NEW DELHI: Thirty-one-year-old Lance Naik Goswami hailed from Indira Nagar village in Haldwani Tehsil, and joined the elite Para Commandos in December 2002.
Soft spoken, but considered to be one of the toughest commandos, he always volunteered for operational missions undertaken by his unit. He was a part of numerous successful counter terrorists operations undertaken by his unit in Jammu and Kashmir.
Lance Naik Goswami was actively involved in the Khurmur operations, which were launched on August 23, 2015 in Handwara and resulted in the elimination of three hardcore Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorists of Pakistani origin.
He was involved in the Rafiabad operations on August 26 and 27, and the fierce gunfight resulted in the elimination of three more LeT terrorists and the apprehension of one terrorist who was identified as Sajjad Ahmad alias Abu Ubed Ullah, a resident of Muzzafargarh.
The Rafiabad operation established proof of Pakistan’s complicity in abetting terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
Lance Naik Goswami volunteered to be part of the operation launched in the dense Hafruda Forest near Kupwara, and this proved to be his last operation, but not before eliminating three terrorists in a heavy gun battle.
A true soldier, he breathed his last in action. His mortal remains were flown by an IAF aircraft to Bareilly and then taken by an Army helicopter to Pant Nagar this morning. From there, it will taken to his native place where he will be cremated with full military honours.
He is survived by his wife and a seven-year-old daughter. A big salute to this brave heart.