Major Sameer Katwal

Operation Rhino (Assam): 28 Aug 1999 

During August 1999, Major Sameer Katwal’s unit, 21 Kumaon, was deployed in Assam as part of "Op Rhino" and was actively engaged in counter-insurgency operations. At the time, several militant groups were operating in the region, and the troops had to maintain constant vigilance to deal with the prevailing security challenges. In late August 1999, based on credible intelligence inputs, the security forces decided to launch an operation against a hideout of the newly formed militant outfit Dima Halam Daogah (DHD) in the North Cachar Hills district of Assam. Major Sameer Katwal was entrusted with the responsibility of leading the mission. On 27 August 1999, Major Katwal set out with a team of about 40 soldiers, moving on foot towards the suspected militant hideout. The location was situated in a remote and inaccessible area, and the team had to traverse rugged mountainous terrain to reach it. Determined to maintain the element of surprise, Major Katwal deliberately chose a difficult approach route. His tactical decision proved effective. The militants, numbering around 15, remained unaware of the advancing troops even when the soldiers had reached within 50 metres of their hideout. Anticipating a fierce engagement, the soldiers were equipped with bulletproof vests and steel helmets.

After carefully deploying his men and establishing a tight cordon around the hideout, Major Katwal launched a swift and decisive assault. The sudden attack caught the militants off guard, leading them to open indiscriminate fire in panic while attempting to escape in different directions. Leading from the front and issuing clear instructions to his men, Major Katwal displayed exceptional courage and leadership. In the ensuing firefight, he personally eliminated two militants. However, during the intense exchange of fire, one of the fleeing militants suddenly turned around and fired a burst from his AK-47 rifle at Major Katwal. Although he was wearing a bulletproof vest, a bullet struck him near the right collarbone and neck, causing severe injuries. Despite immediate efforts, Major Sameer Katwal succumbed to his injuries, making the supreme sacrifice at the young age of 25 while leading his men in the line of duty.

Major Sameer Katwal is survived by his father, Shri KPS Katwal, mother, Smt Katwal; and sister, Smt Neera Katwal. 

• The bridge over the Beas river in Harsipattan, located at about 7 Km from Tehsil Jaisinghpur, in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, has been named as "Sameer Setu" in honour of Major Sameer Katwal. 
• A road leading to his native Rawara village in Sandhole tehsil of Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh has been named after Major Sameer Katwal in his memory. 
• A memorial arch has been erected in honour of Major Sameer Katwal at Haldwani, near the Patal Bhuvaneshwar Temple, commemorating his courage and supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.