The Hindu : Ashok Chakra award for Special Forces commando

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jan 22, 2004

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National

Ashok Chakra award for Special Forces commando

By Our Special Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, JAN. 21. The Army today announced that commando Sanjog Chatri will be awarded the Ashok Chakra — the highest peacetime award for his valour while fighting the militants in "Operation Sarpvinash" in Rajouri-Poonch districts of Jammu last year. The paratrooper laid down his life in April.

It is a moment of pride for the Special Forces, especially 9 Para to which he belonged, Col. Sanjay Thakur, Commanding Officer of 9 Para said. ``The brave para trooper displayed heroic deeds making it possible to clear a militant fortification in which 13 militants were killed and two captured alive in Kaka Hill area in April last'', said Col. Thakur. The award, he said will be received by Sanjay's sister on January 26 at the Republic Day parade. Col. Thakur said that the 25-year-old trooper spotted some militants and killed one of them on the spot. He was hit but continued fighting, thus clearing the way for his colleagues who could have been in danger.

The 9 Para which is permanently posted in Jammu and Kashmir had earlier received two Ashok Chakras — Captain Arjun Jasrotia in 1994, for his heroic deed in Lolab area of North Kashmir and Maj. Sudhir Walia in 1996 in Kupwara.

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