Meet Major Maneo Francis PF: 21 PARA Special Forces Officer Who Neutralised Insurgent Threat in Manipur

In the complex and demanding counter-insurgency environment of India’s northeastern region, officers of the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, courage, and tactical excellence. Major Maneo Francis PF of 21 Battalion, The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces)—commonly known as 21 PARA (SF)—stands as a distinguished example of such dedication. For his gallant actions during a high-risk operation in Manipur on 4–5 January 2023, he was awarded the Shaurya Chakra, India’s third-highest peacetime gallantry decoration.

Early Life and Commissioning

Major Maneo Francis PF hails from Tadubi village in Senapati district, Manipur. He is the son of Shri K. Pukeho and Smt. H. Saza Susan. His deep roots in the region have contributed to his understanding of the local terrain and operational dynamics, proving invaluable in his service.

He graduated from the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, in June 2012 and was commissioned into the Indian Army. He was posted to the elite 21 PARA (SF), one of the premier special forces units renowned for its specialised training in airborne operations, counter-terrorism, jungle warfare, and direct-action missions.

Operational Deployment in Manipur

Since his deployment in Manipur in 2022 as Assault Team Commander, Major Francis rapidly developed an immaculate intelligence network. Through sustained surveillance and close monitoring of terrorist activities, he accumulated precise intelligence on Valley Based Insurgent Groups (VBIGs). This proactive intelligence-led approach significantly enhanced operational effectiveness and enabled the pre-emption of multiple threats.

The Gallant Operation: 4–5 January 2023

The operation that earned him national recognition unfolded on the night of 4–5 January 2023. Acting on reliable intelligence of a likely sabotage attempt targeting a VIP, Major Francis meticulously planned and executed a counter-operation. Following protracted surveillance, his team identified a probable insurgent crossing point near a Border Pillar and established an ambush.

Four heavily armed insurgents approached the site. Upon being challenged, they opened heavy automatic fire. Unmindful of his personal safety, Major Francis swiftly manoeuvred his team to outflank the group. In a close-quarters engagement, he eliminated a high-ranking insurgent commander—referred to as a “Self Style Major”—who was the mastermind behind previous attacks on Assam Rifles personnel. He also injured another insurgent using superior combat skills. Major Francis continued to engage the remaining insurgents, thereby ensuring the safety of his team and foiling a major planned attack, as later confirmed by recoveries from the site.

The official citation from the Press Information Bureau states:

“Major Maneo Francis PF, the Assault Team commander of 21 Para (SF) has been operating in Manipur since 2022. Within a short duration, he developed an immaculate intelligence network and kept close surveillance on terrorist activities in Manipur, resulting in accumulation of accurate intelligence of Valley Based Insurgent Groups. On receipt of reliable intelligence of likely sabotage activity on a VIP Major Francis planned an operation to foil the plan by the terrorists. Through painstaking efforts and protracted surveillance done over a long period, he identified likely crossing point of insurgent group near a Border Pillar and laid an ambush at the site. Four heavily armed personnel were moving towards the ambush site. On being challenged, the terrorists opened heavy fire using automatic weapons. In retaliation, unmindful of personnel safety, he quickly manoeuvred and outflanked the insurgents and successfully eliminated a Self Style Major, Commander of an insurgent group and injured another insurgent at close range using his superior combat skills. As per intelligence, Self Style Major and Self Style Captain were masterminds of ambush on Assam Rifles. He continued engaging the balance insurgents who were following the leading four thus ensuring safety of his men. Major Francis resolute leadership, raw courage under fire, precise intelligence which foiled a major insurgent attack as confirmed from the recoveries. For meticulous planning, gallant and selfless act, Major Maneo Francis PF is recommended for the award of ‘SHAURYA CHAKRA’.”

Recognition and Honours

For this display of meticulous planning, resolute leadership, raw courage, and selfless conduct, Major Maneo Francis PF was awarded the Shaurya Chakra on Republic Day 2024. The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, conferred the award at Rashtrapati Bhavan. In October 2025, the Government of Manipur felicitated him at Raj Bhavan, Imphal, along with other gallantry awardees, in recognition of his outstanding service.

Some recent local references have referred to him as Lieutenant Colonel, suggesting a possible promotion subsequent to the award; however, official records and gallantry citations continue to identify him by his rank of Major at the time of the operation.

Significance of His Contribution

Major Francis’s operation not only neutralised an immediate threat but also disrupted the command structure of a key insurgent group operating in the region. By eliminating a senior commander responsible for prior attacks on security forces, the action contributed meaningfully to the broader security framework in Manipur. His success underscores the critical importance of human intelligence, rapid decision-making, and bold execution in contemporary counter-insurgency operations.

A Profile of Dedication

Major Maneo Francis PF embodies the ethos of India’s Special Forces—professionalism, courage, and an unwavering commitment to national security. Operating in one of the most challenging internal security environments, he continues to serve as an inspiration to serving personnel and to the youth of the Northeast aspiring to join the armed forces. His story highlights how individual initiative, combined with institutional excellence, safeguards the sovereignty and stability of the nation.

The Indian Army and the nation remain profoundly grateful to officers of his calibre who operate in the shadows to ensure peace and security for all citizens.