Mizoram Army Officer Captain Lalrinawma Sailo Awarded Kirti Chakra

Aizawl: Captain Lalrinawma Sailo, a 27-year-old officer from Mizoram, received the Kirti Chakra, India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award, for his heroism during a counter-terror mission. President Droupadi Murmu presented the honor to the 4 Para Special Forces officer at the Defence Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday.

The award recognizes Capt Sailo's performance during Operation Sindoor in Srinagar. The President noted that he successfully identified and neutralized a high-profile terrorist while displaying "daunting courage and devotion to duty" during a close-range engagement with remaining hostile forces. His father, Saihmingliana Sailo, confirmed that these actions led to the prestigious recognition.

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma praised the officer for bringing immense pride to the state. In response to the achievement, the Mizoram government has announced a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh. Capt Sailo, a native of the Chanmari locality in Aizawl, joined the Indian Army in 2021 after training at the National Defence Academy and the Rashtriya Indian Military College.

This year, seven individuals received the Kirti Chakra, with two of those honors awarded posthumously. Capt Sailo is only the second person from Mizoram to ever receive this decoration, following Chalhnuna Lushai of the Assam Rifles who earned the medal in 1968.