Lt Col SD Khullar

Lt Col S.D. Khullar hailed from Punjab, where he spent his formative years before embarking on a career in the Indian Army. Guided by the values of discipline, dedication, and perseverance, he chose a life of service to the nation. He was commissioned into the 183 Light Regiment of the Regiment of Artillery, a combat unit responsible for providing effective fire support to ground forces during military operations. The Regiment of Artillery plays a vital role on the battlefield by employing field guns and other artillery systems to support infantry advances, engage enemy positions, and strengthen the operational effectiveness of the Army. During his subsequent years of service, he gained valuable military experience and developed a sound understanding of operational requirements and the challenges associated with service in the field. 

Alongside his military career, he also built a family life. He married Ms Kusam Kanta, and their relationship became an important part of his personal journey. By 1971, Lt Col Khullar had accumulated considerable experience in the Indian Army, having devoted a substantial period of his life to military service.

Capture of Chandpur( Eastern Theatre): Dec 1971

In December 1971, during the Indo-Pak War, Lt Col S.D. Khullar was serving as a commanding officer of the 183 Light Regiment of the Regiment of Artillery. The regiment was part of 23 Mountain Division, commanded by Major General R.D. Hira, which had been tasked with capturing Chandpur, an important river port on the eastern bank of the Meghna River in East Pakistan, now Bangladesh. The operation formed part of the Indian Army’s broader offensive to break through Pakistani defences and advance towards Dacca. The division comprised 83, 181 and 302 Mountain Brigades, supported by 23 Mountain Artillery Brigade under Brigadier S.S. Opal. The artillery component included 183 Light Regiment, 24 Medium Regiment, and other supporting units. The light batteries of 183 Light Regiment were assigned to support the mountain brigades during their advance, providing essential fire support to the infantry and helping them overcome enemy resistance. Operating in this challenging sector required close coordination between artillery and infantry units to sustain the momentum of the offensive.

As 23 Mountain Division advanced towards Chandpur, its troops encountered difficult terrain, limited road access, and strong Pakistani positions in the Lalmai Hills. The movement of artillery guns and supporting equipment became particularly challenging beyond the Bhuschi area, where motorable tracks were unavailable. Consequently, the troops had to continue their advance on foot, while the guns remained in their deployment areas at Bhuschi. These logistical difficulties complicated the provision of artillery support and placed additional demands on the personnel operating in the sector. The situation became increasingly dangerous when Pakistani forces began shelling the divisional administrative area. The bombardment disrupted operations and struck the wagon-line area of 197 Mountain Regiment, destroying seven vehicles. Amid the intense shelling, efforts were undertaken to salvage vehicles and recover ammunition and other essential supplies. Preserving these resources was important to maintaining operational effectiveness and supporting the division’s continuing advance. However, the presence of ammunition in the affected area made the salvage operation particularly hazardous.

During these efforts, Lt Col S.D. Khullar and Subedar Sumer Singh Yadav of 183 Light Regiment were caught in the dangerous situation while assisting with the salvage operation. As the shelling continued, ammunition caught fire, triggering a series of explosions. The explosions caused fatal injuries to both officers and men, resulting in the deaths of Lt Col Khullar and Subedar Sumer Singh Yadav. Their sacrifice occurred while essential military resources were being recovered under enemy fire, reflecting the grave risks faced by personnel supporting frontline operations during the war. Despite these losses, 23 Mountain Division continued its advance towards Chandpur. On 8 December 1971, Indian troops reached the Hajiganj area, from where artillery support was provided for subsequent operations. On 9 December, leading troops of 301 Mountain Brigade secured Chandpur, which had been abandoned by Pakistani forces. The capture of the town brought Indian forces to the Meghna River and opened further operational opportunities for the advance towards Dacca. The contribution of 183 Light Regiment formed part of this wider divisional effort during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Its personnel operated under difficult terrain conditions, logistical constraints and enemy fire while supporting the division’s objectives. Lt Col SD Khullar was posthumously awarded the Sena Medal in recognition of his devotion to duty. The sacrifice of Lt Col S.D. Khullar at Bhuschi stands as a solemn reminder of the courage, dedication, and sense of duty displayed by Indian Army personnel in the service of the nation.