Havildar Hangpan Dada showed exemplary courage, selfless devotion and conspicuous gallantry beyond the call of duty during an encounter with a group of terrorist in J&K and killed three of them before attaining martyrdom. Moving quickly, Dada blocked the escape route of the terrorists.
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Havildar Hangpan Dada, who killed four intruding terrorists before laying down his life at a height of 13,000 feet in the harsh and icy Himalayan range of North Kashmir, has been bestowed with Ashok Chakra, the country’s highest peace-time Army award.
On India’s 70th Independence Day celebrations, Dada will be honoured with the Ashok Chakra – the highest peacetime gallantry award.
In all, 82 Gallantry Awards have been awarded this year to armed forces personnel and members of paramilitary forces. The warrior duo, who made the supreme sacrifice, will be conferred the Shaurya Chakra, besides nine others. In the exchange of fire, he was grievously injured. “Undeterred by the gunshot wound, Dada continued to pin down the fourth terrorist and later succumbed to his injuries before wounding the terrorist badly”, Col Goswami said.
Squadron Leader Abhishek Singh Tanwar and Squadron Leader Bhavesh Kumar Dubey have been selected for Vayu Sena Medal.
Among seven President’s police medal (PPMG) for gallantry, three went to Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel for thwarting terrorist attacks at Indian consulates at Mazar-e-Sharif and Jalalabad in Afghanistan early this year. The soldier is survived by his wife Chasen Lowang Dada, a government employee, and two children of 7 and 11 years of age.
Pathankot bravehearts Lt Col Niranjan and Corporal Singh, who gave up their life countering terrorists from Pakistan who had attacked the IAF base, were also recognised for their bravery with gallantry awards. Radha Shivarajan, NSG commando Lt Col Niranjan’s mother, said her son was a hero of the nation.
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The President has also awarded 28 “Mention-in-Despatches” to Army personnel for significant contributions in different military operations which include five for “Operation Meghdoot”, 22 for “Operation Rakshak” and one for “Operation Rhino”.
