New Delhi, Jan 25: On the occasion of the 76th Republic Day, the CRPF has been recognized with the most gallantry medals, totaling 19, among all central and state police forces. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reported that 95 bravery awards were conferred upon personnel from state and central police forces, civil defense, home guard, and correctional services.
A senior CRPF officer highlighted that of the 19 gallantry medals (GM) awarded, 11 pertain to operations in Jammu and Kashmir, seven are for courageous acts during anti-Maoist missions, and one for valor shown in the northeast.
Notable awardees include second-in-command Narender Yadav and Assistant Commandants Amit Kumar and Vinay Kumar, recognized with the 1st bar to GM (indicating a second award).
Additionally, late Constable Sunil Kumar Pandey has been honored posthumously. He sacrificed his life in September 2023 in Assam while thwarting bike-riding smugglers trafficking illegal goods from Assam to Arunachal Pradesh, where he was fatally attacked with a knife.
Following the CRPF, the highest awards were given to Uttar Pradesh (17), Jammu and Kashmir (15), Chhattisgarh (11), and the Border Security Force (5).
Three BSF personnel serving under the United Nations in Congo have also received gallantry medals. Inspector Jitu Deori, Constable Ratan Kumar Yogi, and Constable Awdhesh Kumar Yadav showcased “exemplary courage” by rescuing 38 unarmed UN staff members from an aggressive mob attacking their camp in Butembo on July 26, 2022.
The BSF primarily protects India’s borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh while performing a range of other security duties.
The CRPF, consisting of approximately 3.25 lakh personnel, plays a crucial role in ensuring internal security across the nation. (Agencies)
