Captain Lalrinawma Sailo: First Mizo Special Forces Officer Honored with Kirti Chakra

In a moment that resonates with deep national pride, Captain Lalrinawma Sailo of the Indian Army's 4 PARA (Special Forces) has been honored with the Kirti Chakra, India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award. Originating from Chanmari in Aizawl, Mizoram, Captain Sailo has made history by becoming the first Mizo officer to receive this distinguished accolade. This award highlights his remarkable bravery in high-risk operations, marking a significant achievement for both the Indian Special Forces and the Mizoram community.

Key Highlights

• Award and Background: Captain Lalrinawma Sailo, from Chanmari, Aizawl (Mizoram) and an officer of 4 PARA (Special Forces), has been awarded the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award.
• Historical Significance: He is the first Mizo officer to receive the Kirti Chakra. Local reports indicate that Subedar Chalhnuna of Assam Rifles received the Kirti Chakra previously, making Capt. Sailo the first Mizo officer, and second Mizo overall to receive this honor.
• National Recognition: Capt. Sailo is one of four recipients of the Kirti Chakra announced in the Independence Day 2025 list by the Government of India.
• State Response: Mizoram CM Lalduhoma and other state leaders congratulated Capt. Sailo. The Mizoram government also announced a ₹10 lakh cash award to recognize his achievement.

A Milestone for Mizoram and the Special Forces

On August 15, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu approved the list of gallantry awards for Independence Day, which includes Capt. Lalrinawma Sailo of 4 PARA SF in the Kirti Chakra roll. The official PIB document confirms his name and unit in the honors list. This milestone places a Mizo officer among the nation’s most decorated peacetime gallantry awardees, marking a historic moment for India’s elite Special Forces and Mizoram.

Although detailed information about the operation is classified, it is widely reported that the act of gallantry relates to Operation Sindoor, an inter-service campaign known for precise strikes against terror and military targets earlier this year. While specific citations for individual actions have not been disclosed, credible sources link Capt. Sailo’s bravery to this operation.

Early Life & Training

Capt. Sailo’s path exemplifies a combination of academic rigor and military excellence. His education commenced at RIMC in Dehradun, followed by his training at the National Defence Academy (NDA) and commissioning from the Indian Military Academy (IMA). This foundation led to his selection into 4 PARA (SF), one of the Indian Army’s most demanding regiments. His early accomplishments include ranking 27th in the NDA examination, demonstrating his commitment from an early age.

The Honour and What It Signifies

The Kirti Chakra is given for “conspicuous gallantry otherwise than in the face of the enemy,” ranking second in peacetime precedence, beneath the Ashoka Chakra and above the Shaurya Chakra. It is awarded to both military and civilian personnel and can be conferred posthumously. Capt. Sailo joins the select group of four Kirti Chakra awardees named in 2025.

For Mizoram, this recognition holds profound symbolic value. Media across the Northeast have highlighted him as the first Mizo officer to achieve the Kirti Chakra, also noting Subedar Chalhnuna of Assam Rifles as a previous recipient from the Mizo community, making Capt. Sailo the first Mizo officer and second Mizo individual to receive this honor. This nuance helps reconcile different media narratives.

Voices from Home

In Mizoram, the leadership celebrated Capt. Sailo’s achievement. Chief Minister Lalduhoma described him as a testament to the capability of Mizo youth to excel on a national level. The state’s announcement of a ₹10 lakh award underscores the potential such recognition of military gallantry holds to inspire regional youth towards service and excellence. Mizoram’s Governor also extended congratulations, highlighting the pride it brings to the state and the nation.

Part of a Larger Honours Roll in 2025

The Independence Day 2025 honors list approved by the President includes 127 gallantry and 40 distinguished service awards across the armed forces. In the Army alone, four Kirti Chakras were awarded, along with Vir Chakras, Shaurya Chakras, and other decorations. Capt. Sailo’s name features in the official PDF of awardees released by PIB.

Why This Matters

• Representation & Role Models: A Special Forces officer from Mizoram receiving a national gallantry honor enhances representation from India’s Northeast within the elite military units.
• Recognition of Special Forces’ Quiet Professionalism: The absence of public details about the operation is standard for Special Forces; the award itself signifies exceptional bravery in high-risk, high-denial environments.
• Continuity of Valour from Mizoram: With the historical context of Subedar Chalhnuna, Capt. Sailo’s award situates today’s honor in a longer tradition of gallantry from the Mizo community.

About the Kirti Chakra (Quick Facts)

Aspect	Details
Category	Peacetime gallantry (military & civilian)
Precedence	Ashoka Chakra > Kirti Chakra > Shaurya Chakra
Citation Basis	Conspicuous gallantry or self-sacrifice other than in the face of the enemy

Capt. Lalrinawma Sailo’s Kirti Chakra transcends mere decoration; it embodies a narrative of diligent preparation, silent bravery, and the pride of both a state and a nation. As India considers the significance of service and sacrifice this Independence Day, his story sends a powerful message to young aspirants from Mizoram and across the nation that excellence has no boundaries, only purpose.