Agartala, May 10: Sudip Sarkar, a BSF constable from Tripura who was killed during an anti-terror operation along LoC in Kupwara in 2020, was conferred 'Kirti Chakra' (posthumously).

During night intervening 07/08 November, 2020, Sarkar, who was posted under 169-Bn BSF, was part of a patrol-cum-Ambush team along the Anti-Infiltration Obstacle System (AIOS) on the LoC, Kupwara, Kashmir.

While guiding the team, Sarkar had observed armed infiltrators inching towards AIOS. On being engaged, the terrorists retaliated with a heavy volume of fire from an elevated position on the ridge with ample cover.

Exposed with no cover, the braveson of Tripura continued his assault by manoeuvring to engage the terrorists in a fierce gun battle but was severely wounded due to bullet and grenade blast injuries. Despite his injuries, he lunged into a daring close Quarter Battle, killing one terrorist, but succumbed to his injuries sustained during hand to hand combat.

The BSF constable displayed conspicuous gallantry, heroism, selflessness and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in the highest traditions of BSF. His sacrifice was recognized at the highest level and he was conferred Kiriti Chakra posthumously.

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu presented the award to Rumpa Sarkar, the widow, at the Defence Investiture Ceremony- 2023 held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday (May 9). Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were the Vice President of India, Prime Minister and Union Minister for Defence. (With inputs from PIB).