Lt Col Dhan Singh Thapa PVC

Indo-China: Oct 1962

During 1962, against the backdrop of rising tensions that culminated in the Sino-Indian War, the Indian Army implemented a forward policy to assert its presence in strategically sensitive areas of Ladakh. As part of this policy, a series of isolated posts were established to monitor and counter increasing Chinese incursions. One such vital position was the Sirijap–1 post, located to the north of Pangong Lake. Its location made it crucial for the defence of the nearby Chushul airfield, a key logistical and operational hub. The Sirijap–1 post was manned by a small detachment from the 1st Battalion, 8 Gorkha Rifles, specifically ‘D’ Company. Due to the need to deploy troops across multiple forward positions, only 28 soldiers were stationed at Sirijap–1 under the command of Major Dhan Singh Thapa. Despite their limited strength and the exposed nature of their position, the troops remained resolute and prepared for any eventuality. In the early hours of 20 October 1962, the post came under a fierce and sustained assault by Chinese forces. The attack began with intense artillery and mortar bombardment that lasted for over two hours. The heavy shelling caused widespread destruction—communication lines were severed, bunkers were damaged, and the entire area was engulfed in flames. Amidst this devastation, Major Thapa and his men stood firm, returning fire with determination and inflicting significant casualties on the advancing enemy.

As the battle raged on, the situation at Sirijap grew increasingly dire. The relentless bombardment reduced the post to ruins, and many soldiers were killed or severely wounded. Despite witnessing heavy losses and the deteriorating condition of his defences, Major Thapa continued to inspire his men, urging them to hold their ground and fight with courage. Under his leadership, the Gorkha soldiers displayed extraordinary grit and resilience. Fighting with unmatched ferocity, they repulsed multiple waves of enemy attacks, often picking up the weapons of their fallen comrades and charging into battle with their regimental war cry, “Jai Mahakali, Ayo Gorkhali.”Undeterred by earlier setbacks, the Chinese launched a final, overwhelming assault, this time supported by tanks and superior numbers. By then, the defenders had exhausted most of their ammunition, and their positions had been severely weakened. Nevertheless, they continued to resist until they were completely overrun. Major Thapa and the few surviving soldiers were eventually captured and taken as prisoners of war. In the confusion and chaos of battle, he was initially presumed to have been killed in action. In recognition of his conspicuous bravery, indomitable leadership, and supreme sacrifice, he was awarded India’s highest gallantry award, the "Param Vir Chakra" posthumously.

During his captivity, Major Thapa was reportedly subjected to harsh treatment, in violation of established norms governing prisoners of war. Despite facing considerable hardship and pressure, he refused to yield or make statements against his country. His steadfastness under such circumstances further underscored his exceptional character and devotion to duty. He was eventually repatriated in May 1963, after which it became known that he had survived the battle. He resumed service in the Indian Army and was later promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

The citation for the Param Vir Chakra awarded to him reads:

Major Dhan Singh Thapa was in command of a forward post in Ladakh. On 20 October it was attacked by the Chinese in overwhelming strength after being subjected to intensive artillery and mortar bombardment. Under his gallant command, the greatly outnumbered post repulsed the attack, inflicting heavy casualties on the aggressors. The enemy attacked again in greater numbers after heavy shelling by artillery and mortar fire Under the leadership of Major Thapa, his men repulsed this attack also with heavy losses to the enemy. The Chinese attacked for the third time, now with tanks to support the infantry. The post had already suffered large numbers of casualties in the earlier two attacks. Though considerably reduced in number it held out to the last. When it was finally overrun by overwhelming numbers of the enemy, Major Thapa got out of his trench and killed several of the enemy in hand-to-hand fighting before he was finally overpowered by Chinese soldiers.

Major Thapa’s cool courage, conspicuous fighting qualities, and leadership were in the highest traditions of our Army.

• The Shipping Corporation of India honoured him by naming one of their ships as Major Dhan Singh Thapa PVC.
• Lt Col Thapa features in a book, ‘The Brave’, authored by Delhi-based Rachna Bisht Rawat who has chronicled the heroism of 21 men awarded the Param Vir Chakra

• “My father used to say every soldier who fights a war to defend his nation is a hero. In 1962, we lost the Indo-China war but it was a war against mighty odds. A soldier fights a war as his duty and his right, it is our duty to give him due recognition,” ....Poornima (Daughter of Lt Col Thapa).