India salutes 'brave sons' part of successful Sep 28 surgical strikes

India honoured 19 security men with gallantry awards for successfully conducting surgical strikes against Pakistan last year.

New Delhi, Jan 26: On the eve of the 68th Republic Day of the nation, 19 security personnel--belonging to two special army battalions--which carried out surgical strikes across the Line of Control on September 28 last year, were decorated with gallantry awards.

The gallantry awards include one Kirti Chakra and five Shaurya Chakras. Major Mohit Suri of 4 Para regiment was awarded the Kirti Chakra. Colonel Kapil Yadav, commanding officer of 9 Para regiment and Colonel Harpreet Sandhu, commanding officer of 4 Para regiment were honoured with the Yudh Sewa Medal.

Honoured for braving all odds

The surgical strikes across the LoC were one of the toughest operations ever carried by Indian Armed Forces. It was not easy to enter the enemy territory which is so well-guarded and achieve such massive success. These brave sons of the country deserve the highest honours.

"The operation was not an easy one by any standards," recalled an officer, who was part of the military campaign.

"In the aftermath of the Uri attack, Pakistan sensed retaliation from Indian side. However, we wanted to hit back and show them that we are not defenceless," he added.

Here is what transpired that night:

- -Army learns about seven terrorist camps on Pakistan side of LoC.

- -Army and intelligence agencies put terrorist camps, housing 38 terrorists, under surveillance.

-- Bhimberg, Hotspring, Kel and Lipa sectors come under army's radar.

- -Special operations planned

- -Top government officials informed

- -Army decides to launch operations

- -Commandos airdropped at the LoC

- -Operation begins at 12.30 am on Wednesday (September 28)

- -Commandos enter across the LoC

- -Ground forces assisted by para-commandos in choppers

- -Prime Minister Narendra Modi, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval monitored operations

- -Camps identified and targeted in range of 500 metres to 2 kilometres across the LoC

- -Army destroys seven terrorist launch pads; kills 38 terrorists and two Pakistani soldiers

--Army returns home at 4.30 am on Wednesday (September 28)

OneIndia News