Major Vineet Verma

Operation Rhino (Assam): 30 Apr  2013

During 2013, Major Vineet Verma’s unit, 19 Dogra, was deployed in Assam as part of Operation Rhino and was actively engaged in counter-insurgency operations. The roots of insurgency in Assam can be traced back to 1979, when widespread student agitation erupted over the issue of illegal immigration. Though the Assam Accord was signed in 1985 between the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), the Assam Gana Sangram Parishad (AGSP), and the Central Government, militancy continued to simmer. The United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), seeking secession from the Indian Union, intensified insurgent activities across the state. With the security situation deteriorating, Assam was declared a disturbed area on 27 November 1990. Despite intermittent attempts at peace, continued violence necessitated the launch of Operation Rhino in September 1991 to curb militant activities and restore stability. Sustained counter-insurgency operations over the years weakened the insurgent network and compelled ULFA to engage in dialogue. The Peace Consultative Group (PCG) held several rounds of talks with the Government of India, and as a confidence-building measure, offensive operations were suspended with effect from 14 August 2006. However, the ceasefire period was exploited by militants to regroup and strengthen their resources. Consequently, Operation Rhino was relaunched on 23 September 2006, and security forces resumed active operations. By 2013, several militancy-affected areas of Assam fell within the operational responsibility of 19 Dogra, requiring the unit to maintain a high level of vigilance and conduct regular domination patrols to deter insurgent movement.

On 30 April 2013, Major Vineet Verma was leading an area domination patrol in the Chotipara area of Goalpara district in Assam. Assistant Commandant Devesh Kulshreshtha of the CRPF was accompanying the patrol as part of operational coordination. He was on deputation with 19 Dogra and was serving as the Company Second-in-Command at the time. A seasoned officer, Assistant Commandant Kulshreshtha had earlier served with the 113 CRPF Battalion in the Naxalite-affected region of Gadchiroli in Maharashtra and was a trained commando with extensive counter-insurgency experience. As Major Vineet Verma’s patrol moved along the designated route through the difficult terrain, the troops were suddenly ambushed by militants in a pre-planned attack. Despite the surprise element, Major Verma reacted swiftly and led his men with determination, returning fire and organizing a counter-assault. A fierce gun battle ensued, with heavy exchange of fire between the troops and the militants. In the intense firefight that followed, both Major Vineet Verma and Assistant Commandant Devesh Kulshreshtha sustained grievous injuries while courageously leading from the front. Despite their best efforts, both officers later succumbed to their injuries, making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.

Major Vineet Verma was a valiant soldier and a gritty officer who exemplified courage, leadership, and unwavering devotion to duty. His sacrifice left a deep void, but his legacy continued to inspire. Displaying remarkable strength and determination, his wife, Smt. Ruchi Verma, resolved to carry forward his unfinished dream of service. Her dedication culminated on 14 March 2015, when she passed out from the Officers Training Academy, Chennai, as a commissioned officer in the Indian Army—an inspiring tribute to her husband’s sacrifice.

Major Vineet Verma is survived by his father, Shri D.K. Verma; mother, Smt. Meera Verma; wife, Smt. Ruchi Verma (now Major Ruchi Verma); son, Akshat; and younger brother, Shri Vikram Verma.