Lance Naik Siri Ram

Lance Naik Siri Ram hailed from Garhinath village in the Gurgaon district of Haryana, a region with a proud and enduring military tradition. Inspired by a strong 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 leader, he was known for his discipline, composure under pressure, and genuine care for his comrades—qualities that reflected the true Kumaoni spirit. Well-trained in fieldcraft, small-team tactics, and weapons handling, he consistently upheld the regiment’s values and traditions in every aspect of soldiering.

By 1962, 13 Kumaon was based in Ambala before being deployed to Jammu & Kashmir in response to growing tensions along the northern borders. Operating in unforgiving terrain and severe weather conditions, the battalion maintained a high state of operational readiness, underscoring the Army’s trust in their professionalism and strategic role.

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

In June 1962, Lance Naik Siri Ram’s unit—the 13 Kumaon Battalion, commanded by Lt Col H.S. Dhingra, was redeployed from Ambala to Baramulla in Jammu & Kashmir. As tensions along the Indo-China border escalated, the battalion received urgent orders in September to move to Leh. Once there, 13 Kumaon was placed under the 114 Infantry Brigade, led by Brigadier T.N. Raina (who would later become the Chief of Army Staff). The brigade bore the immense responsibility of defending nearly 400 kilometres of the Indo-China frontier, including the strategically vital Chushul sector. The brigade comprised five battalions—13 Kumaon, 14 J&K Militia, 7 J&K Militia, 5 Jat, and 1/8 Gorkha Rifles. According to the brigade’s defensive plan, Charlie Company—to which Siri Ram belonged—was assigned to Rezang La, a crucial mountain pass guarding the approach to Chushul. Alpha Company, under Major G.N. Sinha, was held in reserve near the battalion headquarters, while Bravo and Delta Companies, led by Captain R.V. Jatar, were positioned along Maggar Hill, between Spanggur Gap and Rezang La.

Within this deployment, Lance Naik Siri Ram served in the 3-inch mortar section of the 9th Platoon, ‘C’ Company, commanded by Major Shaitan Singh. According to the operational plan, ‘C’ Company was assigned to defend Rezang La, a dominating feature south of Spanggur Gap. The defensive layout was meticulously planned:

• 7 Platoon under Jemadar Surja Ram held the northern flank,

• 8 Platoon under Jemadar Hari Ram defended the pass, and

• 9 Platoon under Jemadar Ram Chander, supported by the mortar section—including Lance Naik Siri Ram—held the centre.

By 26 October 1962, positions were fortified and manned. The Chinese launched a major multi-directional offensive at 2:00 AM on 18 November. Their first assault, aimed at Platoon 8, was detected early and successfully repelled with accurate rifle and LMG fire. A second assault followed at 4:00 AM on Platoon 7, but again the Kumaonis held firm, responding with coordinated machine-gun bursts, grenades, and mortar fire. Wave after wave of attacks followed through the freezing night. Despite mounting casualties, shortages of ammunition, and increasing pressure, the defenders of Rezang La refused to give ground. Throughout these attacks, Lance Naik Siri Ram and his fellow mortar operators played a critical role. Their fire support was essential in stopping enemy advances, especially as Chinese forces attempted repeated breakthroughs. The extremely high-altitude terrain forced the mortar team to make constant adjustments, firing at steep angles to hit advancing enemy troops closing in from the front.

By 7:40 AM, the sixth and heaviest wave began, supported by intense mortar shelling and two medium machine guns. After destroying the forward sections of 9 Platoon, the Chinese closed in toward the company headquarters and the mortar position manned by Naik Suraj Singh, Lance Naik Siri Ram, Lance Naik Roshan Singh, and a handful of remaining soldiers. With the enemy only 150 yards away, the mortar section continued firing at nearly 80° elevation, displaying extraordinary steadiness under fire. During this critical stage, Naik Suraj Singh was fatally wounded. Despite this, Lance Naik Siri Ram and Lance Naik Roshan Singh refused orders to withdraw and continued loading and firing rounds in support of the remaining defenders.

Moments later, as they attempted to fire another round, an automatic machine-gun burst struck the mortar pit. Both Lance Naik Siri Ram and Lance Naik Roshan Singh were killed in action—fighting to their last breath. Despite overwhelming odds—sub-zero temperatures, relentless artillery, and superior enemy numbers—Lance Naik Siri Ram and the men of Charlie Company fought with extraordinary courage and determination. Their heroic stand at Rezang La halted the enemy’s advance toward the strategically vital Chushul airfield. After the ceasefire, the pass became part of a disputed no-man’s land. Nearly three months later, a local shepherd discovered the frozen bodies of Lance Naik Siri Ram and his comrades—still at their posts, weapons in hand, having fought to the last man.

Lance Naik Siri Ram is survived by his wife, Smt Daryan Devi.