In a dramatic display of bravery, personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) successfully thwarted a major threat to the strategic Uri hydroelectric plant near the Line of Control (LoC). This high-risk security situation unfolded following India's decisive Operation Sindoor, which triggered retaliatory actions from across the border.
Honors for Heroism Under Fire
Recognizing their exceptional valor, the CISF honored 19 of its personnel with the Director General's disc at a ceremony held at their headquarters on Tuesday. The force leadership lauded the team for protecting a critical national asset during intense cross-border shelling. The awarded personnel included constables, head constables, inspectors, and sub-inspectors from both Uri-I and Uri-II units.
Door-to-Door Evacuation Amidst Shelling
The CISF was providing counter-terror security cover to the Uri Hydro Electric Power Projects (UHEP-I and II), located a mere 8-10 kilometers from the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district. When the situation escalated, their immediate priority was the safety of civilians. The troops conducted a remarkable door-to-door evacuation of women, children, and staff from the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and their families, all while under Pakistani shelling.
Their prompt and fearless actions ensured the safe evacuation of around 250 civilians, miraculously preventing any loss of life. As rounds landed dangerously close to the power plant premises, the personnel continued their duties, reinforcing bunkers and maintaining vital communication lines through POLNET and satellite systems.
Neutralizing Threats and Securing Assets
The CISF's statement detailed further critical actions taken during the crisis. The troops effectively neutralized hostile drones that were targeting Indian installations. To prevent potential destruction, they also swiftly secured armoury stockpiles by redistributing weapons. The personnel carried out real-time analysis of incoming shell trajectories, identified safe zones, and organized the relocation of residents to bunker shelters.
The operation was led by Commandant Ravi Yadav, along with Deputy Commandant Manohar Singh and Assistant Commandant Subash Kumar. Their leadership in initiating immediate protective measures for the installations and nearby townships was instrumental. Throughout the crisis, the integrity of these critical national assets remained intact due to the vigilance and preparedness of the CISF personnel.
The honored personnel are: Constables Sushil Vasant Kamble, Raziqe Ahmad Abdul Rafique, Wankhede Ravindra Gulab, Tridev Chakma, Sohan Lal, Mufeed Ahmad, Mahesh Kumar, and Sandenaboina Raju; Head Constables Gurjit Singh, Manoj Kumar Sharma, and Ram Lal; Inspector Deepak Kumar Jha; Sub-inspectors Anil Kumar and Deepak Kumar; and Assistant Sub-Inspectors Rajeev Kumar and Sukhdev Singh.
This security crisis was precipitated by India's Operation Sindoor, launched on the intervening night of May 6-7. The counter-terror operation destroyed nine major terror hideouts in Pakistan and PoK as a strong retaliatory measure for a Pakistan-sponsored terrorist attack in South Kashmir's Pahalgam.
