his parents at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 27 March 2018 during the Defence Investiture Ceremony.
Major David Manlun’s sacrifice continues to be remembered with deep respect by the Indian Army, his regiment, his family and the people of the Northeast.
On 23 May 2018, the newly constructed auditorium at Army Public School, Shillong, was dedicated in his honour. Every year, the Army and those who knew him pay tribute to his courage and sacrifice.
His brother Siampu Manlun once recalled his words: “It is all about your mentality; physical strength might give up but it is your mentality that will keep you going.”
These words reflect the spirit of Major David Manlun — a soldier who believed in mental toughness, courage and duty above self.
Major David Manlun’s life is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers in the line of duty, especially in difficult counter-insurgency environments.
He was not only a brave officer but also a leader who understood people, terrain and the deeper purpose of military service. He fought militants with courage, connected with civilians with empathy and led his men with complete dedication.
His supreme sacrifice in Nagaland will always remain a proud chapter in the history of the Naga Regiment and the Indian Army.
Major David Manlun, Kirti Chakra (Posthumous), will continue to inspire young Indians, defence aspirants and soldiers for generations to come. His story is one of courage, commitment and the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.
