(Gallantry Awards) The central government announced on Thursday the awarding of 'Vir Chakra' to 9 Indian Air Force soldiers for their exceptional bravery during 'Operation Sindoor'. In this operation, the Air Force shot down 6 Pakistani fighter planes. 'Vir Chakra' is the third highest military medal awarded for gallant and remarkable performance in war, following 'Param Vir Chakra' and 'Maha Vir Chakra'.
The honored aviators include Group Captain Ranjitsingh Sidhu, Manish Arora, Animesh Patni, Kunal Kalra, Wing Commander Joy Chandra, Squadron Leader Sarthak Kumar, Siddhant Singh, Rizwan Malik, and Flight Lieutenant Arshveer Singh Thakur. These aviators successfully attacked terrorist bases and military locations in Muridke and Bahawalpur, Pakistan.
16 soldiers of the Border Security Force (BSF) have also been honored with gallantry awards. This honor was bestowed upon them for their valor during 'Operation Sindoor', in which 2 BSF soldiers were martyred. The BSF has stated that this honor is a symbol of the nation's trust in their contribution.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced a total of 1,090 gallantry and service medals this Independence Day. This includes 233 gallantry medals, 99 President's Police Medals (PSM), and 758 Meritorious Service Medals (MSM). Of the 233 gallantry medals, 152 personnel were honored for their performance in Jammu and Kashmir, 54 for operations in Naxal-affected areas, 3 for the northeastern region, and 24 for valor in other areas. This includes 226 police personnel, 6 from the fire service, and 1 from the Home Guard/Civil Defense department.
Out of 99 'PSM', 89 are from the police force, 5 from the fire brigade, 3 from the home guard/civil defense department, and 2 from correctional services. Out of 758 'MSM', 635 are awarded to the police force, 51 from the fire brigade, 41 from the home guard/civil defense department, and 31 for correctional services.