Lance Naik AG Jadhav

Lance Naik Appasaheb Ganpati Jadhav hailed from Harali village of Gadhinglaj tehsil in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. After completing his school education, he was inclined to contribute to the defence of his country and joined the Indian Army. He was inducted into the 16 Maratha Light Infantry (16 MLI), a battalion of the prestigious Maratha Light Infantry Regiment, on a path of valour and dedication to the nation. The Maratha Light Infantry is among the oldest and most renowned regiments of the Indian Army, with its origins tracing back to the 18th century. Known for its motto “Duty, Honour, Courage” and its soldiers' fierce fighting spirit, the regiment has participated in numerous campaigns and military operations, both during pre-independence and post-independence eras. Over the years, it has earned numerous accolades and battle honors, making it a revered name in military history. L/Nk AG Jadhav embodied these values and upheld the regiment’s proud legacy throughout his service.

By 1993, L/Nk AG Jadhav had established himself as a seasoned and dedicated soldier, known for his professionalism and leadership. That year, his unit, 16 MLI, was deployed in the insurgency-affected region of Nagaland. The northeastern states of India were grappling with significant challenges from armed insurgents, necessitating a robust military presence to restore law and order. L/Nk AG Jadhav's battalion was entrusted with maintaining peace and combating insurgent activities in the region.

Nagaland Operation: 20th Dec 1993

During 1993, L/Nk AG Jadhav's’s unit was deployed in Nagaland as part of "Operation Orchid" to counter the insurgency that had gripped the region. On December 20, 1993, L/Nk AG Jadhav was part of a convoy led by Colonel N Jayachandran Nair on the Mokokchung-Mariani Road, a crucial artery in Nagaland. The convoy came under a well-planned ambush by insurgents wielding sophisticated and automatic weapons. Approximately 100 armed insurgents launched a surprise attack, subjecting the convoy to intense and relentless fire. Displaying exemplary courage and leadership, L/Nk AG Jadhav fought back valiantly alongside his comrades, engaging the attackers in fierce combat despite being outnumbered and under heavy fire.

In the midst of the firefight, L/Nk AG Jadhav sustained severe injuries. However, his indomitable spirit and commitment to his duty did not waver. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries and was martyred in the line of duty. The ambush claimed the lives of 13 other brave soldiers, including Col N Jayachandran Nair, Nb Sub Bhosale, Hav Shedge Laxman S, Nk Nikam Balu S, L/Nk Chougule JR, Sep Ramesh S Kakade, Sep Pabale Nitin M, Sep Jadhav Gorakh N, Sep Patil Mahadev R, Sep Kulkarni NP, Sep Surender, Sep Patil Subhash S, and Sep Deepak Galande. L/Nk AG Jadhav displayed commendable courage and determination during the operation and laid down his life in the line of his duty.

Lance Naik Appasaheb Ganpati Jadhav is survived by his mother Smt Sundrabai.