UKHRUL: Lieutenant Colonel Maneo Francis PF of the Indian Army from Manipur’s Tadubi Senapati has been awarded the Kirti Chakra for displaying exceptional courage and leadership during an operation against insurgents in the state.
As per the gallantry award citation issued on the occasion of Independence Day 2026, Lieutenant Colonel Francis, the Assault Team Commander of 21 Para (Special Forces), had established a highly coordinated intelligence network to systematically dismantle anti-national elements fuelling violence and division in Manipur.
After several months of sustained intelligence development and following high-profile violent incidents, he undertook an operation against a militant group after conducting target-specific training for his team.
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The operation continued for seven days under intense and protracted conditions. After establishing contact with the insurgents, the team called upon them to surrender peacefully. The insurgents, however, responded with heavy automatic fire.
Lieutenant Colonel Francis then manoeuvred his assault group from the northern side of the hideout and successfully eliminated a sentry. Subsequently, when another insurgent pinned down the entire assault group, he crawled under heavy fire, disregarding his own safety, and eliminated the insurgent in close-quarter combat with his superior combat skills.
The citation said his actions demonstrated resolute leadership, superior tactical acumen, raw courage under fire and meticulous planning, while eliminating two heavily armed insurgents.
In recognition of his gallantry and selfless actions, Lieutenant Colonel Maneo Francis PF, SC, 21 Para (Special Forces), has been awarded the Kirti Chakra.
The Kirti Chakra is one of India’s highest peacetime gallantry awards. Three Indian Army personnel have been awarded the Kirti Chakra on Independence Day 2026, with all three honours going to Parachute Regiment Special Forces personnel.
