In a remarkable display of courage and tactical brilliance, Major Leishangthem Deepak Singh of the elite 11 Para (Special Forces) has been awarded the Shaurya Chakra, India’s third-highest peacetime gallantry award. President Droupadi Murmu presented the honour to him during the Defence Investiture Ceremony.
Hailing from Manipur, Major Singh’s heroic actions in a high-risk hostage rescue operation in Arunachal Pradesh have brought immense pride to the Northeast and the entire nation. His story exemplifies the selfless service and indomitable spirit of Indian Army soldiers protecting civilians in challenging border regions.
The Daring Operation: Operation Pangchau-II
On the night of April 25, 2025, two construction workers were abducted by cadres of the NSCN (KYA) faction in the Pangchau (Pongchau) area of Longding district, Arunachal Pradesh. The dense forests and difficult terrain of this sensitive border region added to the complexity and danger of the situation.
Acting swiftly on precise intelligence, Major Leishangthem Deepak Singh led Operation Pangchau-II. Despite the high risk of collateral damage due to the presence of hostages among the terrorists, he made the bold decision to close in on the target under heavy enemy fire.
In the intense close-quarter battle:
- He neutralized one terrorist at extremely close range.
- He used his own body as a shield to protect a kidnapped civilian while safely extricating the hostages.
- He inflicted grievous injuries on another fleeing terrorist.
The operation resulted in the neutralization of two hardcore NSCN (KYA) cadres, the successful rescue of innocent civilians, and the recovery of a significant quantity of weapons and war material. It was a joint effort involving the Indian Army and Assam Rifles.
Official Citation for Shaurya Chakra
The citation for the award captures his extraordinary bravery:
“While serving in the Northeast, upon receiving information regarding the abduction of innocent civilians by terrorists, you fearlessly decided to rescue the hostages yourself without any concern for your own life. Advancing towards the target amidst heavy firing by the terrorists, you gunned down one terrorist at extremely close range and, making yourself a shield, safely extricated the hostage civilians. In the process, you also wounded another terrorist attempting to escape. Under your skilled leadership, the innocent civilians were successfully freed and a large quantity of weapons and war material was also recovered. For this undaunted courage and outstanding tactical acumen, you are awarded the Shaurya Chakra.”
A Proud Son of Manipur
Major Leishangthem Deepak Singh belongs to the 11th Battalion of The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), renowned for its expertise in counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism, and high-risk operations in demanding environments. His achievement has been widely celebrated across Manipur, with leaders and citizens hailing him as a true hero and inspiration for the youth of the Northeast.
The Shaurya Chakra recognizes acts of gallantry and devotion to duty in peacetime. Major Singh’s leadership highlights the professionalism of India’s Special Forces in balancing precision against threats while prioritizing the safety of civilians.
Inspiration for the Region and Beyond
In the context of security challenges in India’s Northeast, operations like this underscore the dedication of armed forces personnel who work tirelessly to maintain peace and protect innocent lives. Major Deepak Singh’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made daily by our soldiers.
His bravery not only neutralized immediate threats but also boosted morale and trust in the forces among local communities. For the youth of Manipur and the Northeast, he stands as a role model of courage, patriotism, and service to the nation.
Jai Hind!
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