79 soldiers get gallantry awards, 3 for operations in mine fields

At least 79 soldiers, three of them posthumously, were presented gallantry and distinguished services awards here today. It is also for the ...

At least 79 soldiers, three of them posthumously, were presented gallantry and distinguished services awards here today. It is also for the first time since the 1971 war that Army personnel were bestowed with gallantry awards for operations in mine fields.

In fact, at the investiture ceremony organised by 26 Division at Tiger Division, three of the soldiers were honoured for operation in mine fields.

Sena Medal winner Naik Jasbir Singh of 8 Independent Field Company lost his right arm and eye-sight while planting mines on the Rann of Kutch border — barely 1,700 metres

from the Border — in Rajasthan three years ago.

Story continues below this ad

After negotiating 60 kms of terrain at night, the team had a challenging task ahead. ‘‘High speed wind and severe dust storm made it difficult to maintain balance and keep eyes open,’’ Singh recalls.

‘‘Ever since the Kargil operation, the laying of mines or demining the fields has become an important task for the troops deployed on borders,’’ says a senior officer present at the investiture ceremony.