India celebrates its Independence Day by honoring the courage of its security forces. This year, three CRPF personnel and two Chhattisgarh Police inspectors have been awarded the Shaurya Chakra for their exceptional bravery in anti-terror and anti-Naxal operations. These awards highlight the sacrifices made by those who stand on the front lines of India’s internal security challenges.
Constables Sanjay Tiwari and Feda Hussain displayed remarkable resilience during a fierce encounter with terrorists in Srinagar on November 2, 2024. Despite sustaining injuries, they neutralized hardcore terrorists, showcasing unwavering determination. Their colleague, Constable Saddam Hussain, took down a foreign terrorist just three days later in Bandipora, proving yet again the CRPF’s relentless commitment to keeping the nation safe.
In Chhattisgarh, inspectors Laxman Kewat and Rameshwar Prasad Deshmukh earned their Shaurya Chakras as specialists in anti-Naxal operations. Their expertise has been crucial in tackling Left-wing extremism, a persistent threat in the region. The District Reserve Guard (DRG), largely composed of former Maoists, has been instrumental in dismantling senior Maoist leadership. In fact, it was DRG personnel who eliminated top Maoist Basavaraju earlier this year.
The Home Ministry also announced a total of 1,090 police medals, including 233 for gallantry. Among these, the Jammu and Kashmir Police lead with 143 medals, followed by the UP Police with 95 and the CRPF with 82. The BSF, Maharashtra Police, and other state forces also received recognition for their contributions. Notably, over 54% of gallantry medals went to J&K Police personnel, reflecting the intensity of counter-terror operations in the region.
Gallantry awards were distributed across different conflict zones, with 152 honors for actions in Jammu and Kashmir, 54 for operations in Left-wing extremism areas, three for the Northeast, and 24 for other regions. Tragically, five of these medals will be awarded posthumously, reminding us of the ultimate price paid by some heroes.
The recognition extends beyond the battlefield. The President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) and Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) were awarded to 99 and 758 personnel, respectively. Even fire service personnel and home guard members from Delhi, J&K, and Maharashtra were acknowledged for their bravery.
Among the notable names is Senior Chhattisgarh Police officer Sunil Sharma, an IPS officer who led an operation resulting in the neutralization of two Maoists. His inclusion in the 2025 gallantry list underscores the continuous efforts of India’s security forces to maintain peace.
These awards, though announced in 2024, recognize operations carried out in previous years, including 2020, 2021, and 2023. The delayed acknowledgment does not diminish the valor displayed by these men and women. Their stories of sacrifice and courage remain a testament to India’s enduring fight against terrorism and insurgency.