Capt. Lalrinawma Sailo (27), an officer of the 4 PARA (Special Forces) battalion of the Indian Army, was presented the Kirti Chakra by President Droupadi Murmu during the Defence Investiture Ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Monday.
Recognition for Exceptional Bravery
The Kirti Chakra, announced for Capt. Sailo on August 15, 2025, was awarded in recognition of exceptional courage, conspicuous bravery and selfless devotion to duty during peacetime. The award is India's highest peacetime gallantry decoration.
Heroism in Operation Sindoor
Capt. Sailo was honoured for demonstrating bravery and leadership under fire while serving as the Assault Team Commander during a counter-terrorism mission known as Operation Sindoor. To avenge a prior terror strike in Pahalgam, his unit penetrated a fortified terrorist base in Jammu & Kashmir. Under his battlefield leadership, the commandos neutralised the top terrorist leadership and their targets in a 58-second close-quarter fight. The operation showcased exceptional tactical skill and courage under extreme conditions.
First Army Officer from Mizoram to Receive Kirti Chakra
A native of Chanmari locality in Aizawl, he became the first commissioned Army officer from Mizoram to be conferred the Kirti Chakra and the second recipient of the gallantry award from the state. Subedar Chalhnuna Lushai of the Assam Regiment earned the award in 1968. Capt. Sailo's achievement has brought immense pride to Mizoram and the entire Northeast region.
Educational Background
Capt. Sailo is an alumnus of Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Military Academy (IMA). His journey from a small town in Mizoram to the elite Special Forces and now a gallantry award recipient serves as an inspiration for many young aspirants.
About the Author: HC Vanlalruata, based at Aizawl, Mizoram, is known for his sharp, on-the-ground reporting as a regional stinger. He covers breaking news, ethnic affairs, and border issues from Mizoram, providing real-time updates and local insights for the national daily's northeast bureau.
