President Droupadi Murmu, in a dignified function at Rashtrapati Bhavan, presented posthumously the Kirti Chakra, India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award, to Colonel Manpreet Singh of the Sikh Light Infantry, 19 Rashtriya Rifles. His wife and mother accepted the award, who were standing as representatives of valor and sacrifice.
Colonel Manpreet Singh, who hailed from Amritsar district in Punjab, sacrificed his life while undertaking a high-risk counter-terror operation in the thick hills of Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir, on September 13, 2023. Commanding a "Search and Destroy" operation, Colonel Singh showed extraordinary leadership and courage. Despite having been shot fatally in the forehead by a gunshot, he kept directing his team, firing back and killing a terrorist who was linked to a group that had been proscribed. Not only did he counter an immediate threat, but he also checked the escape of other terrorists and saved the lives of the rest of his team.
The mission, in which Deputy Superintendent of Police Himayun Muzammil Bhat also lost his life, is a testament to the resilience of India's security forces. The Kirti Chakra award referred to Colonel Singh's "conspicuous bravery, raw courage, exemplary leadership, and excellent tactical acumen with sheer disregard for his own safety".
Colonel Manpreet Singh's memory lives on in the hearts of his family, now residing in New Chandigarh, and in the hearts of the Indian Army ranks. Every year, a martyrdom ceremony is conducted on his death anniversary to commemorate his sacrifice.
The Defence Investiture Ceremony 2025 also witnessed other martyred bravehearts of the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police being awarded for their exemplary courage in counter-terror and counter-insurgency operations.
"His unflinching bravery and rapid decision-making resulted in the neutralization of one terrorist and thwarting others from escaping. For showing conspicuous bravery, raw courage, and exceptional leadership, Colonel Manpreet Singh is posthumously conferred the Kirti Chakra," says the official citation.
Colonel Manpreet Singh's ultimate sacrifice and valor will be remembered as a milestone in India's military history.