New Delhi, May 23: President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday presented six Kirti Chakras, including four posthumously, to personnel of the Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police in recognition of their indomitable courage and exceptional valour in the line of duty. The Kirti Chakra is India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award.
Among the posthumous recipients were Colonel Manpreet Singh of the Sikh Light Infantry, two soldiers from the Rashtriya Rifles, and Deputy Superintendent of Police Himayun Muzzammil Bhat of the Jammu and Kashmir Police. These honours were bestowed during a solemn Defence Investiture Ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The full list of Kirti Chakra awardees includes Major Malla Rama Gopal Naidu of the Maratha Light Infantry, 56 Rashtriya Rifles, and Major Manjit of the Punjab Regiment, 22 Rashtriya Rifles, who received the award for their heroic acts. Posthumous recipients included Rifleman Ravi Kumar of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, 63 Rashtriya Rifles; Colonel Manpreet Singh of the Sikh Light Infantry, 19 Rashtriya Rifles; Naik Dilwar Khan of the Regiment of Artillery, 28 Rashtriya Rifles; and DSP Himayun Bhat of the J&K Police.
In addition to the Kirti Chakras, the President, who is also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, awarded 33 Shaurya Chakras seven of them posthumously to personnel of the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces, and state and Union Territory police forces.
Among the Shaurya Chakra recipients was Squadron Leader Deepak Kumar, Flying (Pilot), who demonstrated exemplary courage by safely force-landing an aircraft in a life-threatening situation on a dark night, thereby safeguarding a critical national asset and preventing potential loss of life.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan shared moments from the investiture ceremony on its official X handle, honouring the courage and sacrifice of the gallant heroes.
