19 CISF personnel awarded DG’s disc for saving lives in Op Sindoor

Nineteen Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel, deployed to secure a hydroelectric power project located along the Line of Control (LOC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Uri, have been awarded the DG’s disc for displaying “exemplary” courage and saving the lives of 250 civilians during Operation Sindoor.

The DG’s disc is a medallion provided by the director general of the force.

The personnel have been recognised for undertaking door-to-door evacuation of civilians — including women, children, NHPC (national hydroelectric power corporation) staff and their families — amidst Pakistani shelling during the intervening night of May 6-7, a spokesperson of the force said in a statement.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) provides counter-terrorist security cover to the Uri Hydro Electric Power Projects (UHEP-I and II) located on the Jhelum River in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. The plant is located right along the India-Pakistan Line of Control.

“Their prompt and fearless actions ensured the safe evacuation of around 250 civilians, preventing any loss of life. Even as rounds landed dangerously close to the premises, the personnel continued to reinforce bunkers, maintain communication lines through POLNET and satellite systems, and provide emergency assistance,” the statement said.

These troops also neutralised “hostile” drones targeting Indian installations and secured armoury stockpiles by swiftly redistributing weapons to prevent potential destruction, it said.

Throughout the crisis, the “integrity” of critical national assets remained intact due to the vigilance and preparedness of the troops, the statement said.

Indian military launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure and defence installations in Pakistan, after a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22 this year claimed 26 lives.

The statement said the DG’s Disc -- awarded by CISF Director General Praveer Ranjan -- to the 19 personnel symbolises the force’s recognition of outstanding bravery and resolute duty.

The personnel who were awarded include the Commanding Officer Ravi Yadav, Deputy Commandant Manohar Singh, Assistant Commandant Subhash Kumar, Inspector Deepak Kumar Jha, Sub-Inspectors Anil Kumar and Deepak Kumar, Assistant Sub-Inspectors Rajeev Kumar and Sukhdev Singh and Head Constables Manoj Kumar Sharma, Ram Lal and Gurjit Singh.

Constables Sushil V Kamble, Razique Rafique, Ravindra Wankhede, Tridev Chakma, Sohan Lal, Mufeed Ahmad, Mahesh Kumar and Sandenaboina Raju were also given the disc, as per officials.

The about 2.80 lakh-personnel-strong CISF is primarily tasked with guarding critical infrastructure in the government and private domain, including more than 70 civil airports and nuclear and space facilities.