NEW DELHI: An unprecedented number of 11 persons will be awarded Ashok Chakra, the nation’s highest peacetime gallantry award, on the Republic Day.
Six of them had laid down their lives fighting Mumbai attackers.
Putting to rest political debate over the authenticity of Delhi’s controversial Jamia Nagar encounter, Delhi police inspector M C Sharma, who died in the gun battle with alleged members of outlawed Student Islamic Movement (SIMI), will also be honoured with Ashok Chakra.
The names for Ashok Chakra, which is the peace time version of Param Veer Chakra, the highest battle honour, were cleared on Thurday by President Pratibha Patil.
The Maharashtra Police had recommended 16 names for their role in fighting the terrorists during the Mumbai attacks. Among those who were selected for the honour for Mumbai attacks include: Major Sandeep Unnikrishan and Havildar Gajender Singh _ the two NSG commandos who died in the operation.
From the Mumbai Police, Anti- Terrorism Squad chief Hemant Karkare, Ashok Kamte, Vijay Salaskar and Tukaram Omble will get the honour posthumously.
After intense deliberations on who should get the bravery award, the President cleared 11 names.
These include four from the Maharashtra Police and two NSG commandos.
The name of Hemant Karkare was included in the list even though there were several reservations from various quarters.
The Centre was unhappy over the way the Maharashtra Government had made the recommendations which were not even accompanied by customary citations.
Ashok Chakra would also be awarded to two Army personnel.
These are: Havildar Bahadur Dohra and Colonel Jojan Thomas for their roles in anti-insurgency operations.
Colonel Jojan Thomas, commanding the 45 Rashtriya Rifles in Kupwara, had died after killing six terrorists.