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Kupwara : Today, Indian Army is remembering one of its ‘Bravest of the Brave’, Col Jojan Thomas, Ashok Chakra (Posthumous) by releasing a comic on his life and gallant act of neutralising three terrorists at close range for which he was awarded the highest peace time gallantry award ‘Ashok Chakra’ posthumously. The comic was released by wife of Late Col Jojan Thomas, Mrs Beena Thomas in presence of their son Philiomen and warriors of Machhal Brigade, at ‘Naaz-e-Hind’ at ‘ Zamindar Gali’ in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir. Naaz – E – Hind is a complex made at Z Gali to commemorate the supreme sacrifice of Col Jojan Thomas and Nk Neeraj who had laid down their life fighting the terrorists near Z Gali and were honoured with the award of Ashoka Chakra (Posthumously) by a grateful nation. Naaz E Hind complex comprises of a 100 Ft high national flag, selfie wall, commemoration stone and view point.
The aim of publishing this comic is to present life of Col Jojan Thomas, AC (P) for future soldiers as a guiding light and motivation while discharging their duties. The comic is also aimed at making stories of our heroes accessible to school children to motivate them towards following the footsteps of these heroes as future citizens of this country.
Col Jojan Thomas, AC (P) was Commanding Officer 45 Rashtriya Rifles battalion on 22 August 2008 in Machhal sector of Kupwara. On this day, while acting on a specific input of terrorist movement, he led from the front and neutralised two terrorists at close quarters. In the process, he sustained severe gunshot wounds. In spite of this, he refused to be evacuated and in a daring act, rolled down a cliff to surprise third terrorist who had taken a concealed position and was engaging our soldiers effectively. In a fierce hand to hand fight, he eliminated the third terrorist. However, he later succumbed to his injuries.
His life and actions in line of duty are eternally etched in the minds of soldiers of his unit and motivate them to serve their nation with ‘Dradta and Veerta’.
