Representative image

NEW DELHI: Five CRPF jawans, who foiled two major suicide attacks in Kashmir’s Bandipora and Pulwama districts last year, have been awarded Shaurya Chakra this Independence Day while 91 others in the largest paramilitary force have been given police medals for gallantry services. This is the highest number of medals ever given to the force on one occasion.

In all, four major paramilitary forces — CRPF, BSF, ITBP and CISF — handling the security of borders, airports, internal security of J&K and northeast etc, have been awarded 200 police medals this year.

CRPF also leads the tally of medals – 1778 – ever received by any paramilitary force till date.

Head Constable - AS Krishna, Constable K Dinesh Raja and Constable Prafulla Kumar have been awarded Shaurya Chakra for foiling an early morning fidayeen attack on June 5, 2017 at the Industrial Area (training ground) in Sumbal under Bandipora district. The jawans eliminated all four terrorists after a fierce gunbattle which went on for 45 minutes.

In another incident, Kuldeep Singh Chahar (Deputy Commandant) and slain head constable - Dhanwade Ravindra Baban were instrumental in foiling a similar suicide attack at district police line in Pulwama on August 26, 2017.

Among CISF officers, 29 officers and jawans have been decorated with President's police medal for their meritorious and distinguished services. The awardees include Deputy Inspector General (DIG) JS Negi and Inspector S Muthusamy.

Fourteen officials of the border guarding force Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) have also been decorated with the medals for meritorious and distinguished service including deputy commandant and senior administrative officer Devinder Pal and commandant of the 51st battalion MS Guleria.

BSF, which guards India’s border with Pakistan and Bangladesh, has received 61 medals for gallantry, distinguished and meritorious services.

