President Ram Nath Kovind confers Mahavir Chakra posthumously on Col Santosh Babu

Galwan Valley clash hero Colonel Santosh Babu has been awarded the second-highest wartime gallantry medal, the Mahavir Chakra (posthumously), by President Ram Nath Kovind in an investiture ceremony on Tuesday.

New Delhi: Galwan Valley clash hero Colonel Santosh Babu has been conferred the Mahavir Chakra (posthumously), the second-highest wartime gallantry medal, by President Ram Nath Kovind in an investiture ceremony on Tuesday. The martyred colonel's mother and wife received the award from the President.

Santosh Babu has been awarded the gallantry medal for resisting the Chinese Army attack while establishing an observation post in the face of the enemy in the Galwan Valley in the Ladakh sector during the ongoing 'Operation Snow Leopard'.

"Col Bikumalla Santosh Babu, Commanding officer 16 BIHAR deployed in Galwan Valley (Eastern Ladakh) during 'Operation Snow Leopard' was tasked to establish an observation post in face of the enemy. Organising and briefing his troops about the situation with a sound plan, he successfully executed the task. While holding the position his column faced stiff resistance from the adversary, who attacked using lethal and sharp weapons, along with heavy stone pelting from adjoining heights. Undaunted by the violent and aggressive action by the overwhelming strength of enemy soldiers, the officer in the true spirit of service before self, continued to resist the enemy's attempt to push back Indian troops," the citation stated.

"Despite being grievously injured, Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu led from the front with absolute command and control despite hostile conditions to deter the vicious enemy attack at his position. In the skirmish that broke out and ensuing hand to hand combat with enemy soldiers, he valiantly resisted the enemy attack till his last breath, inspiring and motivating his troops to hold ground," it added.

"Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu displayed exemplary leadership and astute professionalism. He showed conspicuous bravery in the face of the enemy and made supreme sacrifice for the nation," the citation further read.

Meanwhile, other Army personnel, including Naib Subedar Nuduram Soren, Havildar K Palani, Naik Deepak Singh and Sepoy Gurtej Singh will also be accorded their Vir Chakras (posthumously) for their gallant actions against the vicious attack by the Chinese Army in the Galwan Valley in June 2020.

India had lost 20 troops in the fiercest clash that broke out between both sides in a long time. The Chinese also suffered significant casualties. The clash also led to India hardening its stand, which has now allowed troops to use weapons during patrolling following the usage of unorthodox weapons by PLA troops.