Tral Operation: 27 Jan 2015 By Jan 2015, Col Rai had completed nearly one and half years as commanding officer of 42 RR, which was responsible for counter-insurgency operations in Tral sector in Pulwama district of J & K. Tral had been a hotbed of militancy as it provided suitable terrain for militants to operate. On 27 Jan 2015, the unit had received credible information about the presence of terrorists in the village under its area of operations control. After analyzing the situation a decision was taken by the security forces to launch a joint operation by the Army, CRPF, and the police.
The suspected militants were hiding in a house which was soon surrounded by the security forces. On being challenged the militants started firing and a fierce gun battle ensued. At this point, reportedly, the father and brother of one of the terrorists informed the assault team that the ultras would surrender. Colonel Rai displayed good leadership and followed the Army doctrine of WHAM(Winning Hearts and Minds) and decided to give the militants an opportunity to surrender. The militants, however, took advantage of this act of compassion and started firing in order to escape. The forces soon cornered the militants after a while and gunned down the two militants. But during the heavy exchange of fire, Colonel M N Rai got severely injured and later succumbed to his injuries.
Colonel M N Rai was martyred in the operation, but the exemplary courage and leadership skills displayed by Colonel Rai would always be remembered.
Colonel M N Rai is survived by his wife Priyanka, daughters Alka & Richa and son Aditya. At the funeral of Colonel M N Rai, his 11 years old daughter Alka made his regiment and the entire nation proud by bidding her father a farewell with the Gurkha regiment’s war cry, “Ayo Gorkhali” meaning ” The Gorkhas are here”.
Source: Honourpoint
What did we achieve with the above sacrifice over nailing goat shaggers?
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