Courage Under Fire: Encounter with NSCN (IM)

By Major Devendra Omkar (Retd) 

On 21 February 2019, I took over as Company Commander of Pallel Company Operating Base, 18 Assam Rifles. Barely weeks into my command, I faced a situation that tested leadership, courage, and decision-making under fire. 

On 13 March 2019, at about 1430 hours, while leading a Road Opening Patrol along the Pallel–Machi axis, a reliable input reached me: armed cadres of NSCN (IM) had abducted a woman, Peileng Rangam, aged 43, from Thamlakhuren village and were moving towards the Pallel–Chandel road. 

I immediately redeployed my team and soon confirmed the insurgents’ presence in New Wangparal village. Time was critical—speed and surprise were essential. I detached a Quick Action Team comprising myself and four other ranks, moving in a civil vehicle to avoid suspicion. 

As we neared the location, the insurgents spotted us and tried to escape into the jungle. I decided to pursue them with my small team. During the chase, two insurgents—later identified as Self-Styled Lieutenant Colonel Justin Khapai and Self-Styled Sergeant Kurungthang Dangshawa alias Kokobi—opened fire at me. 

At that moment, I had a choice: retaliate with heavy firepower, risking unnecessary casualties, or act with restraint. I chose the latter. I fired a single warning shot and ordered them to surrender. When they refused, I closed in, despite the risk of being hit at close range. With determination and coordination, we overpowered both insurgents and apprehended them. 

On searching, we recovered one AK-47 rifle with 26 rounds of live ammunition. More importantly, we rescued the kidnapped woman unharmed. 

Looking back, it was not just an operation but a test of willpower. The insurgents tried to provoke a firefight, but courage is not always about pulling the trigger—sometimes it is about holding it. By maintaining composure and acting decisively, we achieved success without collateral damage. 

That day reaffirmed my belief in leading from the front. My men drew strength from my actions, and together, we proved that when you lead with courage and restraint, the mission and the team will always prevail. 

Reflection
Leadership under fire is about clarity and composure. Courage is not recklessness—it is the ability to act decisively while safeguarding lives. 

ABCEL Perspective
This story reminds us that true leadership shines in moments of uncertainty. Courage is not measured by aggression but by judgment—the ability to balance mission success with humanity. Veterans carry this ethos beyond the battlefield, guiding teams through crises with calm, conviction, and care.