The Indian Army has experienced a profound loss with the passing of Lieutenant Colonel Karanbir Singh Natt, a respected officer of 160 TA (JAKRIF) and a valiant recipient of the Sena Medal. This tragic event marks the end of a journey for a soldier who exemplified courage and dedication to his nation. Lieutenant Colonel Natt's passing is not just a loss to the military fraternity but to the nation he bravely served.

Lieutenant Colonel Natt's life was marked by heroism and sacrifice, notably in 2015, when he was critically injured in the line of duty while combating terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. This incident underscores the risks and dangers our soldiers face daily in their relentless fight against terrorism and in the protection of our nation’s sovereignty.

Commissioned in 1998 as a Short Service Commission officer in the Indian Army's GUARDS regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Natt's career was distinguished by his steadfast commitment to his duties. His journey in the armed forces was one of unwavering devotion and exceptional bravery, traits that define the spirit of a true soldier. His service in the Territorial Army for 14 years is a testament to his dedication to the country and its people.

Taking a break in 2012, Lieutenant Colonel Natt's return to the forces exemplifies the passion and loyalty that he held towards his duty and the Indian Army. His life and service are a source of inspiration, reflecting the ethos and values of a soldier who stands tall in the face of adversity.

Lieutenant Colonel Karanbir Singh Natt's demise leaves a void that will be hard to fill. His heroic deeds and sacrifices in service to the nation will always be remembered and honored. He was a soldier in every sense – brave, honorable, and deeply committed to his country. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of soldiers and citizens alike, serving as a beacon of courage, loyalty, and patriotic fervor.

On November 22, 2015, a day that will be etched in the annals of bravery, Lieutenant Colonel Karanbir Singh Natt faced a life-altering challenge. While performing their duties in Haji Naka village, close to the Kupwara Line of Control, he and his team encountered a perilous situation. It was during this critical operation that Lieutenant Colonel Natt sustained severe injuries. His lower jaw was shot by a Kalashnikov, leaving him seriously injured. 

The attackers, connected to the notorious terrorist group Lashkar-e-Toiba, had a specific target in mind. They "specifically targeted Colonel Santosh Mahadik and Lieutenant Colonel Karanbir Singh Natt." This deliberate attack on two of the Indian Army's brave officers highlights the dangers they constantly face from such militant groups, especially in areas close to the Line of Control.

Since that fateful day, Lieutenant Colonel Karanbir Singh Natt battled the aftermath of his injuries. "Lieutenant Colonel Karanbir Singh Natt has struggled with immobility ever since that fateful day, making it impossible for him to react or speak." Despite the physical challenges and limitations imposed by his injuries, his spirit and determination remained unyielding. 

Lieutenant Colonel Natt's story is not just one of sacrifice and bravery but also of resilience in the face of adversity. His journey, marked by such an intense struggle, is a poignant reminder of the price our soldiers pay in the line of duty. His life stands as a symbol of the fierce tiger-like spirit of the Indian soldier, unwavering even in the most daunting circumstances. His legacy will continue to inspire and resonate with generations, reminding us of the valor and sacrifices made by our armed forces.

Here is His Story

In a heartfelt tribute to valor and sacrifice, we share a #TrueStory of LT COL KARANBIR SINGH NATT, Sena Medal (Gallantry) - an extraordinary tale of bravery that resonates with the spirit of every Indian soldier. This story, excerpted from a post by Col Anil Alagh (retd), his first Commanding Officer in 1997, unfolds a chapter of courage that deserves to be told and retold.

In November 2015, the Indian Army embarked on what would become its longest search operation in North Kashmir. This extensive mission involved combing through remote forests and villages over 24 days, searching for Pakistan-sponsored terrorists who had infiltrated the valley from across the border. The intensity and scale of this operation reflect the relentless efforts of the Indian Army in safeguarding the nation against external threats.

Tragically, during this same operation, the Commanding Officer of 41 Rashtriya Rifles, Col Santosh Mahadik, was killed in action on November 17, 2015. His loss occurred during combing operations in Manigah forest, highlighting the perils faced by our soldiers in their line of duty. Col Mahadik's ultimate sacrifice is a stark reminder of the high price paid in the pursuit of peace and security for the nation.

Five days following this heartbreaking incident, on November 22, 2015, Lt Col Karanbir Singh Natt, the second-in-command of 160 Territorial Army (JAK Rifles) and formerly of the 19th battalion of the Brigade of the Guards, faced a critical moment of bravery. In an attempt to track down a hidden terrorist, Lt Col Natt entered a hut abandoned by nomads at Haji Naka village. The village, situated on the edge of a dense forest, approximately 7 kilometres from the Kupwara Line of Control (LoC), was a strategic location in this intense operation. In that hut, Lt Col Natt received a volley of fire in his face, an event that would change his life forever.

The terrorist, hidden in the shadows, unleashed a sudden burst of gunfire. This assault had a devastating impact – the bullets passed through Lt Col Natt's throat and exited via his cheekbone. In the crucial moments of this ambush, as he was falling, Lt Col Natt exhibited extraordinary valor by successfully neutralizing the terrorist. However, this act of heroism came at a great personal cost, as he sustained grave injuries in the process.

The severity of Lt Col Natt's injuries is chillingly depicted in the words of an Army Medical Corps (AMC) officer: "The lower half of the face gone, the tongue hanging loose, he was unable to lie back, as the tongue would fall back and obstruct his air passage.” This description paints a vivid and heart-wrenching picture of the dire situation faced by Lt Col Natt in the aftermath of the attack. The nature of his injuries was not just critical but also unique, posing a significant challenge to his survival and recovery.

The loss of the lower half of his face and the precarious position of his tongue made even the most basic human function – breathing – a struggle for Lt Col Natt. His condition required immediate and specialized medical attention to ensure his survival. The description of his injury underscores the extreme sacrifices made by soldiers in the line of duty and the harsh realities of combat.

The medical response to Lieutenant Colonel Karanbir Singh Natt’s critical injuries was nothing short of extraordinary. The Army Medical Corps (AMC) team had to employ "innovative and commando-like tactics" to treat him in the challenging field conditions and ensure his rapid evacuation. The gravity of his condition was such that the doctors initially gave him little chance of survival. However, it was their unwavering commitment and selfless efforts, combined with the love and prayers of his comrades, retired unit veterans, his parents, and most significantly, his young wife, Navpreet, that provided a glimmer of hope.

Despite the dire prognosis, Lt Col Natt miraculously survived, although he was left in a vegetative state due to the oxygen deprivation to his brain that occurred during the incident on November 22, 2015. This date marked a turning point, not only in Lt Col Natt’s life but also in the lives of those close to him.

Till his last days, Lt Col Karanbir Natt, a recipient of the Sena Medal (Gallantry), lied in a state of complete unresponsiveness and immobility in the Officers’ Ward of the Military Hospital, Jalandhar. His daily sustenance came from home-made soup, juice, and blended meals, which were administered through a food pipe. In these quiet and somber settings, his wife, Mrs. Navpreet Kaur, and father, Colonel Jagtar Singh Natt (retd), a veteran who bravely fought in the 1971 War in the Shakargarh ‘Bulge’ sector and the Mizoram insurgency, provided him with a comforting presence. They regularly used to play “gurbani” hymns, offering spiritual solace and a connection to faith and heritage.

A poignant symbol of the support and goodwill extended towards Lt Col Natt was an idol of Lord Ganesha, sent by an unknown well-wisher upon learning about his condition. This idol, placed on a sideboard, served as a reminder of the collective prayers and hopes of countless individuals who have been touched by Lt Col Natt’s story of bravery and endurance.

LIEUTENANT COLONEL KARANBIR SINGH NATT 160 TA

Reflecting on the profound impact of Lieutenant Colonel Karanbir Singh Natt's condition and eventual passing, his wife Navpreet's words resonate with the deep emotional toll borne by the family. She recalls, "My hearts rips apart every time when elder daughter, Ashmeet says 'Papa kab uthenge? Mujhe school kab lene ayenge? Mera school function kab dekhenge?' many more questions.. I hug her tightly and say very soon. Wondering will it happen? Younger daughter Gunnu says he should be with us always even if he is in this condition.. 'atleast we have him'."

These poignant words from Navpreet and her daughters encapsulate the personal sacrifice and ongoing struggle faced by the family of a soldier. Ashmeet's innocent questions about her father’s return to normal life, and Gunnu's acceptance of her father's presence in any condition, highlight the emotional void left by his absence. Their longing for simple, everyday moments with their father, a luxury taken for granted by many, is a heart-wrenching reminder of the sacrifices made by military families.

Navpreet's narrative underscores a significant truth often overlooked: the price of our freedom is not only paid by the soldiers on the frontline but also by their families. It brings to light the enduring hardships and emotional struggles they endure long after the battles have been fought.

The story of Lt Col Natt and his family serves as a powerful reminder to not only salute our fallen brave soldiers but to also remember and honor them and their families during their lives. It emphasizes that behind every soldier’s story in the news is a family that deserves our respect and gratitude. Their sacrifices and resilience are integral to the nation's strength and freedom.

As we pay tribute to Lt Col Karanbir Singh Natt and his family, let us echo the patriotic sentiments of Navpreet: "Jai Hind! Vande Mataram! Bharat Mata ki Jai!!" These words not only honor Lt Col Natt's sacrifice but also embody the spirit of countless soldiers and their families who have given so much for the country. Their stories of bravery, sacrifice, and resilience continue to inspire and remind us of the true cost of the freedom we enjoy today.

In remembrance of Lieutenant Colonel Karanbir Singh Natt and his valiant service, we extend a heartfelt request to our readers: please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. The journey they have embarked upon is one of immense courage and fortitude, a testament to the strength that families of our armed forces possess. Lt Col Natt’s family, in coping with their loss and continuing his legacy, embody the spirit of bravery and resilience.

The story of Lt Col Natt and his family is a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by our soldiers and their loved ones. It’s a narrative that extends beyond the battlefield, into the homes and hearts of those they leave behind. The struggles and challenges faced by his wife Navpreet, and their daughters, Ashmeet and Gunnu, reflect the enduring impact of a soldier’s duty on their family. It is a struggle often unseen, yet deeply felt.

We urge our countrymen to recognize and appreciate the extent of these sacrifices. Our soldiers and their families make enormous contributions to ensure our safety and security. They do so with a sense of duty that is unparalleled, often at a great personal cost. It is not just the soldier who serves; their family serves alongside them, bearing the weight of their absence, and in cases like Lt Col Natt’s, the weight of their loss.

Standing by families like that of Lt Col Natt is a way we can show our gratitude and support for the incredible sacrifices they make. It’s a gesture that signifies our collective acknowledgment and respect for their contributions to our nation's safety. Their story is a powerful reminder of the true price of freedom and the responsibility we have as a nation to support and honor those who safeguard it.

As we close this chapter on Lt Col Karanbir Singh Natt's life, let us not forget the enduring legacy he leaves behind - a legacy of bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to the nation. Let us all stand together in support of his family and the families of all our soldiers, who continue to inspire us with their courage and resilience.