21 October,1962: Story of Mahavir Chakra awardee Naik Rabi Lal Thapa who disregard of his own safety saved lives of fellow army men during Indo-China War
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Naik Rabi Lal Thapa was a brave soldier who served in the Indian Army during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. He was part of the Gorkha Rifles and displayed immense courage and valor during the war.
He is remembered as a hero who defended India's borders during a challenging period. His contributions, like those of many others who served during the war, are honored and respected.
Indo China War 1962
During the war, Chinese aimed to capture Chushul airfield in Ladakh which was the lifeline to the Indian Air Force in the area. To prevent this, 1/8 GORKHA RIFLES was deployed in the area. One of the posts in this area, the Sirijap Post was unexpectedly subjected to severe mortar and artillery fire from the Chinese on 21 October, 1962. The post lost contact with the base due to the broken wireless equipment.
Naik Rabi Lal Thapa commander of a post in the Pangong Lake area of Ladakh shakes hands with General Kaul during 1962 Sino-Indian war.
Pic Source : Indian Express
Naik Rabi Lal Thapa, who was commander of another post, offered to take a storm boat to the Sirijap Post to conduct reconnaissance and bring back the most recent situation report. When he was about 1,000 yards from the post, the enemy noticed him and opened fire on the boat from three different directions.
Naik Rabi Lal Thapa, totally oblivious to his own safety, continued moving. Despite significant damage to the boat, he was able to bring back the most recent information. A different post was in grave danger that evening, and Naik Thapa once more offered to take charge of evacuation at great personal risk. While returning from the post, both his boats came under enemy fire and one of them sank. Naik Thapa, disregarding his own safety, swam to their aid and saved them from drowning.
Throughout the action, when confronted by the enemy, Naik Rabi Lal Thapa showed a great level of bravery and devotion to duty. He was awarded with nation's second highest gallantry award Maha Vir Chakra for his bravery.