Major Ashish Kumar Dubey SM

Major Ashish Kumar Dubey hailed from Rewa district in Madhya Pradesh and was born on 8 July 1973. Son of Shri Shiv Kumar Dubey and Smt Geeta Devi, he completed his initial schooling from Sainik Shishu Niketan Rewa and thereafter got selected to study at Sainik School Rewa. While studying in the Sainik School his inclination towards the Armed Forces grew and the foundation of his future military life was laid. His resolve to join the Army grew with the age and consequently, he got selected for the prestigious NDA after finishing school. He joined the National Defence Academy Khadakwasla in 1992 and passed out in the year 1995. He then went to IMA Deharadun and passed out as Second Lieutenant on 08 June 1996 at the age of 22 years.

He was commissioned into the 20 Raj Rif battalion of Rajputana Rifles regiment, the oldest Rifle regiment in India with its headquarters in New Delhi. He was also a keen sportsman with a special interest in boxing, riding, hockey, and gymnastics. After getting commissioned, he was posted to J&K in Baramulla district as his first assignment. Soon the young 2nd Lt Dubey honed his field craft skills and gained proficiency in various operations. He was promoted to the rank of Captain on 08 June 2000 and later to the rank of Major on 22 Feb 2002.  After serving for sometime with his parent unit, he was later deputed to serve with 43 Rashtriya Rifles battalion deployed for counter-insurgency operations in J & K.

Op Parakram (Rajouri Operation (J&K)) : 06 May 2003

During May 2003, Maj Ashish Kumar Dubey‘s unit 43 RR was deployed in the Rajouri district of J&K close to the Line of Control(LOC). The unit troops were engaged in counter-insurgency operations on a regular basis as its AOR (Area of Operation) was affected by active militancy.  Maj Ashish Kumar Dubey’s unit also undertook operations to check the infiltration bids as its AOR was prone to infiltration by the militants from across the border. Maj Ashish Kumar Dubey also took part in operation ‘Sarp Vinash’ that was undertaken by the army to flush out terrorists, who had made bases in the Hilkaka Poonch-Surankot area of the Pir Panjal range during April-May 2003. On 06 May 2003, the security forces received credible information from intelligence sources about the presence of terrorists in Thanamandi town of Rajouri district. Based on the intelligence inputs Maj Ashish Kumar Dubey‘s unit decided to launch a search and destroy operation in the suspected area. 

On 06 May 2003, as planned the assault team led by Maj Ashish Kumar Dubey reached the Thanamandi area of Rajouri district of J&K. After reaching the suspected area, Maj Ashish Kumar Dubey directed his troops to cordon it off. Soon the troops made contact with the terrorists, who on being challenged opened fire at the troops. Thereafter a fierce gun battle ensued with heavy exchange of fire. Maj Ashish Kumar Dubey leading from the front, deployed his troops tactically to block the escape routes of the terrorists. He then displaying commendable courage, engaged the terrorists aggressively. i\However, in the following fierce gun battle, Maj Dubey received gun shots and got severely injured.  He later succumbed to his injuries and was martyred. Maj Ashish Kumar Dubey was a valiant soldier and a fine officer, who led from the front and laid down his life at the age of 29 years in the service of the nation, following the highest traditions of the Indian Army. He was given the gallantry award, “Sena Medal” for his commendable courage, leadership and supreme sacrifice.

Maj Ashish Kumar Dubey is survived by his father Shri Shiv Kumar Dubey and mother Smt Geeta Devi. 

• The family of Maj Ashish Kumar Dubey has started a not for profit venture by the name of "Maj Ashish Kumar Dubey Foundation" in his memory. The foundation conducts various activities for the poor and needy people viz. organizing health camps, distribution of medicines etc.