The President of India, Droupadi Murmu presented Gallantry Awards at the Defence Investiture Ceremony-2024 (Phase-I) held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on July 5, 2024.
Rifleman Kulbhushan Manta, belonging to Himachal Pradesh, was awarded Shaurya Chakra (Posthumous). Manta was recruited with The J&K Rifles, 52nd Battalion The Rashtriya Rifles. He was deployed in Operation RAKSHAK (Jammu & Kashmir) and was part of a joint operation which was launched in Baramulla district of North Kashmir in October 2022.
Based on intelligence received, the search party led by Scout Riflemen Kulbhushan Manta reached in close proximity of two terrorists. Sensing the threat, terrorists made a desperate attempt to flee. Rifleman Kulbhushan Manta immediately swung into action and attempted to capture one of the terrorist alive. In the ensuing hand-to-hand combat, he overpowered the terrorist. The second terrorist frightened by the bold action opened up indiscriminate fire in which Rifleman Kulbhushan Manta received a gunshot wound in his leg. Regardless of the grievous injury, he attempted to chase the fleeing terrorist and engaged him with heavy fire. As a result of this gallant action, one terrorist was captured alive in this operation. However, Rifleman Kulbhushan Manta succumbed to the injuries later.
For his exemplary courage, immense tactical acumen, act of gallantry and an indomitable spirit in the face of danger, Rifleman Kulbhushan Manta was posthumously awarded ‘Shaurya Chakra’. Kulbhushan Manta was a resident of Goth village of Kupvi in district Shimla.
Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were the Vice President of India, Prime Minister of India and Union Minister for Defence.
