Rifleman Kameshwar Prasad SC

Rifleman Kameshwar Prasad hailed from the village of Ahile in Bhojpur district of Bihar. From a young age, he displayed a deep sense of patriotism and a strong desire to serve the nation. Inspired by the valiant stories of soldiers and driven by a firm determination, he aspired to join the armed forces. With consistent efforts, he eventually realized his dream when he was recruited into the 7 Assam Rifles Battalion, a unit of the Assam Rifles—the oldest paramilitary force in India. The Assam Rifles, with its headquarters in Shillong, Meghalaya, is tasked with safeguarding the Indo-Myanmar border and conducting vital counter-insurgency operations across the northeastern states of the country.

As a soldier of the 7 Assam Rifles, Rifleman Kameshwar Prasad underwent rigorous training and soon became an integral part of various high-risk missions in the region. His courage, discipline, and commitment to duty earned him the respect of his comrades and superiors alike. After serving for a few years in the force and establishing himself as a dedicated soldier, Rifleman Kameshwar Prasad entered a new phase of life when he got married to Ms. Sunina Devi. 

Operation Dudhi (J&K): 05 May 1991

In 1991, Rifleman Kameshwar Prasad was serving with the 7 Assam Rifles, deployed in the militancy-affected region of Jammu and Kashmir. On May 5, 1991, during the peak of insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian security forces launched Operation Dudhi, a daring counter-insurgency mission in the Chowkibal area of Kupwara district. This critical operation was led by Naib Subedar Padam Bahadur Chhetri, commanding a 15-member assault team from the 7 Assam Rifles, tasked with neutralizing a heavily armed group of militants entrenched near the strategically significant Dudhi post. Among the brave soldiers was Rifleman Kameshwar Prasad, who displayed unmatched courage and a deep sense of duty. Upon receiving orders from his column commander, Rifleman Prasad immediately engaged the enemy—despite their superior firepower and entrenched positions. Disregarding his own safety, he maneuvered from one position to another under intense fire, sustaining the offensive for over three hours.

His relentless efforts led to the elimination of seven militants and played a vital role in thwarting a major infiltration attempt into Indian territory. In the face of overwhelming odds, Rifleman Kameshwar Prasad made the supreme sacrifice, embodying gallantry, team spirit, and an unshakable commitment to the nation. Operation Dudhi stands as one of the most successful anti-terrorist operations —though it remains lesser known to the public. In total, 72 terrorists were neutralized, 13 were captured alive, and 118 weapons were recovered—a staggering outcome that dealt a significant blow to militant activities in the region. Tragically, the operation also claimed the life of another hero—Rifleman Ram Kumar Arya, who laid down his life with similar valour. Rifleman Kameshwar Prasad’s exceptional bravery was recognized with the posthumous award of the "Shaurya Chakra", India’s prestigious peacetime gallantry award, conferred on 26 January 1992. 

Rifleman Kameshwar Prasad is survived by his wife, Smt Sunaina Devi.

The citation for "Shaurya  Chakra" awarded to him reads:

Rifleman Kameshwar Prasad was part of an assault team tasked with occupying the DUDHI post in J&K on 05 May 1991. Immediately responding to his column commander's orders, he engaged with anti-national elements possessing sophisticated weapons. Disregarding his personal safety, he kept moving from position to position and engaged the enemy for more than three hours, killing seven enemies and preventing a large number of infiltrations into Indian territory. He made a supreme sacrifice, showing gallant action, an outstanding sense of duty, team spirit, and exceptional courage.