Vikas Lakhera

Vikas Lakhera was commissioned into the 4 Sikh Light Infantry on 9 June 1990 via 86th Regular Course.^[4] He has served extensively in the northeastern region and in other operational theatres including Jammu & Kashmir.^[2]

During his distinguished career, he has held several important command and staff appointments. He commanded his parent battalion, 4 Sikh LI, in Lower Assam under the Red Horn Division, and later commanded an Infantry Brigade at Sriganganagar. He subsequently served as the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (North) headquartered at Kohima, where he was responsible for overseeing counter-insurgency operations and internal security duties in Nagaland and adjoining areas. He also served as Additional Director General of Military Operations (ADGMO), being assigned at the Army Headquarters. His earlier staff appointments include serving as a Division Officer and Tactical Training Officer at the National Defence Academy, Deputy Military Advisor to the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command, Director in the Military Operations Directorate, Deputy Commander of an Infantry Brigade, and Brigadier (Q) at Headquarters 4 Corps.^[4][5][6] His long association with the North-East and extensive operational experience in counter-insurgency operations have been highlighted in multiple official and media reports.^[1][2][4]

On 1 August 2024, Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera assumed the appointment of Director General, Assam Rifles (DGAR), succeeding Lt Gen Pradeep Chandran Nair.^[1][2] As DGAR, he is the head of the Assam Rifles and is responsible for overseeing internal security, counter-insurgency, and border management operations in India's northeastern region.^[1][7]

Lakhera has been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, India's second highest peacetime award. He was also awarded the Sena Medal for his gallantry actions in the military.^[2]