Major Rohit Suri, who led one of the Special Forces teams to carry out surgical strikes inside Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) on September 29 last year, has been awarded Kirti Chakra, the second highest peace time gallantry medal on the occasion of Republic Day. Terrorist launch pads were destroyed in the cross border action besides 35-40 terrorists were killed in the operation. Suri is from 4 Para (Special Forces).
Besides Kirti Chakra, officers and jawans of the Special Forces teams of 4 and 9 Para, who took part in the surgical strikes, also bagged at least five Shaurya Chakra, the third highest gallantry medal. Twelve personnel got Sena Medal(gallantry) apart from Yudh Seva medals for commanding officers of 4 and 9 Para Special Forces. The recipients are Colonel Kapil Yadav (9 Para) and Colonel Harpreet Sandhu(4 Para).
The Shaurya Chakra awardees included Major Rajat Chandra(4 Para), Major Deepak Kumar Upadhyay (9 Para), Captain Ashutosh Kumar(4 Para), Naib Subedar Vijay Kumar(4 Para) and Abdul Qayum(9 Para).
In all, two Kirti Chakras and 10 Shaurya Chakras were announced while there is no Ashok Chakra this year. It is the highest peacetime gallantry medal.
lt General Praveen Bakshi and lt General PM Hariz, who were superseded by General Bipin Rawat in the race for Army chief, were amongst those awarded Param Vishisht Seva Medal(PVSM).