BSF jawans who fought Naxals in run up to LS polls awarded

BSF jawans who successfully thwarted a Naxal attack in the run up to the Lok Sabha polls in Bihar's Rohtas district were today awarded at a glittering investiture ceremony.

A contingent of the force came under heavy gunfire, including rocket launchers, when it was patrolling the jungles of the district on April 14, two days before the first phase of the elections. The troops also retaliated and thwarted the attempts of the Naxalites.

During the annual ceremony, the troops (35 in number) were presented with a memento and a trophy. Director General of BSF M L Kumawat and chief guest at the function, Manipur Governor Gurbachan Jagat, lauded the role of the men and said it is because of such efforts that the Indian democracy is still vibrant.

"The boys fought fiercely with the Naxals and thwarted their attempt with a heavy hand. They deserve a special mention and recognition," Kumawat said while addressing the gathering which was attended by chiefs of other central paramilitary forces.

During the ceremony, 10 personnel of the force were decorated with Police Medals for gallantry for"displaying exemplary courage in the face of adversity" while 42 other jawans and officers were awarded with medals for distinguished and meritorious services.link