Gallant Major MRG Naidu makes Andhra proud, conferred Kirti Chakra for killing terrorists in J&K
Major Naidu identified one terrorist's location but was targeted by heavy enemy fire
By Sri Lakshmi Muttevi Published on 19 Aug 2024 5:47 AM GMT
Srikakulam: Major Malla Rama Gopal Naidu has been conferred Kirti Chakra, India's second-highest gallantry award for displaying exemplary courage during a counter-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Hailing from Nagiripenta village of Santhabommali Mandal in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, Major Naidu survived a grenade attack and protected his troops while eliminating terrorists in Kashmir.
On the occasion of Indiaās 78th Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu awarded four Kirti Chakras and 18 Shaurya Chakras to armed forces personnel and Central Armed Police Forces men.
Major Naidu is the only surviving among the four who were awarded Kirti Chakras, the second-highest peacetime gallantry award. Other three brave hearts have been conferred the award posthumously.
An alumnus of Sainik School Korukonda, Major Naidu joined the National Defence Academy in 2012. Later he graduated from Indian Military Academy in 2016. He secured the First Order of Merit and was awarded the President Gold Medal at the Indian Military Academy. He is currently serving with a battalion of the Rashtriya Rifles in Jammu and Kashmir.
On October 26, 2023, Major Malla Rama Gopal Naidu of 56 Rashtriya Rifles led an ambush along the Line of Control in the Kupwara district for a counter-infiltration operation. His scout spotted five terrorists, and he promptly repositioned his ambush to trap them. When the ambush was activated, a fierce firefight erupted.
Major Naidu identified one terrorist's location but was targeted by heavy enemy fire. Despite the danger, he closed in and killed one terrorist at close range while injuring another. He then provided suppressive fire that led to the elimination of three terrorists. During the subsequent search, a fifth terrorist fired from a cave and threw grenades at Major Naidu, narrowly missing him.
Major Naidu swiftly neutralized the terrorist during a brief window of exposure.
Major Naidu is married and has a two-year-old daughter.
