Independence Day gallantry awards: Here's why President Murmu honoured Army dog Kent with mention-in-despatches

Earlier today, President Droupadi Murmu approved the Independence Day honours for 2024. The honours comprise 103 gallantry awards to the armed forces and central armed police forces personnel, and 39 mention-in-despatches, including to Army Dog Kent (posthumous).

Kent, a six-year-old female Labrador, was killed on September 13, 2023, when terrorists shot her down in Jammu and Kashmir during Operation Sujaligala.

Trained as a tracker dog, Kent had participated in many operations during her service. On that fateful day, as the Indian Army pursued the terrorists, Kent was at the forefront, bravely guiding them through the thick underbrush of Narla village in Rajouri district. Suddenly, the terrorists opened fire and Kent moved ahead to shield her handler from the bullets. She died on the spot, but her sacrifice ensured the safety of the men with her.

Kent’s bravery did not go unnoticed. Tributes poured in from across the nation, including from Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi, who was then the Northern Army commander. The Army honoured Kent with a hero’s farewell, wrapping her body in the tricolour and laying a wreath as a final salute to her service.

The Army also shared a video, showing Kent leading soldiers in a training exercise. The footage, a testament to her commitment, shows her unerring ability to track and apprehend intruders, a skill that ultimately cost her life but saved others.