Major leetul Gogoi, who tied man to the bonnet of an Army jeep as a human shield to deter stone pelters last month in Kashmir, was awarded Chief of Army Staff’s Commendation Card for “sustained efforts” during counter-insurgency operations in the State.
The decision to give the Commendation Card was taken during Army Chief General Bipin Rawat’s visit to Srinagar last week.
Gogoi was awarded the Commendation Card through normal command channels, officials said here on Monday.
An officer serving a stint in 53 Rashtriya Rifles, a counter-insurgency force of the Army deployed in Kashmir, Gogoi’s act of using a man as human shield on April 9 in Budgam drew flak from various political parties and others.
A Court of Inquiry was initiated by the Army days later and it is yet to give its findings.
Officials said Gogoi was given the award for showing presence of mind and quick thinking thereby saving many lives when a team of election officials was surrounded by mob throwing stones.
The incident took place during voting for bypoll for Srinagar-Budgam lok Sabha constituency, which was won National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah.
Responding to distress call by the surrounded officials, Gogoi rushed to the site and safely brought out at least 11 people, including some paramilitary personnel in a convoy after tying one local to the leading Army vehicle, officials said. This action deterred mob from throwing stones on the convoy for a distance of nearly one-and-half kms before the election officials reached their base safely.
When the video of this action went viral a few days after the polling, the Army and the officer concerned came under severe criticism from various quarters for resorting to a human shield to deal with stone throwers. Former Chief Minister and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah was one of the most vociferous protesters. Even as a Court of Inquiry headed by a Colonel was ordered, the Army even then maintained that Gogoi acted in a tough situation.