During Tuesday’s Northern Command investiture event, which was held in Kashmir for the first time since Independence, Army units involved in the Galwan engagements with Chinese PLA soldiers in eastern Ladakh dominated the praise and appreciation awards distributed. I consider it a great honor to preside over the opening portion of the investiture ceremony in Srinagar. This ceremony honors were chosen units of Northern Command for their courageous, selfless efforts that upheld Indian Army traditions and helped to maintain peace along the LoC and LAC.
Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, the general officer commanding in chief of the Army’s Northern Command, stated in his address.
Three of the four certificates of appreciation for the Chief of the Army Staff were given to units that took part in Operation Snow Leopard in the Ladakh area following the battles in Galwan in June 2020.
Units stationed in Ladakh received 18 of the 49 GoC-in-C commendation certificates, and they also received nearly half of the 24 appreciation certificates.
The 22 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles received the commendation certificate for thwarting a Chinese incursion in a hand-to-hand battle in the Chushul sector, while the 6 Bihar unit received it for their “exceptional contribution” in driving back the enemy in the Galwan Valley.
As the first battalion to stay deployed in Operation Meghdoot (Siachen glacier) for eight months, the 17 Mahar, who took part in Operation Snow Leopard, received recognition.
Army’s 26 Dog unit and the Zanskar Pony Breeding and Training Center both received certificates of gratitude for their contributions.