On January 2 2016, while the country was still in the post celebratory stupor from New Year’s, the Indian Air Base in Pathankot came under siege by terrorists. The base at Pathankot is spread over 2000 acres, including forests and tall grass. In fact it has been described as a mini-city with schools, homes and many civilians.
We lost seven soldiers to the siege as they were at the scene early on and they reacted with courage under fire. This siege could have been much worse if not for them and we all owe it to each of them to know their names and thank them.
Lieutenant Colonel Niranjan Kumar, National Security Guard
Member of the bomb squad he died while trying to diffuse a bomb set by the infiltrators. He is survived by his wife Dr. Radhika and an 18 month old daughter.
Lt. Col. Niranjan Kumar
Corporal Gursevak Singh, Garud Comando
He lost his life during the initial gunfire exchange with the terrorists. He was posted at Adampur but was rushed to counter the terrorist attack at Pathankot. He is survived by his wife of two months, Jaspreet Kaur.
Garud Commando Gursevak Singh
Captain Fateh Singh, Defence Security Corps
He was also martyred in the initial gunfight with the terrorists. He was a big bore shooter and had joined the DSC after retiring from the army.
Capt. Fateh Singh
Hawaldar Kulwant Singh, Defence Security Corps
He was killed while fighting the attackers who were heavily armed and used artillery intended to cause maximum damage.
Hawaldar Kulwant Singh
Hawaldar Jagdish Chandra, Defence Security Corps
A cook working in the kitchens when the attack began, he ran after one of the terrorists, bare handed and took away the terrorists rifle and shot him. Unfortunately he fell victim to the bullets of the other terrorists.
Hawaldar Jagdish Chandra
Hawaldar Sanjeevan Singh Rana, Defence Security Corps
Involved in the initial battle with the terrorists, he was shot five times in the chest and survived. He later succumbed to the injuries. He was the sole bread earner for his family. He is survived by a wife, two daughters and one son.
Hawaldar Sanjeevan Singh
Havildar Mohit Chand, Defence Security Corps
Another Martyr was injured at the very beginning of the fight and was rushed to the hospital. He later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. We couldn’t find any photos of him on file, but his sacrifice was given full military honours.
Military Honours The Martyrs of Pathankot
No one could be absolutely certain as to how many terrorists had entered the base, but ultimately they killed 5 terrorists. The United Jihadi Council claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that they wanted India to know that they could at any time enter any base and attack at any time. The forces continue to do the mop up and sweeps in order to declare the base safe once again.
Author: Tora Sen
