The gallantry awards recognise troops who carried out daring missions, including destroying enemy surveillance cameras and neutralising drone attacks along the India-Pakistan border. The BSF guards the 2,290-km-long International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC) under the Army’s operational control on India’s western front
Operation Sindoor, conducted by the three defence forces along with the BSF in the early hours of May 7, targeted terrorist and military facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Representational pic
Sixteen Border Security Force (BSF) personnel have been conferred gallantry medals for displaying “conspicuous bravery” and “unmatched valour” during Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, the Union government announced on the eve of India’s 79th Independence Day.
The gallantry awards recognise troops who carried out daring missions, including destroying enemy surveillance cameras and neutralising drone attacks along the India-Pakistan border. The BSF guards the 2,290-km-long International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC) under the Army’s operational control on India’s western front.
“This Independence Day, 16 Brave Seema Praharis (border guards) are being awarded Gallantry Medals for their conspicuous bravery & unmatched valour, for being resolute & steadfast during the Ops Sindoor. The medals are a testament to the Nation's faith & trust reposed in India's First Line of Defence: The Border Security Force,” the BSF said in a social media post.
Operation Sindoor, conducted by the three defence forces along with the BSF in the early hours of May 7, targeted terrorist and military facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation was a response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed. Two BSF personnel died in action after Pakistan launched an attack on India following Operation Sindoor, while seven others sustained injuries.
Among the awardees, Sub-Inspector Vyas Dev, who lost his left leg after a Pakistani mortar shell hit his post, and Constable Suddi Rabha were recognised for undertaking a “risk-prone” mission to replenish ammunition to forward-deployed troops, reported PTI.
Dev’s citation stated he “suffered life-threatening injuries, but he remained conscious, stabilised himself and bravely engaged in his given task, motivated his fellow soldiers and exhibited tremendous courage.” Rabha stood “shoulder-to-shoulder” with his commander and refused to yield despite grievous injuries, reported PTI.
Another unit under under-probation Assistant Commandant Abhishek Srivastav, deployed at Kharkola in Jammu, engaged a swarm of Pakistani drones on May 10. Head Constable Brij Mohan Singh and Constables Depeswar Barman, Bhupendra Bajpai, Rajan Kumar, and Basavaraja Shivappa Sunkada neutralised the UAVs, but one mortar shell hit their bunker, killing Sub-Inspector Mohammed Imteyaj and Constable Deepak Chingakham. They are expected to be awarded posthumously.
Deputy Commandant Ravindra Rathore, Inspector Devi Lal, Head Constable Sahib Singh and Constable Kanwaraj Singh were honoured for “exceptional courage” under intense pressure, saving a fellow jawan whose life was in peril, reported PTI.
Assistant Sub-Inspector Udai Vir Singh destroyed a Pakistani surveillance camera amid “intense” enemy fire at the Jabowal post in Jammu. Despite a life-threatening shrapnel wound to his upper lip, Singh refused evacuation and destroyed a Pakistani “heavy machine gun nest (post)”.
“His actions ensured uninterrupted domination from the Indian side and inspired fellow troops,” his citation noted.
ASI Rajappa BT and Constable Manohar Xalxo undertook a “high risk” mission at Karotana Khurd post on May 10 to replenish automatic grenade launcher ammunition despite a mortar shell falling on the magazine, suffering grievous injuries but completing the task. Assistant Commandant Alok Negi and two of his troops executed “relentless and accurate” mortar fire for 48 hours, ensuring zero casualties and maintaining operational dominance.
The government also announced gallantry medals for personnel from other forces, including 128 for Jammu and Kashmir Police, 20 for the CRPF, and 14 for Chhattisgarh Police.
(With PTI inputs)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
