Mumbai, August 14: Indian Army Colonel Manpreet Singh, who died in a confrontation with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district last September, has been posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra on this Independence Day 2024. Besides Colonel Manpreet Singh, Rifleman Ravi Kumar and Major M Naidu were also honoured with Kirti Chakra on the 78th Independence Day.

Colonel Singh had completed 17 years of service in the Indian Army and was known for his unconventional approach and cordial relations with locals. For his service to the force, Colonel Manpreet Singh was awarded the prestigious Sena Medal for Gallantry in 2021. Independence Day 2024 Gallantry Awards: Indian Army Colonel Manpreet Singh, Who Died in Anantnag Anti-Terror Operation Awarded Kirti Chakra Posthumously.

Who Was Colonel Manpreet Singh?

One of the highly decorated officers, Colonel Manpreet Singh, was serving in the UT as Commanding Officer of the Rashtriya Rifles (RR) 19 Battalion. Colonel Singh, hailing from Bharonjian village on the outskirts of Chandigarh in Punjab, had just four months remaining in his tenure in the terror-hit state. Known for his unconventional approach and strong rapport with locals, Colonel Singh had completed 17 years of distinguished service in the Indian Army.

In recognition of his bravery and dedication, he was awarded the prestigious Sena Medal for Gallantry in 2021. His father, also a retired Army officer, passed away a few years ago. Colonel Singh is survived by his mother, wife Jagmeet Grewal, and two children – a son and a daughter. His legacy of service and sacrifice continues to inspire many. Independence Day 2024 Gallantry Awards Winners List: Telangana Cop Chaduvu Yadaiah Gets President’s Medal for Gallantry, Know Names of Other Awardees.

Colonel Manpreet Singh Killed During Anti-Terrorist Operation in Anantnag in September 2023

A fierce encounter broke out between Indian security forces and terrorists in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir in September last year. Colonel Manpreet Singh led a joint operation involving the Indian Army and J&K Police against Pakistani terrorists hiding in the Gadole forest of Kokernag, located in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

As Colonel Singh and his team closed in on the terrorists, they came under heavy fire. Colonel Singh, along with two other officers, sustained bullet injuries during the intense gun battle. Despite being airlifted to a hospital in Srinagar, all three succumbed to their injuries.

Among the fallen heroes were Army officers Major Aashish Dhonchak and Colonel Manpreet Singh, who laid down their lives in the line of duty. Humayun Bhat, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) with the J&K Police, was also killed in action during the encounter.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 14, 2024 05:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).