NEW DELHI: (May 22) President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday conferred six Kirti Chakras, including four posthumously, to personnel of the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police for displaying indomitable courage and extraordinary valour in the line of duty.
The Kirti Chakra is India’s second-highest peace-time gallantry award.
Col Manpreet Singh of the Sikh Light Infantry, two other Army personnel from the Rashtriya Rifles and a Jammu and Kashmir Police officer have been conferred the Kirti Chakra posthumously, according to the list of awardees shared by the government.
President Murmu, who is the Supreme Commander of the armed forces, also presented 33 Shaurya Chakras, including seven posthumously, to the personnel of the armed forces, Central Armed Police Forces and state/Union Territory police during a defence investiture ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Defence Ministry said in a statement.
Maj Malla Rama Gopal Naidu of the Maratha Light Infantry, 56 Rashtriya Rifles, and Major Manjit of the Punjab Regiment, 22 Rashtriya Rifles, received the Kirti Chakra.
Rifleman Ravi Kumar, the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, 63 Rashtriya Rifles; Colonel Manpreet Singh, of the Sikh Light Infantry, 19 Rashtriya Rifles; Naik Dilwar Khan, the Regiment of Artillery, 28 Rashtriya Rifles; and Deputy Superintendent of Police Himayun Muzzammil Bhat of the Jammu and Kashmir Police were conferred India’s second-highest peace-time gallantry award posthumously.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan later also shared pictures from the ceremony on its official X handle.
“President Droupadi Murmu conferred Shaurya Chakra upon Squadron Leader Deepak Kumar, Flying (Pilot). His undaunted courageous decision in a life-threatening situation to force land the aircraft on a dark night ensured the safety of a valuable national asset and precluded a probable loss of lives,” it said in a post.
“President Droupadi Murmu conferred Shaurya Chakra upon Corporal Dabhi Sanjay Hiffabhai, Indian Air Force. In a terrorist attack in May 2024, he displayed exceptional composure and tactical awareness. Unfazed by profuse bleeding and the severity of his wounds, he strategically adjusted his position, took cover, and engaged the enemy with his personal weapon, saving the precious lives of his team members,” the Rashtrapati Bhavan said in another post.
The defence ministry in its statement said, “The bravery, which has been awarded, was displayed during various operations related to counter-terror/counter-insurgency in J&K and the north-east”.
Dreaded terrorists were neutralised and apprehended during these operations, and arms and ammunition were recovered, it said.
“The Indian Navy officers led anti-piracy operations, resulting in the surrender of pirates and the rescue of hostages, while also demonstrating bravery during fire-fighting operations on a burning oil tanker,” it said.
Lt Cdr Kapil Yadav, assistant engineer officer, INS Visakhapatnam and Commodore Sharad Sinsunwal, Commanding Officer, INS Kolkata have been conferred the Shaurya Chakra.
“His unwavering grit, fighting spirit & resolve under adverse conditions – fighting fire onboard MV Marlin Luanda, an oil tanker carrying highly inflammable material, saved invaluable lives,” the Navy had written in a post on X in August 2024.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan in another post on X said, “President Droupadi Murmu conferred Shaurya Chakra upon Captain Sharad Sinsunwal, Commanding Officer, INS Kolkata. He has demonstrated inspiring leadership in four successful operations of INS Kolkata in the Gulf of Aden since December 2023.”
The ministry said the awardees from the Indian Air Force, showed utmost courage in life-threatening circumstances during rescue of aircraft while maneuvering away from civilian areas to avoid any loss of life and property.
“The gallant act of CRPF officers were performed in various operations in areas affected by left-wing extremism. Maoist insurgents were apprehended and weapons recovered,” it said. PTI
