Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera Takes Helm as Assam Rifles Director General

Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera has assumed the role of the new director general of Assam Rifles, succeeding Lt Gen PC Nair. Lakhera brings extensive experience in northeastern operations and a strong academic background. He has held various command and staff roles and managed information warfare before his new appointment.

Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera on Thursday assumed charge as the new director general of the Assam Rifles, known as the 'Sentinels' of the northeastern region.

He succeeds Lt Gen PC Nair, who retired after four decades of service.

Lt Gen Lakhera has a diverse professional background in the northeastern region and was commissioned into the 4 SIKH LI of the Indian Army on Jun 9, 1990. The General Officer is a post-graduate from Defence Service Staff College, Wellington, and an alumnus of the Higher Defence Management Course from College of Defence Management, Secunderabad. Additionally, he completed the prestigious National Defence Course from the Royal College of Defence Studies, London.

Throughout his career, he has held various command and staff appointments. Most recently, he served as the additional director general of military operations, focusing on information warfare, prior to taking over as director general of Assam Rifles. His academic pursuits include an MSc from Madras University, an MA from King's College, London, and a Masters in Management Studies from Osmania University.

Lt Gen Lakhera has extensive experience in planning and executing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir and the northeastern region. He is a recipient of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal, Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card, and two Army Commander Commendation Cards.

(With inputs from agencies.)