Martyred Lt. Col. E.K. Niranjan's family delighted over 'Shaurya Chakra'

Shashank, the brother of Lieutenant Col. E.K. Niranjan who lost his life during the Pathankot airbase attack, on Sunday said the family felt proud after hearing that the latter will be conferred with 'Shaurya Chakra', the third highest gallantry medal, for his sacrifice.

"We were expecting. Today is the day where we inaugurated his memorial which was prepared by my dad with that we got to know this news; it's really wonderful for us. It's a proud moment for us," he told ANI.

Ahead of Independence Day, President Pranab Mukherjee has approved 82 gallantry awards to the armed forces personnel and members of the paramilitary forces which include one Ashok Chakra, 14 Shaurya Chakras, 63 Sena Medals (Gallantry), two Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry) and two Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry).

Captain Pawan Kumar, Captain Tushar Mahajan of 9 Para Special Forces who lost their lives during the Pampore attack are also among the recipients.

Havildar Hangpan Dada of 35 Rashtriya Rifles (posthumous), who eliminated three terrorists and injured one during an encounter in Nugam sector of Jammu and Kashmir, has been awarded Ashoka Chakra, the highest peace time gallantry award.