Pall of gloom at dead NSG commando's home

STORMING OPERATION: Commandos of the National Security Guards rappel down on to the roof of Nariman House in Mumbai on Friday.
Endgame in Mumbai, death toll could be 200

Saturday, November 29, 2008
Pall of gloom at dead NSG commando's home
Mumbai: It was black Friday for the Unnikrishnan family as news of their 31-year-old son, Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, on deputation with the National Security Guards, being killed in anti-terror operation in Mumbai filtered in on Friday.

Sandeep, who passed out from Frank Anthony School in Bengaluru and was later commissioned in the Bihar Regiment in 1999, was among the brave armed forced personnel who laid down their lives in the strike against terrorists in Mumbai.

"The family has been inconsolable. Both his mother and sister continue to be shell-shocked", said S K Krishnan, a close family friend and a former colleague of Sandeep's father at ISRO. Sandeep's father Unnikrishnan had retired from the department of space at ISRO.

"The family had no idea that Sandeep was part of the operation in Mumbai. He had not informed his family about the operation owing to security reasons," he said.

"However, we did feel he could have been part of the operation as a large number of NSG contingent had been called in to flush out the terrorists and free the hostages," he said.

"The news was received when a personnel contacted us and television news confirmed our worst fears," he said.

Paying glowing tributes to Sandeep, he said Sandeep had always been brave right from his early days.

He always dreamt of being part of the armed forces. His patriotism was one that breathed inspiration. His entire philosophy in life revolved around service to the nation first and foremost.

"And he has just done just that," said an emotional Krishnan. "He was a son that any parent would love to have," he said, before breaking down into tears.

Copyright 2008 PTI. All rights reserved.
Pall of gloom at dead NSG commando's home

Mumbai, Nov 28 (PTI) Two NSG personnel, including an officer, were today killed and six other commandos injured during operations against terrorists in Mumbai, the first casualties suffered by the elite force during the siege.
Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, 31, was killed while engaging terrorists this morning at the Taj hotel, an NSG spokesperson told PTI.

Commando Chander received fatal bullet injuries during gunbattle at Nariman House, the official said.

Six other commandos were also injured during the encounters with terrorists at Taj hotel, Oberoi-Trident and Nariman House.

Major Unnikrishnan was with the 51 Special Action Group of the force and was with the NSG on deputation.

He has been with the Black Cat commando force for the last two years.

An officer of the Bihar Regiment, he was commissioned in the Indian Army in June 1999.

The officer had joined the NSG on deputation in January 2007 after having served two tenures with his battalion in counter insurgency and counter terrorism roles.

The officer hails from Bangalore where his father works for the Indian Space Research Organisation.PTI
2 NSG men killed, six others injured in Mumbai gunbattles

Tribute: Our hearts go out to the families of Commando Chander and Maj Sandeep who laid down their lives for our today. Truly the bravest of the brave and their spirit will live in our midst forever. The nation is indebted to their sacrifice.
Veterans' Voice