Border standoff: ITBP men get gallantry medals

ITBP sources said it was Kanwar Singh, a radio operator, who first saw the Chinese party of PLA soldiers enter Indian territory and informed his commander Deepak Singh. Deepak, along with 100-odd ITBP men, rushed to the spot and stopped Chinese soldiers from moving ahead.

The two forces held their position for over 15 days in sub-zero temperatures in the area. “This job required far more courage as nobody was supposed to fire a bullet, but still stand guard,” said an ITBP officer.

“During standoff in September 2014 in Ladakh, both these brave officers, without caring for relief and respite in extreme cold climate at icy heights, gave gallant account of themselves to contain and defuse the situation which ultimately resulted in de-escalation of the situation peacefully and in safeguarding the security and interest of the nation,” says an ITBP citation for the award.

The two officers are among 841 personnel who have been awarded police medals on the occasion of Republic Day this year. The President’s Police Medals for Gallantry (PPMG) have been awarded to three personnel, Police Medals for Gallantry (PMG) to 121 personnel (including the two ITBP personnel), President’s Police Medals for Distinguished Service to 89 personnel, and Police Medal for Meritorious Service to 628 personnel.

The Border Security Force was the only force to be awarded a Shaurya Chakra this year. The medal was given to the kin of Constable Rocky who died fighting terrorists last year in Udhampur. The CRPF has been given 24 gallantry medals this year, which includes two PPMGs and 22 PMGs.