The Central Industrial Security Force honoured 19 officials this week for saving hundreds of civilians amidst Operation Sindoor — revealing how Pakistan had led a hitherto unknown strike in Uri. The CISF personnel were awarded the prestigious DG’s disc on Tuesday for displaying “exemplary” courage during the high-risk situation in early May. The Indian military had launched strikes against Pakistani terror bases earlier this year — prompting a four day clash with its neighbour.
Retaliatory shelling by the Pakistani Army had endangered vital installations civilian habitations near the Line of Control — placing the hydropower projects at significant risk. The CISF units at the NHPC installations suddenly found themselves at the forefront of this sudden escalation — working ceaselessly to ensure the “integrity” of critical national assets remained intact.
Rescuing hundreds of civilians amid heavy shelling
According to an official statement, the CISF team led a door-to-door evacuation of civilians amid heavy shelling from Pakistan in the early hours of May 7. The team under Commandant Ravi Yadav had rushed to shield various installations and the surrounding township — even neutralising hostile drones during the “most volatile phases of the exchange”. They also secured armoury stockpiles by swiftly redistributing weapons to prevent potential destruction.
“Their prompt and fearless actions ensured the safe evacuation of around 250 civilians, preventing any loss of life. Even as rounds landed dangerously close to the premises, the personnel continued to reinforce bunkers, maintain communication lines through POLNET and satellite systems, and provide emergency assistance,” the statement said.
Who were the awarded officials?
The personnel who were awarded include Commanding Officer Ravi Yadav, Deputy Commandant Manohar Singh, Assistant Commandant Subhash Kumar, Inspector Deepak Kumar Jha, Sub-Inspectors Anil Kumar and Deepak Kumar, Assistant Sub-Inspectors Rajeev Kumar and Sukhdev Singh and Head Constables Manoj Kumar Sharma, Ram Lal and Gurjit Singh. Constables Sushil V Kamble, Razique Rafique, Ravindra Wankhede, Tridev Chakma, Sohan Lal, Mufeed Ahmad, Mahesh Kumar and Sandenaboina Raju were also given the disc.
The about 1.80 lakh-personnel-strong CISF is primarily tasked with guarding critical infrastructure in the government and private domain, including more than 70 civil airports and nuclear and space facilities.
(With inputs from agencies)