Maj Gen Rana Pratap Kalita, who hails from Rangiya in Assam, has been conferred Ati Vishist Seva Medal (AVSM) on the eve of the Republic Day.
Maj Gen Kalita was commanding a division on the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.
Kalita, who studied in Sainik School, Goalpara, was commissioned in Kumaon Regiment in 1984.
“It is a proud moment for the Northeast,” said Kohima-based defence spokesperson Col Chiranjit Konwar.
Maj Gen Kalita has commanded 13 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) Battalion in Kashmir, 71 Infantry Brigade in Lucknow and has also commanded 19 Infantry Division in Baramula LOC.
He has various staff and instructional appointments at Army headquarters, College of Combat, Mhow in Madhya Pradesh.
Prior to taking over the Baramula Division, he served as the Brigadier General (Staff Operation) in 15 Corps, Srinagar.
An alumnus of National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla near Pune and Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, Kalita’s son is also an Army officer.
He also held positions in Army Headquarters in Military Secretary branch, operational logistics and ceremony welfare branch. He was also an instructor in the Officer Training Academy.
Earlier, he was conferred with Sena Medal and Vishist Seva Medal (twice) for his meritorious service.
He was also a member of the UN peacekeeping team.