Lance Havildar Bishnu Bahadur Thapa VrC

Lance Havildar Bishnu Bahadur Thapa was born on 9th March 1954 in the historic town of Digboi, located in the northeastern state of Assam. He was the son of Shri C. B. Thapa, who instilled in him the values of discipline, integrity, and a deep sense of service to the nation from an early age. Growing up in a region renowned for its strong military traditions and contributions to the armed forces, L/Hav Bishnu Bahadur Thapa developed a profound sense of nationalism and a desire to serve his country. This unwavering commitment to the motherland led him to enlist in the Indian Army on 9th March 1974—his 20th birthday—marking both a personal milestone and the beginning of his journey in uniformed service. He was recruited into the 4th Battalion of the Assam Regiment, an infantry Regiment well known for its dauntless soldiers and numerous battle exploits.

Sri Lankan Operations (Op Pawan): July 1988

In 1988, Lance Havildar Bishnu Bahadur Thapa and his unit—the 4 Assam—were inducted into Sri Lanka as part of Operation Pawan, a major military initiative undertaken by the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF). This deployment followed the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord, signed on 29th July 1987, between the governments of India and Sri Lanka. Under the terms of the agreement, Indian forces were tasked with assisting in the disarmament of various Tamil militant groups, primarily the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Initially, the Indian Army deployed only the 54 Infantry Division in August 1987, anticipating a peaceful surrender of arms. However, the LTTE soon reneged on the accord and launched a violent insurgency against Indian forces. As the conflict escalated, three additional divisions—the 3rd, 4th, and 57th—were mobilized to support the growing military engagement. By June 1988, the IPKF had launched multiple counter-insurgency operations against the LTTE, but a decisive resolution remained elusive.

During this intense and prolonged campaign, Lance Havildar Thapa served as a Section Commander in the 4th Battalion of the Assam Regiment. He was tasked with carrying out a search operation in the dense jungles astride the road to Mullaitivu, an area known to be heavily infiltrated by Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants. The operation required immense courage, alertness, and tactical precision due to the continuous flow of intelligence indicating a strong militant presence. On 03 July 1988, while leading a section of his platoon near the general area of Vishwamadu, Lance Havildar Thapa came under a sudden and intense volume of enemy fire at approximately 0845 hours. The militants launched a coordinated attack using AK-47 rifles, G3 rifles, and hand grenades. The initial burst of fire was so unexpected and ferocious that the scouts at the front were wounded before they could effectively respond. Despite being hit by multiple bullets himself, Lance Havildar Thapa displayed exemplary resolve and continued to advance under heavy enemy fire. Unmindful of his personal safety and bleeding from gunshot wounds, he moved forward to assess the situation and observed approximately 18 to 20 LTTE militants in a well-fortified and elevated position. The enemy had the tactical advantage and was directing concentrated fire on his section.

Demonstrating outstanding leadership and composure in the face of extreme danger, Lance Havildar Thapa quickly reorganized his section. He prevented panic, instilled confidence in his men, and maneuvered them into a position of cover from where they could effectively return fire. Taking up a position behind a tree, he brought down accurate and lethal fire upon the militants. His bravery and marksmanship unnerved the enemy, who began preparations to retreat from their stronghold. During the firefight, Lance Havildar Thapa's effective engagement resulted in the confirmed killing of one militant and severe injury to another. As the battle continued, a hand grenade was lobbed at him, exploding mid-air above his position. The blast caused severe head injuries, adding to the gunshot wounds he had already sustained. Despite his grievous injuries, he continued to face the enemy with unparalleled determination until he succumbed to his wounds, laying down his life in the line of duty while still engaging the adversary. Subsequent examination of his body revealed two bullet wounds in addition to the fatal injuries caused by the grenade blast. His actions on that day epitomized selfless courage, tactical brilliance, and indomitable spirit in the face of overwhelming odds. In recognition of his extraordinary gallantry, leadership under fire, and supreme sacrifice during Operation PAWAN, Lance Havildar Bishnu Bahadur Thapa was posthumously awarded the “Vir Chakra” on 26 January 1990.

Lance Havildar Bishnu Bahadur Thapa is survived by his wife Smt. Manika Thapa.

Citation for the "Vir Chakra" awarded to him reads:-

Awarded VrC during the OP PAWAN, Sri Lanka No 4346957 L/Hav Bishnu Bahadur Thapa was tasked to carry out search of area astride rd Mullaitavu. The area was full of very thick jungles and lot of info regarding the LTTE presence was being received. L/Hav Bishnu Bahadur Thapa was the Pl Cdr of his Pl. On 03 Jul 1988, he was carrying out his task arduously. At approximately 0845h as his secion was approaching gen area Vishwamadu, the sec came under a very heavy volume of fire of AK-47, G-3 Rifle and Hand Grenades. The fire was so sudden and treacherous that the scouts were injured before they could react. L/Hav Bishnu Bahadur Thapa was also injured as no of bullets went through his body, but undeterred by the flying bullets and splinters, he move ahead and observed 18-20 Militants, occupying a dominating position and figuring at his section. L/Hav Bishnu Bahadur Thapa exercised exemplary leadership on his sec and prevented them from panicking. He moved the section to a position behind cover and returned fire on the militants. In the encounter that ensured he occupied a posn behind a tree and brought down accurate and lethal fire on the militants. The devastating fire brought by his sec unnerved the militants who were seen making preparation of evicting from their posn. The accuracy of his fire also dropped dead one of the LTTE militants and injured one more. While the fire fight were on a grenade was hardened at L/Hav Binshu Bahadur Thapa which burst in the air over this braver NCO thus inflicting very severe injury on his head. This brave NCO succumbed to the injury and died, while figuring at the militants. Later on, after examining his dead body two bullets wounds were also found on his body.

During the Op L/Hav Bishnu Bahadur Thapa showed exceptional courage and exemplary leadership he was awarded ‘VIR CHAKRA”(P) on 26 Jan 1990