Srinagar, July 05:President Droupadi Murmu on Friday awarded 36 Gallantry awards, including 10 Kirti Chakras and 26 Shaurya Chakras, recognizing outstanding bravery and sacrifice. Among the recipients are five Jammu and Kashmir Police officers, honoured for their exceptional valour in various operations.
During the Defence Investiture Ceremony (Phase-1) at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi, President conferred 10 Kirti Chakras (seven posthumous) and 26 Shaurya Chakras (seven posthumous) to the personnel of the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces and State, Union Territory Police
Selection Grade Constable Saifullah Qadri, a well-known encounter specialist, was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra for his bravery in numerous gun battles with terrorists.
His most notable act of valor occurred during the Bishamber Nagar operation in Srinagar, where he displayed exemplary courage. His dedication and sacrifice have left a lasting impact on his colleagues and the community.
In April 2022, he showed indomitable gallantry beyond the call of duty and eliminated two terrorists. In another incident, the officer fell prey to bullets from terrorists and made supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.
On 10 April 2022, a specific input was received regarding the presence of some unknown terrorists in Bishamber Nagar, Konkhan Dalgate Srinagar. During the search in the suspected area, the terrorists opened indiscriminate fire upon the search party followed by hurling of grenades due to which six (06) personnel received bullet injuries.
Qadri pinpointed the exact location of hidden terrorists. Sg Constable Safiullah Qadri was tasked to lead the inner cordon as he had already gained the tactical guile. The terrorists had put the family members including-women and children hostage. As soon as the process of evacuation of the trapped family was started by Sg Constable Safiullah Qadri and his buddies through the window of the target house, the terrorists noticed the same and lobbed grenades upon them.
The brave officer without caring about his personal safety, seized the initiative and engaged the terrorists and succeeded in neutralizing 2 terrorists, one of them was a category ‘A’ terrorist. However, in another incident on 24 May 2022 Sg Constable Safiullah Qadri fell prey to bullets from terrorist and attained martyrdom,
For displaying indomitable courage, act of gallantry and undoubting bravery beyond call of duty in eliminating two terrorists, Selection Grade Constable Safiullah Qadri is posthumously awarded “SHAURYA CHAKRA”
Sub-Inspector Amit Raina was recognized for his significant contributions to counter-terrorism operations in the region. During an operation in January 2022 in Srinagar, he displayed utmost courage in the face of the enemy, advancing towards a terrorist and, in a face-to-face gunfight, neutralizing a category ‘A’ terrorist.
Sub-Inspector Faroz Ahmad Dar was awarded for his courage and effectiveness in handling critical security situations. During an operation in Srinagar in January 2022, he took the lead in eliminating a terrorist while ensuring the safety and security of the civilians in the area.
Constable Varun Singh was honored for his commitment and bravery in crucial operations. Constable Singh played a key role in counter-terrorism efforts, often putting himself in harm’s way to ensure the safety of others.
He displayed tremendous grit and determination, leading to the elimination of a category ‘A’ terrorist and the recovery of arms and ammunition from the possession of terrorists.
Similarly, Superintendent of Police (SP) Mohan Lal has been acknowledged for his leadership and gallantry. He has led numerous counter-terrorism initiatives. In June 2022, during an operation in Srinagar, he showed exceptional bravery and indomitable will, neutralizing a terrorist. Sensing an imminent threat to his team, he advanced bravely to neutralize another terrorist.
During an operation in Srinagar, he exhibited exceptional bravery by neutralizing a terrorist and, sensing an imminent threat to his team, left his cover to neutralize another. His decisive actions saved many lives and prevented further harm.
Sepoy Pawan Kumar of The Grenadiers, 55th Battalion, The Rashtriya Rifles, was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra for his courage during an operation in Pulwama district. On 27 February 2023, he led his team from the front, engaged terrorists in close combat, and neutralized one terrorist while injuring another. Despite sustaining fatal injuries, his actions ensured the safety of his comrades and the success of the mission.
Rifleman Kulbushan Manta, serving with The Jammu & Kashmir Rifles, 52nd Battalion, The Rashtriya Rifles, displayed immense bravery in an operation in Baramulla district in October 2022. He overpowered one terrorist in hand-to-hand combat and continued to engage another despite being injured. His heroic actions led to the capture of a terrorist and the safety of his team, earning him a posthumous Shaurya Chakra.
Captain MV Pranjal of The Corps of Signals, 63rd Battalion, The Rashtriya Rifles, was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra for his bravery in Rajouri district. On 22 November 2023, he led a surveillance operation that saved the lives of civilians, including women and children, by engaging terrorists despite heavy fire. His selfless actions and ultimate sacrifice were pivotal in neutralizing the threat.
Major Deependra Vikram Basnet of the 4th Battalion, The Sikh Regiment, was awarded the Kirti Chakra for his leadership and gallantry during an ambush in Kupwara district. On 15 June 2023, he led his team in a successful operation that resulted in the elimination of five heavily armed terrorists. His fearless actions ensured the safety of his men and the success of the mission.
Havildar Pawan Kumar Yadav of the 21st Battalion, The Mahar Regiment, displayed indomitable courage during an operation in Kupwara district. His actions, which included neutralizing two terrorists in close combat, earned him the Kirti Chakra. His bravery and leadership were instrumental in the success of the operation.
Constable/GD Gamit Mukesh Kumar of the 61 CRPF was awarded the Shaurya Chakra for his bravery during an operation in Srinagar on 19 December 2021. His tactical acumen and courage in a close-quarters battle with a heavily armed terrorist were crucial in neutralizing the threat and safeguarding his team.
Sub Inspectors Amit Raina and Faroz Ahmad Dar of the Jammu & Kashmir Police were both posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra for their acts of gallantry in Srinagar. Their decisive actions during intense operations led to the elimination of high-profile terrorists and ensured the safety of civilians.
Constable Varun Singh of the Jammu & Kashmir Police was recognized with the Shaurya Chakra for his bravery during an operation in the Sangam area, Srinagar, on 12 June 2022. His quick response and fearless engagement with terrorists were crucial in neutralizing the threat and protecting his team.
Majors Rajendra Prasad Jat and Ravinder Singh Rawat were awarded the Shaurya Chakra for their leadership and bravery during operations in Jammu & Kashmir. Their actions led to the elimination of multiple terrorists, showcasing exceptional tactical skill and courage.
Naik Bhim Singh and Major Vijay Verma were also honored with the Shaurya Chakra for their outstanding bravery in operations that resulted in the elimination of high-profile terrorists, demonstrating exemplary leadership and gallantry.
Majors Sachin Negi and Amandeep Jakhar received the Shaurya Chakra for their exceptional bravery in combat. Their fearless actions in the face of grave danger led to the successful neutralization of terrorists and the safety of their teams.
Parshotam Kumar, a Village Defence Committee Member from Rajouri, displayed astute patriotism and courage by engaging terrorists and ensuring the safety of his village. His brave actions earned him the Shaurya Chakra, highlighting the vital role of civilians in national security.
