Gallantry Awards (defence): India
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INDIA 2012
A REFERENCE ANNUAL
Compiled by
RESEARCH, REFERENCE AND TRAINING DIVISION
PUBLICATIONS DIVISION
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
2011
Gallantry Awards 2011
The following Gallantry Awards were announced on the Republic Day, 2011:
Award Total Posthumous
Gallantry Award
Kirti Chakra 5 1
Shaurya Chakra 21 5
Bar to Sena Medal / Nao Sena Medal / Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) 5 -
Sena Medal/Nao Sena Medal/Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) 140 13bb
Distinguished Awards
Param Vishisht Seva Medal 28 -
Uttam Yudh Seva Medal 4 -
Ati Vishisht Seva Medal 51 -
Yudh Seva Medal 4 -
Bar to Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty) 2 -
Sena Medal/Nao Sena Medal/Vayu Sena Medal (Devotion to duty) 60 -
Bar to Vishisht Seva Medal 2 -
Vishisht Seva Medal 118 -
The following Gallantry Awards were announced on the Independence Day, 2011 :
Award Total Posthumous
Shaurya Chakra 14 3
Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry) 3 -
Sena Medal (Gallantry) 114 7
Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry) 3 -
Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) 3 -
2018/ the awardees
A
Ashoka Chakra- IAF Garud commando Jyoti Prakash Nirala
HONOURS FOR HERO FOR MAKING ULTIMATE SACRIFICE & FOR CIVILIAN WHO BRAVED BULLETS TO SAVE MANY
IAF Garud commando Jyoti Prakash Nirala, who laid down his life while single-handedly shooting dead two to three terrorists during an encounter in Hajin area of Jammu and Kashmir last November, is all set to be posthumously awarded Ashoka Chakra, the country’s highest peacetime gallantry medal.
Altogether six terrorists, including the nephew of Lashkar-e-Toiba chief and mastermind of the 26/11 terror strikes Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, were killed in the fierce gun-battle. The Republic Day gallantry awards list is yet to be officially announced but sources said Corporal Nirala(31), who hailed from Badladih village in Rohtas district of Bihar, is likely to become the first-ever IAF airman to get the highest medal for a ground combat operation.
Flying officer Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon, a Gnat pilot, was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his gallantry during the 1971 war, while Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma was conferred the Ashoka Chakra for becoming the first Indian cosmonaut in 1984.
Nirala, who is survived by his widow Sushma, a minor daughter, ailing parents and three unmarried sisters, was part of the small Garud commando batch attached to the Army’s specialised counterinsurgency force, the Rashtriya Rifles, when he displayed the “pre-eminent act of valour” on November 18.
The Rashtriya Rifles-Garud team, acting on an intelligence input, had surrounded a house at the Chandragarh village in Hajin area when they came under heavy fire from the terrorists holed up inside. “Nirala, armed with a light machine gun, displayed conspicuous bravery in confronting the terrorists and killing two to three of them despite himself being hit by bullets. All six terrorists were killed,” said an official.
Since last year, small units of Garud commandos are undergoing “battle-inoculation” and “live situational training” with the Rashtriya Rifles for counter-terrorism operations, as part of the decision taken after the terror attack on the Pathankot airbase in January, 2016. Three Garud commandos have laid down their lives in the operations till now.
The entire list
January 25, 2018: Press Information Bureau
January 25, 2018: Press Information Bureau
LIST OF PERSONNEL BEING CONFERRED GALLANTRY AND DISTINGUISHED AWARDS ON THE OCCASION OF REPUBLIC DAY-2018
ASHOKA CHAKRA
1. 918203-R CORPORAL JYOTI PRAKASH NIRALA, INDIAN AIR FORCE (SECURITY) (POSTHUMOUS): INDIAN AIR FORCE
PARAM VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL
1. IC-35479Y LT GEN BALWANT SINGH NEGI, UYSM, YSM, SM, VSM**, INF
2. IC-35796A LT GEN KANWAL JEET SINGH GILL, AVSM, VSM, EME (RETD)
3. IC-35904Y LT GEN SARATH CHAND, UYSM, AVSM, VSM, INF
4. IC-35919F LT GEN AMARJEET SINGH, AVSM**, SM, INF
5. IC-35923K LT GEN JAGBIR SINGH CHEEMA, AVSM, VSM, INF (RETD)
6. IC-35960X LT GEN SHRAVAN KUMAR PATYAL, UYSM, SM, INF
7. IC-35965W LT GEN RAJENDRA RAMRAO NIMBHORKAR, UYSM, AVSM, SM**, VSM, INF
8. IC-35987P LT GEN DEWAN RABINDRANATH SONI, VSM, ARMD
9. IC-38311X LT GEN SATISH KUMAR DUA, UYSM, SM, VSM, INF
10. IC-38654N LT GEN DEVRAJ ANBU, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, INF
11. IC-38679A LT GEN ABHAY KRISHNA, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, INF
12. IC-38722W LT GEN CHERISH MATHSON, SM, VSM, INF
13. IC-39083M LT GEN SANJAY KUMAR JHA, AVSM, YSM, SM, INF
14. IC-39098P LT GEN GURPRATAP SINGH DHILLON, AVSM, YSM, SM, INF
15. IC-39295X LT GEN PARMINDER JIT SINGH PANNU, AVSM, VSM, INF
16. IC-39818L LT GEN SURESH SHARMA, AVSM, ENGRS
17. MR-03992M LT GEN ARUP KUMAR DAS, AMC
18. IC-38691F MAJ GEN JATINDER SINGH BEDI, ARTY (RETD)
19. IC-40700W MAJ GEN SANJAY THAPA, ARTY
KIRTI CHAKRA
1. IC-66219P MAJ VIJAYANT BIST, 4 JAK LI
UTTAM YUDH SEVA MEDAL
1. IC-38753W LT GEN JASWINDER SINGH SANDHU, AVSM, VSM, INF, HQ 15 CORPS
2. IC-39185H LT GEN AJAE KUMAR SHARMA, YSM, SM, INF, HQ 16 CORPS
3. IC-39465W LT GEN AMARJEET SINGH BEDI, YSM, VSM, INF, HQ 4 CORPS
4. IC-39492A LT GEN ANIL CHAUHAN, AVSM, SM, VSM, INF, HQ 3 CORPS
BAR TO ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL
1. IC-35962H LT GEN LALIT KUMAR PANDEY, AVSM, SM, INF (RETD)
2. IC-39070P LT GEN RANBIR SINGH, AVSM, YSM, SM, INF
ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL
1. IC-35201X LT GEN AJAI KUMAR SAHGAL, VSM, AAD (RETD)
2. IC-35955M LT GEN AMRIK SINGH, SM, INF
3. IC-37398X LT GEN RAJAN RAVINDRAN, VSM, INF
4. IC-39073H LT GEN SANJEEV KUMAR SHRIVASTAVA, ENGRS
5. IC-39130Y LT GEN RAJEEV CHOPRA, INF
6. IC-39140H LT GEN PARMINDER SINGH JAGGI, AAD
7. IC-39283H LT GEN KANWAL KUMAR, ARMY AVN
8. IC-39380A LT GEN PODALI SHANKAR RAJESHWAR, VSM, ARTY
9. IC-39436F LT GEN SATINDER KUMAR SAINI, YSM, VSM, INF
10. IC-39624H LT GEN PRADEEP M BALI, VSM, INF
11. IC-39675W LT GEN VIJAY SINGH, SM, VSM, INF
12. IC-39871W LT GEN SANTOSH KUMAR UPADHYA, SM, VSM, INF
13. IC-39898N LT GEN DEPINDER SINGH AHUJA, ENGRS
14. IC-40031H LT GEN SANJEEV KANAL, ARTY
15. IC-40101W LT GEN RAJNI KANT JAGGA, VSM, ARMD
16. IC-40235P LT GEN GOPAL R, SM, INF
17. IC-40753P LT GEN MANMOHAN JEET SINGH KAHLON, ARMD
18. V-000359F LT GEN AMOLOK JIT SINGH, VSM, RVC
19. MR-04142P LT GEN SANJEEV CHOPRA, VSM, AMC
20. IC-40795F MAJ GEN SANJEEV NARAIN, INF
21. IC-40873N MAJ GEN RAMACHANDRA NAGRAJ, VSM, SIGS
22. IC-41072Y MAJ GEN RAJEEV SIROHI, VSM, INF
23. IC-41166W MAJ GEN SATINDER SINGH, AAD
24. IC-41183W MAJ GEN SURESH CHANDRA MOHANTY, GUARDS
25. IC-41860H MAJ GEN SHANTANU DAYAL, SM, VSM, INF
26. IC-42004X MAJ GEN RANA PRATAP KALITA, SM, VSM, INF
27. IC-42389A MAJ GEN BAGGAVALLI SOMASHEKAR RAJU, YSM, INF
28. IC-45050X MAJ GEN TEJBIR SINGH, SM, INF
29. MR-05596P MAJ GEN MADHURI KANITKAR, VSM, AMC
30. IC-49650X BRIG GAMBHIR SINGH, GARH RIF, 63 MTN BDE
SHAURYA CHAKRA
1. IC-76619P MAJ AKHIL RAJ RV, GRENADIERS, 55 RR
2. IC-76020F CAPT ROHIT SHUKLA, RAJPUT, 44 RR
3. SS-44764Y CAPT ABHINAV SHUKLA, 2 PARA (SF)
4. TA-42759Y CAPT PRADEEP SHOURY ARYA, 106 INF BN (TA) PARA ATT WITH 4 PARA (SF)
5. 2691007Y HAV MUBARIK ALI, GRENADIERS, 55 RR
6. 5047762N HAV RABINDRA THAPA, 4/1 GR
7. 13625628L NK NARENDER SINGH, 9 PARA (SF)
8. 9109592Y L/NK BADHER HUSSAIN, 4 JAK LI
9. 13630400Y PTR MANCHU, 12 PARA (SF)
YUDH SEVA MEDAL
1. IC-42336F MAJ GEN AJAI KUMAR SINGH, SM, VSM, INF, HQ CIF (K)
2. IC-48579H BRIG CHARANJEET SINGH DEWGUN, 3 GR, HQ 104 INF BDE
3. IC-48681L BRIG RAGHAVACHARI SANTHANA RAMAN, MAHAR, HQ 114 INF BDE
4. IC-49189M BRIG NAGENDRA SINGH, SM, PUNJAB, HQ 102 INF BDE
5. IC-49500F BRIG ABHIJIT SURENDRA PENDHARKAR, ASSAM, HQ 93 INF BDE
6. IC-49588W BRIG MOHINDER PAL SINGH, SM, JAK RIF, HQ 190 MTN BDE
7. IC-50080Y BRIG YASHPAL SINGH AHLAWAT, SM, MADRAS, HQ 12 INF BDE
8. IC-56428Y COL MOHINDER KUMAR SHAN, 9 JAK LI
9. IC-60233L COL SHARANG PUN, 4/1 GR
10. IC-60253Y COL KAMAL NAURIYAL, GRENADIERS, 55 RR
BAR TO SENA MEDAL (GALLANTRY)
1. IC-75660Y MAJ ANKIT HARJAI, SM, ARMD, 22 RR
2. 13623578M HAV RAJESH KUMAR, SM, 1 PARA (SF)
SENA MEDAL (GALLANTRY)
1. IC-56328N COL CHARANPREET SINGH, JAK RIF, 3 RR
2. IC-63279Y LT COL PRAVEEN MADHAV KHANZODE, INT
3. IC-65402L LT COL ASHUTOSH SHARMA, GUARDS, 21 RR
4. IC-64017P MAJ TEJAS B CANDADE, 2 PARA (SF)
5. IC-66253P MAJ RAJAT VYAS, SIKH LI, 19 RR
6. IC-67758X MAJ SAMEER BANSAL, 9 PARA (SF)
7. IC-68144F MAJ NISHIT KASHYAP, PUNJAB, 22 RR
8. IC-70493K MAJ SANDEEP THAPA, ARTY, 52 RR
9. IC-71397F MAJ AKSHAY CHAUBEY, ASC, 57 RR
10. IC-71931N MAJ SUKHWINDER SINGH, ASC, 41 RR
11. IC-72229P MAJ KARTIKEYA MANRAL, KUMAON, 50 RR
12. IC-72351L MAJ KULDEEP SINGH, RAJ RIF, 57 RR
13. IC-72759K MAJ SACHIN SINGH RAWAT, ASSAM, 42 RR
14. IC-73342W MAJ VIPUL NARAYAN, GRENADIERS, 55 RR
15. IC-75017P MAJ SIDDHARTH KUMAR NAYAK, ARTY, 56 RR
16. IC-75423P MAJ NITESH KUMAR, 12 PARA (SF)
17. IC-75775M MAJ K NAVEEN REDDY, ENGRS, 42 RR
18. IC-76440F MAJ TASOU PRAO, JAK RIF, 3 RR
19. IC-79137L MAJ NINGTHOUJAM MAKJAL SINGH, 4/1 GR
20. SS-43376P MAJ VARUN SINGH SLATHIA, SIKH LI, 2 RR
21. SS-43634K MAJ VIKRAM SINGH, ASC, 42 RR
22. IC-75931L CAPT ABHISHEK KUMAR, MECH INF, 9 RR
23. IC-76434N CAPT NAVEEN SIGER, 4 PARA (SF)
24. IC-76546N CAPT DAVINDER PAL SINGH, MAHAR, 1 RR
25. IC-77276W CAPT SAHIL BHARDWAJ, SIKH LI, 19 RR
26. IC-77396P CAPT DUSHYANT SINGH, ARMD, 55 RR
27. IC-77896M CAPT MANISH KUMAR SINGH, 2 PARA (SF)
28. IC-78776A CAPT DIVYANSHU AHUJA, ENGRS, 50 RR
29. IC-80335H CAPT DUOMAI SHOZII PAOSHO, 7 MADRAS
30. SS-44861W CAPT KAUSTUBH PRAKASHKUMAR RANE, GARH RIF, 36 RR
31. SS-47582W CAPT PRANAY PANWAR, 4 SIKH
32. SS-47917H CAPT PRANSHU MAURYA, 7/11 GR
33. SS-48221K CAPT PRABHAKAR DEV SINGH, 14 DOGRA
34. JC-431089M SUB SHASHI KUMAR, 19 PUNJAB (POSTHUMOUS)
35. JC-460076X SUB RAMESH KUMAR, MARATHA LI, 56 RR
36. JC-471297K SUB JAIVIR SINGH, RAJ RIF, 57 RR
37. JC-612987A SUB MANISH GURUNG, 4 GR
38. JC-413919P NB SUB ASHOK KUMAR, 4 PARA (SF)
39. JC-414162K NB SUB SUNIL KUMAR, 9 PARA (SF)
40. 2493054L HAV BALWANT SINGH, 9 PARA (SF)
41. 2494144Y HAV VIJAY KUMAR, 9 PARA (SF)
42. 2791742K HAV KARAMBHALKAR RAJARAM TUKARAM, MARATHA LI, 41 RR
43. 4079429M HAV AVTAR SINGH, GARH RIF, 36 RR
44. 4272189F HAV PRABHU SAHAY TIRKEY, 21 BIHAR (POSTHUMOUS)
45. 4275229H HAV SHEW SHANKAR CHAUDHARI, 2 BIHAR
46. 4366524Y HAV RONGSEN SASHI, 2 PARA (SF)
47. 4569674K HAV VINOD KUMAR, MAHAR, 1 RR
48. 13622774A HAV LAXMAN SINGH, 3 PARA (SF)
49. 13757526X HAV JALIL AHMED, JAK LI, 52 RR
50. 15561142H HAV BHAG SINGH, ENGRS, 2 RR
51. 2802845L NK JADHAV SANDIP SARJERAO, 15 MARATHA LI (POSTHUMOUS)
52. 2895878A NK VIKASH KUMAR, RAJ RIF, 57 RR
53. 3002654L NK BALATTAR SINGH, 21 RAJPUT
54. 4482042H NK JALOUR SINGH, SIKH LI, 19 RR
55. 5049253N NK BADRI BAHADUR GURUNG, 1 GR
56. 9423262K NK DEEPAK KUMAR, 7/11 GR
57. 13625783M NK TILAK RAJ, 9 PARA (SF)
58. 13764688L NK GAGANDEEP SINGH, JAK LI, 52 RR
59. 13767229X NK PURSHOTAM KUMAR, 9 PARA (SF)
60. 13769548H NK VIRENDER SINGH, 2 PARA (SF)
61. 15140481F NK BALAUR SINGH, ARTY, 56 RR
62. 2698814W L/NK NARESH KUMAR, GREN, 55 RR
63. 2698879K L/NK BABU LAL, GREN, 55 RR
64. 13626753F L/NK RAJPATI SHAHNI, 2 PARA (SF)
65. 14934920W L/NK AJAY SINGH PARIHAR, MECH INF, 42 RR
66. 15621397P L/NK VIPIN KUMAR, GUARDS, 50 RR
67. 2498961P SEP JASPAL SINGH, PUNJAB, 53 RR
68. 2502154A SEP SUKHRAJ SINGH, PUNJAB, 22 RR
69. 2813048A SEP KHARADE SANDIP KAILAS, MARATHA LI, 41 RR
70. 2813791P SEP MANE SAVAN BALKU, 15 MARATHA LI (POSTHUMOUS)
71. 4376797P SEP NZAN LOTHA, ASSAM, 42 RR
72. 4377488Y SEP MILI KAMBU, ASSAM, 42 RR
73. 4379692W SEP RIKPE TAIPODIA, ASSAM, 42 RR
74. 4487592P SEP MANINDER SINGH, SIKH LI, 19 RR
75. 4491739X SEP JASPREET SINGH, 8 SIKH LI (POSTHUMOUS)
76. 4584321F SEP GAWAI SUMEDH WAMAN, MAHAR, 1 RR (POSTHUMOUS)
77. 4585664K SEP ILAYARAJA P, MAHAR, 1 RR (POSTHUMOUS)
78. 9107784X SEP MOHD RAFIQ, JAK LI, 19 RR
79. 14705398M SEP THANGCHONLEN, ASSAM, 42 RR
80. 19002288P SEP AVTAR SINGH, 21 SIKH
81. 15233495N GNR BANWARI LAL, ARTY, 56 RR
82. 15234255H GNR SITA RAM, ARTY, 57 RR
83. 4088047K RFN YOGHESH SINGH, GARH RIF, 36 RR
84. 4094703W RFN SACHIN SINGH RANA, GARH RIF, 36 RR
85. 9112935P RFN JAWEED AHMAD SHEIKH, JAK LI, 36 RR
86. 15503957Y SWR NARESH KUMAR SINGH, ARMD, 55 RR
BAR TO SENA MEDAL (DISTINGUISHED)
1. IC-45009F MAJ GEN SUKHDEEP SANGWAN, SM, INF
2. IC-58605M COL DHEERAJ KOTWAL, SM, 10 SIKH LI
SENA MEDAL (DISTINGUISHED)
1. IC-39106H MAJ GEN PANKAJ ARORA, ARTY (RETD)
2. IC-39457X MAJ GEN MOHANDEEP SINGH GHURA, VSM, INF
3. IC-39696M MAJ GEN JACOB THARAKAN CHACKO, AOC
4. IC-40804X MAJ GEN DIG VIJAY SETIA, VSM, ENGRS
5. IC-45022L MAJ GEN KANWAR MANMEET SINGH, ARTY
6. IC-42857P BRIG GURVIR SINGH KAHLON, PUNJAB, HQ IDS
7. IC-42919K BRIG MANOJ KUMAR, ARTY, DY MS-11
8. IC-43407K BRIG SURENDER PAVAMANI, ARTY, DDG EM(A)
9. IC-44057P BRIG RAJIV MANKOTIA, VSM, 4 GR, DDG (PROC)
10. IC-45524N BRIG VISHWANATHAN VENKAT SUBRAMANIAM, MECH INF, MIRC
11. IC-45577M BRIG GAUTAM GANGULY, VSM, GRENADIERS, HQ CTF, NSG
12. IC-47023M BRIG NAVNEET SINGH SARNA, ARTY, CDM, SCUNDERABAD
13. IC-48518L BRIG MOHIT MALHOTRA, ARMD, 16 (I) ARMD BDE
14. IC-48970A BRIG VIKRAM NAGPAL, GRENADIERS, HQ 5 SECT RR
15. IC-49151H BRIG RAJA CHAKRABORTY, BIHAR, HQ 1 SECT RR
16. IC-49472A BRIG SATISH DAHIYA, SIKH LI, 112 MTN BDE
17. IC-49480Y BRIG ROHIT CHOUDHARY, MARATHA LI, 9 (I) MTN BDE GP
18. IC-49525N BRIG RAJESH SRIVASTAVA, ARTY, HQ 25 ARTY BDE
19. MR-05971P BRIG HARISHANKER AGRAWAL, VSM, AMC, MH KIRKEE
20. IC-50785L COL ANIL JOHN ALFRED PEREIRA, SIGS
21. IC-51018Y COL UMAID SINGH RATHORE, VSM, ARMY AVN, 204 ARMY AVN SQD (UH)
22. IC-53119L COL RAKESH NAIR, 9 GR
23. IC-53168N COL PRASHANT GANPATRAO SANKPAL, GARH RIF,
24. IC-54647F COL MELEVEETIL RAJIV MENON, MADRAS
25. IC-56330L COL VIKRAM JEET SINGH, KUMAON, 13 RR
26. IC-56441H COL IMON MUKHERJEE, MAHAR, 1 RR
27. IC-57836W COL BEERINDER SINGH SANDHU, 10 MADRAS
28. IC-58679F COL SUVRAT CHATURVEDI, INT, HQ NC
29. IC-59088M COL VIJAY KUMAR SHARMA, 3/8 GR
30. IC-59674P COL ASHOK PALIATH ACHUTHAN, SIKH LI, 2 RR
31. IC-60092F COL DHARMENDRA YADAV, SIKH LI, 19 RR
32. IC-64826P COL HARMANDEEP SINGH GREWAL, 21 PUNJAB
33. IC-64859A COL VISHAL SINGH, JAK RIF, 22 RR
34. IC-56511W LT COL NAVEEN GAHLAWAT, INT
35. IC-61399Y LT COL ANIL MEHTA, ARMY AVN, 204 ARMY AVN SQD (UH)
36. IC-62033N LT COL INDERJOT SINGH MANN, ARMD
37. IC-63479P LT COL RAJENDER SINGH JAMWAL, ARMY AVN, 30(I) R&O FLT
38. IC-70447P MAJ PRAVEEN KUMAR SINGH, ARMY AVN, 23 (I) R&O FLT
BAR TO VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL
1. IC-48507Y BRIG DUNDAYYA MALLIKARJUN PURVIMATH, VSM, ENGRS, CE (P) HIMANK
VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL
1. IC-37882K MAJ GEN DALIP SINGH, AOC
2. IC-39229P MAJ GEN DEVESH AGNIHOTRI, MECH INF
3. IC-39472M MAJ GEN JITENDRA KUMAR MARWAL, INF
4. IC-39812K MAJ GEN GIRISH KUMAR, ENGRS
5. IC-40757L MAJ GEN VIKAL SAHNI, SM, INF
6. IC-41196N MAJ GEN SUDHAKAR JEE, INF
7. IC-41509F MAJ GEN KANWAL JEET SINGH DHILLON, YSM, INF
8. IC-41702N MAJ GEN ML MOHAN BABU, ARTY
9. IC-42079P MAJ GEN JITENDRA KUMAR SHUKLA, AAD
10. IC-43630N MAJ GEN SURESH MENON, SIGS
11. IC-45193X MAJ GEN ATUL KAUSHIK, SM, INF
12. MR-04569Y MAJ GEN GAUTAM GANGULY, AMC
13. IC-40710A BRIG SURENDRA MEHTA, 11 GR
14. IC-41927W BRIG SHIVENDER SINGH, YSM, GARH RIF
15. IC-42270W BRIG KAMAL KUMAR REPSWAL, SM, ENGRS
16. IC-42283N BRIG GURJEET SINGH KAMBO, ENGRS
17. IC-42782H BRIG DEEPAK OBHRAI, ARTY
18. IC-42794X BRIG MV SUCHINDRA KUMAR, YSM, ASSAM
19. IC-43262K BRIG ARUN ANANTHANARAYAN, YSM, SM, GREN
20. IC-43395A BRIG MANOJ KUMAR BINDAL, AAD
21. IC-43843F BRIG ADISH YADAV, RAJ RIF
22. IC-43998W BRIG VIJAY RAMCHANDRA DESHMUKH, EME
23. IC-44055K BRIG VINOD MOHAN CHANDRAN, ARMD
24. IC-44082N BRIG ANEEL RAJ SINGH KAHLON, ARMD
25. IC-44474F BRIG RITU RAJ RAINA, SM, DOGRA
26. IC-45642F BRIG VENKATESHA REDDY G A, SC, JAT
27. IC-47002W BRIG JAGJIT SINGH MANGAT, ARMD
28. IC-47372W BRIG RAJ RISHI SHARMA, ARTY
29. IC-47657H BRIG MICHAEL AJ FERNANDEZ, ENGRS
30. IC-47994X BRIG J KAMESWARA RAO, ENGRS
31. IC-48044P BRIG SUKRITI SINGH DAHIYA, ENGRS
32. IC-48539F BRIG ANIMISH SURESH RANADE, PARA
33. IC-48551H BRIG KISHAN PAL SINGH SIROHI, GUARDS
34. IC-48955N BRIG VIKRAM VARMA, ARMD
35. IC-49036H BRIG VIJAI SINGH RANA, MECH INF
36. IC-49048X BRIG RAKESH MANOCHA, SM, GRENADIERS
37. IC-49095P BRIG AMAR NATH KUKRETI, SM, GRENADIERS
38. IC-49496K BRIG PREET PAL SINGH, 1 GR
39. IC-49510L BRIG HITESH BHALLA, SC**, SM, MARATHA LI
40. IC-49794A BRIG KULDIP PATHAK, SM, MADRAS
41. MR-05069N BRIG SITARAM GHOSH, AMC
42. MR-05521X BRIG KAVITA SAHAI, AMC
43. IC-51475M COL AMIT TALWAR, ARMD
44. IC-52570L COL HARBINDER SINGH BRAR, SIKH
45. IC-52865F COL HEMENDRA BHANDARI, SIKH
46. IC-52892L COL KARAN SINGH, RAJPUT
47. IC-53563F COL PADAM DEV THAKUR, 21 GARH RIF
48. IC-53587L COL VIJAY NARAYAN SHUKLA, INT, 31 CIU
49. IC-54165M COL NAVNEET BAKSHI, SM, MARATHA LI
50. IC-54737H COL ALOK SRIVASTAVA, ASC
51. IC-54874F COL ANIL DEV SWAMI, 8 JAK RIF
52. IC-55212L COL NALINI RANJAN PANDEY, ARTY, HQ EC
53. IC-55867X COL SUNIL BHATT, 1/5 GR
54. IC-56345N COL HIMANSHU RAWAT, 6/5 GR
55. IC-57387M COL RISHI YADAVA, AOC, 17 FAD
56. IC-57666X COL AJAY KUMAR SHARMA, ARTY, 94 FD REGT
57. IC-57942P COL PRAVIN CHANDRA JOSHI, ARTY, 328 MED REGT
58. IC-58466N COL KULWANT SINGH KUHAD, INT, 723 IFSC
59. IC-58675L COL RAMNATH SHANKAR, 8 SIKH LI
60. IC-59159H COL MANEESH PARTHSARTHY, 2 GR, 51 SAG NSG
61. IC-59464P COL DEEPANKAR DAS, 19 PUNJAB
62. IC-59605Y COL GURKIRAN PAL SINGH, GARH RIF, HQ 109 INF BDE
63. IC-59684Y COL SUDIP MAJEE, SM, 14 BIHAR REGT
64. IC-59898P COL LITTON DHAR, GR, 28 AR
65. IC-60970M COL V SURESH KUMAR, 3 BIHAR
66. MR-06245M COL ALOK BHALLA, AMC, 92 BH
67. IC-60747H LT COL S VENGATESAN, SIGS
68. MR-07286H LT COL RISHI DHILLAN, AMC, 92 BH
69. NR-19914Y LT COL SUSHMA THOMAS, MNS, COMD HOSP NC
70. SL-04681L LT COL NARESH KUMAR, GEN SER
71. IC-66933P MAJ ANUJ SAMAIYA, INT, 1 FD INT DET(9 CORPS SUR UNIT)
72. TA-42967K CAPT NEIL SHAJI, 116 INF BN (TA) PARA ATT WITH 4 PARA (SF)
73. TJ-5363N SUB SHEIKH TAHIR, 162 INF BN (TA) JAK LI
74. JC-561673N NB SUB SHOBHA KANT ROY, 14 BIHAR REGT
75. JC-811984K NB SUB RAVINDER SINGH, INT, 4 CISU
'MENTION-IN-DESPATCHES'
OPERATION MEGHDOOT
1. IC-68691W MAJ PRASHANT DHUKIA, 3 BIHAR
OPERATION RAKSHAK
1. IC-63962Y LT COL PATIL SHREE VIKAS, INT
2. SS-44871A MAJ SUSHANT KASHYAP, ARMD, 53 RR
3. SS-46035P MAJ VIKAS TYAGI, INT, 31 CIU
4. IC-70856H MAJ RAJIV KUMAR, ARTY, 284 FD REGT
5. IC-73066Y MAJ SIDDHARTHDEO SHARMA, ENGRS, 1 RR
6. IC-73396X MAJ PRANIT SINGH, 22 RAJPUT
7. IC-76405Y MAJ AMAN KUMAR MALIK, SIGS, 2 RR
8. IC-76850X MAJ VINAY KUMAR, ARTY, 14 FD REGT
9. SS-43753A MAJ AMIT KUMAR MISHRA, 22 RAJPUT
10. SL-04897M MAJ SHIV KUMAR, ARTY, 841 LT REGT
11. SS-45964F CAPT PANKAJ BEHL, ARMD, 53 RR
12. JC-431198Y SUB RANJIV KUMAR, 19 PUNJAB
13. JC-603225L NB SUB HARI KAJI GURUNG, 4/1 GR
14. 14433932W RHM AJIT KUMAR, ARTY, 284 FD REGT
15. 1494768P HAV GOVINDA BAHADUR KHARKA, ENGRS, 57 ENGR REGT
16. 3402382K HAV MANJIT SINGH, 2 SIKH
17. 3405930F NK GURPREET SINGH, 22 SIKH
18. 3408483N NK JASMINDER SINGH, 22 SIKH
19. 4194971P NK ANAND SINGH, KUMAON, 50 RR
20. 4571905N NK RAMESH ORAON, 15 MAHAR
21. 5048631P NK KAYAR SINGH SARU, 2/1 GR
22. 5757743H NK BAL BAHADUR PARIYAR, 3/8 GR
23. 13624678K NK LAL SINGH, 4 PARA (SF)
24. 13769292L NK SUNIL KUMAR, 4 PARA (SF)
25. 5049519P NK DHAN BAHADUR DHENGA, 4/1 GR
26. 2707505X SEP SUKHVINDER SINGH, GRENADIERS, 55 RR
27. 4287089N SEP PRAFULA KUMAR MALLICK, 21 BIHAR
28. 4487553W SEP SHAMSHER SINGH, 8 SIKH LI
29. 4488153W SEP GURPREET SINGH, SIKH LI, 19 RR
30. 20002892K SEP PRINCE JASWAL, 20 DOGRA
31. 4096814M RFN KUSHAL SINGH, 4 GARH RIF
32. 16020643F RFN PRAVANDH SINGH TOMAR, 16 RAJ RIF
33. 4092077Y PTR LAXMAN SINGH RAWAT, 9 PARA (SF)
B
Kirti Chakra for sepoy who fought ultras till last breath, August 15, 2018: The Times of India
Slain Rifleman Aurangzeb, Major Aditya & 18 Others Get Shaurya Chakra
Sepoy Vrahma Pal Singh of Rajput Regiment, who heroically laid down his life in a fierce counter-insurgency operation in which three terrorists were killed in Pulwama in J&K last November, has been posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra, the country’s second-highest peacetime bravery medal.
Rifleman Aurangzeb of J&K Light Infantry, who was abducted, video-taped during interrogation and killed by terrorists while on way to his home in Salani village in Poonch for Eid in June, was among the 20 Shaurya Chakra awardees in this year’s Independence Day gallantry list.
Apart from taking part in several operations, during one of which he rescued an injured soldier and wounded three terrorists, Aurangzeb became a target for the terrorists because he was the ‘buddy’ of his company commander Major Rohit Shukla, who had killed dreaded terrorist Sameer Tiger.
Major Aditya Kumar of 10 Garhwal Rifles, who lead an operation in Budgam in which four terrorists were killed last November, was among those awarded the country’s thirdhighest peacetime gallantry medal. Major Kumar had hit the headlines in January when he was named in an FIR by the J&K police after his unit opened fire in face of their convoy being surrounded by a violent stone-pelting mob that even tried to lynch a junior commissioner officer in Shopian, leading to three civilians being killed.
The other Shaurya Chakra awardees from Army are Lt-Colonel Arjun Sharma (Jat), Majors Aditya Kumar (Garhwal Rifles), Pawan Gautam (Engineers) and Pawan Kumar (Jat), Captains Kaninder Paul Singh (Rajput) and Rajesh Jayesh Varma (Rajput), Naib Subedars Anil Kumar Dhaiya (Para) and Vijay Kumar Yadav (Maratha Li), Havildars Kul Bahadur Thapa (Para-SF) and Jaweed Ahmad Bhat (Para-SF), and Grenadier Ranjit Singh (Artillery). Two soldiers from Assam Rifles, Jaiprakash Oraon (posthumous) and Rathva Lilesh Bhai, were also awarded.
Captain P Rajkumar of the Navy, who flew daredevil missions in his Sea King helicopter to rescue several people during severe cyclonic storm Ockhi last December, was awarded the Shaurya Chakra. It was also awarded to CRPF deputy commandant Kuldeep Singh Chahar, head constable A S Krishna, constables K Dinesh Raja, Prafulla Kumar and Dhanawade Ravindra Baban (posthumous).
Six women naval officers who undertook an arduous voyage of eight months to circumnavigate the globe on a sail boat under the ‘Navika Sagar Parikrama’ expedition — Lt-Commanders Vartika Joshi, Pratibha Jamwal and Swati P, and Lieutenants Aishwarya Boddapati, S Vijaya Devi and Payal Gupta — were awarded the Nao Sena Medal for gallantry.
=2019
2019
Republic Day/ The awardees
885 personnel get police medals, CRPF tops the tally, January 26, 2019: The Times of India
Two CRPF constables, Pradeep Panda and Rajinder Kumar Nain, have been awarded Kirti Chakra posthumously while an assistant commandant of the force, Zile Singh, has been awarded Shaurya Chakra this Republic Day for fighting terrorists during a 36-hour long operation in Lethopora camp attack on December 30, 2017.
In all, total 885 police personnel from across the country were honoured by the government for their services.
Apart from Kirti and Shaurya Chakras, three CRPF personnel, Mohammad Yaseen Tali, Borase Dinesh Pathak and Jaswant Singh, have also been awarded President’s Police Medal for Gallantry (PPMG) posthumously for sacrificing their lives while fighting Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists in the Valley.
CRPF has the biggest share among all paramilitary forces, police or central investigation agencies with a total of 106 medals.
Assistant commandant Anurag Kumar of ITBP, who was part of a security forces’ team that killed LeT commander Abu Dujana in Jammu and Kashmir in 2017, has also been awarded the police medal for gallantry.
Out of 885 medals, Police Medals for Gallantry (PMG) have been given to 146 personnel, President’s Police Medals for Distinguished Service to 74 personnel and Police Medal for Meritorious Service to 632 personnel.
Among the 146 personnel receiving the Police Medals for Gallantry, 41 are from the CRPF, 26 from the Odisha Police, 25 belonging to the Jammu and Kashmir Police, 14 from the Chhattisgarh Police, 13 from the Meghalaya Police, 10 belonging to the Uttar Pradesh Police, eight from the Border Security Force, four from the Delhi Police, three from the Jharkhand Police and one each from the Assam Rifles and Indo Tibetan Border Police.
ASHOK CHAKRA
Ashoka Chakra for ex-militant who died fighting as a soldier, January 25, 2019: The Times of India
From: Ashoka Chakra for ex-militant who died fighting as a soldier, January 25, 2019: The Times of India
LANCE NAIK NAZIR AHMAD WANI, BAR TO SENA MEDAL
THE JAMMU AND KASHMIR LIGHT INFANTRY / 34TH BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES (POSTHUMOUS)
Since his enrolement in the Army, Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani, SM**, epitomised qualities of a fine soldier. He always volunteered for challenging missions, displaying great courage under adverse conditions, exposing himself to grave danger on numerous occasions in the line of duty. This is evident from the two gallantry awards conferred on him earlier.
Lance Naik Nazir, yet again insisted on being part of the assault team during Operation Batagund launched by 34 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion on 25 Nov 2018 post receipt of credible intelligence regarding presence of six heavily armed terrorists in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir. Tasked to block the most likely escape route, Lance Naik Nazir, moved swiftly with his team to the target house and tactically positioned himself within striking distance. Sensing danger, the terrorists attempted breaching the inner cordon firing indiscriminately and lobbing grenades. Undeterred by the situation, the NCO held ground and eliminated one terrorist in a fierce exchange at close range. The terrorist was later identified as a dreaded district commander of Lashker-e-Taiba.
Thereafter, displaying exemplary soldierly skills, Lance Naik Nazir closed in with the target house under heavy fire and lobbed grenades into a room where another terrorist was hiding. Seeing the foreign terrorist escaping from the window, the NCO encountered him in a hand to hand combat situation. Despite being severely wounded, Lance Naik Nazir eliminated the terrorist.
Showing utter disregard to his injury, Lance Naik Nazir continued to engage the remaining terrorists with same ferocity and audacity. He injured yet another terrorist at close range, but was hit again and succumbed to his injuries.
For displaying unparalleled bravery and supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani, SM** is awarded “ASHOK CHAKRA (POSTHUMOUS)”.
Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani, a former militant who joined the Territorial Army 15 years ago and then went on to win two Sena Medals for bravery before heroically laying down his life in a major counter-terrorism operation in which six terrorists were killed last November, will be awarded the country’s highest peacetime gallantry medal on Republic Day this year.
Wani’s widow Mehjabin Akhtar, accompanied by his mother Raja Begum, will receive the Ashoka Chakra from President Ram Nath Kovind during the Republic Day parade on Saturday.
Apart from his wife, Wani is survived by two sons, Athar (20) and Shaid (18).
On November 25 last year, Wani was at the forefront of a major operation being conducted by 34 Rashtriya Rifles against six heavily armed terrorists at Hirapur village, near Batagund in Shopian district of Kashmir Valley. He moved swiftly with his team to the target house and positioned himself to block the likely escape route of the terrorists.
“The terrorists attempted to breach the inner cordon by firing indiscriminately and lobbing grenades. Undeterred by the hail of bullets, Wani eliminated the district commander of the Lashkar-e-Taiba. Thereafter, displaying exemplary soldierly skills, Wani lobbed grenades into a room where another foreign terrorist was hiding,” said an officer.
Wani won Sena medals in 2007 & 2017 for counter-terror ops
Seeing the terrorist escaping from a window, Wani encountered him in a hand-to-hand combat situation. Despite being gravely wounded after being hit multiple times, including on his head, Wani killed the terrorist and continued to engage the remaining terrorists with the same ferocity and audacity. He injured yet another terrorist at close range, but was hit again and succumbed to his injuries,” he added.
Wani, a resident of Cheki Ashmuji in Kulgam district of J&K, was enrolled in the 162 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army), which is affiliated to the Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry and largely consists of surrendered militants or “Ikhwanis”. He won Sena Medals in 2007 and 2017 for his “exemplary courage, outstanding bravery and dedication towards duty” during the “successful execution” of many counter-terror operations in south Kashmir over the years.
“Lance Naik Wani epitomised the qualities of a fine soldier. He always volunteered for challenging missions, displaying great courage under adverse conditions, exposing himself to grave danger on numerous occasions in the line of duty,” said a Rashtrapati Bhavan notification.
KIRTI CHAKRA
2 soldiers awarded Kirti Chakra for fighting terrorists, January 26, 2019: The Times of India
The nation’s second-highest peacetime gallantry medal Kirti Chakra has been awarded to Major Tushar Gauba and sepoy Vijay Kumar (posthumously) for “uncommon valour” and “indomitable raw courage” during counter-terror operations in J&K, in addition to the Ashoka Chakra posthumously awarded to militant-turned-soldier Lance Naik Nazir A Wani.
Major Gauba (20 Jat Regiment) single-handedly killed three militants trying to infiltrate across the line of control, while also rescuing one of his injured colleagues in Kupwara last year. “With utter disregard to his safety, Major Gauba showed tactical acumen by charging at the terrorists after crawling 20 metres under heavy fire. He killed the three terrorists in close combat,” said an officer.
Sepoy Kumar (22 Rashtriya Rifles), in turn, laid down his life while eliminating two terrorists during an operation in village Darsu in Baramulla district in August last year. “He came out in the open to cover the movement of some of his fellow soldiers who had come under heavy fire. He directly engaged the terrorists, killing one in the firefight. Despite being injured, he refused evacuation and later killed the second terrorist in hand-to-hand combat before succumbing to his injuries,” said the officer.
The nine Shaurya Chakras awarded this Republic Day are also all connected to counter-terror operations in Jammu & Kashmir.
1
KIRTI CHAKRA
MAJOR TUSHAR GAUBA
20TH BATTALION THE JAT REGIMENT
On the night of 23 May 2018, eight militants attempted an infiltration across Line of Control in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir. At 0400 hours on 24 May 2018 Major Tushar Gauba laid an ambush to deny exfiltration to the terrorists. On night of 25 May terrorists tried to exfiltrate. Showing presence of mind Major Tushar redeployed his ambush. At 0530 hours on 26 May terrorist group sensed the location of ambush led by Major Tushar and started indiscriminatory fire using automatic rifles and hand grenades in which Sepoy Sunil Kumar sustained splinter injuries. Major Tushar Gauba immediately evacuated his injured colleague, while continuously firing on the terrorists and pinning them down. As the firefight progressed, Major Tushar Gauba realized that he had to get closer to the hiding terrorists. Major Tushar Gauba crawled upto 20 meter close to the terrorists under heavy firing by terrorists. He lobbed a hand grenade and with utter disregard to his personal safety charged on the terrorists firing his weapon. In close combat undeterred by the terrorists fire he killed three militants.
His act of unparallel bravery under heavy terrorist fire, tactical acumen and swift action to save his party resulted in elimination of three hardcore terrorist and no further casualty to own troops.
For displaying this act of uncommon valour, Major Tushar Gauba is awarded “KIRTI CHAKRA”.
2
KIRTI CHAKRA
SOWAR VIJAY KUMAR
THE ARMOURED CORPS / 22ND BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES (POSTHUMOUS)
Sowar Vijay Kumar, 22 Rashtriya Rifles (PUNJAB) deployed at Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, was part of “OPERATION VIJAY DARSU” conducted on 02 and 03 August 2018.
On 02 August 2018, based on input regarding presence of terrorists in village Darsu, an operation was launched. He was the guide of party that laid initial cordon and covered most likely escape route. Around 0230 hours terrorists opened heavy fire towards his position to break cordon; undeterred he returned fire forcing terrorist to hide in maize field. Around 0915 hours when search was being carried out by Major Varun Gaur, terrorist brought down heavy fire on the party. Sensing danger to his comrades he came out in the open and directly engaged the terrorists, to cover the movement. In the firefight he got injured but eliminated one terrorist.
Despite being injured he refused evacuation and under effective covering fire from his buddy he crawled forward and eliminated second terrorist in hand to hand combat.
For displaying indomitable raw courage and undaunting bravery beyond the call of duty in eliminating two hardcore terrorists, Sowar Vijay Kumar is awarded “KIRTI CHAKRA (POSTHUMOUS)”.
SHAURYA CHAKRA
SHAURYA CHAKRA: LIEUTENANT COLONEL VIKRANT PRASHER
10TH BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES)
Lieutenant Colonel Vikrant Prasher of 10 Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) led a small team to eliminate a hardcore terrorist.
In August 2018, presence of category A++ terrorist was confirmed in a specific area in Central Kashmir. Lieutenant Colonel Prasher, alongwith three other ranks displaying extreme mental agility and situational awareness, closed in on the terrorists leader in a busy market place. Identifying the terrorist in the market was extremely challenging, and difficult to pinpoint their exact location. Suddenly, Lieutenant Colonel Vikrant Prasher came face to face with the terrorists and firefight ensued with the groups of terrorists, at extremely close range. Reacting swiftly, unmindful of fire and risks, Lieutenant Colonel Vikrant Prasher skillfully and accurately eliminated the terrorist leader and had to dive for cover under the return fire while the other terrorists disappeared amongst the crowd. Lieutenant Colonel Prasher skillfully retrieved his small team from volatile crowd in quick time with tremendous professional grit.
For displaying untranscended bravery, superior tactical expertise, ingenuity and unorthodox approach leading to surgical elimination of a category A++ terrorist commander, Lieutenant Colonel Vikrant Prasher is awarded “SHAURYA CHAKRA”.
SHAURYA CHAKRA: MAJOR AMIT KUMAR DIMRI
THE GARHWAL RIFLES /14TH BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES
Major Amit Kumar Dimri joined 14 Rashtriya Rifles (GARHWAL RIFLES) on 30 December 2015.
On 20 September 2018, on receipt of information about presence of five terrorists in general area at Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir, Operation Shokbaba was launched by the battalion under Major Amit Kumar Dimri. The officer's meticulous planning ensured establishment of a compact tight cordon with no escapes routes. On 20 September 2018, the officer personally led the initial search of target complex exposing himself to grave danger and established first contact with terrorists. The officer ensured elimination of two escaping terrorists and trapping of remaining three terrorists inside a single cowshed. On 21 September after elimination of two more terrorists, Major Amit Kumar Dimri closed in with the cowshed using bullet proof shields under direct fire of the terrorists and using an improvised explosive device created a breach in the wall. Major Amit Kumar Dimri charged inside the cowshed through the breach. The terrorist jumped out and tried to escape. However, the officer pursued and eliminated him at extremely short range in close quarter battle.
SHAURYA CHAKRA: MAJOR IMLIAKUM KEITZAR
4TH BATTALION THE 4TH GORKHA RIFLES
Major Imliakum Keitzar was tenanting appointment of Ismali-Di-Deri Company Commander on Line of Control at Keran Sector of Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir. He successfully led “OPERATION REKHA” in which he showed exemplary tactical acumen and courage beyond the call of duty.
On 09 June 2018, Major Keitzar went in pursuit of terrorists hiding in the inhospitable and snow bound terrain, crawled in the steep and rugged High Altitude terrain ahead of fence and closed in on to terrorists exposing him to their heavy volume of fire. The officer showed extraordinary valour by eliminating three terrorist all by himself one after the other risking his life, time and again beyond the call of duty. The officer killed the first terrorist by closing in on to him and firing Multiple Grenade Launcher at close range. The officer further moved tactically towards the second terrorist and showing his raw courage shot him on his head risking his life to the terrorist‟s spray of bullets. Sensing the presence of yet another terrorist he endangered his life yet again and eliminated the third terrorist.
For displaying courage, selfless devotion, leadership and conspicuous gallantry, Major Imliakum Keitzar is awarded „SHAURYA CHAKRA’.
SHAURYA CHAKRA: MAJOR ROHIT LINGWAL
9TH BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES)
Major Rohit Lingwal was deployed along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir for conduct of counter infiltration operations. He meticulously developed intelligence network with respect to activities of terrorist outfits.
Major Rohit Lingwal was able to obtain intelligence about likely reconnaissance activity of a hardcore terrorist. The terrorist was to lead a group for conduct of a major attack on own post on the line of control. Maj Lingwal led his troop through mine fields ahead of own defences and laid multiple ambushes for protracted period. In July 2018, he took his party out towards the Line of Control for a long duration operation. His team remained in hide, without any signature of their presence. One afternoon, he observed terrorists approaching own posts. He alerted his troop and started closing in towards the terrorist. Displaying outstanding field craft and nerves of steel, he maintained surprise till the end and soon had a close firefight with the terrorists. Unmindful of the volley of bullets and grenades, Major Rohit Lingwal crawled towards the terrorists and the terrorist leader was shot dead at close quarters. His action thwarted a major hostile action on own troops.
For displaying most conspicuous gallantry, outstanding leadership and meticulous planning and perseverance, in eliminating the hardcore terrorist leader, Major Rohit Lingwal is awarded “SHAURYA CHAKRA.”
SHAURYA CHAKRA: CAPTAIN ABHAY SHARMA, SENA MEDAL
FIRST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES)
Captain Abhay Sharma, SM was the party commander tasked to undertake patrolling against enemy Border Action Team along Line of Control in Jammu district of Jammu and Kashmir.
On 21 April 2018, Captain Abhay Sharma, SM led a patrol along the Line of Control. At 1310 hours, own patrol spotted movement of 10 uniformed enemy personnel carrying weapons and moving towards own post Spur Forward. He quickly deployed his party in two locations and at opportune time he along with his buddy opened fire and neutralised two enemy personnel. Displaying exceptional battle craft, he provided cover fire enabling his buddy to disengage and move to safety. Thereafter, displaying exemplary junior leadership he crawled under support fire of his buddy and shot down another enemy regular at close range. Once under effective fire from enemy posts, he sensed grave danger to entire party and directed fire of five C-90s and destroyed three bunkers. Exhibiting composure and exceptional tactical acumen under heavy enemy fire, he successfully executed the ambush, destroyed three bunkers, recovered enemy weapon and ensured safe extrication without any casualty.
For displaying conspicuous gallantry, unmatched professionalism and resolute leadership in face of enemy, Captain Abhay Sharma, SM is awarded „SHAURYA CHAKRA‟.
SHAURYA CHAKRA: CAPTAIN ABHINAV KUMAR CHOUDHARY
THE CORPS OF SIGNALS / 21STBATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES
Captain Abhinav Kumar Choudhary is serving with 21 Rashtriya Rifles (GUARDS) since 24 February 2018.
On 07 August 2018, based on specific technical intelligence regarding presence of infiltrating group in General Area Liddar Panzal at Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, operational teams of 21 Rashtriya Rifles (GUARDS) and 9 Parachute Regiment were inducted for close cordon and surveillance of area during inclement weather. At 0950 hours on 08 August 2018, on being alerted regarding move of five terrorists, he displayed tactical acumen and leadership and taking advantage of inclement weather and low visibility quickly readjusted both teams to prevent escape of terrorists. After visually confirming and positively identifying of the terrorists, the officer and his buddy opened heavy volume of fire on terrorists. In the ensuing firefight, the officer displayed nerve of steel and unmindful of his personal safety, closed in with the terrorists which were hiding behind a boulder and eliminated one unidentified foreign terrorist on his own. The officer, thereafter, exercised effective command and control and ensured strict fire discipline which facilitated elimination of all five foreign Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists subsequently.
For displaying exceptional courage, grit and valour, Captain Abhinav Kumar Choudhary is awarded “SHAURYA CHAKRA”.
SHAURYA CHAKRA: LANCE NAIK AYYUB ALI
THE RAJPUTANA RIFLES / 9TH BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES
On 15 Sep 2018, a group of five heavily armed terrorists were cordoned in a house by 9 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion. Lance Naik Ayyub Ali was a part of the cordon, occupying a position covering the most likely escape route.
At 0050 hours, terrorists tried to break the cordon by using grenades and heavy volume of fire. Due to their indiscriminate firing two of our men were wounded. Lance Naik Ayyub Ali, on seeing his comrades hit, came out from cover and engaged one of the escaping terrorists. With complete disregard to his own safety, he brought down accurate fire onto the terrorist and eliminated him at very close range. This terrorist was later identified as a dreaded terrorist of Lashkar-e-Taiba. He thereafter continued to engage the remaining terrorists and enabled evacuation of wounded personnel to a safe location.
His unflinching bravery and indomitable spirit directly resulted in killing of a terrorist and the safe evacuation of two wounded men. For this remarkable display of cold courage and camaraderie under fire, Lance Naik Ayyub Ali is awarded “SHAURYA CHAKRA.”
SHAURYA CHAKRA: SEPOY AJAY KUMAR
THE MECHANISED INFANTRY / 42ND BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES (POSTHUMOUS)
On 24 April 2018, Sepoy Ajay Kumar of Ghatak Platoon was deployed as Scout in the initial search during Operation Lam Forest at Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir. At approximate 0640 hours on 24 April 2018, the battalion Ghatak Platoon started search for likely hideout area. While the parties were approaching the area, Sepoy Ajay Kumar and Sepoy L Roshan Kom performing the duties of scouts of Battalion Ghatak Platoon drew heavy volume of fire from terrorists. The scouts retaliated and were engaged with grenades by the terrorists. Sensing grave danger to his party Sepoy Ajay Kumar deliberately depriving himself of cover and displaying raw courage and nerves of steel, fired back on the terrorist enabling his team to move to cover without sustaining any injury. In this engagement Sepoy Ajay Kumar eliminated a hardcore terrorist of Jaish-e-Mohammad (Foreign Terrorist) Commander in South Kashmir, Category A++ while sustaining gunshot wound on the head in the process.
For displaying courage, exceptional valour and presence of mind in extreme challenging condition to neutralise the terrorist and safeguard his team. For this act of unparalleled gallantry, Sepoy Ajay Kumar is awarded “SHAURYA CHAKRA (POSTHUMOUS)”.
SHAURYA CHAKRA SAPPER MAHESH HN
THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS / 44TH BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES
On 03 August 2018 based on input of presence of terrorists, a cordon and search operation was launched at a village in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir. Sapper Mahesh HN with his indepth knowledge of terrain guided his team to lay a quick, effecitve and timely cordon thus cutting off all routes of escape of terrorists.
At around 2100 hours, his position came under heavy fire from five terrorists and the terrorists attempted to escape from that direction. Sapper Mahesh HN and his buddy in a fearless and gallant action engaged the terrorists in an intense and close firefight. In this daring action, he assisted in neutralisation of one terrorist and in seriously injuring another, and forced the surviving terrorists back inside the compound of a house. Next morning when his team was engaged in an intense firefight by terrorists, a terrorist in a desperate bid to escape, fired indiscriminately towards Sapper Mahesh. With nerves of steel and indomitable courage, Sapper Mahesh, blocked the terrorist and neutralised him in an intense close quarter battle. The slain terrorist was later identified as a dreaded terrorist of Lashkar-e-Taiba in Shopian.
For displaying indomitable spirit, presence of mind, exemplary initiative and unparalleled courage, resulting in neutralisation of a dreaded terrorist of Lashkar-e-Taiba, injuring another terrorist and assisting in neutralisation of other terrorists, Sapper Mahesh HN is awarded “SHAURYA CHAKRA”.
Independence Day/ The awardees
August 15, 2019: The Times of India
Post-Pulwama strikes earn Air Force rich awards haul
Wing Commander Abhinandan Leads Pack With Vir Chakra
New Delhi:
The audacious pre-dawn air strikes on a Jaish-e-Muhammed facility at Balakot and the subsequent skirmish between Indian and Pakistani fighters have garnered a dozen medals for the IAF this Independence Day, with Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman leading the pack with a Vir Chakra, the third highest gallantry medal awarded during war or “in the face of the enemy”.
In the Independence honours’ list, Sapper Prakash Jadhav (posthumously) from the Army’s Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and CRPF deputy commandant Harshpal Singh were awarded the Kirti Chakra, the second highest peacetime gallantry award, for “conspicuous bravery beyond the call of duty” during fierce encounters with terrorists in Jammu & Kashmir. There were also 14 Shaurya Chakras in the list, eight from the Army, one from the Navy, two from CRPF and three police officials.
Apart from Wing Commander Varthaman, the IAF gallantry list included Vayu Sena Medals for the five Mirage-2000 pilots who successfully struck the JeM facility with Spice-2000 penetration bombs after crossing the Line of Control in the early hours of February 26.
They are Wing Commander Pranav Raj, Squadron Leaders Rahul Basoya, Pankaj Arvind Bhujade, B Karthik Narayan Reddy and Shashank Singh. The commanding officer of a Jaguar squadron, Group Captain Saumitra Tamaskar, who was also part of the overall mission, was also awarded Vayu Sena Medal (gallantry). The IAF says the penetration warheads hit five of the six “designated mean points of impact” on the buildings within the JeM facility to achieve “complete and total strategic surprise”.
A woman ground-based fighter controller, Squadron Leader Minty Aggarwal, who showed exceptional alertness and presence of mind to vector the IAF fighters scrambled to intercept the “strike package” of intruding Pakistani jets a day after the Balakot airstrikes, in turn, has been awarded a Yudh Seva Medal for “distinguished services” during wartime. Four other IAF officers who were part of the planning process for the Balakot strike have also been awarded the same medal.
Squadron Leader Aggarwal, positioned at a radar hu b in Barnala, constantly updated the IAF fighters during the dogfight, while also alerting them to the presence of F-16s armed with AIM-120C advanced medium-range airto-air missiles (AMRAAMs).
In the aerial skirmish, with three to four Pakistani jets intruding 6-7km inside Indian airspace, Wing Commander Varthaman in his older MiG-21 shot down a much more advanced F-16 with an R-73 missile by chasing it across the LoC, before he himself was shot down, captured by the Pak army and subsequently released on March 1.
Varthaman, who became famous when footage of him putting up a brave front in captivity in Pakistan emerged, has now recovered from his injuries and will soon take to the skies in a fighter after undergoing the mandatory ground-based tests.
The Shaurya Chakras have been awarded posthumously to Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal (Engineers/RR), Lance Naik Sandeep Singh (Para-Special Forces), Sepoy Brajesh Kumar (Punjab Regiment/RR), Sepoy Hari Singh (Grenadiers/RR), Rifleman Shive Kumar (JAKLI/ RR) and Ashiq Hussain Malik (special police officer, J&K).
The other Shaurya Chakra awardees are Lt-Colonel Ajay Singh Kushwah (J&K Rifles/RR), Captain Mahesh Kumar Bhure (Engineers/RR), Rifleman Ajveer Singh Chauhan (Garhwal Rifles), Amit Singh Rana (Navy), Constable Sable Dneshwaryan Shriram (CRPF), Constable Zaker Hussian (CRPF) and Head Constable Subash Chander (J&K).
2020
Republic Day/ The awardees
Shaurya Chakra, Vayu Sena Medal, Vir Chakra
January 26, 2020: The Times of India
Awards for pilots of ‘friendly fire’ copter
NEW DELHI: India’s third-highest gallantry medal in peacetime, Shaurya Chakra, has been awarded to six Army and three police personnel for conspicuous bravery in counterterror operations, while the two pilots of the Mi-17 V5 helicopter shot down by “friendly fire” after the Balakot air strikes have been given the Vayu Sena Medal for gallantry.
In this year’s Republic Day list of 409 gallantry and other decorations, four Shaurya Chakras have been awarded posthumously to Naib Subedar Sombir Singh from the Army and Challapilla Narasimha Rao, Kamal Kishore and Aman Kumar under the ministry of home affairs.
Squadron Leaders Ninad Anil Mandavgane and Siddharth Vashisht, who were awarded the Vayu Sena Medal posthumously, were flying the ill-fated Mi-17 helicopter for an operational task when it was shot down at Budgam by a SpyDer quick-reaction antiaircraft missile fired by the air defence unit of the Srinagar airbase on February 27.
The four other IAF personnel killed in the accidental “blue on blue” incident, which took place during the time when Indian and Pakistani fighter jets were engaged in the aerial skirmish in the Nowshera sector along the Line of Control, have been awarded “mention-in-despatches”. They are Sergeants Vikrant Sahrawat and Vishal Kumar Pandey and Corporals Pankaj Kumar and Deepak Pandey.
Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, of course, was awarded the Vir Chakra on Independence Day last year for shooting down a Pakistani F-16 before his MiG-21 was downed on February 27. Among the Shaurya Chakras, Naib Subedar Sombir Singh (Jat Regiment/Rashtriya Rifles) laid down his life while leading an assault team during a fierce encounter in J&K’s Kulgam district, which led to elimination of three terrorists in February last year.
Lt-Col Jyoti Lama (11 Gorkha Rifles) and Major Konjengbam Bijendra Singh (Army Air Defence), killed two terrorists each in separate encounters in Manipur while they were posted in the Assam Rifles last year.
2022
Republic Day/ The awardees
ASHOK CHAKRA and KIRTI CHAKRA
January 26, 2022: The Times of India
The highest medal Ashoka Chakra and the second Kirti Chakra have not been awarded in the overall 384 gallantry and other awards list this year, three have been conferred with the Sena Medal for gallantry the second time. They are Majors Bharat Singh Jhala (Jat/34 RR) and Jagtar Johal (Rajput/44 RR), and Havidar Naseer Ahmad Mir (Territorial Army).
Four senior officers, including the previous 14 Corps commander in Ladakh, Lt-Gen P G K Menon, have got the Uttam Yudh Sena Medals. The others are LtGens D P Pandey (15 Corps), Ravin Khosla (4 Corps) and Johnson P Mathew (3 Corps).
2023
Following gallantry awards have been conferred to Army personnel on the occasion of Independence Day 2023 :-
LIST OF PERSONNEL IS BEING CONFERRED WITH GALLANTRY AWARDS ON THE OCCASION OF INDEPENDENCE DAY 2023
SHAURYA CHAKRA
1. IC-76052K MAJ VIJAY VERMA, RAJPUT, 44 RR
2. IC-76877P MAJ VIKAS BHAMBHU, SM, 252 ARMY AVN SQN (POSTHUMOUS)
3. IC-79120X MAJ SACHIN NEGI, GRENADIERS, 55 RR
4. IC-81741P MAJ MUSTAFA BOHARA, 252 ARMY AVN SQN (POSTHUMOUS)
5. SC-00905H MAJ RAJENDRA PRASAD JAT, DOGRA, 62 RR
6. SC-00971L MAJ RAVINDER SINGH RAWAT, ARMD, 44 RR
7. 16013482F HAV VIVEK SINGH TOMAR, 5 RAJ RIF (POSTHUMOUS)
8. 16022160H NK BHIM SINGH, RAJ RIF, 9 RR
9. 13779235X RFN KULBUSHAN MANTA, JAK RIF, 52 RR (POSTHUMOUS)
BAR TO SENA MEDAL (GALLANTRY)
1. IC-76180F MAJ NITISH TYAGI, SM, 12 PARA (SF)
2. IC-80201K MAJ A RANJITH KUMAR, SM, PARA, HAWS
SENA MEDAL (GALLANTRY)
1. IC-64244P LT COL YOGESH KUMAR SATI, 523 INT & FS UNIT
2. IC-71048X LT COL DHRUV RAJAN, GRENADIERS, 29 RR
3. IC-74633H MAJ ABHIMANYU REPSWAL, ARMD, 22 RR
4. IC-75393H MAJ NEIKHOTSO SECU ANGAMI, 3/8 GR
5. IC-76219H MAJ VIKAS GIRI, PARA, 50 RR
6. IC-77779F MAJ ABHISHEK TYAGI, GRENADIERS, 55 RR
7. IC-78013K MAJ BORAWAKE APOORV SUHAS, ENGRS, 3 RR
8. IC-78151L MAJ AASHISH DHONCHAK, SIKH LI, 19 RR
9. IC-78779N MAJ NAVDEEP GOSWAMI, 6 JAT
10. IC-79029F MAJ RISHABH NEGI, ENGRS, 3 RR
11. IC-80202M MAJ SANJAY SINGH JAMWAL, 4 PARA (SF)
12. IC-80568K MAJ ABHISHEK KATOCH, 5 RAJPUT
13. IC-81592M MAJ SAURABH KUMAR, 15 KUMAON
14. IC-81775H MAJ RANJIT KUMAR, GUARDS, 50 RR
15. IC-83008H MAJ SANTOSH KUMAR, 11 GR, 1 SIKKIM SCOUTS
16. IC-83108N MAJ RISHABH KUMAR NASHINE, 9 DOGRA
17. IC-85077X MAJ RONISH KUMAR, 19 PUNJAB
18. SC-00943Y MAJ DHUMAL ROHAN SHAHAJI, RAJPUT, 44 RR
19. SS-46282H MAJ MAANAS NARLA, ENGRS, 30 (I) R&O FLT
20. SS-46286Y MAJ JAIVEER YADAV, 2 BIHAR
21. SS-48532X MAJ THAKRE AKASH ASHOK, 61 ENGR REGT
22. SS-48926W MAJ VIKAS LAMBA, 12 MAHAR
23. IC-82947Y CAPT AAYUSH CHAUHAN, RAJ RIF, 9 RR
24. IC-85483X CAPT SAURABH GUPTA, 12 PARA (SF)
25. SS-50195M CAPT CHETAN SINGH, SIGS, 34 RR
26. JC-247925L RIS SANJAY KUMAR, 55 ARMD REGT
27. JC-551984N NB SUB DIPTI KUMAR HAZWARI, 5 ASSAM
28. 3202898H HAV MANOJ KUMAR, JAT, 34 RR
29. 4008286N HAV ARUN KUMAR, DOGRA, 62 RR
30. 4193965P HAV RANVEER SINGH, KUMAON, 50 RR
31. 4199936W HAV PRADEEP KUMAR SINGH, 15 KUMAON
32. 13630562K NK SOVINDRA KUMAR, 12 PARA (SF)
33. 18005135A NK DHARMVIR, ENGRS, 3 RR
34. 19002538L NK HARDEEP SINGH, 24 SIKH
35. 2706631X NK MUNISH KUMAR, GRENADIERS, 55 RR
36. 3012008F NK SATYENDRA SINGH, RAJPUT, 44 RR
37. 3012377Y NK KHEMCHAND, 5 RAJPUT
38. 4486359P NK HARJINDER SINGH, SIKH LI, 19 RR
39. 9114169H NK RAFIQ AHMAD MIR, JAK LI, 50 RR
40. 20004865Y L/NK ABHISHEK, DOGRA, 62 RR
41. 3018169A L/NK SANWRA CHOUDHARY, RAJPUT, 44 RR
42. 20007762L SEP YASHWANT SINGH, DOGRA, 62 RR
43. 2518207X SEP AKASHDEEP SINGH, 18 PUNJAB
44. 3016460N SEP SATERAM, RAJPUT, 44 RR
45. 3018182K SEP LAKSHMI NARAYAN ADHANA, RAJPUT, 44 RR
46. 3018252X SEP DHAN SINGH GURJAR, RAJPUT, 44 RR
47. 3211310X SEP VIKASH, JAT, 34 RR
48. 12975042N RFN SHAHEEN HUSAIN GANIE, 162 INF BN (TA)
49. 15511217Y SWR RAVI SHARMA, ARMD, 22 RR
50. 16123961L SPR VISHAL YADAV, ENGRS, 44 RR
51. 2713315F GDR SALIM KHAN, GRENADIERS, 29 RR
52. 15251500W GNR RAMALINGAM K, ARTY, 19 RR
MENTION-IN-DESPATCHES
OP RAKSHAK
1. IC-64239K LT COL GIMMY THOMAS, 207 ARMY AVN SQN (UH)
2. IC-72069A MAJ AJIT KUMAR ROUT, 666 ARMY AVN SQN (R&O)
3. IC-77241A MAJ JAIDEEP JAKHAR, DOGRA, 62 RR
4. IC-82779L MAJ AMANDEEP SINGH, 6 JAK RIF
5. SS-49906P MAJ ANKIT, 17 SIKH LI
6. 4580203W HAV AMANDEEP RANA, 12 MAHAR
7. 12974354X NK BASHIR AHMAD GANAI, 162 INF BN (TA)
8. 7244077N ALD MOHD IBRAHIM KHAN MUSTUFA KHAN, 21 ARMY DOG UNIT
9. 4205174M SEP YUDHVEER, KUMAON, 50 RR
10. 8B99 ARMY DOG MADHU, 21 ARMY DOG UNIT (POSTHUMOUS)
OP SNOW LEOPARD
11. SS-44547H LT COL AAKASH MAJUMDAR,ARMD, 666 ARMY AVN SQN (R&O)
12. IC-79220H MAJ JASVINDER CHAUHAN, ARTY, 666 ARMY AVN SQN (R&O)
13. IC-81520H MAJ PRATEEK BIST, 12 PARA (SF)
14. SS-49899K CAPT RAHUL KAUSHAL, ENGRS, 5 RR
15. 15168221M HAV MADHUKAR KUMAR, 139 MED REGT
16. 00073247K TRN RAPTEN PHUNTSOK, HQ SFF
OP CAS EVAC
17. IC-67128X LT COL VIKRAMJIT SINGH, 659 ARMY AVN SQN (R&O)
18. IC-71283W LT COL ROSHNIKANTA IRUNGBAM, 209 ARMY AVN SQN (UH)
OP MOUNT CHOMO
19. IC-83294P CAPT NAVNEET SINGH RANA, 11 PARA (SF)
OP PANGSAU PASS
20. JC-192911H NB SUB JARNAIL SINGH, 19 ASSAM RIF
21. G/5013009H RFN TIDIP SIKSA, 19 ASSAM RIF
OP MEGHDOOT
22. 13626980F HAV JAGJIT SINGH, 9 PARA (SF)
23. 4483607P HAV LOVEJIT SINGH, 10 SIKH LI
OP ORCHID
24. G/3200992N HAV RAI SINGH UIKEY, 32 ASSAM RIF
OP KALISHAM VALLEY
25. 13626896F HAV JAGROOP SINGH, 11 PARA (SF)
RESCUE OP
26. 15583031L NK ARAVIND KUMAR MAURYA, 236 IWT OP UNIT ENGRS
OP CUCUMBER
27. IC-79986M MAJ PARAMBEER SINGH, 8 SIKH
28. 5050882X NK MAHESH SHRESTHA, 1/1 GR
SEARCH & RESCUE OP
29. TA-42681P MAJ NONGMEIKAPAM DANISH, 107 INF BN (TA)
OP SASER LA
30. IC-86130K CAPT ABHISHEK DHAKA, 4 LADAKH SCOUTS
2024
January 26
TNN, January 26, 2024: The Times of India
Kirti Chakra for 6, army doctor and 2 others get posthumously
16 Soldiers Awarded With Shaurya Chakra
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
New Delhi : Army doctor Captain Anshuman Singh (26), who laid down his life after rescuing others during a fire near Siachen Glacier last July, is among the six soldiers to be awarded the Kirti Chakra, the country’s second highest medal for gallantry during peacetime, on Republic Day.
The two others awarded Kirti Chakras posthumously are Havildar Abdul Majid (Para-Special Forces) and Sepoy Pawan Kumar (Rashtriya Rifles), both of whom displayed exemplary bravery during several operations in J&K. Majors Digvijay Singh Rawat (Para-Special Forces), Deependra Vikram Basnet (Sikh Regiment) and Havildar Pawan Kumar Yadav (Mahar Regiment) are the other awardees of the Kirti Chakra. The 16 Shaurya Chakra awardeesinclude Majors Maneo Francis PF (Para-Special Forces) and Amandeep Jakhar (Sikh Regiment), Captains M V Pranjal (Rashtriya Rifles, posthumous) and Akshat Upadhyay (Jat Regiment), Naib Subedar Baria Sanjay Kumar Bhamar Sinh (Mahar Regiment), Havildar Sanjay Kumar (Assam Rifles), Rifleman Alok Rao (Assam Rifles, posthumous) and civilian Parshotam Kumar, associated with Rashtriya Rifles. Lieutenant Bimal Ranjan Behera from Navy, and IAF pilots Wing Commander Shailesh Singh and Flight Lieutenant Hrishikesh Jayan Karuthedath are the other awardees. A CRPF assistant commandant, Bibhor Kumar Singh and four J&K Police officials, deputy superintendent Mohan Lal, sub inspector Faroz Ahmad Dar, assistant sub-inspector Amit Raina and constable Varun Singh, also get Shaurya Chakras.
Aug 15
Kirti Chakra
August 15 2024: The Times of India
New Delhi : Colonel Manpreet Singh and deputy superintendent of J&K Police Humayun Muzzammil Bhat, who laid down their lives while battling terrorists in a fierce encounter in Anantnag district of J&K last Sept, and two others have been awarded Kirti Chakra, the nation’s second-highest gallantry medal during peacetime, on Independence Day.
The other Kirti Chakra awardees are Rifleman Ravi Kumar (63 Rashtriya Rifles) posthumously, and Major Malla Rama Gopal Naidu (56 Rashtriya Rifles). Colonel Singh, already a Sena Medal awardee, was from the Sikh Light Infantry and commanding the 19 Rashtriya Rifles unit during the encounter in Anantnag on Sept 13.
In the gunfight with heavily-armed terrorists in densely-forested hills, Major Aashish Dhonchak and Sepoy Pardeep Singh displayed conspicuous gallantry while laying down their lives. They have been awarded Shaurya Chakra, the third-highest medal.
“Col Singh displayed raw courage and unparalleled leadership by leading from the front during the operation. His undaunting valour and quick decision-making led to the elimination of one terrorist and preventing escape of other terrorists. DSP Bhat was leading the special operations group column of J&K Police,” an officer said.
Shaurya Chakra was awarded to 16 others, with two CRPF personnel getting it posthumously. Two Navy officers, destroyer INS Kolkata’s commanding officer Captain Sharad Sinsunwal & INS Visakhapatnam's engineering officer Lt-Commander Kapil Yadav were conferred with Shaurya Chakra. The first for anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden, and the second for rescuing the crew of an oil tanker engulfed in flames on high seas.
The other Shaurya Chakra awardees are Colonel Pawan Singh (Army Aviation), Major C V S Nikhil (21 ParaSF), Major Tripatpreet Singh (34 RR), Major Sahil Randhawa (34 RR), Wing Commander Kapil Yadav (IAF), Squadron Leader Deepak Kumar (IAF), Subedar Sanjeev Singh Jasrotia (5 J&K Rifles), Naib Subedar P Pabin Singha (56 RR), Abdul Latif (J&K Police), deputy commandant Lakhveer (CRPF), assistant commandant Rajesh Panchal (CRPF) and Malkit Singh (CRPF).
In all, the Independence Day list has 103 gallantry medals. There are also 39 Mention-in-Despatches, including to Army dog Kent (posthumously) for their significant contributions in different military operations. The operations include Operation Rakshak, Operation Snow Leopard, Operation Sahayata, Operation Hifazat, Operation Orchid and Operation Katchal.
Shaurya Chakra
Bharti Jain, August 15, 2024: The Times of India
New Delhi : Five Shaurya Chakras were conferred on CRPF bravehearts and 209 police officers honoured with gallantry medals on the eve of Independence Day for their acts of valour.
The five Shaurya Chakra awardees were part of CRPF’s 201 CoBRA battalion and were recognised for displaying extraordinary courage during an engagement with Naxalites on Jan 30, 2024 while establishing a forward operating base in Chhattisgarh. While constables Pawan Kumar and Devan C laid down their lives as their team delivered significant blows to the insurgents and se- cured the area and will be honoured posthumously, deputy commandant Lakhveer, assistant commandant Rajesh Panchal and constable Malkit Singh will also receive the gallantry medals for “displaying unmatched bravery in the face of fierce Naxal assault,” CRPF said in astatement.
Telangana Police head constable Chuduvu Yadaiah, who apprehended two chainsnatchers in July 2022 even after being brutally stabbed by them, was named as the recipient of the lone President’s Medal for Gallantry. Of the total 1,037 medals announced by MHA on Wednesday, 908 medals are for various state police and CAPFs; 59 for fire services personnel; 56 for Home Guards and Civil Defence personnel; and 14 for correctional services. Apart from 208 police personnel, three personnel from fire services in Jharkhand and one in Delhi, as well as one personnel from UP home guards and civil defence were also named for gallantry medals.
The 208 police gallantry medals are shared by CRPF (52); J&K Police (31); UP and Maharashtra Police (17 each); Chhattisgarh Police (15); MP Police (12); SSB (14); CISF (10); Jharkhand, Punjab and Telangana Police (7 each); BSF (6); Bihar Police (5); Andhra Police (4); Bengal Police (3); & Assam Rifles (1).
