Srinagar, Nov 17 (KINS) Army on Wednesday paid rich tributes to Colonel Santosh Mahadik who was killed on this day in 2015 in an encounter in frontier district of Kupwara.
Colonel Mahadik of the elite Para Commando unit was commanding the counter insurgency unit of 41 Rashtriya Rifles battalion and was killed at Manigah forest in a gunfight close to the Line of Control.
“Family of fearless 41 Rashtriya Rifles paid tribute to the dauntless tiger by praying in Sarv Dharam Sthal and then laid wreath in war memorial followed by inspirational speeches and motivational poems dedicated to Colonel Santosh Mahadik…,” Army said.
Colonel Mahadik, is the name that entire Kupwara will never forget due to his dedication towards development for local population of Kupwara and for his brave and courageous heart, they added.
Colonel Mahadik, was commissioned in elite 21 Para (Special Force) in 1998 and was an accomplished paratrooper and combat underwater diver. He was awarded Sena Medal while serving as a young officer in Lolab Valley of Kupwara in 2003.
“After taking over the command of fearless 41 Rashtriya Rifles he led several successful operations and brought laurels for the battalion. Other than operations, he made his place in the hearts of the locals because of his compassion to bring the youth of Kupwara into mainstream away from terrorism and also for his efforts to revive tourism in Kupwara,” he added.
“On 17 November 2015, Colonel Santosh Mahadik, Sena Medal attained martyrdom while leading his troops from the front in Kashmiri Manigah. Later, he was awarded Shaurya Chakra (Posthumous) for his dynamic leadership and bravery,” Army said.
The wife of Colonel Mahadik joined the Indian Army, setting an example of patriotism and inspiration for the entire nation.( KINS)
