Naik Chandran TR

Naik Chandran TR embarked on his journey of service to the nation by joining the Indian Army after completing his education. He was recruited into the Madras Engineer Group (MEG), commonly known as the Madras Sappers, a renowned regiment of the Corps of Engineers. The Corps of Engineers serves as a vital combat support arm of the Indian Army, contributing significantly to both operational and peacetime tasks. The Madras Sappers, with their headquarters in Bangalore, hold a rich legacy as the oldest of the three groups within the Corps of Engineers. This prestigious regiment has a long history of excellence, known for its proficiency in combat engineering, bridging, demolitions, and construction. With their motto of "Sarvatra" (Everywhere), the Madras Sappers symbolize versatility, dedication, and resilience.

Naik Chandran TR, like many in his regiment, underwent rigorous training to develop the technical and operational skills necessary for demanding engineering tasks in challenging conditions. His dedication and ability quickly marked him as a valuable soldier in his unit. Early in his military career, Naik Chandran found himself thrust into the crucible of active operations. His unit was deployed as part of the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka during Operation Pawan, a challenging mission to restore peace in the conflict-ridden island nation. The IPKF was tasked with counter-insurgency and peacekeeping operations under complex and perilous conditions.

Op Pawan: 18 Jan 1989

In January 1989, Naik Chandran TR was serving with the 417 (Independent) Field Company of the Madras Engineer Group (MEG), deployed in Sri Lanka as part of the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF). The deployment was pursuant to the Indo-Sri Lankan Accord of 1987, which sought to disarm various militant groups and restore peace in the conflict-ridden island nation. However, the operation took a challenging turn as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a dreaded militant group known for its guerrilla tactics, refused to disarm and launched attacks against the IPKF. In response, the IPKF initiated Operation Pawan, aimed at neutralizing the LTTE’s operational capabilities and dismantling its strongholds, particularly in and around Jaffna. The objective was to cripple the rebel movement and pave the way for peace. Initially, only the 54th Division of the Indian Army was deployed, but as hostilities escalated, three additional divisions—the 3rd, 4th, and 57th Divisions—were inducted to strengthen the mission. By January 1989, the IPKF had conducted numerous operations against the LTTE, but the conflict remained intense and far from resolution. Intelligence reports suggested LTTE militant activity in a jungle near a lagoon, prompting a critical search-and-destroy mission on 18th January 1989.

Naik Chandran T.R., under the command of 2nd Lt Amardeep Singh Bedi, was tasked with a search operation to locate and neutralize suspected LTTE militants. While patrolling the jungle adjacent to a lagoon, 2nd Lt Amardeep spotted a group of militants attempting to cross the lagoon, approximately 700 meters away. Acting decisively, he maneuvered his boat to intercept them and engaged the militants. The team succeeded in killing one militant and likely injuring or eliminating three others, preventing their escape. As the team moved through a narrow channel, another group of 10 to 15 militants, lying in wait to cross the lagoon, launched a heavy and sudden attack. The militants opened fire with a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) and other weapons from a range of just 70 meters. A fierce gun battle ensued. Despite the intense enemy fire, Naik Chandran T.R., 2nd Lt Amardeep, and Lance Naik M Pandu Rangaraju fought valiantly. Tragically, all three were hit by bullets during the engagement. Despite their injuries, they continued resisting until they succumbed to their wounds, making the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Naik Chandran TR along with his comrades 2nd Lt Amardeep Singh Bedi and Lance Naik M Pandu Rangaraju laid down his life to uphold the mission of the IPKF, ensuring the safety and success of his team under hostile conditions.