President presents Gallantry Awards

New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind presented Gallantry Awards and Distinguished Service Decorations at the Defence Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday.

The President awarded three Kirti Chakra, 15 Shaurya Chakra, 14 Param Vishisth Sewa medals, 22 Ati Vishishta Seva medals and one Uttam Yudh Sewa medal. Kirti Chakra was awarded posthumously to Major David Manlun of the Naga Regiment who was martyred while neutralising militants in Northern Nagaland last June.CRPF Commandant 45 Battalion,Chetan Kumar Cheeta was also awarded Kirti Chakra for fighting off two foreign militants in Bandipora district in Jammu and Kashmir last February even while he was grievously injured. One militant was killed in the operation.

The third Kirti Chakra was awarded to Major Vijayant Bist of 4th Batallion of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry for going beyond call of duty in eliminating two terrorists in the Uri district of Jammu and Kashmir last June. Vice-President M. Venkiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman were among those present on the occasion. (UNI)