"Crpl Nirala, displaying exceptional battle craft, positioned himself close to the approach of the hideout, thus cutting off all possibilities of an escape by the terrorists. "Laying the ambush at such close quarters demanded a very high degree of courage and professional acumen," a statement by the Defence Ministry said.While the detachment laid in wait, six terrorists hiding in the house, rushed out, shooting and lobbing grenades at the Garuds. "Crpl Nirala, disregarding personal safety and displaying indomitable courage, retaliated with effective lethal fire and gunned down two category 'A' terrorists and injured two others," the statement said.In this violent exchange of fire, Nirala was hit by a volley of small arms fire. Despite being critically injured, the Corporal continued retaliatory fire.Subsequently, he succumbed to fatal gunshot wounds received in the fierce encounter, which resulted in the killing of all six dreaded terrorists, the statement said. "Crpl Nirala exhibited most conspicuous gallantry in fighting with terrorists and made supreme sacrifice," it said.Major Vijayant Bist of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry was conferred the Kirti Chakra, recognising the valour he displayed in an operation in J&K.Shaurya Chakra has been awarded to Captain Rohit Shukla of the Rajput Regiment, Captain Abhinav Shukla and Captain Pradeep Shoury Arya of the Special Forces, Havildar Mubarak Ali of the Grenadiers Regiment, Havildar Rabindra Thapa of the Gorkha Rifles, Lance Naik Narender Singh of the Special Forces, Naik Badher Hussain of J&K Light Infantry and Paratrooper Manchu of the Special Forces.

Source: Economic Times January 25, 2018 16:18 UTC