27-year-old Capt Lalrinawma Sailo of 4 Para (SF) neutralised high-profile terrorist during Op Sindoor; second Mizo to receive India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry medal
Edited by Kimbawinu Vaiphei, On June 10, 2026
Aizawl native Capt Lalrinawma Sailo has been conferred the Kirti Chakra for leading a counter-terror operation in Srinagar district, the Rashtrapati Bhavan announced Monday. The 27-year-old 4 Para (Special Forces) officer received the medal from President Droupadi Murmu during the phase I Defence Investiture ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
According to the official citation, Capt Sailo positively identified a high-profile terrorist during Operation Sindoor and neutralised him. He then engaged the remaining militants at close range, displaying “daunting courage and devotion to duty” under direct fire. The President’s X post noted his “warrior ethos and uncanny intelligence skills” that reflected the finest traditions of the Special Forces.
Born in March 1999, Capt Sailo hails from Chanmari locality in Aizawl. He is the youngest of three siblings. His father, Saihmingliana Sailo, told PTI that the award was for exceptional courage shown during Operation Sindoor.
Capt Sailo studied at the Rashtriya Indian Military College, Dehradun, before joining the National Defence Academy in 2018. He was commissioned into the Indian Army in 2021 and later joined 4 Para (Special Forces).
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma extended congratulations, calling the honour a moment of pride for the state. The Mizoram government announced a cash award of Rs 10 lakh for Capt Sailo, an official said.
He is among seven Kirti Chakra recipients this year, including two posthumous awards. The Kirti Chakra is India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award, given for conspicuous bravery away from the battlefield.
With this honour, Capt Sailo becomes only the second Mizo to receive the Kirti Chakra. The first was Subedar Chalhnuna Lushai of the Assam Rifles, who was conferred the medal in 1968 for operations in the Northeast.
