EX-COMMANDING OFFICER RECOUNTS EXPERIENCE WITH MARTYRS, WHO WERE BURIED ALIVE IN AN AVALANCHE IN SIACHEN
JAMMU: Recounting his experience of working with martyrs havildar Elumalai and subedar Nagesh, ex-commanding officer of the Madras Regiment Col Devdatt Patankar termed them outstanding soldiers.
Col Devdatt says Elumalai sent an SoS to the base camp three-hours after they were hit by an avalanche reflecting his courage to survive and outdo the adversary. “I am sure he would have continued to motivate all others while being buried under the snow. He would have fought till his last breath,” says Col Devdatt.
“I got to know Elumalai as an adjutant of the company and found spark of talent, energy who did exceedingly well in the short training capsule,” says Col Devdatt.
He says his next engagement with him was as a company commander of the Delta company. Elumalai shot dead two terrorists in the counter insurgency operation, which was his first encounter in his service.
He was also involved in Operation Prakarm (2001) being part of the mine laying and mine recovery parties.
The ex-commanding officer says it was no surprise that he was chosen for one of the toughest posts.
Remembering subed ar Nagesh, Col Devdatt says he first met him when he posted in Ghatak platoon on being commissioned as an officer. Nagesh was the youngest of the group and but showed a lot of endurance as he could run 20km with speed, carrying weight and still remain fit. “He was my friend, brother and a colleague, guiding me in learning the lessons of leadership, brotherhood and camaraderie,” writes the Colonel.
Nagesh was involved in an operation with terrorists in Doda. The unit had lost one officer and two soldiers but it managed to kill five terrorists and Nagesh played a key role in the operation. “Without fearing for his life, he chased the fleeing terrorists and killed one in close combat, which was something unheard of in Doda,” writes Col Devdatt.