In May, CISF braved Pak shells to save hydel assets

As Pakistani artillery pounded Uri sector on a volatile May night this year, a small band of CISF personnel stood between India’s critical hydro-power assets and the risk of catastrophic destruction.

Braving relentless shelling, they not only protected the Uri Hydroelectric Project (UHEP-I & II) but also pulled hundreds of civilians out of harm’s way — a display of raw courage now recognised with the CISF Director General’s Disc.

Operation Sindoor, carried out by the Army on the night of May 6-7 to hit a terrorist hideout across the Line of Control, triggered fierce retaliation.

Pakistan’s indiscriminate shelling rained down on Indian territory, threatening the NHPC’s installations and nearby residential colonies. Positioned just 8 km from the Line of Control, CISF teams found themselves thrust into the heart of the escalation.

What followed, officials say, was an exceptionally coordinated and fearless response. Led by Commandant Ravi Yadav, with Deputy Commandant Manohar Singh and Assistant Commandant Subash Kumar, the CISF unit rapidly activated emergency protocols.

“Even as shells landed uncomfortably close, teams assessed incoming trajectories, reinforced bunkers and identified safe zones for immediate evacuation,” a senior CISF official told The Tribune.

When residential blocks began shaking under the impact of nearby strikes, CISF personnel launched door-to-door evacuations — escorting women, children and NHPC families through active shellfire to fortified shelters. Their efforts ensured the safe evacuation of nearly 250 civilians, with not a single casualty reported.

The crisis deepened when hostile drones appeared over the installations. “CISF personnel neutralised the aerial threat and secured armouries by redistributing weapons to prevent damage from possible direct hits,” the official said.

Throughout the exchange, the personnel kept communication networks — from POLNET to satellite-based systems — functional under extreme stress.

At a ceremony in New Delhi on Tuesday, CISF Director General Praveer Ranjan described their conduct as “rare courage under fire” and said the personnel had upheld the highest traditions of the force. “Their resolve protected critical national assets and saved innocent lives,” he said.

The DG’s Disc awarded to 19 personnel stands as a formal tribute, but on the ground in Uri, their bravery has already become part of the valley’s living memory.