Lance Naik Mohan Nath Goswami AC

Lance Naik Mohan Nath Goswami was born in Lalkuan village of Nainital district in Uttarakhand, into a family deeply rooted in military traditions. His father, an Army veteran, served as an early inspiration, instilling in him a profound sense of patriotism and a strong desire to serve the nation. From his formative years, Mohan Nath aspired to join the armed forces, and through sheer determination and dedication, he realized this dream. In 2002, he was inducted into the 9th Battalion of the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces)—one of the most elite and formidable units of the Indian Army. Known for undertaking the most perilous missions in the most hostile environments, the Special Forces demand extraordinary physical endurance, psychological resilience, and specialized combat proficiency. Lance Naik Goswami quickly distinguished himself within this elite brotherhood. Through intense training and unwavering commitment, he emerged as one of the toughest and most reliable soldiers in his unit, earning the respect and admiration of both his comrades and superiors.

A soldier in the truest sense, Lance Naik Goswami was known for leading from the front and consistently volunteering for the most dangerous and high-risk missions. Over the years, he played a crucial role in numerous counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir, eliminating several high-value terrorist targets and significantly contributing to India’s internal security efforts. His composure under fire, tactical acumen, and combat effectiveness made him an indispensable asset to his battalion. However, it was in September 2015 that his courage and gallantry reached legendary status. In a span of just 11 days, Lance Naik Goswami took part in three major counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir, each more challenging than the last. His unmatched bravery and tactical brilliance during these back-to-back missions led to the neutralization of multiple terrorists, showcasing his exceptional combat skills and unwavering resolve. These feats of valour, executed in rapid succession, remain etched in the annals of the Indian Army’s Special Forces history as a testament to his heroism.

Counter Insurgency Ops: Aug-Sep 2015

First operation (Operation Khurmur) : 22 Aug 2015

On 21 August 2015, a special forces squad from 9 Para (SF), led by Captain Dipesh Mehra, was deployed on a high-risk mission in the Khurmur village of Handwara district, Jammu and Kashmir. Intelligence reports had indicated that three terrorists were expected to arrive at a designated location to facilitate the infiltration of six more terrorists into the region. On the night of 22 August, the squad successfully spotted the infiltrators. However, upon being challenged, the terrorists opened fire on the troops, leading to an intense gun battle. During the exchange of fire, Captain Mehra sustained injuries, which significantly hampered the squad's ability to continue the operation. Back at the 9 Para (SF) headquarters, Lance Naik Mohan Nath Goswami, upon receiving news of the situation, volunteered to reinforce the squad and rushed to their aid. Upon arrival, he helped evacuate the injured Captain to safety while simultaneously taking command of the situation. Demonstrating exceptional combat skills and tactical leadership, L Nk Goswami continued engaging the terrorists alongside his comrades. The operation extended into the next day, and after a prolonged firefight, all nine terrorists were eliminated, ensuring the complete success of Operation Khurmur. L Nk Goswami’s swift response, courage, and determination were instrumental in turning the tide of the battle, further cementing his reputation as one of the finest warriors in the 9 Para (SF).

Second operation (Operation Lidder Panzal) : 26 Aug 2015

On 26 August 2015, intelligence sources reported the infiltration of five heavily armed terrorists in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir. In response, troops from the 35 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) were deployed to intercept them. During an initial engagement on a remote ridgeline in the Shamshabari range, the forces managed to eliminate one terrorist, while the remaining four escaped under the cover of darkness. To track the fleeing terrorists, the Army deployed drones, which helped monitor their movement. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, a 12-member team of 9 Para (Special Forces), including Lance Naik Mohan Nath Goswami, was airdropped into the region. The landing zone was approximately 4 kilometers from the last known location of the terrorists, requiring the commandos to navigate difficult terrain before engaging the enemy. As the operation progressed, the drone successfully guided the commandos to a cave, where the terrorists had taken shelter. Leading from the front, L Nk Goswami spearheaded the assault, engaging the terrorists in a fierce firefight. Displaying exceptional marksmanship and combat prowess, he and his comrades neutralized three terrorists and captured one alive. With this decisive victory, Operation Lidder Panzal was successfully concluded, delivering a significant blow to terrorist activities in the region. L Nk Goswami’s courage, tactical acumen, and unwavering leadership once again proved instrumental in the mission’s success.

Third operation (Operation Sutsalyar) : 02/03 Sep 2015

On 2 September 2015, intelligence reports indicated that six heavily armed terrorists were attempting to infiltrate through the dense Sutsalyar forests in Kupwara, one of the most challenging terrains in Kashmir, with visibility often reduced to less than three meters due to thick foliage. Given the complexity of the mission, the Army launched a meticulously planned 96-hour operation, deploying six squads comprising 36 elite soldiers to intercept the infiltrators. At 2030 hours, Lance Naik Mohan Nath Goswami’s squad spotted four terrorists at the suspected location. As soon as they were challenged, the terrorists opened fire, triggering an intense firefight. Within minutes, L Nk Goswami successfully shot one of the terrorists, but the militant managed to survive the initial hit.

A tense silence followed, broken only by the sound of rainfall, which added to the difficulty of the operation. However, shortly after midnight, the terrorists launched a fierce counterattack, using a grenade launcher, which left two of L Nk Goswami’s comrades injured. Without hesitation, L Nk Goswami, along with his buddy, Hav Mahendra Singh, moved forward to rescue their wounded fellow soldiers. As they advanced under fire, Hav Mahendra Singh was hit by enemy bullets, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. Seeing his comrade incapacitated, L Nk Goswami refused to retreat. Instead, he sprang from his cover, fearlessly engaging the terrorists in close combat, firing relentlessly. However, in the intense exchange, he was struck by two bullets, causing him to stagger. Despite his injuries, L Nk Goswami fought on, managing to eliminate two advancing terrorists before finally succumbing to his wounds.

Lance Naik Mohan Nath Goswami's actions on that fateful night epitomized extraordinary courage, unwavering determination, and supreme sacrifice. Placing his comrades and duty above his own life, he fought until his last breath, ensuring the success of the mission. His heroic stand not only saved the lives of his fellow soldiers but also upheld the highest traditions of the Indian Army and the 9 Para (SF). In recognition of his exceptional gallantry and selfless service, L Nk Mohan Nath Goswami was posthumously awarded the "Ashok Chakra", India’s highest peacetime gallantry award. His legacy continues to inspire generations of soldiers, reminding the nation of the unwavering spirit of its brave hearts.

Lance Naik Mohan Nath Goswami is survived by his mother Smt Radha Devi, wife Smt Bhawna Goswami, and daughter Ms Bhumika.

The citation for "Ashok Chakra" awarded to him reads:

On the intervening night of 02/03 September 2015, Lance Naik Mohan Nath Goswami was part of an ambush in Haphruda forest at Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir. At about 20:15 hrs, there was a fierce encounter with four terrorists wherein two of his comrades were injured and pinned down. Lance Naik Mohan along with his buddy dashed forward to rescue their injured colleagues, knowing well the risk to his own life. He first assisted in eliminating one terrorist. Sensing grave danger to three of his wounded colleagues, Lance Naik Mohan with utter disregard to his own personal safety, charged at the remaining terrorists drawing intense fire from them. He was hit in the thigh. Unmindful, he closed in and eliminated one terrorist, injured another and was again shot in the abdomen. Undeterred by his injuries, he hurled himself on the last terrorist and killed him at point blank range before succumbing to his wounds. Lance Naik Mohan not only killed two terrorists, but also assisted in neutralizing the other two and save the lives of three of his wounded colleagues.

Thus, Lance Naik Mohan Nath Goswami exhibited most conspicuous gallantry in personally eliminating two terrorists and assisting in evacuation of his wounded colleagues and made supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army.

• The road leading to the Lance Naik Mohan Nath Goswami’s home at Lalkuan village about 30 Kms from Nainital has been named after him in his honour.