On 22 August 2008, Colonel Jojan Thomas, the Commanding Officer of 45 Rashtriya Rifles, led his men into a fierce counter-terrorism operation in the Machhal sector of Kupwara, Jammu & Kashmir. That morning, the decorated officer led from the front, eliminated three terrorists despite suffering severe gunshot wounds, and made the supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army.
Colonel Jojan Thomas belonged to Kuttoor in the Thiruvalla region of Kerala and came from a family with a strong military background. His father, Captain P. A. Thomas, had served in the Army, while his brothers also went on to serve in the armed forces. Inspired by his family's tradition of service, Jojan chose the Army as his profession.
He was commissioned into the 11 Jat Regiment from the Officers Training Academy, Chennai, in March 1986. During his career, he served in different operational roles and was also a trained pilot, spending around six years with the Army Aviation Corps. By 2008, he had accumulated more than two decades of military experience and was serving with 45 Rashtriya Rifles, which was deployed for counter-terrorism operations in Jammu & Kashmir.
The Operation in Machhal
In the early hours of 22 August 2008, at around three-thirty in the morning, Colonel Thomas and his unit received information about the presence of a group of terrorists in the forests of the Machhal sector.
The area was difficult terrain, with dense forests and challenging conditions. Colonel Thomas immediately moved towards the area with the available troops.
The soldiers soon established contact with the terrorists, and a fierce exchange of fire began.
Colonel Thomas chose to lead from the front.
During the intense close-quarter engagement, he eliminated two terrorists. While doing so, he sustained serious gunshot wounds. Despite being badly injured, he refused to withdraw from the fight.
A third terrorist came within close range.
Even after suffering severe wounds, Colonel Thomas engaged him in a hand-to-hand fight and successfully eliminated him.
The official account of the gallantry award records that Colonel Thomas displayed exceptional leadership and gallantry, eliminating three hardcore terrorists before making the supreme sacrifice. The operation as a whole resulted in the elimination of six terrorists.
A Commander Who Led From the Front
For the soldiers under his command, Colonel Thomas was not simply an officer issuing orders from a distance.
When the situation demanded action, he went forward with his men.
His actions in Machhal reflected the responsibility he carried as the Commanding Officer of 45 Rashtriya Rifles. Even after sustaining serious injuries, he continued fighting and did not allow his own condition to take precedence over the mission.
His courage during those final moments became the defining chapter of his military career.
Colonel Thomas ultimately made the supreme sacrifice on 22 August 2008.
He was survived by his wife, Beena Thomas, and their children. His family, friends and fellow soldiers remembered him not only for his courage in combat but also for the leadership and inspiration he provided during his years in uniform. Contemporary reporting from Bengaluru described how difficult it was for his family to come to terms with the loss of an officer who had been deeply respected by those around him.
Ashoka Chakra
For his exceptional gallantry, exemplary leadership and supreme sacrifice, Colonel Jojan Thomas was awarded the Ashoka Chakra posthumously, India's highest peacetime gallantry award. The Government of India's official citation specifically records his actions during the operation on 22 August 2008.
His wife, Mrs Beena Thomas, received the Ashoka Chakra on his behalf from then President Pratibha Patil on Republic Day in 2009.
The medal was more than a recognition of a single act of bravery. It represented the courage, leadership and devotion to duty that Colonel Thomas displayed throughout his military service, culminating in the operation in Machhal.
Remembering Colonel Jojan Thomas
Colonel Jojan Thomas had spent more than two decades in uniform before his final operation. From the 11 Jat Regiment to the Army Aviation Corps and eventually 45 Rashtriya Rifles, his career took him through demanding assignments and responsibilities.
But it was in the forests of Machhal, in the early hours of 22 August 2008, that his name became permanently associated with one of the most remarkable acts of courage in the Indian Army's counter-terrorism operations.
He faced the terrorists from the front.
He continued the fight despite severe injuries.
He eliminated three terrorists.
And he made the supreme sacrifice while leading his men.
Today, we remember:
Colonel Jojan Thomas, Ashoka Chakra
11 Jat Regiment | 45 Rashtriya Rifles
Commanding Officer, 45 Rashtriya Rifles
Machhal Sector, Kupwara, Jammu & Kashmir
22 August 2008
A commander who believed in leading from the front.
A soldier whose courage was tested in the most difficult circumstances.
And a braveheart whose supreme sacrifice continues to be remembered.
His service is remembered.
His courage is honoured.
His supreme sacrifice will never be forgotten. 🇮🇳
**Lest We Forget.**
