Rajya Sabha member Anil Kumar Yadav demanded the creation of a dedicated “Ahir (Yadav) Regiment” in the Indian Army, recognizing the community’s valor and long-term contribution to national defence.
The MP raised the issue through a special mention in the Rajya Sabha on Friday and urged the Union government to take immediate steps to establish a separate regiment. He said the bravery of the Ahirs goes back to resisting the invasions of rulers like Nader Shah and Timur and to their participation in the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
He also pointed out the extraordinary courage shown by the Ahir soldiers during the Sino-Indian War of 1962, especially in the historic battle of Rezang La, where the Yadav soldiers fought with exceptional gallantry. He also recalled their sacrifices in the Kargil war and several other operations.
The MP pointed out that the Indian Army currently has regiments named after various communities, including the Jat Regiment, the Sikh Regiment, the Dogra Regiment and the Gorkha Regiment. A separate regiment of the Ahir community should be formed on similar lines.
Published – 13 March 2026 20:21 IST
