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The 23-year-old officer, commissioned less than six months ago, was leading a ‘route opening patrol towards a forward tactical base in Sikkim

n an extraordinary display of courage and leadership, Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari of the Indian Army’s Sikkim Scouts sacrificed his life while saving a fellow soldier during an operational task in North Sikkim on Thursday.

The 23-year-old officer, commissioned less than six months ago in December last year, was leading a ‘route opening patrol towards a forward tactical base in Sikkim.

Around 11 am, Agniveer Stephan Subba — member of the patrol — lost footing while crossing a log bridge and was swept away by the powerful mountain stream.

Demonstrating presence of mind and leadership , Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari instinctively leapt into the treacherous waters to save the Agniveer, without a moment’s hesitation. Another soldier Naik Pukar Katel also followed immediately in support. Together, they managed to rescue the drowning Agniveer. However, Lt Tiwari was tragically swept away by the forceful current. Despite desperate efforts by his team, the body of the officer was recovered 800 m downstream.

He is survived by his parents and a sister. The Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen RC Tewari condoled the death.

President Droupadi Murmu conferred 6 Kirti Chakras and 33 Shaurya Chakras to brave personnel from the Army, Air Force, Navy, CRPF, and J&K Police for gallantry in anti-terror operations

President Droupadi Murmu, who’s also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, presented gallantry awards during a Defence Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday (May 22). Six Kirti Chakras, including four posthumous honours, and 33 Shaurya Chakras, with seven awarded posthumously, were conferred upon personnel from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, Central Armed Police Forces, and Jammu and Kashmir Police.

Kirti Chakra: Second-highest peacetime gallantry award

The Kirti Chakra recognises exceptional courage away from the battlefield. Among the recipients:

Kirti Chakra (Living Recipients)

• Major Malla Rama Gopal Naidu – Indian Army
• Major Manjit – Indian Army

Kirti Chakra (Posthumous)

• Rifleman Ravi Kumar – Indian Army
• Colonel Manpreet Singh – Indian Army
• Deputy Superintendent of Police Himayun Muzzammil Bhat – J&K Police
• Naik Dilwar Khan – Indian Army

Shaurya Chakra: Awarded for valour and courage

A total of 33 personnel received the Shaurya Chakra. These included 26 living recipients and 7 posthumous honours. 

The President’s office shared on X: “President Droupadi Murmu conferred Shaurya Chakra upon Squadron Leader Deepak Kumar, Flying (Pilot). His undaunted courageous decision in a life-threatening situation to force land the aircraft on a dark night ensured the safety of a valuable national asset and precluded a probable loss of lives.”

Shaurya Chakra (Living Recipients)

• Major Vijay Verma – Indian Army
• Deputy Commandant Vikrant Kumar – CRPF
• Inspector Jeffrey Hmingchullo – CRPF
• Wing Commander Vernon Desmond Keane – Indian Air Force
• Squadron Leader Deepak Kumar – Indian Air Force
• Special Police Officer Abdul Latif – J&K Police
• Subedar Sanjeev Singh Jasrotia – Indian Army
• Colonel Pawan Singh – Indian Army
• Subedar P Pabin Singha – Indian Army
• Major Sahil Randhawa – Indian Army
• Lt Col CVS Nikhil – Indian Army
• Major Tripatpreet Singh – Indian Army
• Lieutenant Commander Kapil Yadav – Indian Navy
• Deputy Commandant Lakhveer – CRPF
• Assistant Commandant Rajesh Panchal – CRPF
• Constable Malkit Singh – CRPF
• Subedar Mohan Ram – Indian Army
• Commodore Sharad Sinsunwal – Indian Navy
• Flight Lieutenant Aman Singh Hans – Indian Air Force
• Sergeant Dabhi Sanjay Hiffabhai – Indian Air Force
• Major Kunal – Indian Army
• Major Ashish Dahiya – Indian Army
• Havildar Prakash Tamang – Indian Army
• Major Satender Dhankar – Indian Army
• Assistant Commandant Eshenthung Kikon – Assam Rifles
• Subedar Vikas Tomar – Indian Army

Shaurya Chakra (Posthumous)

• Major Aashish Dhonchak – Indian Army
• Sepoy Pardeep Singh – Indian Army
• Havildar Rohit Kumar – Indian Army
• Constable Pawan Kumar – CRPF
• Constable Devan C – CRPF
• Vijayankutty G – BRO
• Captain Deepak Singh – Indian Army

Acts of gallantry

According to the Ministry of Defence, the gallant actions took place across various regions: 

• Jammu & Kashmir and North-East: Personnel undertook anti-terror and counter-insurgency operations, resulting in the neutralisation and arrest of terrorists, along with arms recovery.
• Indian Navy:Officers led successful anti-piracy missions, rescued hostages, and controlled fires on oil tankers.
• Indian Air Force:Pilots made brave decisions during emergencies to protect lives and national assets.
• CRPF:Carried out daring missions in Left-Wing Extremist areas, leading to arrests of Maoists and seizure of weapons.

He got martyred during a fierce gunfight with terrorists in the Garol area of Kokernag in Anantnag district of South Kashmir on September 13, 2023

President of India Droupadi Murmu on Thursday conferred Shaurya Chakra (posthumously) on Major Aashish Dhonchak of Panipat during a programme at Rashtrapati Bhawan. His mother Kamla Devi and wife Jyoti received the award.

Major Aashish Dhonchak got martyred during a fierce gunfight with terrorists in the Garol area of Kokernag in Anantnag district of South Kashmir on September 13, 2023.

In a post on X, President Murmu stated, “In a search-and-destroy operation in a densely forested area of Anantnag district in September 2023, he sustained severe gunshot wounds. Despite his injuries, he continued to pin down the terrorists with precision fire, allowing his team to take cover and eliminate the terrorists. The officer displayed raw courage and exemplified true leadership from the front.”

Earlier, Major Aashish Dhonchak (36) was felicitated with Sena Medal for his bravery on August 15, 2023. He was posted in the 19th Rashtriya Rifles.

Born on October 23, 1987, Aashish joined the Army as Lieutenant at Dehradun in June 2013 while he was pursuing MTech.

After completion of his training, his first posting was in Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir, followed by Meerut and Bathinda. He was promoted as Major in 2018 and again he was posted in Jammu and Kashmir.

He had a strong desire to join the Army from his childhood, his uncle said. He completed his schooling from Kendriya Vidyalaya in the NFL as his father Lal Singh shifted to the NFL township complex in 1999. He had also won a gold medal in badminton.

Army officer Aashish Dhonchak awarded posthumously

wo brave sons of Haryana, Major Aashish Dhonchak of Panipat and Major Ashish Dahiya of Sonepat, were honoured with the Shaurya Chakra by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday for their exceptional courage in anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir. Major Dhonchak was conferred the award posthumously for laying down his life in the line of duty.

Major Aashish Dhonchak, 36, of Binjhol village in Panipat, was martyred on September 13, 2023, during a fierce encounter with terrorists in the Garol area of Kokernag, Anantnag district. Serving with the 19th Rashtriya Rifles of the Sikh Light Infantry, he led a search operation alongside Sepoy Pardeep Singh when they came under heavy terrorist fire. Despite sustaining multiple gunshot wounds, both soldiers continued to retaliate, enabling their team to regroup and neutralise the threat. One of the terrorists killed was a Category ‘B’ militant.

Major Dhonchak’s mother Kamla Devi and wife Jyoti received the award from the President. His uncle recalled his early ambition to join the Army, which he pursued even while doing his MTech. He was promoted to Major in 2018 and had served in Rajouri, Meerut and Bathinda before his final posting in J&K. The family had planned a housewarming celebration on his birthday, October 23 — a plan left incomplete by his martyrdom.

In another emotional tribute, Major Ashish Dahiya of Kakroi village in Sonepat was also awarded the Shaurya Chakra for his leadership and bravery during high-risk operations in South Kashmir. Serving with the Corps of Engineers in 50 Rashtriya Rifles, Major Dahiya was instrumental in eliminating four terrorists and defusing three IEDs since June 2022.

In a key operation in Pulwama on June 2, 2023, Major Dahiya risked his life to evacuate a wounded comrade and then single-handedly neutralised an A++ category terrorist at close range. His heroics under intense fire earned praise for his “audacious planning and intrepid execution.”

Major Dahiya, who joined the Army through NDA in 2011, comes from a family steeped in military service. His late father was a Lance Naik, his twin brother Anish is also a Major posted at Siachen, and his wife, Major Anusha, serves as a UN military observer in South Sudan.

Army Major Rohit Kadian shone in the 11th World Masters Games, being held in Taiwan from May 17 to 30. Up against elite athletes, including former Olympians, Major Kadian made his mark at the global stage and won four medals….

Army Major Rohit Kadian shone in the 11th World Masters Games, being held in Taiwan from May 17 to 30.Up against elite athletes, including former Olympians, Major Kadian made his mark at the global stage and won four medals.

His medal haul includes a gold medal in the 1,500-m race (40-45 age category); two silvers, in 800-m and 5,000-m; and a bronze in the 400-m race.

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has begun the operations of the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) at Spiritual Growth Centre, Katra, to enhance the safety and security of pilgrims. This state-of-the-art facility utilises a network of 700…

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has begun the operations of the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) at Spiritual Growth Centre, Katra, to enhance the safety and security of pilgrims.

This state-of-the-art facility utilises a network of 700 CCTV cameras equipped with advanced features like gesture, face recognition and PTZ, enabling real-time monitoring for efficient decision-making and swift response mechanism in the shrine area.

A joint inspection of the ICCC was conducted today by Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer of the board, and Sarah Rizvi, DIG, Udhampur-Reasi Range, alongwith other officials from CRPF, Army and intelligence agencies.

“The ICCC will enhance pilgrim safety and security by leveraging advanced technologies like surveillance systems, data analytics and communication networks. A joint team from the shrine board and security agencies is now conducting real-time monitoring of key areas including ingress points, movement of pilgrims and service providers and critical infrastructure on the track, ensuring a seamless and safe experience for prompt emergency response and improved situational awareness,” an official spokesperson said.

A security review meeting that was also held stressed for action on diverse fronts and crucial decisions were taken for hassle-free pilgrimage, including the issuance of fresh UHF cards to pony owners and installation of readers to prevent impersonation and ensure their legitimate presence on the track.

The meeting also involved an in-depth discussion on identified threats with a focus on devising effective countermeasures to mitigate potential risks. Furthermore, measures were discussed to plug unauthorised ingress points in the shrine area, thereby strengthening the overall security apparatus for a safer environment for pilgrims.

The concerned quarters were directed to undertake the numbering of private shops along the track, facilitating easy identification and reference for security agencies. Emphasis was laid on early activation of the integrated hotline system to enable seamless communication amongst the stakeholders for swift response to emergencies and further strengthening the security infrastructure.

The meeting also explored deployment of additional security personnel, area domination and the use of drones and other advanced technologies to monitor the shrine and surrounding areas. The CEO reiterated the importance of effectively utilising advanced security equipment crucial for maintaining robust security measures provided to security agencies. These equipment include X-Ray baggage scanners, door frame metal detectors, hand-held metal detectors and under vehicle search mirrors recently procured and installed by the Board in the shrine area.

The meeting took a stern view of the begging menace in Katra, deeming it a nuisance to pilgrims and a potential security threat. Directions were given to concerned quarters to strictly curb the practice with a focus on rescuing and rehabilitating minors by sending them to shelter homes, thereby ensuring a safer and more dignified environment for pilgrims visiting from across India and abroad.

Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring visited the family of Agniveer Akashdeep Singh in Kothe Chahal village, who recently lost his life while on duty in Jammu. Warring offered condolences and facilitated a phone call between the grieving family…

Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring visited the family of Agniveer Akashdeep Singh in Kothe Chahal village, who recently lost his life while on duty in Jammu. Warring offered condolences and facilitated a phone call between the grieving family and Rahul Gandhi.

Rahul expressed solidarity and assured full support from the Congress. Warring criticised both the state and central governments for failing to honour Akashdeep with official recognition or even basic assistance like a government ambulance. He said no officials, including the DC and SSP, visited the family.

Warring pledged to fight for martyr status and financial aid for Akashdeep’s family. He also announced plans to write to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and arrange meetings with senior leaders, including the Chief Minister, if the family agrees.

He slammed the Agniveer scheme and questioned the government’s silence on its promises to fallen soldiers. Akashdeep’s parents, expressing gratitude to Rahul, voiced anger at the absence of state support and said they would not immerse their son’s ashes until he was officially declared a martyr.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid tribute to Army braveheart Sepoy Gaykar Sandip Pandurang, who was martyred during the anti-terror operation on Thursday. “Salute to the indomitable courage of braveheart Sepoy Gaykar Sandip Pandurang, who made the supreme sacrifice for the…

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid tribute to Army braveheart Sepoy Gaykar Sandip Pandurang, who was martyred during the anti-terror operation on Thursday. “Salute to the indomitable courage of braveheart Sepoy Gaykar Sandip Pandurang, who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation during the anti-terror operation in Kishtwar,” the L-G said in a statement.

Chief of Staff of White Knight Corps Major General Shailendra Singh led the wreath-laying ceremony for the martyred soldier. The ceremony was held at the military hospital in Jammu before his mortal remains were dispatched to his hometown in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra for the last rites.

Major General Singh, along with other Army ranks, police, BSF, and civilian officials laid wreaths on the Tricolour-wrapped coffin of the deceased, officials said.

Shaurya Chakra is the third-highest peacetime defence gallantry medal

A CoBRA commando of the CRPF, who displayed raw courage before being fatally shot by a Maoist sniper while establishing a new base deep inside a Naxal stronghold in Chhattisgarh, is among the seven personnel of the paramilitary honoured with the ‘Shaurya Chakra’ gallantry medal.

Constable Pawan Kumar of 201 CoBRA battalion and his fellow Constable Devan C were awarded the military medal posthumously during the defence investiture ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday.

The country’s largest paramilitary force received the bravery decorations for two operations undertaken in the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) theatre, five personnel in one and two in the other.

Kumar, according to his citation accessed by PTI, was “fatally shot by a sniper” when his commando unit along with troops from the 150^th CRPF battalion were establishing a forward operating base (FOB) at Tekalgudium in the Naxal “stronghold” district of Sukma in Chhattisgarh on January 30, 2024.

A strong posse of Naxals launched “heavy” fire on the troops and launched multiple barrel grenade launchers (BGLs), a crude and improvised missile like explosive shell, towards the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) base.

Kumar and Devan C “risked their lives by fiercely engaging advancing Naxals” and were killed in action.

The two men were decorated with the Shaurya Chakra posthumously for their “bravery, extraordinary courage and act of gallantry.” Their families received the medals from the President.

Deputy Commandant Lakhveer, Assistant Commandant Rajesh Panchal and Constable Malkit Singh of the same CoBRA unit were also decorated with the Shaurya Chakra for displaying extraordinary courage. Lakhveer was injured in a blast while Panchal suffered a bullet injury on his right hand.

“Malkit Singh exposed himself to heavy fire to recover Pawan Kumar’s body, fighting despite a chest wound, and neutralising several Naxals,” the citation said.

The second operation in which CRPF personnel were awarded the Shaurya Chakra took place on April 3, 2023 in Jharkhand’s Chatra district in which Deputy Commandant Vikrant Kumar and Inspector Jeffrey Hmingchullo of the 203 CoBRA battalion displayed “fearless” action.

The about 50-minute long gun battle led to the killing of five “top” Maoists and recovery of some high calibre weapons and ammunition.

The Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) is the specialised jungle warfare unit of the CRPF raised in 2008.

The Shaurya Chakra is the third-highest peacetime defence gallantry medal

Sources close to Kanimozhi, a Lok Sabha member, said the flight had to circle mid-air for 45 mins

The flight carrying an Indian MP delegation to Moscow led by DMK leader Kanimozhi had to circle in the sky for sometime due to a drone attack but the aircraft later landed safely.

Kanimozhi was leading the delegation of MPs deputed by the Centre as part of an international outreach post Operation Sindoor, a military offensive aimed at terror launch pads in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.

Sources close to Kanimozhi, a Lok Sabha member, said the flight had to circle mid-air.

“It circled in the air and later landed and there was a delay of 45 minutes. She (Kanimozhi) landed safely,” sources close to Kanimozhi said here on Friday.

The multi-party delegation landed in Moscow on Thursday night on the first leg of five-nation tour to sensitise international community on Pakistan-sponsored cross border terrorism, a month after the Pahalgam attack in which 26 people were killed.

At the Domodedovo International Airport, Kanimozhi and members of her team were received by Indian Ambassador Vinay Kumar and other officials.