Naik Bhoop Singh

Naik Bhoop Singh hailed from Saina village in Haryana’s Mahendragarh district, a region known for its rich martial heritage and deep-rooted tradition of service to the nation. Motivated by a strong sense of patriotism, he joined the 13 Kumaon Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment—one of the Indian Army’s oldest and most distinguished infantry regiments. Established in the eighteenth century, the regiment has earned a proud reputation for its bravery, professionalism, and exemplary service in numerous military operations. Naik Bhoop Singh was widely respected for his discipline, dedication, and unwavering commitment to duty. He served with pride, upholding the proud traditions and values of the Kumaon Regiment. By 1962, his unit was stationed at Ambala before being deployed to Jammu & Kashmir, reflecting the Army’s confidence in its preparedness and combat effectiveness. He was married to Smt Sarili Devi, who stood as a pillar of support in his life and shared in his journey of service to the nation.

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

In June 1962, the 13 Kumaon Battalion, in which Naik Bhoop Singh was serving, was moved from Ambala to Baramulla in Jammu & Kashmir under the command of Lieutenant Colonel H. S. Dhingra. As tensions along the northern borders escalated in September 1962, the battalion was swiftly redeployed to Leh. Upon arrival, 13 Kumaon came under the operational control of the 114 Infantry Brigade, led by Brigadier T. N. Raina, who would later rise to become the Chief of Army Staff. The brigade was tasked with defending nearly 400 kilometres of the Indo–China border, including the strategically vital Chushul sector. Its composition included 13 Kumaon, 14 and 7 J&K Militia battalions, 5 Jat, and 1/8 Gorkha Rifles. Naik Bhoop Singh served in ‘C’ (Charlie) Company of 13 Kumaon, commanded by Major Shaitan Singh. As part of the brigade’s defensive plan, Charlie Company was deployed at Rezang La—a high-altitude mountain pass crucial to the defence of Chushul. Alpha Company, under Major G. N. Sinha, remained in reserve near Chushul, while Bravo and Delta Companies, led by Captain R. V. Jatar, were positioned along Maggar Hill between Spanggur Gap and Rezang La.

By 26 October 1962, Naik Bhoop Singh and his comrades had meticulously prepared and fortified their positions at Rezang La, adapting their defences to the harsh mountainous terrain. Platoons 7, 8, and 9 occupied key forward positions: Platoon 7, under Jemadar Surja Ram, guarded the northern flank; Platoon 8, led by Jemadar Hari Ram, held the pass; and Platoon 9, commanded by Jemadar Ram Chander, secured the area near Company Headquarters. A mortar section under Naik Ram Kumar Yadav was positioned on the reverse slope to provide vital fire support. In the early hours of 18 November 1962, Chinese forces launched a coordinated assault on Gurung Hill and Rezang La, coinciding with a major offensive at Sela in the Northeast Frontier Agency (present-day Arunachal Pradesh). Situated about 11 kilometres south of Spanggur Gap, Rezang La dominated the only road linking Leh via Dungti, making it critical to the defence of the Chushul garrison. The first enemy attack began around 2:00 AM, targeting the sector held by Platoon 8. A Chinese patrol of approximately 30 soldiers was detected by a Listening Post. Naik Hukam Chand promptly raised the alarm, alerting Jemadar Hari Ram, who in turn informed Major Shaitan Singh and deployed a Light Machine Gun team. As the enemy advanced within 50 yards, accurate and disciplined fire forced them to retreat.

A second assault followed at about 4:00 AM against Platoon 7’s position. Jemadar Surja Ram swiftly reorganised his men and repelled the attack with coordinated rifle, LMG, and grenade fire. The determined resistance, notably under the leadership of Naik Sahi Ram, once again pushed the enemy back. Undeterred, the Chinese launched repeated assaults at 4:55 AM, 6:00 AM, and 6:30 AM, each met with fierce and unyielding resistance. Despite mounting casualties and rapidly depleting ammunition, Naik Bhoop Singh and his fellow soldiers held their ground with extraordinary resolve. The sixth assault at 7:40 AM saw a significant escalation, with the enemy intensifying their attack. By 8:40 AM, they had brought in a 57 mm recoilless rifle, boldly positioned on a nearby ridge to target Indian defences. The final and most determined assault commenced at 9:00 AM. Facing overwhelming odds, biting cold, and superior enemy firepower, the soldiers of Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon, displayed unmatched courage and steadfast determination.

Gravely wounded in the fierce battle, Naik Bhoop Singh continued to fight with an indomitable spirit until he made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation. Charlie Company fought to the last man and the last round, successfully preventing the enemy from advancing towards the strategically vital Chushul airfield. Following the ceasefire, Rezang La remained a desolate and contested no-man’s land. Nearly three months later, the frozen bodies of Naik Bhoop Singh and his comrades were discovered by a local shepherd—an enduring and poignant testament to their unparalleled bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to duty.

Naik Bhoop Singh is survived by his wife, Smt. Sarili Devi.