Imphal, October 11: In a solemn yet historic ceremony held at Raj Bhavan on Friday, the Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, felicitated 18 gallantry award winners and honoured the families of fallen soldiers for their valour and sacrifice in service to the nation.
The event, organised under the Governor’s initiative, marked the first time in Manipur that gallantry awardees and martyrs’ kin were collectively recognised, celebrating the state’s proud legacy of military service and patriotism.
Among the honourees were Major Maneo Francis PF and Subedar P. Prabin Singha, recipients of the Shaurya Chakra; Squadron Leader Rizwan Malik and Constable (L) Deepak Chingakham, who received the Vir Chakra; and several Sena Medal awardees, including Lt Col K. Bijayendra Sharma, Lt Col Mutum Ajoy Meitei, and Maj S. Maningba Rangnamei. Battle casualty honours were posthumously conferred on the late Maj M. Pritam Singh and CFN (L) Wakambam Peter Singh. Lt Col Lemjoy Chara was honoured with the Vishisht Seva Medal, while Naik M. Rangayung received a mention in despatches.
Each recipient and next of kin of the martyrs were presented with cash awards in recognition of their courage and dedication to the nation.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Bhalla paid glowing tribute to the Manipuri soldiers, lauding their distinguished service from Siachen to Kargil, in counter-insurgency zones, and in international peacekeeping missions. He said that their unwavering commitment symbolises India’s growing strength and unity.
