Lance Naik Dharam Lal

Lance Naik Dharam Lal hailed from Juddi village in Rohtak district of Haryana, a region with a proud and time-honoured military tradition. Inspired by a deep sense of duty, he joined the 13th Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment—one of the Indian Army’s most distinguished infantry units, with origins tracing back to the 18th century. As a young soldier, he was known for his discipline, composure under pressure, and genuine concern for his comrades—qualities that reflected the Kumaoni ethos. Through rigorous training in fieldcraft, small-team tactics, and weapons handling, he earned respect for his commitment to upholding the regiment’s values and traditions in daily soldiering.

By 1962, his battalion was stationed at Ambala before being deployed to Jammu & Kashmir in response to escalating tensions on the northern borders. Operating in unforgiving terrain and harsh weather conditions, 13 Kumaon maintained a high level of operational readiness—demonstrating the Army’s faith in their professionalism and strategic significance.

Battle of Rezang La (Indo-China War): 18 Nov 1962

In June 1962, Lance Naik Dharam Lal’s unit—the 13 Kumaon Battalion, commanded by Lt Col H.S. Dhingra—was moved from Ambala to Baramulla in Jammu & Kashmir, amid rising tensions along the Indo-China border. By September, as the situation worsened, the battalion received urgent orders to proceed to Leh. On arrival, 13 Kumaon was placed under the 114 Infantry Brigade, commanded by Brigadier T.N. Raina, who would later become the Chief of Army Staff. The brigade carried the formidable responsibility of defending nearly 400 kilometers of the frontier, including the strategically vital Chushul sector. Its strength comprised five battalions: 13 Kumaon, 14 J&K Militia, 7 J&K Militia, 5 Jat, and 1/8 Gorkha Rifles. Lance Naik Dharam Lal served in ‘C’ Company (Charlie Company) of 13 Kumaon under the legendary Major Shaitan Singh. As part of the defensive plan, Charlie Company was deployed at Rezang La, a crucial mountain pass guarding access to Chushul. Alpha Company, commanded by Major G.N. Sinha, was kept in reserve near battalion headquarters on higher ground, while Bravo and Delta Companies under Captain R.V. Jatar held positions along Maggar Hill between Spanggur Gap and Rezang La.

By late October, L/Nk Dharam Lal and his comrades had fortified their defenses at Rezang La, preparing for an enemy advance through the treacherous terrain. Three platoons formed the forward defenses: Platoon 7 under Jemadar Surja Ram on the northern flank, Platoon 8 under Jemadar Hari Ram at the central pass, and Platoon 9 under Jemadar Ram Chander near Company Headquarters. Supporting them was a mortar section under Naik Ram Kumar Yadav, positioned on the reverse slope. On 18 November 1962, the Chinese launched a massive two-pronged offensive—one against Gurung Hill and the other directly at Rezang La—coinciding with their wider attack on Sela in the Northeast Frontier Agency (now Arunachal Pradesh). Situated about 11 km south of Spanggur Gap, Rezang La was of immense tactical value as it dominated the only road connecting Leh via Dungti, the lifeline for Indian forces at Chushul.

The first Chinese assault began around 2:00 AM, advancing towards Platoon 8. A column of roughly 30 enemy soldiers was spotted by the platoon’s Listening Post. Naik Hukam Chand of Section-1 promptly alerted Jemadar Hari Ram, who informed Major Shaitan Singh and deployed an LMG detachment. When the enemy drew within 50 yards, Naik Hukam Chand ordered fire, breaking the first wave. At 4:00 AM, a second assault struck Platoon 7. Jemadar Surja Ram quickly redeployed Section-3 and led a fierce counterattack with rifles, LMGs, and grenades. Again, the defenders held their ground with outstanding courage. The enemy, however, pressed on with relentless determination. A third, fourth, and fifth assault followed at 4:55 AM, 6:00 AM, and 6:30 AM, each more intense than the last. Though the Indian troops fought with extraordinary valor, casualties mounted and ammunition stocks dwindled. By 7:40 AM, during the sixth wave, Dharam Lal and his comrades were locked in bitter close combat. At 8:40 AM, the Chinese deployed a 57 mm recoilless rifle, firing from an exposed ridge to devastating effect. The seventh and final assault began at 9:00 AM.

Amid freezing winds, relentless fire, and overwhelming odds, Lance Naik Dharam Lal displayed indomitable courage. Gravely wounded, he refused to abandon his post and fought until his last breath. True to their oath, the men of Charlie Company fought to the last man and last bullet, stalling the Chinese advance and protecting the Chushul airfield. After the ceasefire, Rezang La became a barren no-man’s land. Nearly three months later, a shepherd stumbled upon the frozen bodies of L/Nk Dharam Lal and his comrades—still at their posts, weapons in hand. Their supreme sacrifice at Rezang La endures as one of the most heroic chapters in the annals of Indian military history.

L Nk Dharam Lal is survived by his wife, Smt Chander Pati.