Heroic rescue recognised

Our Correspondent
CHENNAI, Sep 26 : Commandant Ngamlien Touthang, the Commanding Officer of Indian Coast Guard Ship - Rajkiran (ICGS Rajkiran) was conferred the Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry Medal) by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the “Investiture Ceremony” held at Coast Guard Air Station in Chennai on September 24. The award was given in recognition of his heroic act in rescuing 22 crewmen from a burning merchant vessel SSL Kolkata on June 14, 2018 in Bay of Bengal, about 90 nautical miles from Haldia.
Before his selection for Tatrakshak Medal, he also received Commendation from Director General of Indian Coast Guard for his service and impeccable character and integrity.
Mention may also be made that Commandant Ngamlien Touthang has also been conferred ‘Bravery Award’ which comprises a memento and Rs 1 lakh by ABP News at the latter’s annual event called ‘Jhanda Uncha Rahe Hamara’ held at The Lalit Hotel, New Delhi on August 13, 2018. The award was handed over to him by Union Minister of Telecom, Manoj Sinha.
Being Commanding Officer of ICGS Rajkiran, he was tasked with the urgent rescue operation of rescuing 22 crew men from a burning merchant vessel SSL Kolkata on June 14, 2018 in the Bay of Bengal, about 90 nautical miles from Haldia.
Despite hostile and challenging situation, he motivated his team to stand up for the noble and humanitarian mission they endured ahead towards the last position provided by CG Dornier.
Commandant Ngamlien Touthang hails from Molkon Village, Saikul, Manipur and is the seventh son of late Lunkholet Touthang. He joined Indian Coast Guard as Assistant Commandant in 2006 on General Duty branch. He is married to Boinu Touthang of Bijang, Churachandpur and blessed with three sons.