NEW DELHI: ASI Babu Ram and Constable Altaf Hussain Bhat from Police J & K are annumously given with Ashok Chakra and Kirti Chakra, the highest Galantry medal in the country and second in peace, on occasion of independence this year.
The list of awards also includes 15 Shaurya chakra (fourth annumous) to four army officers and two soldiers, two IAF officers, a naval officer, six CRPF and police personnel.
Babu Ram put his life during an attack on terrorists in Srinagar last year while Constable Bhat died saving the lives of protected people who were attacked by terrorists on Ganderbal.
Six Shaurya Chakra for the Army included captain Ashutosh Kumar (18 Madras), who put his life while killing a terrorist and save his fellow soldier’s life during the operation near Loc in November last year.
The other is the Department of Arun Kumar Pandey (Rajput Regiment / 44 RR) and Ravi Kumar Chaudhary (Grenadiers / 55 RR), Captain Vikas Khatri (Mechanical Infantry / 16 RR), Sepoy Neeraj Ahwawat (JAT Regiment / 34 RR) and Rifleman Mukesh Kumar (Rajputana Rifles / 9 RR), all for anti-terror operations at J & K.
Sukhoi Su-30MKI Pilot Group Captain and Tejas Pilot Wing Commander Varun Singh from IAF was awarded Chakra Shaurya because it showed extraordinary courage in landing technical jets who has developed technical barriers.
Incidentally, Subeated Major (Lieutenant Honory) Yogendra Singh Yadav, who was awarded the VIR Chakra VIR during the 1999 cargil conflict, was between 337 which presented the army soldier awarded the rank of honor captain this year.