CRPF bravehearts awarded Kirti Chakra
Cheetah, CO of the 45th CRPF battalion, was shot nine times and even lost an eye during an operation against militants in the Valley in February.
CRPF commandants Pramod Kumar and Chetan Cheetah were among the five bravehearts who were awarded the Kirti Chakra, the second highest peacetime gallantry medal, on the eve of Independence Day for their brave exploits against terrorists in Kashmir.
Cheetah, CO of the 45th CRPF battalion, was shot nine times and even lost an eye during an operation against militants in the Valley in February.
Major David Manlun, Commandant Pramod Kumar of the CRPF and Havildar Giris Gurung were all decorated with the military medal posthumously. Major Pritam Singh Kanwar was also awarded.
Major David Manlun, a young Indian Army Major, made the supreme sacrifice fighting terrorists on the intervening night of June 6 and June 7 in Nagaland.
Havilder Gurung was killed during an anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district. Despite being grievously injured, he charged at a terrorist and fired at him.
Major Kanwar displayed courage during an anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir on May 25, in which he killed three terrorists. Other than the Kirti and Shuarya Chakra, 85 Sena Medals (Gallantry), three Nao Sena Medals and two Vayu Sena Medals were also announced. A Chhattisgarh jawan, who laid down his life fighting Naxals, was awarded the President's Police Medal for gallantry, while 190 others were named for the Police Medal for Gallantry.
Shankar Rao (posthumously) is the lone recipient of the top President's Police Medal for Gallantry (PPMG).