Kirti Chakra for 5, 17 get Shaurya Chakra

New Delhi, August 14

Two Army men, who sacrificed their lives during anti-terror operations, were among five security force personnel selected for the prestigious Kirti Chakra, the second highest peacetime gallantry award.

On the eve of the 71st Independence Day, President Ram Nath Kovind approved 112 gallantry awards for defence and paramilitary personnel for making sacrifices in the service of the nation, the Defence Ministry said.

Havildar Giris Gurung of Gorkha Rifles, Major David Manlun of Naga Regiment and Pramod Kumar, Commandant of 49 Battalion, CRPF, were chosen for the Kirti Chakra posthumously.

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Maj Preetam Singh Kunwar of Garhwal Rifles and Chetan Kumar Cheeta, CRPF Commandant, have also been selected for the award. No one has been awarded the Ashok Chakra, the highest peacetime gallantry award.

The gallantry awards approved by the President, who is also the Supreme Commander of the armed forces, include five Kirti Chakras, 17 Shaurya Chakras, 85 Sena Medals (Gallantry), three Nao Sena Medals and two Vayu Sena Medals. On May 20, Havildar Gurung sacrificed his life during an anti-terror operation in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir. Despite being grievously injured, he charged at a terrorist and fired at him, displaying extreme courage and dedication towards call of duty. Major Manlun was killed during an encounter with militants in Mon district of Nagaland on June 6. He was a role model for his colleagues as he always led from the front, the Army said.

Major Kunwar has also been awarded the Kirti Chakra for showing grit and determination during an anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir on May 25 during which he killed three dreaded terrorists.

CRPF Commandant Cheeta had slipped into coma after being hit by bullets during a gun fight with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir earlier this year.

Kovind also approved a President's Tatrakshak medal, four Tatrakshak gallantry medals and two Tatrakshak meritorious service medals to Indian Coast Guard personnel.

Navy personnel selected for the Nao Sena medal are Pushpendra Tyagi, Jaskaran Singh and Azhar Azharuddin. The Vayu Sena medals will be conferred on Wing Commander Subhash Singh Rao and Wing Commander Ravinder Ahlawat. — PTI