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Apart from Colonel Singh and Bhatt, two other security force personnel Rifleman Ravi Kumar (posthumous) and Major Malla Rama Gopal Naidu were also awarded the Kirti Chakra. (data map)
Apart from Colonel Singh and Bhatt, two other security force personnel Rifleman Ravi Kumar (posthumously) and Major Malla Rama Gopal Naidu were also awarded the Kirti Chakra
Colonel Manpreet Singh and Deputy Inspector General of Police Himayun Muzammil Bhatt were posthumously awarded the Kirtija on Wednesday for displaying extreme gallantry during anti-terror operations in Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir in September last year. Carat, the nation's second-highest decoration for peacetime valor.
Major Aashish Dhonchak and Sepoy Pardeep Singh were also killed during the operation in the densely forested hills of Anantnag. Posthumously awarded Shaurya Chakra, the third highest peacetime gallantry award.
Apart from Colonel Singh and Bhatt, two other security force personnel Rifleman Ravi Kumar (posthumous) and Major Malla Rama Gopal Naidu were also awarded the Kirti Chakra.
On the eve of Independence Day, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, President Drupadi Murmu, approved a total of 103 gallantry awards. Apart from four Kirti Chakras, the gallantry awards include 18 Shaurya Chakras (four posthumously), 1 Bar to Sena medal, 63 Sena medals, 11 Nao Sena medals and 6 Vayu Sena medals.
Colonel Singh's citation said he took the lead in the operation and displayed “raw courage and unparalleled leadership.”
The citation said that when the terrorist hideout was discovered, the terrorists opened fire indiscriminately in order to escape, but Colonel Singh ignored his own safety and returned fire, resulting in the death of one terrorist.
“The officer showed extraordinary leadership skills and quickly reorganized his team and blocked the escape route. He continued to fire on the terrorists. However, in the ensuing gunbattle, Colonel Singh suffered a serious gunshot wound to his forehead.
“Colonel Singh, who was awarded the Sena Medal, led from the front and displayed raw courage and unparalleled leadership. His fearless courage and quick decision-making resulted in the neutralization of one terrorist and prevented the escape of others.
Bhatt's citation said he also showed “rare courage” and led his column from the front, adding that his “extraordinary courage” led to the elimination of a hardcore terrorist.
President Murmu also approved 39 proclamations of commendation, including the commendation of military dog Kent (posthumously), in recognition of their significant contributions in different military operations.
These operations include Operation Rakshak, Operation Snow Leopard, Operation Sahayata, Operation Hifazat, Operation Orchid and Operation Katchal.
Shaurya Chakra recipients include Colonel Pawan Singh of Army Aviation Squadron, Major CVS Nikhil of 21st Battalion, Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), Major Aashish Dhonchak (posthumously) of Sikh Light Infantry, Army Service Corps/34th Battalion Major Tripatpreet Singh.
Subedar Sanjeev Singh Jasrotia, 5th Battalion, Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, Naib Subedar P Pabin Singha, Artillery Regiment/56 Rashtriya Rifles, Sepey Pardeep Singh, 19th Battalion Sikh Light Infantry/Rashtriya Rifles (posthumous) , Abdul Latif Kashmiri Police Officer of Jammu and Captain Sharad Sinsanwal, Captain of the Indian Navy Kolkata were also awarded the 'Shaurya Chakra'.
Other Shaurya Chakra recipients include: Lieutenant Commander Kapil Yadav of the Indian Navy, Lieutenant Colonel Vernon Desmind Keane of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Squadron Leader of the Indian Air Force Deepak Kumar, Pawan Kumar of CRPF (posthumously) and Devan C of CRPF (posthumously).
CRPF Deputy Commander Lakhveer, CRPF's Rajesh Panchal and Malkit Singh, also from CRPF, were also awarded the Shaurya Chakra.
The President also approved the awarding of one Presidential Tatrakshak Medal and three Tatrakshak Medals to the personnel of the Indian Coast Guard.
(This article has not been edited by News18 staff and is published by PTI)
