NEW DELHI, August 14, 2025 – On the eve of India’s 79th Independence Day, sixteen Border Security Force (BSF) personnel have been honored with gallantry medals for their exceptional bravery and unmatched valor during Operation Sindoor, a military operation conducted from May 7 to 10, 2025, targeting terrorist and military facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation was launched in retaliation for the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists.BSF’s Heroic Contributions Recognized
The BSF, tasked with guarding the 2,290-km India-Pakistan border along the western flank, played a pivotal role in Operation Sindoor. The awarded personnel, including a deputy commandant, two assistant commandants, and an inspector, demonstrated conspicuous bravery under intense enemy fire. “This Independence Day, 16 Brave Seema Praharis (border guards) are being awarded Gallantry Medals for their conspicuous bravery & unmatched valour, for being resolute & steadfast during Ops Sindoor,” the BSF stated in a social media post, emphasizing the nation’s trust in its first line of defense.
Key Acts of Valor
Among the recipients, Sub-Inspector Vyas Dev and Constable Suddi Rabha of the 7th Battalion BSF stood out for their courage during a critical ammunition replenishment mission at forward posts in the Jammu sector. Despite sustaining life-threatening injuries from an enemy 82mm mortar shell explosion, both remained conscious, continued their mission, and motivated their fellow soldiers. Vyas Dev underwent traumatic amputation of his left leg, while Rabha suffered severe blast trauma but refused to yield.
At Border Outpost (BOP) Kharkola, Assistant Commandant Abhishek Srivastav, Head Constable Brij Mohan Singh, and Constables Bhupendra Bajpai, Rajan Kumar, Basavaraja Shivappa Sunkada, and Depeswar Barman faced heavy shelling and drone attacks from Pakistani forces. Under Srivastav’s leadership, the team neutralized a Pakistani drone and retaliated effectively despite sustaining grievous injuries from a mortar shell explosion. Sub-Inspector Mohd Imteyaj also played a key role in neutralizing a drone under intense enemy fire.
Deputy Commandant Ravindra Rathore and his team executed a daring operation to ensure the safety of a BSF jawan under perilous conditions, while Assistant Sub-Inspector Udai Vir Singh of the 120th Battalion BSF destroyed a Pakistani surveillance camera during heavy assault at BOP Jabowal, denying the enemy real-time monitoring capabilities. Despite a shrapnel wound, Singh continued engaging the enemy, neutralizing their heavy machine gun (HMG) nest.
Operation Sindoor’s Strategic Impact
Operation Sindoor was a precise and aggressive response to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, targeting terror infrastructure and border outposts following the Pahalgam attack. The BSF’s pre-emptive strikes on May 8 destroyed Pakistani launch pads and posts, killing approximately seven militants and uniformed personnel, foiling suspected Border Action Team (BAT) operations. The operation showcased the BSF’s tactical excellence, with mortar platoons delivering accurate strikes to blunt enemy positions. Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the operation as “the most precise and successful” in countering terrorist attacks, crediting the government’s strong political will and the Armed Forces’ lethality.
Part of Broader Recognition
The gallantry medals are part of 1,090 service medals announced by the Union Home Ministry for central and state forces personnel. Of these, 233 received the Medal for Gallantry (GM), with 152 awarded for operations in Jammu and Kashmir, 54 for anti-Naxal duties, and 24 for other regions. Additionally, five BSF personnel received the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM), and 46 were awarded the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM).
The recognition underscores the BSF’s critical role as India’s first line of defense, with personnel demonstrating professional strength and resilience in safeguarding national security.
