President Murmu awards six Kirti Chakras, 33 Shaurya Chakras

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday conferred six Kirti Chakras, including four posthumously, and 33 Shaurya Chakras, including seven posthumously, to personnel of the armed forces, Central Armed Police Forces and police at a Defence Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The gallantry awards recognised acts of exceptional courage, bravery and selflessness during counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, primarily in Jammu & Kashmir and the North-East. Kirti Chakra is India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award.

Indian Navy officers were also honoured for leading anti-piracy missions that led to the surrender of pirates and rescue of hostages, as well as for their courage in fighting fires on a burning oil tanker.

The Kirti Chakra was conferred upon Major MRG Naidu, Major Manjit, Rifleman Ravi Kumar (posthumous), Col Manpreet Singh (posthumous), Deputy Superintendent of Police Himayun Bhat (J&K Police) (posthumous), Naik Dilwar Khan (posthumous).

"The President 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," the Rashtrapati Bhavan said on X.