President approves four Kirti Chakras, 18 Shaurya Chakras on I-Day eve

President Droupadi Murmu approves 103 Gallantry awards, including Kirti Chakras and Shaurya Chakras, for armed forces and CAPF personnel.

Four Kirti Chakras, three posthumous, and 18 Shaurya Chakras, four posthumous, are among the 103 Gallantry awards approved by President Droupadi Murmu to armed forces and Central Armed Police Forces personnel on the eve of Independence Day 2024.

Kirti Chakra was granted to Major Malla Rama Gopal Naidu from Maratha Light Infantry and with 56 RR, and posthumously to Colonel Manpreet Singh from Sikh Light Infantry and with 19 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) in Jammu and Kashmir, Rifleman Ravi Kumar with Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry and with 63 RR and  Himayun Muzzammil Bhat, Deputy Superintendent, Jammu and Kashmir Police and was with 19 RR.

Also Read:President Droupadi Murmu’s Independence Day speech

Two Shaurya Chakras went to Navy personnel and two to Air Force personnel. Five of the 18 Shaurya Chakras were for CAPF personnel under the Home Ministry, two of which are posthumous.

The other awards include 64 Sena Medals (Gallantry), including two posthumous; 11 Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry); and six Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry), a Defence Ministry statement said. “The President has also approved 39 Mention-in-Despatches, including to Army dog Kent (posthumous) 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.”

In addition, the President approved one President’s Tatrakshak Medal (Distinguished Service); one Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry) and two Tatrakshak Medals (Meritorious Service) to the Indian Coast Guard personnel for exceptional bravery, devotion to duty and meritorious service demonstrated by the recipients.

On September 13, 2023, Col. Singh was heading a specific search and destroy operation in densely forested hills of a village in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. “As the terrorist hideout was identified, terrorists opened indiscriminate fire in a bid to escape. Col. Singh, unmindful of his own safety, returned fire towards the escaping terrorists, resulting in killing of one terrorist,” the award citation reads. “Displaying extraordinary leadership, the officer quickly reorganised the party to plug the escape routes. He continued to direct fire on the terrorists. However, in the ensuing gunfight Col. Singh sustained severe gunshot wound on the forehead.”