Imphal, Aug. 15 -- Lieutenant Colonel Maneo Francis PF of 21 Para (Special Forces), a native of Tadubi in Manipur's Senapati district, has been awarded the Kirti Chakra for exceptional courage and leadership during a seven-day counter-insurgency operation in the state.

The gallantry award was announced on Independence Day 2026. The Kirti Chakra is among India's highest peacetime military honours.

According to the official citation, Lieutenant Colonel Francis spent several months strengthening an intelligence network to track and map insurgent groups operating in Manipur. He also conducted specialised, mission-oriented training for his assault team following a series of major violent incidents in the region.

During the week-long operati...