Lt Col Manish Shashikant Kadam KC

Baramulla Operation: 16 Mar 2008

During 2008, Lt Col Manish Shashikant Kadam’s unit, 22 Rashtriya Rifles, was deployed in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, an area that was frequently affected by terrorist activity. The unit was actively engaged in counter-insurgency operations and had to maintain a constant state of vigilance due to the persistent threat posed by heavily armed militants operating in the region. The area of responsibility assigned to the unit was known to be infiltrated by terrorists, making operational readiness and intelligence-based action essential. On 16 March 2008, security forces received credible intelligence inputs regarding the presence of hardcore terrorists hiding in a village in Baramulla district. Acting swiftly on this information, a search and cordon operation was planned to neutralize the threat and prevent the militants from escaping. The operation team, led by Lt Col Manish Kadam, moved to the suspected location according to the operational plan and successfully established a cordon around the area. Displaying sound tactical judgment and leadership, Lt Col Manish Kadam strategically deployed his troops to create a tight cordon around the suspected hideout. This deployment ensured that all possible escape routes were effectively blocked, thereby increasing the chances of apprehending or neutralizing the terrorists. At the same time, mindful of the presence of civilians in the area and the need to avoid collateral damage, Lt Col Manish Kadam ordered his troops to safely evacuate the villagers to a secure location before initiating further action.

During the evacuation process, one of the terrorists attempted to exploit the situation and break through the cordon. Reacting instantly and with remarkable presence of mind, Lt Col Manish Kadam opened fire on the militant, injuring him while ensuring that no civilians were harmed. Despite being injured, the terrorist managed to escape briefly and took shelter in another house located approximately 200 meters away. Determined to neutralize the threat and prevent the terrorist from escaping again, Lt Col Manish Kadam pursued the militant and led the operation from the front. Demonstrating exceptional courage and determination, he lobbed a grenade into the house in order to force the terrorist out of his hiding place. As the militant attempted to flee, Lt Col Manish Kadam engaged him in a fierce exchange of fire. In a bold and daring action, he successfully eliminated the terrorist. However, during the intense gun battle, the terrorist fired a burst of automatic fire that grievously injured Lt Col Manish Kadam. Despite the efforts made to save him, he later succumbed to his injuries, making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. His actions during the operation reflected exemplary bravery, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the safety of civilians and the security of the nation. For his extraordinary courage, outstanding leadership, and supreme sacrifice, Lt Col Manish Shashikant Kadam was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra, the nation’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award.  The honour recognized his fearless conduct and selfless devotion to duty while combating terrorism.

Lt Col Manish Kadam is survived by his father, Shri Shashikant Kadam, and mother, Smt. Shubadda Kadam, his wife, Smt. Smita Kadam and his son Shri Siddhant Kadam. 

The citation for Kirti Chakra awarded to him reads:

Lieutenant Colonel Manish Shashikant Kadam was Second-in-Command of 22 Rashtriya Rifles located in Jammu and Kashmir. On 16 March 2008, based on information about the presence of terrorists in a village in Baramulla District, he personally led the troops to cordon the target house. One terrorist, realizing that he was trapped, attempted to break the cordon, when the civilians from the target and neighboring houses were being evacuated. The terrorist caused initial causalities to own troops. Lieutenant Colonel Kadam took control of the situation and to avoid civilian causalities, brought down effective fire on the escaping terrorist and injured him. The officer then followed the blood trial and readjusted the cordon to pin down the terrorist. He tasked his troops to provide covering fire, whilst he personally closed in to the house where the terrorist had taken shelter and lobbed a grenade through the window. The terrorist attempted to again break the cordon and escape, firing indiscriminately and lobbed two grenades in the direction of the officer. Displaying presence of mind, the officer retaliated and killed the terrorist. However, a stray burst fired by the terrorist resulted in the death of the officer. The terrorist was identified as a Chief Operational in the Kashmir Valley.

Lieutenant Colonel Manish Shashikant Kadam displayed indomitable courage, conspicuous bravery and exhibiting outstanding leadership in fighting the terrorists.