Major Amit Deswal SM

Major Amit Deswal was born on 15 January 1985 into a proud military family in Surehti village, located in Haryana’s Jhajjar district. His father, Subedar Major Rishi Ram Deswal, served in the Indian Army, and his mother, Smt. Vedvati, instilled in him the values of discipline, sincerity, and perseverance from an early age. Growing up in a home that deeply respected the uniform, Maj Amit cultivated a dream to follow in his father’s footsteps and serve the nation. Major Amit began his schooling in his native village, completing his primary education at Surehti. As his father’s service demanded postings to different parts of the country, Maj  Amit had the opportunity to experience diverse academic environments. He studied in Ambala during his 6th to 8th standard, and later moved to Kendriya Vidyalaya, Nasik, where he continued his education while his father was posted there. These years shaped his personality and strengthened his adaptability—an attribute that would become crucial in his later military career.

Driven by ambition and a strong academic foundation, Maj Amit completed his graduation from Guru Gobind Singh College, Delhi, in 2004. With a clear vision to join the armed forces, he worked tirelessly toward earning a commission in the Indian Army. On 10 June 2006, Maj Amit Deswal was commissioned into the Indian Army. His exceptional physical endurance, mental resilience, and leadership qualities soon set him apart from his peers. Aspiring to join the Army’s most elite fighting formation, he volunteered for the 21 Para (Special Forces) and proudly earned his place in January 2011 after completing the gruelling probation. A true soldier of exceptional calibre, Major Deswal demonstrated outstanding performance during various military courses. His most notable achievement came during the prestigious Ghatak Course, where he earned the coveted title of “Commando Dagger – Best Student”, a recognition awarded only to the finest soldier in the course. This honour spoke volumes about his tactical proficiency, courage, and warrior spirit. Throughout his service, Maj Deswal operated in some of the most challenging terrains and counterinsurgency environments. He consistently proved his mettle, undertaking multiple high-risk operations and establishing himself as a dependable leader and a fearless Special Forces operator.

After a few years of service, he married Ms. Neeta Bisht, and the couple was blessed with a son, Arjun, who became the centre of his world. Despite the demanding nature of his profession, Major Deswal always balanced the roles of a committed soldier and a devoted family man.In January 2016, he was posted to Manipur as part of Operation Hifazat II, a major counterinsurgency initiative aimed at stabilising the region. The North-East had long been troubled by insurgent groups, and the terrain demanded precision, patience, and exceptional operational skills—qualities Maj Deswal possessed in abundance.During his tenure in the region, Major Amit Deswal played a critical role in targeting and neutralizing the leadership of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) and its powerful factions—

• NSCN (K) led by S. S. Khaplang, and

• NSCN (I-M) led by Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah.

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Op Hifazat (Manipur) : 13th April 2016

On 13 April 2016, at around 3:30 AM, the troops of 21 Para (Special Forces) launched a meticulously planned counter-insurgency operation against a splinter group of Naga insurgents who had refused to participate in the ongoing peace process with the Government of India. The unit had received credible intelligence inputs indicating the presence of armed militants in a remote, heavily forested region located nearly 30 km off National Highway 36 in Manipur’s Tamenglong district. With the element of surprise on their side, the assault team—led by Major Amit Deswal—inserted themselves into the dense jungle terrain and commenced the search. The area was difficult, with thick foliage, steep gradients, and limited visibility, demanding exceptional endurance and tactical precision. After hours of an intensive search, the team finally made contact with the suspected group. When challenged, the militants opened fire, initiating a fierce gun battle. Displaying characteristic courage, Maj Deswal swiftly retaliated. In the brief but intense exchange, he eliminated one insurgent and recovered an AK-47 rifle around 7:00 AM, dealing a significant blow to the hostile group. However, taking advantage of the rugged and forested terrain, the remaining militants managed to disengage and retreat deeper into the jungle.

Refusing to let the insurgents escape, Maj Deswal and his team continued the pursuit throughout the day, navigating harsh conditions and challenging terrain. Their relentless search paid off when, around 4:00 PM, nearly 20 km from the highway, they once again tracked down the fleeing militants. What followed was a close-range gun battle, and once again, Maj Deswal led from the front—true to the ethos of the Special Forces. As he engaged the heavily armed militants, he was struck by two enemy bullets. Despite his grievous injuries, he continued to fight until he collapsed, making the supreme sacrifice in the finest traditions of the Indian Army. His actions that day reflected extraordinary bravery, leadership, and an unyielding fighting spirit. For his gallantry and devotion to duty of the highest order, Major Amit Deswal was posthumously awarded the “Sena Medal”.

Major Amit Deswal is survived by his father Sub Major Rishi Ram Deswal(Retd),  mother Smt Vedvati Deswal, wife Smt Neeta Deswal and son Arjun. Inspired by her husband’s courage and unwavering commitment to the nation, Smt. Neeta Deswal chose to carry forward his legacy of service. She joined the Indian Army and was commissioned into the Army Ordnance Corps in 2018, becoming a symbol of resilience, strength, and continuity.

The inspiring story of Major Amit Deswal's wife :

Life took a happy turn for Neeta when she got married to Major Amit Deswal. The arrival of their son Arjun added to their happiness and life seemed truly wonderful. During 2016, her husband was serving with the 21 Para battalion deployed in Manipur. But in April 2016, destiny played a cruel joke with her, when her husband was martyred during a counter-insurgency operation in Manipur as part of "Op Hifazat". The world came crashing down for her and (then) three year-old son Arjun. She was distraught, angry and terribly worried about their future. 

But she was a woman of strong will and determination. She took the tragedy in her stride and decided to take life head on. She decided to join the Army like her husband and started preparing for SSB.  With her outstanding perseverance and single minded focus, she cleared the SSB and joined the OTA Chennai barely six months after the loss of her husband. During the training at OTA, she excelled in all aspects of training and won praise from all quarters for her commitment and grit. 

At OTA, she was competing with the cadets much younger to her in age, but that did not deter her and she did very well in every aspect of training. The period was also emotionally draining for her as she hardly got time to speak to Arjun—once in four or five days, and for a few minutes. But she had resolved to win over all challenges and trauma. Eventually she passed out in 2018 from OTA, and was commissioned as a Lieutenant into the Army Ordnance Corps. It was no small feat by any stretch of imagination.  After joining the operational units too, she proved her mettle as a committed soldier and fine officer. Today Capt Neeta Deswal is not only a source of inspiration for her son but is a shining example of hope, perseverance and empowerment for countless young women of India.