Lance Naik Nitya Nand

Lance Naik Nitya Nand hailed from Kanwariyawas village in Mahendragarh district of Haryana, a region renowned for its proud military tradition. Driven by a deep sense of duty, he joined the 13th Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment—one of the Indian Army’s most storied infantry units with roots in the 18th century. As a junior leader, he embodied discipline, steadiness under pressure, and care for his men—hallmarks of the Kumaoni ethos. He trained rigorously in fieldcraft, small-team tactics, and weapons handling, and was known for upholding the regiment’s values and traditions in daily soldiering.

By 1962, his unit was stationed at Ambala and subsequently deployed to Jammu & Kashmir amid rising tensions on the northern borders. Operating in harsh terrain and demanding weather, 13 Kumaon maintained high operational readiness—reflecting the Army’s confidence in their professionalism and strategic importance.

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

In June 1962, L Nk Nitya Nand’s unit—the 13 Kumaon Battalion, commanded by Lt Col H.S. Dhingra—was relocated from Ambala to Baramulla in Jammu & Kashmir, amidst growing tensions along the Indo-China border. By September, the situation had further deteriorated, prompting urgent orders for the battalion to move to Leh. Upon arrival, 13 Kumaon was placed under the operational control of the 114th Infantry Brigade, led by Brigadier T.N. Raina, who would later serve as the Chief of Army Staff. The brigade was entrusted with the critical task of defending nearly 400 kilometers of the Indo-China frontier, including the strategically important Chushul sector. The 114 Infantry Brigade comprised five battalions: 13 Kumaon, 14 J&K Militia, 7 J&K Militia, 5 Jat, and 1/8 Gorkha Rifles. L Nk Nitya Nand served in ‘C’ Company (Charlie Company) of 13 Kumaon, under the command of the legendary Major Shaitan Singh. As part of the brigade’s defensive strategy, Charlie Company was deployed at Rezang La—a key mountain pass controlling access to Chushul. Alpha Company, led by Major G.N. Sinha, was held in reserve near battalion headquarters on high ground, while Bravo and Delta Companies, under Captain R.V. Jatar, were stationed along Maggar Hill between Spanggur Gap and Rezang La.

By 26 October 1962, L Nk Nitya Nand and his comrades had fortified their positions at Rezang La, taking into account the difficult terrain and likely enemy approach routes. The forward defenses were manned by three platoons: Platoon 7, commanded by Jemadar Surja Ram, secured the northern flank; Platoon 8, led by Jemadar Hari Ram, held the central pass; and Platoon 9, under Jemadar Ram Chander, was positioned near Company Headquarters. A mortar section, under Naik Ram Kumar Yadav, was strategically located on the reverse slope to provide fire support. On 18 November 1962, the Chinese launched a massive two-pronged offensive—one targeting Gurung Hill and the other aimed directly at Rezang La. This assault coincided with their broader attack on Sela in the Northeast Frontier Agency (now Arunachal Pradesh). Rezang La, located approximately 11 km south of Spanggur Gap, was a position of immense tactical significance as it overlooked the only road connecting Leh via Dungti—the critical supply route for Indian forces at Chushul.

The first enemy assault began at around 2:00 AM, approaching from the direction of Platoon 8. A column of about 30 Chinese soldiers was spotted by the platoon’s Listening Post (LP). Naik Hukam Chand of Section-1 quickly alerted Jemadar Hari Ram, who immediately passed the information to Major Shaitan Singh and ordered a Light Machine Gun (LMG) detachment into position. As the enemy closed to within 50 yards, Naik Hukam Chand gave the order to open fire, successfully repelling the first wave. A second attack followed at 4:00 AM, this time targeting Platoon 7. Jemadar Surja Ram swiftly redeployed Section-Three and launched a fierce counterattack with rifles, LMGs, and grenades. This assault was also beaten back, thanks to the leadership of Jemadar Surja Ram and the courage of Naik Sahi Ram and his men. However, the Chinese persisted, launching the third, fourth, and fifth waves at 4:55 AM, 6:00 AM, and 6:30 AM, respectively. Each assault was met with fierce resistance, but the defenders suffered heavy casualties and growing pressure on their limited ammunition and supplies. By 7:40 AM, during the sixth wave, L Nk Nitya Nand and his comrades were engaged in an intense and desperate defense. The Chinese then introduced a 57 mm recoilless rifle at 8:40 AM, placing it on a ridge in full view to maximize destruction. The seventh and final assault commenced at 9:00 AM.

Amidst freezing temperatures, relentless enemy fire, and superior firepower, L Nk Nitya Nand displayed extraordinary courage. Though severely wounded, he continued to fight until he laid down his life in the line of duty. The men of Charlie Company fought to the last man and the last bullet, ensuring that the Chinese advance towards the Chushul airfield was decisively stalled. Following the ceasefire, Rezang La fell into a disputed no-man’s land. Nearly three months later, a local shepherd discovered the frozen bodies of L Nk Nitya Nand and his fellow soldiers—still in their positions, their weapons beside them. Their selfless sacrifice at Rezang La remains one of the most gallant chapters in the annals of Indian military history.

L Nk Nitya Nand is survived by his wife, Smt Dalkali Devi.