News, New Delhi
Army Colonel Manpreet Singh, who was killed in a counter-insurgency operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district in September last year, has been awarded the Kirti Chakra posthumously. Major Malla Ram Gopal Naidu and Rifleman Ravi Kumar (posthumously) have also been awarded the second highest peacetime military decoration, while Assistant Superintendent of Police, Jammu and Kashmir, Humayun Bhat will also be awarded the Kirti Chakra.
Droupadi Murmu approved 103 Gallantry Awards. Colonel Manpreet Singh, who hailed from the Punjabi village of Bharonjian near Chandigarh, was an officer in the Rashtriya Rifles. Colonel Singh was killed in an encounter with militants in Kokernag area of Anantnag in September last year. He is survived by his mother, wife and a six-year-old son.
Highest award for CRPF
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) bagged the highest number of 52 medals at the Independence Day celebrations. According to the list released by the Union Home Ministry, 25 medals are being awarded for anti-terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir and 27 medals for gallantry in anti-Naxal operations in different parts of the country.
