The 7th Assam Rifles on Sunday 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 the Indian Security Forces, stated a release.
What is unique about this operation is that 72 terrorists were neutralised, 13 were apprehended and a total of 118 weapons (largely AK-47 series) were seized in May 1991, it stated. All the soldiers who had taken part in this operation were invited to Assam Rifles and once again felicitated for this unique operation, it added.
Assam Rifles, directorate general Lt Gen PC Nair presided over the event and had the opportunity to interact with retired junior commissioned officers and other ranks who were part of the operation back in 1991.
Operation Dudhi was a classic example of a successful small-team-led operation under Nb Sub 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, it mentioned.
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 neutralisation 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, it stated.
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, it stated.
Nb Sub Padam Bahadur Chhetri was awarded the Kirti Chakra for his exceptional leadership and bravery, along with 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, it added.
It further said that the 7th Assam Rifles commemorated the heroes of Operation Dudhi, including Sub Padam Bahadur Chhetri. 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, it mentioned.
Subedar Padam Bahadur Chhetri alongwith his team, that included subedar Dewan Singh, Nb subedar P B Pun, warrant officer Kalyan Singh, havildar Tej Singh, veernari Sunaina Devi, wife of rifleman Kameshwar Prasad, SC and veernari Hemlata Devi, wife of rifleman Ram Kumar Arya, SM shared their stories and inspired the younger generation of soldiers with their experiences on the ground, it added.
