Imliakum Ao

Subedar Imliakum Ao was born in Chuchuyimpang, Mokokchung, Nagaland on 25 July 1976. His father is a retired state government employee. Of his 5 siblings, two brothers are in the Nagaland Police, one in the civil services, and one in the army.[4]

Imliakum Ao joined the 2nd Naga battalion on 4 May 1994.

At the time of the Kargil war of 1999, Imliakum Ao was a sepoy. The elite 2nd Naga battalion was one of the first units to be mobilised in response to Pakistan Army's incursions and illegal occupation of Indian territory and was deployed to Patan sector in Drass and thereafter to the Mushkoh valley. Sepoy Imliakum Ao's company was tasked to assault and capture the Twin Bump in the Point 4875 complex, where there was a Pakistan Army mortar position. During the highly risky operation that was carried out in broad daylight, Sepoy Imliakum Ao killed 2 enemy personnel and captured three 120 mm and two 81 mm mortars along with a huge stockpile of ammunition. For his gallantry actions and bravery which lead to the capture of enemy mortar position, he was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, the second highest gallantry award of India.

• Kargil War