New Delhi: On the eve of Independence Day, President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday approved gallantry awards for defence personnel, including Shaurya Chakra to three from the Army and one Indian Air Force personnel.
The Indian Army said that Havaldar Alok Kumar Dubey, Major Anil Urs, and Lieutenant Colonel Krishan Singh Rawat will be awarded the Shaurya Chakra for gallantry in different operations in Jammu and Kashmir. Wing Commander Vishak Nair from the Indian Air Force was also conferred the Shaurya Chakra.
Havildar Alok Kumar Dubey, 44 Rashtriya Rifles
Havildar Alok Kumar Dubey, from the 44 Rashtriya Rifles, will be decorated with the honour for his role in the elimination of four terrorists at an operation on June 22, 2019. "For his indomitable spirit, presence of mind, exemplary initiative and unparalleled courage, resulting in neutralization of a dreaded terrorist, Havildar Alok Kumar Dubey is awarded the Shaurya Chakra," the Army said.
In a statement, the Army said that the Havildar closed in on the group of terrorists and killed one of them at closed range. The eliminated terrorist was of category A++.
"In utter disregard to his personal safety, Havildar Alok crawled further blocking escape route of the terrorists. Maintaining offensive spirit, he brought down heavy volume of fire pinning the terrorists down," the statement read.
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"His courageous action prevented escape of terrorists and eventually elimination of four terrorists," it added.
Major Anil Urs, Maratha Light Infantry
Major Anil Urs, presently the Company Commander in an Infantry Battalion deployed in the Line of Control, will be honoured with the Shaurya Chakra for "displaying raw courage, marksmanship and rare combat leadership, while ensuring safety of his team" while laying down an ambush on terrorists along the LoC.
"On spotting the group of terrorists, Maj Anil brought down effective fire killing three terrorists. Enduring the risk of loss of life, Major Anil displayed extraordinary leadership, nerves of steel and spirit of service before self where he chose to remain at the location awaiting an opportunity to engage rest of the terrorists," the Army said.
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"After life threatening wait of fifteen minutes, the team sighted and accurately brought down fire on two more terrorists leading to neutralisation of two more terrorists," it added.
Lt Col Krishan Singh Rawat, Sena Medal, Parachute Regiment (Special Forces)
Lieutenant Colonel Krishan Singh Rawat, who was the team leader of a mission oriented team deployed along the LoC, is being awarded the Sharya Chakra for "his resolute and exemplary leadership, conspicuous gallantry" during an operation against terrorists.
Lt Col Rawat led his team and deployed it along the likely routes of terrorist infiltration. After 36 hours in ambush in an inclement weather and close proximity to the LoC, his team spotted the group of terrorists.
In the ensuing firefight, he got his team to bring down accurate fire resulting in elimination of two terrorists.
Under heavy fire, he then engaged the rest of the terrorists. "Achieving complete surprise and unmindful of personal safety, he engaged them at extreme close range killing two terrorists, and grievously injuring the third," the army said.
