Nb Sub KG Koshy KC

Naib Subedar Kanjiramannil George Koshy hailed from Kulanada village, located in the Thrissur District of Kerala. Raised in a culturally rich and disciplined environment, he grew up imbibing values of dedication, integrity, and service. After completing his formal education, he chose to serve the nation by joining the Indian Army, a decision that reflected his deep sense of patriotism and resolve. He was inducted into the 26th Battalion of the Madras Regiment, one of the oldest and most distinguished infantry regiments of the Indian Army, known for its gallantry, tradition, and combat excellence. From the beginning of his military career, Naib Subedar Koshy demonstrated exceptional qualities of leadership, unwavering commitment, and professional competence. His conduct and dedication set a high standard, earning him respect among his peers and superiors alike.

As a junior commissioned officer, he consistently led from the front, inspiring those under his command with his courage and sense of responsibility. Whether during rigorous training or active operational deployments, Naib Subedar Koshy remained steadfast in his duties, embodying the ethos of the Indian Army throughout his service.

Operation Blue Star: 06/07 Jun 1984

In the early 1980s, the Indian state of Punjab witnessed a dangerous surge in militancy, driven by the escalating Sikh separatist movement. The situation deteriorated rapidly under the leadership of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, who rallied armed supporters and turned the movement increasingly violent. By December 1983, anticipating arrest, Bhindranwale and hundreds of heavily armed followers occupied the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar, converting the revered shrine into a heavily fortified militant base. As efforts at negotiation failed and violence escalated, the Government of India launched Operation Blue Star in June 1984 to remove the militants and restore control over the temple. The operation was assigned to the 350 Infantry Brigade, commanded by Brigadier D.V. Rao, and comprised of several elite units, including 26 Madras, 10 Guards, 12 Bihar, and 9 Kumaon, with critical support from 1 Parachute Regiment and the Special Frontier Force (SFF).

At the time, Naib Subedar KG Koshy was serving with the 26th Battalion of the Madras Regiment, a unit known for its distinguished combat history and battlefield discipline.  As a senior Junior Commissioned Officer, Nb Sub Koshy was entrusted with key responsibilities in the assault plan. On the night of 5th/6th June 1984, ‘C’ Company of 26 Madras was assigned the extremely hazardous task of capturing the first floor of a fortified building inside the Golden Temple complex. The building was under the control of well-armed militants who had entrenched themselves using sandbags and automatic weapons. All stairways leading to the upper level were covered by intense fire, making any direct assault nearly impossible. Lieutenant Ram Prakash Roperia, officiating as the Officer Commanding of ‘C’ Company, devised an alternative strategy with Nb Sub Koshy — they would scale the building using ladders. The first three attempts to reach the first floor were met with devastating machine-gun fire and had to be aborted. Refusing to back down, Lt Roperia called for volunteers for a fourth attempt. Nb Sub Koshy volunteered without hesitation and, along with his officer, led the assault. Despite coming under relentless fire, Lt Roperia and Nb Sub Koshy successfully climbed to the first floor, breaking the deadlock and enabling the rest of the company to follow. Inside, they engaged in intense close-quarter battle, systematically clearing each room of militants. Their courageous breakthrough played a decisive role in the progress of the operation.

After securing the upper floor, Nb Sub Koshy moved to link up with ‘D’ Company on the ground level. However, the staircase between the two floors remained under enemy control. Demonstrating presence of mind and unflinching bravery, he hurled grenades into the stairwell and stormed through, directly engaging the militants. Amid this engagement, Lt Roperia sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the shoulder and neck but continued leading his men until he reached the ground floor, where he collapsed due to his injuries. He succumbed soon after, despite being evacuated. Nb Sub Koshy, too, was grievously wounded during the encounter. Though promptly evacuated to a military hospital, he breathed his last on 7th June 1984, having displayed exceptional courage and selflessness in the face of grave danger. In recognition of his fearless leadership and devotion to duty, Naib Subedar K.G. Koshy was posthumously awarded the “Kirti Chakra”, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award.

The bravery of Nb Sub Koshy was part of a broader tapestry of collective gallantry displayed by the soldiers of 26 Madras during Operation Blue Star. The battalion suffered severe casualties in the fierce combat that unfolded over two days. On 6th June 1984, it lost Lieutenant Ram Prakash Roperia, Subedar Kuruppan P.R., Naik Prabha Kumar M., Naik S.P. Soman Pillai, Lance Naik Unni Krishnan, Sepoy Koshy Kunju K.S., Sepoy Singuru V. Murthy, Sepoy Pusalapati Ankaiah, and Sepoy C. Rayappan. The following day, on 7th June 1984, the battalion lost Havildar Dasari Rama Rao, Lance Havildar M. Vamuniyan, Naik N. Mani, Sepoy Salu T., and Sepoy Natrajan C.—each one making the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation. These valiant soldiers upheld the highest traditions of the Indian Army, standing shoulder to shoulder in one of the most complex and dangerous urban military operations in Indian history. 

Naib Subedar Kanjiramannil George Koshy is survived by his wife, Smt Susamma.