Captain Lalrinawma Sailo of 4 PARA (Special Forces) has made history by becoming the first commissioned Mizo officer to receive the Kirti Chakra, India’s second peacetime gallantry award. His name was included in the Independence Day gallantry list announced on August 15, 2025, and ratified by President of India
Capt. Sailo, a native of Chanmari, Aizawl, is the second Mizo to be awarded the Kirti Chakra, following Subedar Chalhnuna of the Assam Rifles. This makes his award even more notable since he is the first Mizo officer to be awarded such a distinction. This year, there were a total of 127 gallantry awards, but four of them were Kirti Chakras—given to Lt. Shashank Tiwari, Lance Naik Meenatchi Sundaram A, Sepoy Janjal Pravin Prabhakar, and Capt.
An extremely qualified officer, Capt. Sailo has studied at the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), National Defence Academy (NDA), and the Indian Military Academy (IMA). His induction into the elite 4 PARA (SF) is testimony to his exceptional commitment and ability. The Kirti Chakra, which is conferred for “conspicuous gallantry otherwise than in the face of the enemy,” is India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award after the Ashoka Chakra
While formal information on his citation is not provided given the covert nature of operations by Special Forces, various reports attribute Capt. Sailo’s courageous act to the just-concluded Operation Sindoor, India’s precision attacks on Pakistan in May 2025
In Mizoram, the acknowledgement has evoked broad pride. Chief Minister Lalduhoma hailed Capt. Sailo as a hero for the youth of the state and declared a government award of ₹10 lakh in his name. His success enhances the Northeast’s presence in India’s armed forces and acts as a source of inspiration for the young generation of officers.