In a remarkable display of courage during Operation Sindoor, Border Security Force (BSF) Sub-Inspector Mohd Imteyaj, even while critically wounded, rallied his troops with the fierce cry, “Jawano, aaj khatam kar do inko (Soldiers, finish them today).” His unwavering spirit in the face of intense Pakistani drone and mortar attacks ultimately led to his martyrdom. He was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra for his exceptional bravery, an honor also bestowed upon Constable Deepak Chingakham of the 7th BSF battalion, who fought alongside him.
The nation learned of their incredible sacrifice following the Independence Day announcement of the Vir Chakra awards. On May 10, during the Operation Sindoor, the BSF post at Kharkola in Jammu came under heavy cross-border shelling and drone assaults. Displaying immense tactical presence of mind, Sub-Inspector Imteyaj emerged from his bunker to engage one drone with a light machine gun, while Constable Chingakham bravely confronted a second drone.
Tragically, a mortar shell exploded nearby, inflicting severe injuries on both valiant soldiers. Sub-Inspector Imteyaj sustained grievous wounds, including mangled extremities and abdominal trauma, yet continued to command and inspire his men. Constable Chingakham, despite suffering multiple splinter injuries and a fractured tibia, refused to be evacuated, fighting until his very last breath to protect his comrade and his post.
Operation Sindoor, conducted by Indian defense forces and the BSF from May 7 to 10, was a robust response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The gallantry of Sub-Inspector Imteyaj and Constable Chingakham has been recognized with India’s third-highest wartime gallantry award, the Vir Chakra, for their unparalleled courage and exceptional valor.
In addition to these two heroes, sixteen other BSF personnel were honored with police gallantry medals for their conspicuous bravery and unmatched valor displayed during Operation Sindoor.