New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind approved gallantry awards for defence personnel, including Shaurya Chakra to three from the Army for counter-terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir, the defence ministry said on Friday.
From Indian Air Force Wing Commander Vishak Nair was conferred the Shaurya Chakra.
Lt Col Krishan Singh Rawat from the elite Special Forces, Major Anil Urs and Havildar Alok Kumar Dubey were awarded Shaurya Chakra from the army.
The Shaurya Chakra is awarded for "gallantry otherwise than in the face of the enemy". It is the third-highest gallantry award in peacetime.
The President also approved the Sena Medal (gallantry) to 60 Army personnel, Nao Sena Medal (gallantry) to four from the Navy and five Vayu Sena Medal (gallantry) for the Air Force.
Bar to Sena Medal has been approved for five Army personnel.
President Kovind has also approved 19 Mention in Despatches to the Army personnel for their significant contributions in different military operations, which include eight posthumous for 'Operation Meghdoot' and 'Operation Rakshak'.
Operation 'Meghdoot' was launched in 1984 to secure control of the heights predominating the Siachen Glacier.
It is, perhaps, the longest operation in modern military history.
'Operation Rakshak' is also an ongoing counter-insurgency operation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Gallantry awards for defence personnel are announced ahead of every Republic Day and Independence Day.
