Subedar Moshat Lamkang SM SC

Subedar Moshat Lamkang was born on 20 August 1962 in Kurnoching village located in Chandel Subdivision of Chandel district in Manipur. He was the son of Shri Shanganul Darshel and Smt Peishui Lamkang. Deeply inspired by a spirit of service and patriotism, he aspired to serve the nation in uniform. Following his school education, he joined the Indian Army on 1st March 1979 at the age of 18. He was inducted into the 8th Battalion of the Assam Regiment—an infantry regiment known for its indomitable courage, operational excellence, and deep-rooted regimental ethos. Raised on 15 June 1941 in Shillong, the Assam Regiment holds a prestigious place in the history of the Indian Army. It has been lauded for its brave contributions in various military operations, including the Indo-Pak War of 1971, during which it earned the Battle Honour "Chhamb" for its gallant stand in a critical sector.

Over the course of his military career, Subedar Moshat Lamkang served in various operational areas across the country, steadily rising through the ranks due to his unwavering commitment, leadership skills, and reliability under pressure. By 2004, after nearly 25 years of dedicated service, he had been promoted to the rank of Subedar, a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) rank that recognizes experience, leadership, and exceptional conduct. He was also awarded the Sena Medal in recognition of his distinguished service and unwavering devotion to duty during this period. Known for his calm demeanor and operational acumen, he was respected by both his peers and subordinates as a steadfast and capable leader. 

Pulwama Operation (J&K): 05 Feb 2004

During 2004, Sub Moshat Lamkang's unit was deployed in the Pulwama district of Jammu & Kashmir. On 05 February 2004, Subedar Lamkang was tasked to lead an operation in the dense and hostile jungles of Trach village located in Pulwama Tehsil of Pulwama district. His leadership and courage were brought to the fore during this challenging counterinsurgency mission. At around 1000 hours, while advancing through thick jungle terrain, his team came under sudden and heavy automatic fire from an underground terrorist hideout at a close range of approximately 20 metres. Assessing the gravity of the situation and acting swiftly, Subedar Lamkang executed a flanking man oeuvre to cordon off and neutralize the source of the attack. During this manoeuvre, he spotted an armed terrorist just a few meters away. Despite being detected himself, he reacted with exceptional speed and presence of mind, shooting the terrorist dead in a split-second encounter.

However, even before he could regroup, two more terrorists opened fire from another nearby hideout. Subedar Lamkang was critically wounded, sustaining gunshot injuries to his shoulder and chest. Despite his serious injuries, he refused to withdraw or seek cover. Displaying extraordinary courage and complete disregard for his own safety, he charged at the new threat and engaged both terrorists in a close-quarter battle. In the ensuing encounter, he successfully eliminated both of them in hand-to-hand combat. Even while bleeding profusely and in immense pain, Subedar Lamkang continued to fire at the remaining militants' position, effectively pinning them down and preventing their escape. His valiant stand allowed the rest of the team to dominate the firefight and gain a tactical advantage. He was later evacuated, but succumbed to his injuries before reaching medical aid. The operation resulted in the elimination of nine Pakistani terrorists, largely due to the unmatched bravery and leadership of Subedar Moshat Lamkang. His actions not only turned the tide of the operation but also saved the lives of many of his comrades. In recognition of his conspicuous gallantry, indomitable spirit, and supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army, Subedar Moshat Lamkang was posthumously awarded the "Shaurya Chakra" on 15 August 2004.

Subedar Moshat Lamkang is survived by his wife, Smt SK Silwer Lamkang.

The citation for the "Shaurya Chakra" awarded to him reads:

 On 05 February 2004 Subedar Moshat volunteered to operate in Trach jungles in inclement whether. At 1000 hours the party came under heavy volume of fire from an underground hideout at a distance of 20 meters. He made a flanking move to cordon off an neutralize the attack. While approaching the hideout he spotted an armed terrorist close to him, who also detected him. Displaying extremely quick reflexes the Subedar shot the terrorist dead. In the meantime, two terrorists from another hideout fired and critically injured him in shoulder and chest. Sensing grave danger to his comrades, Subedar Moshat unmindful of personal safety and agony, attacked and killed both terrorists in a face to face encounter. Inspite of injuries Subedar Moshat, continued to fire at the hideout, preventing the escape of the terrorists, till he was evacuated to safety, where he succumbed to his injuries.. His action attributed in a big way to the success of the operation and killing nine Pakistani terrorists.

For the most conspicuous act of bravery and supreme sacrifice beyond the call of duty in the face of danger, JC-548602H Subedar Moshat Lamkang, Sena Medal, was awarded “Shaurya Chakra” (Posthumous) on 15 Aug 2004.