As a young officer who participated in cross-border operations during the 1971 war, Basant Kumar Ponwar carried out ambushes alongside Mukti Bahini fighters and played a pivotal role in the advance towards Dhaka. Ponwar dedicated over five decades to national security, serving with the Indian Army as well as police forces in Mizoram and Chhattisgarh.
Born on March 3, 1949 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Basant Kumar Ponwar was commissioned into the 1st Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry in December 1969.
During the 1971 conflict, while serving under the 95 Mountain Brigade, he conducted raids on enemy positions at Kamalpur and Bakshiganj and later served as a key liaison officer during the historic Tangail airdrop. During a distinguished 36-year military career, he commanded the 1st Battalion of the MLI (1 MLI) and served as the Commandant of the Army’s Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School in Vairengte, Mizoram. There, he oversaw War Exercise, the first-ever joint military exercise between India and the US, in 2004. He was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) for his exceptional service.
After retiring from the Army, Brigadier Ponwar was appointed Inspector General of Police by the Chhattisgarh government. In August 2005, he established the Counter-Terrorism and Jungle Warfare College in Kanker, North Bastar. This college has played a pivotal role in India’s fight against Naxalites, training thousands of security personnel in the tactics required to combat them in jungle terrain.
Guided by the famous combat mantra “Fight a guerrilla like a guerrilla,” he ran the college for 18 years, training over 37,000 personnel from state police forces and central paramilitary units to tackle Naxalite violence.
Former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Raman Singh expressed grief over the passing of Brigadier Ponwar and recalled his role as an instructor at the Counter-Terrorism and Jungle Warfare College (Kanker).
He said, “His historic contribution to making our soldiers experts in jungle warfare—and thereby strengthening our security forces—will always be remembered. His passing is an irreparable loss to the state and the country.”
Acknowledging Ponwar’s contributions on its official handle, the Chhattisgarh Police stated that his courage, leadership, and service to the nation in the fight against Naxalism would always remain a source of inspiration. The post stated, “His contribution to strengthening Chhattisgarh’s security apparatus is unforgettable.”
