Gallantry Awards: Pathankot hero Lt Col EK Niranjan awarded Shaurya Chakra

Ahead of Independence Day, 11 defence personnel have been awarded the Shaurya Chakra - the third-highest gallantry medal.

Lt Col EK Niranjan, who lost his life during the 2 January 2016 Pathankot attack, was among the recipients of Shaurya Chakra - which was announced on 14 August.

Capt Pawan Kumar and Capt Tushar Mahajan, of 9 Para Special Forces of the Indian army, who lost their lives during Pampore attack in Kashmir valley in February, were also awarded for their sacrifice.

Havildar Hangpan Dada, who valiantly fought and killed four terrorists before laying down his life in the Himalayan range of North Kashmir, has been honoured posthumously with the Ashok Chakra award.