NEW DELHI, Oct 13 - An officer of the Assam Police has been conferred with the Kirti Chakra posthumously for displaying indomitable courage and exemplary leadership in fighting ULFA militants, a Home Ministry official said.
Inspector Lohit Sonowal laid down his life in Tinsukia district of Assam on April 19, 2013 in an encounter with ULFA militants in which two extremists were also killed.
On the fateful day, upon receiving information that a group of militants was taking shelter in Kordoiguri village of Tinsukia district, a joint operation was launched by the police and the CRPF.
During the crossfire, Sonowal sustained bullet injuries, but eliminated two extremists in direct exchange of fire. Sonowal succumbed to his injuries later.
The Kirti Chakra is the country�s military award for valour, courage action and self-sacrifice. It is second in order of precedence of peacetime gallantry awards after the Ashok Chakra. � PTI
