President Approves 78 Gallantry Awards; Anti-Maoist Operations Dominate Police Honours
President Droupadi Murmu has approved 78 gallantry awards, including 13 posthumous, for personnel of the defence forces and central armed police forces on the eve of the 80th Independence Day. The announcement was made by the government on Friday.
The list includes 9 Kirti Chakras, of which 7 are posthumous; 19 Shaurya Chakras, including one posthumous; 36 Sena Medals (Gallantry); three Nao Sena Medals; and five Vayu Sena Medals. These awards recognise exceptional courage and sacrifice in the line of duty.
In the police gallantry category, a significant majority of the medals have been awarded to personnel involved in operations against Left-wing extremism. Of the 301 police medals announced, 197 have gone to officers serving in areas affected by Left-wing extremism. This underscores the continued focus on security operations in these regions.
Among the key police recipients are Inspector General of Police Sunderraj Pattilingam, Superintendent of Police Indira Kalyan Elesela, and several personnel from the Bastar Fighters and District Strike Force units. Two constables from Chhattisgarh have been awarded posthumously, reflecting the heavy toll of such operations.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has received the highest number of medals among the paramilitary forces with 86, followed by the Border Security Force (BSF) with 20. The Jammu and Kashmir Police have been awarded 51 medals, while 12 medals have gone to forces in the north-eastern states.
In addition to gallantry awards, the President has also approved distinguished service medals. CISF Inspector General Harpreet Kaur Sohi and Assistant Commandant (JAO) Mohan S have been awarded the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service. Commandant Suresh Kumar Shokeen of Delhi Home Guards has been awarded the President's Medal for Distinguished Service.
The awards are traditionally announced on the eve of Independence Day and Republic Day to honour personnel who have shown exceptional bravery and service. The distribution of medals highlights the challenging security environment in various parts of the country, particularly in regions affected by Left-wing extremism.
