Lance Naik Chougule JR

Lance Naik Chougule Jayavant Ramchandra hailed from Bidri village of Kolhapur district in Maharashtra. After completing his school education, he joined the 16 Maratha Light Infantry (16 MLI), part of the illustrious Maratha Light Infantry Regiment, one of the oldest and most celebrated regiments of the Indian Army. Known for producing fearless and skilled soldiers, the regiment boasts a rich history of valor and sacrifice, and Lance Naik Chougule JR was a proud torchbearer of its legacy.

In 1993, 16 MLI was deployed in Nagaland to counter the insurgency that had gripped the region. On December 20, while part of a convoy traveling along the Mokokchung-Mariani Road, the battalion came under a meticulously planned ambush by a large group of insurgents wielding advanced automatic weapons. The ambush unfolded at approximately 8:40 a.m. and was marked by intense enemy fire.

Nagaland Operation: 20th Dec 1993

During 1993, L/Nk Chougule's unit was deployed in Nagaland as part of "Operation Orchid" to counter the insurgency that had gripped the region. On the morning of December 20, 1993, L/Nk Chougule was part of a military convoy led by Col N Jayachandran Nair, tasked with traversing the strategic Mokokchung-Mariani Road. This route, infamous for militant ambushes, was critical for maintaining security and the Army's presence in the area. As the convoy advanced through the challenging terrain of dense forests and sharp mountain bends, they entered a vulnerable stretch notorious for attacks. Despite the overwhelming odds, Lance Naik Chougule JR exhibited extraordinary valour and a resolute fighting spirit. Amidst the chaos and relentless attack, he stood firm, engaging the insurgents to protect his comrades and uphold the mission. Fighting courageously, he sustained severe injuries but continued to resist the enemy with remarkable determination until he succumbed to his wounds.

Lance Naik Chougule J R was among the 14 gallant soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the ambush, which also claimed the life of the commanding officer, Col N Jayachandran Nair. His fellow martyrs included Nb Sub Bhosale MS, Nk Nikam Balu, L/Nk AG Jadhav, 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 Chougule's actions epitomized the highest ideals of bravery, selflessness, and devotion to duty. 

Lance Naik Chougule Jayavant Ramchandra is survived by his wife Smt Jaishree.