Anti-Red Fighters Win Bulk of Police Gallantry Awards
Personnel involved in Left wing extremism operations receive a major share of 301 police medals; CRPF leads among paramilitary forces with 86 awards.
NEW DELHI: The government on Friday approved 78 gallantry awards for personnel of the armed forces and central armed police forces on the eve of the 80th Independence Day, with 13 honours being conferred posthumously.
Operations against Left-wing extremism accounted for a significant share of the police honours announced this year. As many as 197 of the 301 police medals went to personnel serving in areas affected by Maoist violence, highlighting the contribution of security forces engaged in counter-insurgency operations.
The gallantry list included nine Kirti Chakras, seven of them posthumous, and 19 Shaurya Chakras, including one awarded after the recipient’s death. The armed forces also received 36 Sena Medals for gallantry, three Nao Sena Medals and five Vayu Sena Medals.
Among the police and paramilitary recipients were IGP Sunderraj Pattilingam, SSP Indira Kalyan Elesela and personnel from the Bastar Fighters and District Strike Force who participated in anti-Maoist operations.
Two Chhattisgarh Police constables were honoured posthumously for their service and sacrifice.
The Central Reserve Police Force secured the highest number of honours among paramilitary organisations, with 86 medals, while the Border Security Force received 20.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police received 51 medals, reflecting the role of its personnel in maintaining security in the Union Territory. Another 12 honours were awarded to personnel serving in the northeastern region.
For distinguished service, CISF Inspector General Harpreet Kaur Sohi and Assistant Commandant (JAO) Mohan S were conferred the President’s Police Medal. Commandant Suresh Kumar Shokeen of the Delhi Home Guards also received the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service.
The honours recognise acts of exceptional courage as well as sustained service by personnel working in challenging security environments across the country.
