Sixteen Border Security Force (BSF) personnel have been conferred gallantry medals for displaying “conspicuous bravery” and “unmatched valour” during Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, the Union government announced on the eve of India’s 79th Independence Day.

The gallantry awards recognise troops who carried out daring missions, including destroying enemy surveillance cameras and neutralising drone attacks along the India-Pakistan border. The BSF guards the 2,290-km-long International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC) under the Army’s operational control on India’s western front.

“This Independence Day, 16 Brave Seema Praharis (border guards) are being awarded Gallantry Medals for their conspicuous bravery & unmatched valour, for being resolute & steadfast during the Ops Sindoor. The medals are a testament to the Nation's faith & trust reposed in India's First Line of Defence: The Border Security Force,” the BSF said in a social media post.