New Delhi, November 27: India’s Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on Tuesday awarded 19 personnel with the Director General’s Disc for their actions during Operation Sindoor, in which they protected two strategic hydropower projects and evacuated civilians amid intense cross-border shelling in Jammu and Kashmir earlier this year.
The commendation recognised CISF teams deployed at the Uri-I and Uri-II hydroelectric projects, located around 10 km from the Line of Control (LoC), for “exceptional operational performance” during a sudden escalation in May. According to the force, personnel neutralised hostile drones, protected armoury stockpiles by rapidly redistributing weapons, and ensured the safety of about 250 civilians.
The clash erupted after the Indian armed forces carried out Operation Sindoor on May 7. The Pakistan Army responded with “intense and indiscriminate” fire targeting Indian territory, putting the hydro projects and nearby residential complexes at risk, the CISF said in a statement.
“As shells landed close to homes, CISF personnel undertook door-to-door evacuation of women, children, NHPC staff and their families,” the statement said, adding that all civilians were safely moved to fortified locations. Troops also worked to reinforce bunkers and maintain communications through POLNET and satellite systems.
CISF Director General Praveer Ranjan said the personnel had “upheld the highest traditions of the Force, displaying rare courage under fire and unwavering commitment to national security.”
The operation was led by Commandant Ravi Yadav, Deputy Commandant Manohar Singh, and Assistant Commandant Subhash Kumar. Others honoured included Inspector Deepak Kumar Jha, Sub-Inspectors Anil Kumar and Deepak Kumar, Assistant Sub-Inspectors Rajeev Kumar and Sukhdev Singh, and 11 head constables and constables.
The CISF, which guards critical national infrastructure, said its units would continue strengthening defensive readiness at installations along the LoC.
