Lance Naik Mohan Nath Goswami, the SF operative who killed 10 terrorists in 11 days

Roots of a warrior

In the shadows of the Himalayas, where the air is crisp and the mountains whisper tales of bravery, Lance Naik Mohan Nath Goswami etched his name into the epic saga of the deeds of Indian Special Forces, particularly the 9^th Battalion of Para (SF). These elite units, veiled in the mystique of countless missions, have been the unsung guardians of India's frontiers, executing counter-insurgency (COIN) operations across the unforgiving terrains of Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, and the eastern states. 

Son of an Army veteran, Goswami's journey began in 2002 when he joined the esteemed 9th Battalion of the Parachute Regiment, a special forces unit renowned for its audacious soldiers and fearless operations in the most challenging conditions. Swiftly earning a reputation as one of the toughest men in his unit, Lance Naik Goswami pursued his dream of serving the nation with unwavering determination. Volunteering for various missions, Lance Naik Goswami led several numerous successful counter-terrorism operations in the troubled region of Jammu and Kashmir. 

However, no one could have imagined the remarkable display of grit Lance Naik Mohan Nath Goswami would show in the final days leading to his untimely demise in the line of duty. Notably, he actively participated in three successful counter-insurgency operations within a span of just 11 days in September 2015, showcasing his unparalleled courage on the frontlines.  

Operation Khurmur: A daring rescue in Handwara (Aug 22, 2015)

In the remote village of Khurmur, Handwara, Lance Naik Mohan Nath Goswami showcased extraordinary valor during "Operation Khurmur" on the night of August 22, 2015. A Para (SF) squad under the seasoned command of Captain Dipesh Mehra was deployed in the region with an aim to intercept and neutralize a trio of terrorists anticipating the arrival of six more infiltrators from across the Line of Control.

Amidst the shadows of uncertainty, gunfire erupted when Captain Mehra’s squad spotted and challenged the infiltrators. However, in the ensuing firefight, Captain Mehra found himself injured from enemy fire.  

As the echoes of distress reached Lance Naik Goswami, who was stationed at the 9 Para (SF) HQs, he with a stoic determination reflective of his fearless reputation, volunteered for a perilous rescue mission in a heartbeat. Through the veil of darkness and the looming threat, Goswami joined forces with Captain Mehra's squad, orchestrating a strategic evacuation that not only secured the injured captain's safety but also unfolded a relentless pursuit of the infiltrators. In the crucible of combat, Goswami's unwavering courage and tactical brilliance saw the culmination of the mission with the elimination of all infiltrators, turning the tide in favor of the defenders. "Op Khurmur" stood not just as a military success but as a testament to the indomitable spirit embodied by Lance Naik Mohan Nath Goswami. 

Operation Lidder Panzal: Tracking terrorists in Uri (August 26, 2015)

The jagged landscapes of Uri became the theater for another chapter of valor on 26 Aug 2015, as intelligence reports signaled the presence of five elusive infiltrators. The stage was set for "Op Lidder Panzal," a meticulously orchestrated response that would bear witness to the extraordinary bravery of Lance Naik Goswami. The intelligence-driven precision deployed 12 commandos, an elite force that included the resolute Goswami, who were airdropped with surgical precision, four kilometers away from the last known location of the terrorists.

A silent dance unfolded under the cover of darkness, with the relentless pursuit guided by a vigilant drone. In this high-stakes game of cat and mouse, Goswami, with a lethal combination of strategic acumen and raw courage, initiated a swift and decisive assault. The ensuing firefight saw Goswami's unit eliminating three terrorists and capturing one alive. Notably, the operation which spanned two-days resulted in the capture of Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Sajjad Ahmad alias Abu Ubed Ullah. Lance Naik Goswami’s leadership and valor were instrumental in the success of the operation. 

Operation Sutsalyar: The Final Sacrifice (September 3-4, 2015)

The dense Sutsalyar forests of Kupwara bore witness to the crescendo of Lance Naik Goswami's saga of valor during "Op Sutsalyar" on 02/03 Sep 2015. Intelligence reports suggested six infiltrators threading their way through the labyrinthine foliage, rendering visibility to a mere three meters. The challenge was daunting, the stakes were high, and Lance Naik Goswami's squad, one among six strategically deployed, prepared for a 96-hour ordeal to meet the terrorists making their way into Indian territory from Pakistan. 

As the clock ticked, Lance Naik Goswami's squad, concealed in the shadows, detected the terrorists in their suspected location. The ensuing confrontation erupted in a thunderous exchange of gunfire. In the first moments, Goswami's bullet found its mark, hitting one of the four terrorists. However, the respite was short-lived, as raindrops mingled with the silent murmurs of the forest. The tranquility shattered as midnight approached when the terrorists, emboldened by the darkness, unleashed a barrage of grenades in a bid to escape the cordone laid by the security forces. The move injured two of Goswami's comrades. 

In a heartbeat, Goswami, with unwavering resolve, moved towards his injured brothers in arms. The line between duty and sacrifice blurred as tragedy struck — his comrade, Hav ildar Mahendra Singh, fell victim to enemy bullets, paralyzed from the waist down. In a moment of sheer heroism, Goswami sprang from his cover position, unleashing a hail of gunfire upon the advancing terrorists. The exchange was fierce, and in the midst of the chaos, Goswami, hit by two bullets, crumpled to the ground, triumphant in his sacrifice. The tally, however, spoke volumes — two terrorists fell to his unyielding courage before he embraced the eternal silence. 

Lance Naik Mohan Nath Goswami, in that fateful moment, transcended mortality, leaving an indelible mark of gallantry, unyielding fighting spirit, and sacrifice. His actions weren't just an act of duty; they were a testament to the highest ideals of patriotism. The legacy of Lance Naik Goswami, a beacon of bravery, would forever illuminate the path for generations to come. 

The nation's tribute: The Ashok Chakra awarded posthumously

For his unparalleled courage, Lance Naik Mohan Nath Goswami, the son of the soil from Lalkuan village in Nainital district, Uttarakhand, received the nation's highest peacetime gallantry award, the "Ashok Chakra." His mother, Srimati Radha Devi, his wife, Srimati Bhawna Goswami, and his daughter, Bhumika, became the torchbearers of a legacy woven with threads of sacrifice and bravery.

In the quiet corridors of history, the name Lance Naik Mohan Nath Goswami will resonate, not just as a soldier, but as an embodiment of the undying spirit that defends the sovereignty of the nation. The valor displayed in the line of duty by this fearless warrior remains eternally inscribed, reminding us that heroes like Goswami aren't merely born; they are forged in the crucible of duty, sacrifice, and an unshakeable love for the motherland.