Manipur’s Pride: Squadron Leader Rizwan Malik Conferred Vir Chakra for Gallantry in Operation Sindoor
The tricolour flew high with pride as Squadron Leader Rizwan Malik of the Indian Air Force, a son of Keikhu village in Imphal East, Manipur, was conferred the Vir Chakra, one of India’s most distinguished wartime gallantry awards. The announcement was made on Independence Day, adding to the sense of national celebration and regional pride.
The honour was bestowed in recognition of his remarkable courage and exceptional professionalism during Operation Sindoor, a high-risk mission carried out by the IAF earlier this year. In the operation, Malik played a pivotal role in precision strikes targeting terrorist group headquarters in Muridke and Bahawalpur as well as strategic Pakistani military installations. The mission, executed under heavy threat from enemy air defences, showcased the skill, composure, and bravery of India’s fighter pilots.
According to the official citation released by the Ministry of Defence, Malik’s “undaunted spirit, quick decision-making under fire, and flawless execution of complex attack maneuvers” significantly contributed to the mission’s success. His efforts directly impacted the neutralisation of high-value terrorist infrastructure, dealing a heavy blow to cross-border militancy.
Operation Sindoor saw the participation of multiple IAF squadrons, and nine officers in total were awarded the Vir Chakra, with many others receiving the Vayu Sena Medal and Shaurya Chakra for their gallantry. Defence analysts have described it as one of the most decisive air operations in recent years, underlining India’s air superiority and tactical readiness.
For Manipur, Malik’s recognition is deeply personal. Community leaders, state officials, and ordinary citizens alike have hailed his achievement as a shining example of the state’s contribution to India’s armed forces. Social media across the Northeast has been flooded with congratulatory messages, with many calling him a symbol of courage for the youth of the region.
The Manipur Former Chief Minister expressed his congratulations, stating, “Squadron Leader Rizwan Malik has brought immense pride to our state. His bravery inspires not only Manipur but the entire nation.”
From a small village in Imphal East to the cockpit of a fighter jet in one of India’s most daring missions, Malik’s journey is a testament to determination, discipline, and patriotism. As the nation salutes its heroes this Independence Day, Manipur stands tall its name etched in the annals of India’s gallantry stories.
The honour was bestowed in recognition of his remarkable courage and exceptional professionalism during Operation Sindoor, a high-risk mission carried out by the IAF earlier this year. In the operation, Malik played a pivotal role in precision strikes targeting terrorist group headquarters in Muridke and Bahawalpur as well as strategic Pakistani military installations. The mission, executed under heavy threat from enemy air defences, showcased the skill, composure, and bravery of India’s fighter pilots.
According to the official citation released by the Ministry of Defence, Malik’s “undaunted spirit, quick decision-making under fire, and flawless execution of complex attack maneuvers” significantly contributed to the mission’s success. His efforts directly impacted the neutralisation of high-value terrorist infrastructure, dealing a heavy blow to cross-border militancy.
Operation Sindoor saw the participation of multiple IAF squadrons, and nine officers in total were awarded the Vir Chakra, with many others receiving the Vayu Sena Medal and Shaurya Chakra for their gallantry. Defence analysts have described it as one of the most decisive air operations in recent years, underlining India’s air superiority and tactical readiness.
For Manipur, Malik’s recognition is deeply personal. Community leaders, state officials, and ordinary citizens alike have hailed his achievement as a shining example of the state’s contribution to India’s armed forces. Social media across the Northeast has been flooded with congratulatory messages, with many calling him a symbol of courage for the youth of the region.
The Manipur Former Chief Minister expressed his congratulations, stating, “Squadron Leader Rizwan Malik has brought immense pride to our state. His bravery inspires not only Manipur but the entire nation.”
From a small village in Imphal East to the cockpit of a fighter jet in one of India’s most daring missions, Malik’s journey is a testament to determination, discipline, and patriotism. As the nation salutes its heroes this Independence Day, Manipur stands tall its name etched in the annals of India’s gallantry stories.
