Udhampur (Jammu), January 15
GOC-in-C Northern Command Lt Gen Deepak Kapoor presented gallantry and distinguished services awards to 25 Army personnel at an investiture ceremony here today.The awards, including one Yudh Seva Medal and 24 Sena Medals, were given to 11 officers, one junior commissioned officer and 13 sepoys.
Yudh Seva Medal was awarded to Brig Jatinder Singh Kataria for distinguished service while he was Commander of a mountain brigade in Kashmir.
Three Sena Medals were awarded posthumously to rifleman Farooq Ahmad Baba, Rifleman Ghulam Mohammad Khan of J K Light Infantry and rifleman Baljit Singh of Rajputana Rifles.
The awards were received by members of their families.
Gen Kapoor said the soldiers had made sacrifices while maintaining sanctity of borders and ensuring return of peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
He also highlighted the role of Army in fighting terrorism and gave account of the activities in the state under Operation Sadbhavna in 2005.
He said even as infiltration attempts by militants continued, Army maintained the sanctity of the border ceasefire. Increased vigil and the border fencing had brought down the infiltration drastically, he added.
He said security forces achieved successes in counter-insurgency operations only due to the cooperation of the people.
He also gave an account of the work done by Army in the quake-ravaged areas of the state in October last year.
— UNI
