16 BSF personnel awarded for Operation Sindoor among 1,090 Independence Day medal recipients

Economic Times

2 days ago

Synopsis
Sixteen Border Security Force personnel received gallantry medals. They displayed bravery during Operation Sindoor. This operation targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. It was retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack. The awards are part of 1,090 service medals announced. These medals recognize police and security personnel. The awards highlight the BSF's role in national security.
Agencies Representative image Sixteen personnel of the Border Security Force (BSF) have been awarded gallantry medals for displaying "conspicuous bravery" and "unmatched valour" during Operation Sindoor, a military operation carried out in May against terror and military targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The BSF is tasked with guarding the India-Pakistan border along the western flank of the country. "This Independence Day, 16 Brave Seema Praharis (border guards) are being awarded Gallantry Medals for their conspicuous bravery & unmatched valour, for being resolute & steadfast during the Ops Sindoor,' the BSF said in a social media post, as reported by PTI.
'The medals are a testament to the Nation's faith & trust reposed in the India's First Line of Defence: The Border Security Force," the post added. According to PTI, among the recipients are a deputy commandant, two assistant commandants, and an inspector.
Operation Sindoor was launched from May 7 to 10 in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed. Indian forces targeted terrorist and military infrastructure across the Line of Control during the 88-hour operation. The recognition of BSF personnel reflects their role in maintaining security and resilience during the offensive.
The gallantry medals to BSF personnel are part of a larger announcement made by the Union Home Ministry ahead of Independence Day. A total of 1,090 service medals have been awarded to police and security personnel across central and state forces, including those from fire services, home guards, civil defence, and correctional services, PTI reported. According to a ministry statement, 233 personnel have been awarded the Medal for Gallantry (GM), 99 have received the President's Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM), and 758 have been given the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM). Among the gallantry medals, the highest number 152 were awarded to personnel involved in operations in Jammu and Kashmir, followed by 54 for anti-Naxal duties, three for the northeast region, and 24 from other areas. Additionally, "four fire service personnel and one home guard and civil defence official have also been awarded the gallantry medal," the statement said. As noted by PTI, the Medal for Gallantry is conferred for rare and conspicuous acts of bravery in saving lives, protecting property, preventing crime, or arresting criminals. The PSM is awarded for a special distinguished record in service, while the MSM is given for valuable service marked by dedication and resourcefulness.(With inputs from TOI)