The Indian Army is mourning the untimely demise of Colonel Somnath Mishra, the Commanding Officer of the 63 Rashtriya Rifles (Bihar), who passed away due to medical reasons at the Army Base Hospital in Delhi Cantonment. The White Knight Corps, based in Nagrota, Jammu and Kashmir, extended its heartfelt condolences to the officer’s family and pledged full support during this difficult time.
Colonel Mishra served with distinction in the Rashtriya Rifles, a counter-insurgency force raised in 1990 to address internal security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir. Over the years, the force has been instrumental in neutralizing more than 16,000 terrorists, playing a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in the region. The White Knight Corps, under which the 63 Rashtriya Rifles operates, has been a key formation along the Line of Control since its establishment in 1972 under the command of Lieutenant General J F R Jacob.
Colonel Mishra’s passing is a profound loss to the armed forces, especially to those serving in high-stress operational environments. While no official details have been released about the medical condition that led to his death, the incident has sparked conversations about the physical and mental health pressures faced by military personnel, even off the battlefield. His dedication and leadership will be remembered with honor by the entire defence community.