Imphal: Squadron Leader Rizwan Malik of the Indian Air Force (IAF), awarded the Vir Chakra for his daring and decisive deep-penetration strikes against Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, was felicitated by the Army’s Red Shield Division at the Leimakhong Military Station in Manipur.
Sqn Ldr Malik’s journey began from the hilly terrain of Keikhu in Manipur’s Imphal East district. After studying at the Sainik School in Imphal, he qualified for the National Defence Academy (NDA). In 2015, he was commissioned into the IAF as a fighter pilot and was subsequently posted to a Su-30 MKI squadron.
During Operation Sindoor, missiles were launched from aircraft, first against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir and finally against Pakistan Air Force bases, rendering many of them temporarily unfit for use. The decisive strike on the air bases, which lasted about 23 minutes early on May 10, forced Pakistan to seek a ceasefire.
“This is a journey from the hills of Keikhu to the skies of national defence that has inspired the youth. Sqn Ldr Malik embodies Manipur’s proud legacy of service to the nation. His achievements mirror the aspirations of a region that has consistently upheld honour and distinction in safeguarding India’s frontiers. The Indian Army is committed to celebrate the bravery of the region’s youth and nurturing future leaders,” the Army said.
“Sqn Ldr Malik’s story stands as a beacon of inspiration — not only for the youth of Manipur but for every citizen who cherishes the ideals of unity, resilience, and service to the nation,” it added.
Malik’s achievement has given the Army the perfect opportunity to reach out to the population of Manipur that has witnessed severe ethnic strife for more than two years now. Nearly 250 people have died in the violence, while thousands are still homeless.
The IAF officer has also been felicitated by Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the governor of Manipur and the Assam Rifles. The Manipur government has also announced a cash award of Rs 10 lakh for him.
