Gallantry Awards: Six awarded Kirti Chakra, all for Ops in Kashmir

The President has approved 412 gallantry awards on the eve of Republic Day, with six personnel being conferred the Kirti Chakra, all for action against terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. Besides the Kirti Chakras awardees - four of them have been conferred posthumously - 15 personnel have been named for the Shaurya Chakra for gallantry.

Given the relative peace in the North East, most awardees are for operations in Kashmir, including Major Subhang who was instrumental in killing two terrorists in a close quarter battle at Budgam. The officer faced small arms and under barrel grenade fire - injuring him and his two soldiers - but carried on the fight to the finish.

Naik Jitendra Singh, also named for the Kirti Chakra, took part in three operations in which seven terrorists were killed. The soldier was severely injured in an encounter at Pulwama but displayed exceptional courage in taking on a terrorist who was targeting his team members. The President has also approved one Bar to Sena Medal, 92 Sena Medals (four posthumous), one Nao Sena Medal (posthumous) and seven Vayu Sena Medals. Besides, 29 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, three Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, one Bar to Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and 52 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals have been announced.