Sepoy Roshan Lal SM

Sepoy Roshan Lal hailed from Paplol village in Kandaghat Tehsil of Solan district in Himachal Pradesh—a region celebrated for its rich martial traditions and for producing countless brave and patriotic sons of the soil. He was born on 11 January 1974 to Shri Mohan Singh and Smt Kanta Devi, in a modest but values-driven household. From a young age, Sep Roshan Lal displayed traits of discipline, determination, and a deep-rooted sense of duty towards the nation. He completed his matriculation from GSSS Chausha in Kandaghat, where he earned the respect of his teachers and peers alike for his sincere nature and strong character. Driven by an unwavering desire to serve the motherland, Sep Roshan Lal joined the Indian Army on 27 August 1992 at the age of 18 years. He was inducted into the 6th Battalion of the Dogra Regiment, one of the most distinguished and decorated regiments of the Indian Army. The Dogra Regiment, with its legacy of valour and sacrifice, is known for its fearless warriors who have served with honour in numerous wars and operations.

Sep Roshan Lal’s exceptional performance and unwavering commitment caught the attention of his superiors, and on 27 December 1997, he was selected to join the National Security Guard (NSG)—India’s elite counter-terrorism force. This marked a significant turning point in his career. Following rigorous specialized training, he was inducted into the 52 Special Action Group (52 SAG) of the NSG—a highly trained unit entrusted with the most critical and high-risk anti-terror operations. As a commando in 52 SAG, Sepoy Roshan Lal became part of a force that stood at the frontline in the nation’s war against terror, prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice if duty demanded it.

Doda Operation (J&K): 07/08 Sep 1999

In 1999, Sepoy Roshan Lal was serving with the 52 Special Action Group (SAG) of the National Security Guard (NSG)—India’s elite counter-terrorism force. His unit was actively involved in Operation Rakshak, a high-intensity counter-insurgency campaign in Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at neutralizing militants operating in the region. The Doda district, where his unit was deployed, was one of the most volatile and insurgency-affected areas in the region. Frequent infiltrations by militants through mountainous terrain and forested zones kept the troops on constant high alert. The unit regularly launched cordon-and-search operations to intercept and eliminate the threats. On 07 September 1999, intelligence inputs confirmed the presence of heavily armed terrorists hiding in a house in Targam village in Banihal Tehsil of Doda district. The area had a history of violent encounters, making it a highly sensitive and dangerous mission.

A special operation was swiftly planned, and the task was assigned to No. 3 Squadron of 52 SAG (NSG). Sepoy Roshan Lal was chosen as a member of the team entrusted with its execution. With precision and urgency, Sep Roshan Lal and his comrades swiftly moved to the location and cordoned off the suspected hideout, cutting off all possible escape routes for the militants. On 08 Sep at around 0100 hrs, as the NSG team began the search and assault operation, the cornered terrorists opened sudden and heavy fire in a desperate attempt to break the security cordon. During the fierce exchange, Sepoy Roshan Lal was struck by bullets at close range, sustaining grievous injuries. Despite being critically wounded, he refused to retreat. Summoning every ounce of strength and courage, he returned fire with precision, managing to eliminate one terrorist on the spot. His brave action not only disrupted the militants’ plan to escape but also saved the lives of his fellow commandos. However, the wounds he sustained proved fatal. Sepoy Roshan Lal succumbed to his injuries, laying down his life while gallantly defending the nation.

At just 25 years of age, Sepoy Roshan Lal made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. His actions exemplified the highest standards of bravery, presence of mind, and dedication expected of a soldier. In recognition of his extraordinary courage, indomitable spirit, and supreme sacrifice, Sepoy Roshan Lal was posthumously awarded the "Sena Medal", one of India’s distinguished military decorations for gallantry.

Sep Roshan Lal is survived by his wife, Smt Savitri Devi.