Major Ashish Dhonchak was a courageous and dedicated officer of the Indian Army, who sacrificed his life for the nation in a fierce gunfight with terrorists in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. He was one of the three security force personnel who were killed in action during the joint operation by the Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police on September 13, 2023. The other two martyrs were Colonel Manpreet Singh, the commanding officer of the 19th Rashtriya Rifles, and Deputy Superintendent of Police Humayun Bhat of the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
Major Dhonchak was a part of the elite 19th Rashtriya Rifles, also known as the Dagger Division, which is a counter-insurgency force of the Indian Army, operating in the Kashmir Valley. He was involved in several successful operations against the terrorists and was nominated for the Sena Medal, a gallantry award for Army personnel.
Major Ashish Dhonchak Wiki/Bio
| Name | Major Ashish Dhonchak |
| Date of Birth | October 23, 1987 |
| Place of Birth | Binjhaul village, Panipat district, Haryana |
| Date of Martyrdom | September 13, 2023 |
| Place of Martyrdom | Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir |
| Service | Indian Army |
| Last Rank | Major |
| Unit | 19th Rashtriya Rifles / 15th Sikh Light Infantry |
| Awards | Sena Medal, Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card (twice) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Caste | Jat |
| Family | Father: Shri Lalchand, Mother: Smt Kamla Devi, Wife: Smt Jyoti, Daughter: Vamika, Sisters: Anju, Suman, and Mamta |
| Education | Schooling from Kendriya Vidyalaya NFL Panipat, Graduation in Science from Barwala College, Hisar |
| Career Highlights | Joined the Indian Army in 2010, Commissioned into the 15th Sikh Light Infantry in 2011, Deputed to the 19th Rashtriya Rifles in 2021, Involved in several anti-terrorist operations and civic action programs in Jammu and Kashmir, Nominated for the Sena Medal for gallantry in August 2023 |
| Legacy and Tribute | A hero who lived and died for the nation, A role model for the young generation, A true son of the soil, A highly decorated and respected officer, A loving and caring husband and father, A brave and dedicated soldier |
| Links | Instagram- #majorashishdhonchak Homepage- Newsunzip |
Family, Education, Birthday
Major Ashish Dhonchak was born on October 23, 1987 (age: 36 years, as of 2023), in Binjhaul village of Panipat district in Haryana. He was the only son of Shri Lalchand and Smt Kamla Devi, who are farmers by profession. He had three sisters, Anju, Suman, and Mamta, who are married and settled in different places.
Major Dhonchak was interested in physical fitness and leadership from a young age, which later shaped his military career. He completed his schooling from a local school in his village and then pursued his graduation in science from a reputed college. He was a bright and hardworking student, who excelled in both academics and extracurricular activities.
Height, Weight
- Height: 6’ 1″ or 185 cm
- Weight: 70 kg or 154 lbs
- Eye color: Black
Net Worth
| 2023 | Not Known |
Joining the Army and Career Highlights
Major Ashish Dhonchak had a passion for serving the nation and joined the Indian Army in 2010, after clearing the Combined Defence Services Examination and the Services Selection Board. He underwent rigorous training at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun and was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the 19th Rashtriya Rifles in 2011.
Major Dhonchak served in various challenging and sensitive areas, including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and the Northeast. He was known for his professionalism, bravery, and commitment to his duties. He participated in several anti-terrorist operations and neutralized many terrorists. He was also involved in civic action programs and welfare initiatives for the local population.
Major Dhonchak was a highly decorated officer, who was awarded the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card twice, in 2016 and 2019, for his outstanding performance and gallantry. He was also nominated for the Sena Medal, which is yet to be conferred on him posthumously.
Personal Life and Family
Major Ashish Dhonchak married Smt Jyoti, who hails from Jind district in Haryana, in 2014. The couple had a daughter, Vamika, who was born in 2018. Major Dhonchak was a loving and caring husband and father, who always supported his family and fulfilled their needs. He used to visit his home whenever he got leave and spent quality time with his wife, daughter, parents, and sisters.
Major Dhonchak’s family was proud of his service and sacrifice for the nation. His father, Shri Lalchand, said that he was not sad but proud of his son, who laid down his life for the country. His mother, Smt Kamla Devi, said that she was ready to send her son again to the Army, if he was reborn. His wife, Smt Jyoti, said that she was honored to be the wife of a martyr and that she would raise their daughter with the same values and patriotism as her husband.
The Anantnag Encounter and Martyrdom
Major Ashish Dhonchak was martyred in an encounter with terrorists in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir on September 13, 2023. He was part of the joint team of the Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, which launched a cordon and search operation in the Kokeranag area, based on specific intelligence input about the presence of terrorists.
As the security forces approached the suspected hideout, the terrorists opened fire on them, triggering a fierce gunfight. Major Dhonchak, along with Colonel Manpreet Singh and DSP Humayun Bhat, led the team from the front and engaged the terrorists in close-quarter combat. In the ensuing exchange of fire, the three officers sustained bullet injuries and were evacuated to a nearby hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries.
The security forces also killed two terrorists in the encounter, who were identified as members of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, a banned terrorist organization. The terrorists were involved in several attacks on security forces and civilians in the past.
The encounter was one of the deadliest in recent times, which claimed the lives of three senior and experienced officers of the security forces. The nation mourned the loss of the Bravehearts and paid homage to their supreme sacrifice. The mortal remains of the martyrs were flown to their respective hometowns, where they were accorded full military honors and laid to rest with respect and dignity.
Legacy and Tribute
Major Ashish Dhonchak was a hero, who lived and died for the nation. He was a role model for the young generation, who inspired them with his courage, dedication, and patriotism. He was a true son of the soil, who made his family, his village, his state, and his country proud.
Major Dhonchak’s legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of the people, who will remember him for his valor and sacrifice. He will also be immortalized in the history and the annals of the Indian Army, who will honor him with the Sena Medal and other accolades.
Major Dhonchak’s sacrifice will not go in vain, as the security forces will continue to fight against the menace of terrorism and protect the sovereignty and integrity of the nation. The nation will always be grateful to Major Dhonchak and his fellow martyrs, who laid down their lives for the cause of peace and security.
We salute Major Ashish Dhonchak and his comrades, who gave their today for our tomorrow. We offer our heartfelt condolences to their families and pray for their strength and solace. We also express our gratitude and appreciation to the Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, who are working tirelessly and selflessly to safeguard the nation and its people.
