Emotions ran high and thunderous applause reverberated the Rajpath today as kin of six security personnel who died fighting terrorists during the Mumbai attacks, received the Ashok Chakra during the Republic day celebrations here.
Maharashtra ATS chief Hemant Karkare, Additional Commissioner Ashok Kamte and four others who lost their lives in the Mumbai carnage were among the 11 security personnel honoured with the highest peace time gallantry award.
Thousands of people including foreign invitees accoladed the supreme sacrifice of the security personnel as President Pratibha Patil presented the awards.
Kavita Karkare, widow of slain Maharashtra ATS chief Hemant Karkare who displayed raw courage and unparalleled leadership while fighting the Mumbai attackers, was virtually in tears while receiving the award and the President was seen consoling her.
A large number of people among the audience, including VIPs, rose from their seats when Kavita went to receive the award for her husband posthumously.
The tribute came as a long round of applause, when another Mumbai hero Additional Commissioner Ashok Kamte's wife Vineeta Kamte received the award.
Smita Salaskar, wife of Mumbai Police Inspector Vijay Salaskar, who also laid down his life on the line of duty, received the honour from the president.
For Tukaram Gopal Ombale, who showed exemplary courage while fighting the terrorists, his wife Tarabai Ombale received the prestigious award.
