Jammu and Kashmir Police Tops Gallantry Medal Count in Republic Day Honours
In the Republic Day 2026 awards announced ahead of the national celebrations, the Jammu and Kashmir Police secured the highest number of gallantry medals among all state police forces, with 33 personnel recognised for their courage and service. Maharashtra Police followed closely behind with 31 gallantry medals, reflecting the significant role played by both forces in maintaining internal security and public safety across challenging environments.
The gallantry and service awards form part of a broader list that includes recognitions for police, fire service, home guard, civil defence and correctional service personnel from across the country and honours acts of bravery, distinguished service and meritorious contributions. A total of 982 medals were announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs on the occasion of Republic Day, encompassing gallantry, President’s Medals for Distinguished Service and Medals for Meritorious Service.
Breakdown of Gallantry Medals and Regional Distribution
Out of the 982 medals conferred this year, 125 were gallantry medals awarded to individuals who demonstrated exceptional courage in the face of danger. Among the gallantry recognitions, Jammu and Kashmir Police topped the list with 33 medals, affirming the sustained operational challenges and counter-terrorism efforts in the region. Maharashtra Police was next with 31 gallantry awards, many of which were presented for bravery in Left Wing Extremism-affected areas, particularly in the Gadchiroli district which has been a key theatre of anti-Naxal operations.
Other states and forces also featured in the gallantry tally, with the Uttar Pradesh Police receiving 18 medals and the Delhi Police securing 14. Among the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was the only force to garner gallantry medals, with 12 honours awarded for notable acts of bravery during critical operations.
Overview of Gallantry and Service Medals
The gallantry awards are conferred in recognition of rare and conspicuous acts of courage, including saving life and property under significant personal risk, preventing crime, or sustaining public order in dangerous circumstances. These actions often involve confronting armed adversaries, responding to high-risk incidents or carrying out life-saving interventions.
In addition to the gallantry medals, the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) and the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) were also announced. The PSM is awarded for a distinguished record of service marked by exceptional performance, while the MSM honours sustained devotion to duty and valuable contributions over time. In total, 101 President’s Medals for Distinguished Service and 756 Medals for Meritorious Service were part of the Republic Day honours list.
Maharashtra’s Strong Showing in Gallantry Awards
Maharashtra Police’s second position in the gallantry tally underscores the diverse security challenges and the force’s active engagement in preserving law and order. The state’s awardees were recognised for their roles in countering left-wing extremism and other high-risk operations. Notably, Maharashtra’s gallantry recognitions include personnel from elite units and frontline constables who risked their lives in operational duties, some of whom were also honoured posthumously for their ultimate sacrifice.
The significant number of gallantry medals for Maharashtra highlights the sustained effort to maintain peace and security in areas affected by Naxal insurgency, especially in the Gadchiroli district, where police operations have focused on weakening extremist influence through coordinated action and community protection measures.
Jammu and Kashmir Police Leadership in Bravery Medals
The Jammu and Kashmir Police’s leading position in the gallantry awards reflects the unique security environment in the region, where personnel routinely operate under conditions of heightened risk. Many gallantry awards in Jammu and Kashmir this year are linked to counter-terrorism operations, border security challenges and protecting civilian populations in volatile situations.
In addition to gallantry medals, members of the Jammu and Kashmir Police also received President’s Medals for Distinguished Service and Medals for Meritorious Service, recognising both courageous actions and long-term contributions to policing and public safety. These honours underscore the multifaceted responsibilities shouldered by the force in safeguarding stability in a region that has experienced prolonged security challenges.
Context and Significance of Republic Day Medals
Republic Day honours serve as a national tribute to the bravery, commitment and service of personnel tasked with protecting citizens, maintaining public order, and responding to emergencies across India. The awards are typically presented around the Republic Day on January 26, with official ceremonies recognising individuals from law enforcement and emergency services for their distinguished actions.
The gallantry awards especially highlight extraordinary acts of valour, often in life-threatening circumstances, reinforcing the ideals of courage and dedication that underpin public service. The Republic Day medals also serve to honour those who have lost their lives in the line of duty, acknowledging the ultimate sacrifice made by officers and personnel while performing their duties.
Profiles of Recognised Actions and Awardees
While official announcements often provide the numbers and categories of medals, the individual stories behind the gallantry recognitions illustrate moments of bravery and sacrifice. In Maharashtra, some gallantry recipients were honoured for exceptional operations in Left Wing Extremism-affected regions, where coordinated police efforts have played a central role in dismantling extremist networks and saving lives.
In Jammu and Kashmir, gallantry medals were awarded to personnel involved in counter-terrorism, security operations and public protection missions. These accolades reflect both strategic successes and individual heroism in confronting threats to peace and security, often under hostile and challenging conditions.
Broader Recognition Across Forces
The Republic Day honours list also highlights recognitions beyond state police forces. Personnel from fire service units, home guard and civil defence services, and correctional services received gallantry and service medals, acknowledging their contributions in disaster response, emergency management and public safety functions.
Among Central Armed Police Forces, the CRPF emerged as a notable recipient of gallantry awards, underscoring the contributions of national security forces in both internal security and counter-insurgency scenarios.
Celebrating Valor and Dedicated Service
The Republic Day 2026 honours list reflects India’s appreciation for the bravery, professionalism and service of its uniformed personnel. With Jammu and Kashmir Police leading the gallantry medal count and Maharashtra Police following as second in gallantry awards, the recognition highlights the challenging operational environments faced by these forces. A total of 982 gallantry and service medals were announced, encompassing courageous acts, distinguished careers and meritorious contributions.
These awards not only celebrate individual and collective excellence but also reinforce the spirit of dedication and sacrifice that are emblematic of India’s security and public safety framework. As medal recipients are honoured around Republic Day, their accomplishments stand as a testament to the relentless efforts of those who serve to protect the nation and its people.
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