New Delhi

When President Droupadi Murmu presented the nation's gallantry awards at a solemn ceremony, India also celebrated the patriotism, courage and unwavering sense of duty displayed by five Muslim personnel in armed forces for their exceptional valour, courage and sacrifice for nation's security and sovreignity.

Among the recipients of some of India's highest military honours — the Vir Chakra and the Shaurya Chakra — were Border Security Force (BSF) Sub-Inspector Mohammad Imteyaz (posthumously), Indian Air Force Squadron Leader Rizwan Malik, CRPF Constable Saddam Hussain, Assam Rifles Assistant Commandant Mohammad Shafiq, and CRPF Sepoy Fida Hussain Dar.

President Droupadi Murmu conferred 7 Kirti Chakras, including 02 posthumous; 15 Vir Chakras, (3 posthumous); and 29 Shaurya Chakras, (1 posthumous), to the personnel of the Defence Forces,  Armed Police Forces during Phase-I of Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

These Gallantry awards were given to the personnel for displaying raw courage, unparalleled bravery and total disregard to personal safety in the line of duty.

Their stories are a testament to bravery, sacrifice and devotion to the nation.

Sub-Inspector Mohammad Imteyaz

The Vir Chakra awarded to BSF Sub-Inspector (GD) Mohammad Imteyaz was received by his wife, Shehnaz Azima. Overcome with emotion, she broke down while accepting the honour, prompting President Murmu to console her with a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

The Vir Chakra is India's third-highest wartime gallantry award. Imteyaz's sacrifice embodied the spirit of the decoration, as he fought under war-like conditions at a remote border outpost and laid down his life while defending the nation.

On May 20, 2025, when Border Outpost Kharkola in Jammu's R.S. Pura sector came under intense Pakistani firing and heavy cross-border mortar shelling, Imteyaz displayed exemplary courage and leadership. Sensing an aerial threat, he stepped out of the command bunker despite grave danger, identified the source of the attack and engaged it with a Light Machine Gun (LMG), successfully neutralising one threat.

Even after sustaining grievous injuries, he continued issuing operational instructions and motivating his troops before succumbing to his wounds in the line of duty.

According to BSF officials, Imteyaz remained at the forefront throughout the attack, effectively responding to enemy action while boosting the morale of his fellow personnel.

A resident of Narayanpur village in Bihar's Saran district, Imteyaz's martyrdom plunged his native region into mourning. Thousands gathered to pay their last respects when his body was brought home. He was laid to rest with full military honours amid chants of patriotic slogans.

He is survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters. His sacrifice has ensured that his name will be remembered as a hero of the nation.

Squadron Leader Rizwan Malik

Indian Air Force Squadron Leader Rizwan Malik, who was awarded the Vir Chakra, hails from Manipur.

Malik displayed exceptional courage, professionalism and operational excellence during Operation Sindoor, under which Indian forces struck multiple terrorist training facilities and military installations inside Pakistan.

The operation was launched following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on May 7, 2025, in which 26 civilians were killed. In response, Indian forces carried out precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Malik participated in missions regarded as among the most dangerous and technically demanding. Despite facing enemy aerial threats and intense combat pressure, he completed his assignments with remarkable precision and composure.

Military experts often note that modern air warfare demands far more than courage alone; it requires rapid decision-making, technical expertise and exceptional mental resilience. Malik demonstrated all these qualities in abundance.

His recognition has been celebrated across the country, particularly in his home state of Manipur.

Constable Saddam Hussain

CRPF Constable Saddam Hussain was awarded the Shaurya Chakra, India's third-highest peacetime gallantry award, for his bravery during an anti-terror operation in north Kashmir's Bandipora district on November 5, 2024.

During a joint search operation, heavily armed terrorists suddenly opened fire on security forces, creating an extremely dangerous situation. Undeterred, Hussain held his position and continued engaging the terrorists despite the intense gunfire.

Recognising the need for decisive action, he moved closer to the terrorists and, from a distance of barely 25 metres, used an Under-Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) with pinpoint accuracy to eliminate one of them.

The operation demanded extraordinary skill, confidence and presence of mind. Hussain's swift action not only foiled the terrorists' plans but also saved the lives of his fellow personnel.

He sustained serious injuries during the encounter but continued to fight until the mission was accomplished.

Assistant Commandant Mohammad Shafiq

Assam Rifles Assistant Commandant Mohammad Shafiq, who has since been promoted to Deputy Commandant, was also honoured with the Shaurya Chakra.

On November 5, 2024, he was leading a counter-terrorism operation when a terrorist attempted to exploit the cover of darkness and escape through the security cordon.

Shafiq displayed extraordinary courage and leadership. Despite heavy firing, he relentlessly pursued the terrorist and engaged him in close combat. Ignoring the risks to his own life, he successfully neutralised the militant.

His decisive action prevented the terrorist's escape and ensured the success of the operation. Security forces later recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition from the site.

Shafiq's leadership, quick decision-making and professionalism were instrumental in the mission's success.

Sepoy Feda Hussain Dar

CRPF Sepoy Feda Hussain Dar, a resident of Srinagar's Iskanderpora area, was another recipient of the Shaurya Chakra.

On November 2, 2024, security forces launched an operation against a foreign terrorist hiding in a house in Srinagar's Khanyar area. The locality was swiftly cordoned off as the operation commenced.

As Dar and his colleague, Constable Sanjay Tiwari, approached the building, the terrorist opened heavy fire and hurled a grenade, seriously injuring both men.

Despite his injuries and heavy blood loss, Dar refused to retreat. Displaying extraordinary determination, he pressed forward, entered the building and eliminated the terrorist.

His courageous actions not only neutralised a major threat but also prevented potential harm to countless civilians. His feat continues to be cited within the security forces as an inspiring example of bravery and dedication to duty.

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The stories of Mohammad Imteyaz, Rizwan Malik, Saddam Hussain, Mohammad Shafiq and Fida Hussain Dar underscore a timeless truth: courage knows no religion. Their sacrifices and acts of valour stand as powerful reminders of the commitment and patriotism displayed by India's armed and security forces in defence of the nation.