Martyr Of 26/11 Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan Rescued 14 Hostages Before Being Shot, Here Is All About Him
Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan was awarded Ashok Chakra, highest gallantry award in peacetime.
¡°Do not come up, I will Handle them,¡± these words are still remembered every year on 26/11 and by some throughout the year. These are the words of the brave son of the nation, Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, the martyr who sacrificed his life battling the terrorists at The Taj, Mumbai.
He not only rescued 14 hostages before being hit in back by terrorists but also, perhaps, saved a few of his fellow NSG Commandos when he entered into that area of the hotel and told his fellow soldiers that he could handle them.
Nine years have passed since he left this world, but his sacrifice is hailed and remembered every time we discuss 26/11. Here is all about martyr who sacrificed his life so that many of us could live. India will forever indebted to this great soul.
Also read: Nine Years Have Passed, Kasab Is No More, Yet Peace Eludes The Minds Of 26/11 Survivors
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1. Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan was born on March 15, 1977. He was the only son of retired ISRO Officer K Unnikrishnan and Dhanalakshmi Unnikrishnan.
2. Major Sandeep joined Indian Army in 1999 and this was no fluke as he always wanted to join the army.
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3. Major Sandeep too has shortcomings and one of them was that he was scared of water, but in order to join the army he conquered his fear and learnt how to swim.
4. His friends in NDA days call him selfless, generous, calm and composed person ready to do his duty at all expenses.
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5. On November 28, Major Unnikrishnan led a team of 51 SAG commandos and entered the Taj where people were held hostages by the terrorists.
6. Leading a team under Operation Black Tornado, Major Unnikrishnan rescued 14 people of hotel¡¯s sixth floor.
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7. Major Unnikrishnan even managed to evacuate his fellow soldier Sunil Yadav after he got injured during the exchange of fire.
8. Major Unnikrishnan was shot from behind by the terrorists which resulted in severe injuries. The last message of the courageous officer to the men was, ¡°Do not come up, I will handle them¡±.
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9. He kept fighting until the very end before succumbing to his wounds. He died on the spot on November 28 at the age of 31. Major Unnikrishnan's funeral was held with full military honours.
10. Major Unnikrishnan was awarded Ashok Chakra, the highest gallantry award in peacetime.
These are a few things from a truly inspirational life of a braveheart.
