56 BSF personnel have been awarded medals on Independence Day

New Delhi, August 14

56 Border Security Force (BSF) personnel have been awarded medals on the occasion of 78th Independence Day, out of which six Medal for Gallantry, four  President’s Medal for Distinguished Service and 46 Medal for Meritorious service. 

Out of six gallantry medals, three are awarded to the brave Seema Praharis Posthumously, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty for exhibiting exemplary courage and bravery while maintaining law and order in ethnic clashes infested Manipur, Naxal affected areas in Chhattisgarh to ensure peaceful assembly elections (2018) and the 03 others for operational duties while fighting against trans-border criminals on Indo-Bangladesh Border. In recognition to the excellent track record, unblemished and dedicated service to the nation three officers and one Subordinate Officer have been awarded President’s Medal for Distinguished Service and 16 Officers, 26 Subordinate Officers and four othher ranks have been awarded Medal for Meritorious service.

SI Mahendra Singh, 

Born on 15 July 1991 in Village- Dumaryiya, Rajasthan, joined BSF as Sub Inspector on 29 July 2013. On 10th November 2018, SI Mahendra Singh of 35 Bn BSF led a team during an area domination operation in view of the Chhattisgarh Assembly Election. The next morning, while navigating a nallah near Gattakal village, he observed Maoists who had strategically positioned themselves in dense jungle. SI Mahendra Singh immediately engaged the enemy, despite being fired upon heavily and facing multiple IED explosions. During the fierce encounter, he sustained critical injuries but kept on firing, successfully pinning down the Maoists andensuring safety of team memebers. His courageous actions countered the Maoist ambush and prevented further casualties of own troop

Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries while being evacuated. SI Mahendra Singh's bravery, leadership, and selflessness in the face of overwhelming odds exemplify the highest standards of courage and bravery. His valiant efforts forced the Maoists to flee. In recognition of his gallant actions and supreme sacrifice, SI Mahendra Singh is awarded Medal for Gallantry (Posthumously). 
 

HC (GD) Narbhu Sherpa

Born on 18 February 1972 in Dowhill, Kurseong, Darjeeling, West Bengal, joined BSF as CT(GD) on 09 February 1995. On 20 April 2023, HC (GD) Narbhu Sherpa while on ambush-cum-patrol (ACP) from BOP Khoiltor, led by HC (GD) Ray Singh Bhagel. At around 2130 hrs, he noticed suspicious movement of 5-6 miscreants violating the IB and on being challenged, the miscreants surrounded and attacked him with sharp-edged weapons and sticks. Despite being outnumbered and injured in a close-quarter scuffle, HC (GD) Sherpa valiantly defended himself. He successfully called reinforcements, compelled the miscreants to flee. HC (GD) Sherpa managed to apprehend one of the miscreants. HC (GD) Narbhu Sherpa's bravery, determination, and commitment to duty, despite grave personal risk, exemplify the highest standards of gallantry, for which he is awarded Medal for Gallantry.
 

HC Mukesh Chand

Born on 10 August 1970 in village Dahina, Rajasthan, joined BSF as CT(GD) on 09 September 1995. On 18th February 2023, HC Mukesh Chand of SHQ Kishanganj played a vital role in a successful anti-smuggling operation in the area of BOP Teengaon, 152 Bn BSF. Acting on specific intelligence, a special operation targeting Phensedyl smugglers near Village Goalin was planned and executed. At about 2230 hrs, HC Mukesh Chand and his team spotted 3-4 smugglers with headloads. As the team closed in, the smugglers attempted to flee. Demonstrating exceptional bravery, HC Mukesh Chand chased and apprehended one of the smugglers despite being shot in the left side of abdomen. Undeterred by his injury, he maintained his grip on the smuggler until his team arrived. HC Mukesh Chand was immediately evacuated for medical treatment and was found to be in stable condition after initial investigations. For his exemplary courage, quick reaction without caring for his own safety, resulted in the apprehension of a notorious smuggler, HC Mukesh Chand is awarded Medal for Gallantry.

Constable Ranjit Yadav

Born on 20 May 1987 in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, joined the BSF as a Constable (GD) on 14 October 2008 and was posted to 163 Bn BSF. On 06 June 2023, during the ethnic clash between Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur, unknown miscreants fired indiscriminately at BSF post at Serou Practical High School, Distt - Kakching. Ct (GD) Ranjit Yadav was on duty at LMG Morcha No.2 from 0200 hrs to 0500 hrs. Despite heavy fire, he retaliated bravely, fired eight rounds from his personal weapon. In the exchange, he was struck by a bullet in his left upper back and collapsed inside the morcha. He was rushed to the MI Room of Assam Rifles and then to Jeevan Hospital Kakching, where he succumbed to his injuries at 0718 hrs. Ct (GD) Ranjit Yadav displayed exceptional courage and selflessness, laying down his life in the line of duty. His bravery and commitment to duty exemplify the highest ideals of a Seema Prahari. In recognition of his gallant action, he was awarded with the Medal for Gallantry posthumously.

Ashok Kumar, AC

Born on 30/08/1969, in Meerut, Uttar Pradersh, joined BSF as Sub Inspector on 09 May 1994 and No. 120614905 Ct Narender Kumar, born on 29 November 1990, in Village – Lalawas, Haryana, joined BSF as CT(GD) on 21 May 2012. On 3rd May 2023, an ethnic clash erupted in Manipur between the Meitei and Kuki communities. 'C' Coy, EX-122 BN, under Adhoc M&C-I BSF, was deployed in Moreh, Tengnoupal. On 28th May, at 1000 hours, armed miscreants attacked BSF pickets near Elora Hotel. Sh. Ashok Kumar, AC, performing duties of company commander was on area domination duty, on being informed about the attack by armed miscreants, Sh. Ashok Kumar, along with troops, including CT Narender Kumar, rushed to reinforce the pickets. CT Narender Kumar and CT Choudhary Ashish Kumar noticed armed men among the crowd. Ashok Kumar fired a warning shot to disperse the mob, but miscreants retaliated with indiscriminate firing. CT Narender Kumar, without caring for his personal safety maneuvered to assess the situation. During this, he was shot in the head. 

Ashok Kumar ordered the BSF party to retaliate, even as he sustained an injury to his right palm. Both men were evacuated to Assam Rifle Hospital, but CT Narender Kumar succumbed to his injuries on 29th May, while Ashok Kumar was discharged after treatment. CT Narender Kumar displayed exceptional courage and dedication, sacrificing his life to protect civilians and fellow soldiers. In recognition of their intrepid bravery, Sh. Ashok Kumar, AC and the late CT Narender Kumar are awarded with the Medals for Gallantry(Serving/Posthumously).