The 7th Assam Rifles recently commemorated the 33rd anniversary of Operation Dudhi, which took place in Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir on May 5, 1991. This operation stands out as the most successful counter insurgency operation ever by any of Indian Security Force. What is unique about this operation is that in this operation 72 terrorists were neutralized, and 13 were apprehended and a total of 118 weapons (largely AK -47 series) were seized in May 1991. All the soldiers who had taken part in this operation were invited to Assam Rifles and once again felicitated for this unique operation. Lieutenant General PC Nair, the Directorate General of Assam Rifles, presided over the event and had the opportunity to interact with retired Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and Other Ranks (OR) who were part of the operation back in 1991.
Operation Dudhi was a classic example of a successful small-team-led operation under Naib Subedar Padam Bahadur Chhetri, Kirti Chakra, and 14 Jawans. This operation was undertaken at Dudhi post in Chowkibal Area, Kupwara District of Kashmir in the initial days of the 1990s when Kashmir was hit by Pakistani terrorists. The names of these brave soldiers will forever be remembered in the history books. While conducting what seemed like a routine patrol to open a winter vacated post at Dudhi. The operation resulted in the neutralization of 72 terrorists, apprehension of 13 terrorists, and recovery of 118 weapons, ammunition, and other warlike stores. Operation Dudhi showcased exceptional courage, valour, and outstanding junior leadership. This remarkable feat remains unparalleled to this day.
Two bravehearts Rifleman Ram Kumar Arya, Sena Medal from Uttarakhand and Rifleman Kameshwar Prasad, Shaurya Chakra from Bihar, made the supreme sacrifice during Operation Dudhi, upholding the highest traditions of the Force. Naib Subedar Padam Bahadur Chhetri was awarded the Kirti Chakra for his exceptional leadership and bravery, alongwith many other gallantry awards bestowed upon the members of the team for their outstanding performance which included One Shurya Chakra, Two Sena Medals, One GOC-in-C Northern Command Commendation Card and Nine Director General Commendation Cards.
The 7th Assam Rifles commemorated the heroes of Operation Dudhi, including Subedar Padam Bahadur Chhetri.
Colonel Vikrant Gupta, Commandant 7 Assam Rifles said that “The Battalion takes great pride in honouring the living legends of operation Dudhi and the two bravehearts who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country”.
Heroes from various parts of the country and Nepal gathered at the Battalion in Ghaspani to share their firsthand experiences and inspire others. The ceremony included a wreath-laying to pay homage to the brave soldiers, followed by interactions with Assam Rifles Ex-Servicemen, Veernaris, and their families. Subedar Padam Bahadur Chhetri alongwith his team, that included Subedar Dewan Singh, Naib Subedar P B Pun, Warrant Officer Kalyan Singh, Hav Tej Singh, Veernari Sunaina Devi Wife of Rifleman Kameshwar Prasad, SC and Veernari Hemlata Devi Wife of Rifleman Kumar Arya, SM shared their stories and inspired the younger generation of soldiers with their experiences on the ground.
The visit of Lieutenant General Pradeep Chandran Nair, DG AR, highlights the commitment of the Assam Rifles towards its veterans and Veernaris. During his interaction with Exservicemen, General Nair praised the unwavering commitment and bravery displayed by the soldiers during Operation Dudhi. He emphasized how their actions have inspired generations and showcased the true meaning of bravery and selflessness in the face of adversity.
General Nair expressed his deepest gratitude to all the veterans, their families, and the Veernaris for their sacrifices and service to the nation.
The interaction between General and Mrs Nair with the Ex-Servicemen and Veernaris further strengthened the bond between the forces and the heroes who have served the nation with valour and dedication.
History of Assam Rifles
The Assam Rifles is the oldest paramilitary force of India, dating back to 1835 under the British Raj, raised under the name Cachar Levy. The present name of “Assam Rifles” has been used since 1917.Over the course of its history, the Assam Rifles have served in a number of roles, conflicts and theatres including World War I, where they served in Europe and the Middle East, and World War II, where they served mainly in Burma.After the Chinese annexation of Tibet, the Assam Rifles were tasked with manning the Tibet border of Assam Himalayan region. They were also instrumental in maintaining law and order in the tribal are of Arunachal Pradesh.
It contributed significantly in opening up the northeastern region in its administration and commerce. It thus came to be known as the ‘right arm of the civil and left arm of the military’.
(Source: DGAR)
