Ravi Krishnan Khajuria
Tribune News Service
Jammu, November 18

The Army has lost two decorated officers — Colonel MN Rai and Colonel Santosh Mahadik — this year in its fight against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in Kashmir.
“The two officers always led their men from the front in multiple counter-insurgency operations. Both of them combined bravery with compassion,” said a senior Army officer.
Moreover, both officers had developed a healthy rapport with the people in Kashmir, especially the youth, weaning them away from militancy, he added.
Colonel Rai laid his life in the line of duty, combating militants in the Tral area of Pulwama district, on January 28. Colonel Mahadik was killed in Kupwara district on Tuesday. The heroes left behind a saga of bravery that, in turn, would strengthen the resolve to fight elements inimical to peace, said the officer. Both officers were quite young. While Colonel Rai was 39 years old, Colonel Mahadik was 38.
“These men of mettle knew no fear and were always at the forefront to combat militants. Though there is no denying the fact that we have lost two Colonels this year in counter-militancy operations, their sacrifice will inspire other Army men to take this fight against terrorism head on,” he said.
Colonel Rai was killed after the father and brother of one of the terrorists, who were hiding in a house, approached him, claiming that the militant wanted to surrender.
Colonel Rai, like a true soldier, gave them the opportunity to do so. Militants came out of the house firing indiscriminately, leading to the gunbattle. The officer’s swift actions prevented many civilian casualties, but he laid down his life in the line of duty. Colonel Rai was conferred the Yudh Seva Medal on the eve of Republic Day for outstanding contribution in planning and conducting operations.
Both Colonels were commanding officers of their units. “Colonel is a senior post, but still they chose to fight from the front, that showed their commitment,” said a defence official. Colonel Rai was the Commanding Officer of 42 RRwhile Colonel Mahadik was Commanding Officer of the 41 RR.
A classmate of Colonel Mahadik at Sainik School in Satara, Colonel Prashant Patil, said: “He was born for this. He would always speak about making the supreme sacrifice. Though calm by nature and gentle in demeanour, he carried a storm in his heart.”