Naik Hukam Chand Yadav VrC

Naik Hukam Chand Yadav was born on November 7, 1933, in Nakhorola village, nestled in the Gurgaon district of Haryana. He was the son of Shri Hari Singh, a principled man who instilled in his children the values of discipline, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the nation. Raised in a humble yet virtuous household, Nk Chand grew up with a strong sense of responsibility and duty. Inspired by the tales of valour and patriotism in his community and guided by his father’s teachings, Nk Hukam Chand aspired to serve his country from a young age. Driven by his deep desire to contribute to the nation, Nk Hukam Chand Yadav joined the Indian Army, where he was recruited into the 13 Kumaon Battalion of the prestigious Kumaon Regiment. This regiment, with roots tracing back to the 18th century, has a storied legacy of courage, sacrifice, and resilience. Its soldiers are renowned for their steadfastness in the face of adversity, and joining its ranks was both an honour and a responsibility that Nk Hukam Chand embraced wholeheartedly.

Upon joining the regiment, Nk Hukam Chand demonstrated exceptional qualities that set him apart. Through rigorous training, he mastered critical field-craft and battle skills, evolving into a formidable soldier. Whether it was operating in challenging terrains or executing tactical maneuvers, he consistently proved his mettle. His resilience and determination to excel in every aspect of military life earned him the respect and admiration of both his peers and his seniors. After putting in a few years of service, Naik Hukam Chand Yadav entered a new phase of life when he married Ms Ram Piari, a woman of strong character from his home state of Haryana. Their union marked the beginning of a partnership rooted in mutual respect and shared values. Smt Ram Piari supported him wholeheartedly, understanding the demands and sacrifices of military life.  As a soldier of the Kumaon Regiment, Naik Hukam Chand Yadav embodied the regiment’s ethos of valour and dedication. His ability to endure hardship, combined with his commitment to his comrades and mission, made him a model soldier. 

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

In June 1962, Naik Hukam Chand Yadav's 13 Kumaon Battalion, under the command of Lt Col HS Dhingra, was moved from Ambala to Baramulla in J&K. In Sep 1962, when the war clouds with China were on the horizon, the battalion was asked to move to Leh at short notice. The 13 Kumaon Battalion was put under the operational control of 114 Infantry Brigade under the command of Brigadier TN Raina (who later became COAS). 114 Infantry Brigade was given the responsibility of defending about 400 km of the Indo-China border, including the Chushul area. Besides 13 Kumaon, 114 Infantry Brigade had four other battalions under its command, including 14 J&K Militia, 7 J&K Militia, 5 Jat, and 1/8 Gorkha Rifles. Naik Hukam Chand Yadav was functioning as the Section-1 commander of platoon 8 under the command of Jemadar Hari Ram. As per the operational plan of 114 Infantry Brigade, the 'C' Company of 13 Kumaon was deployed at Rezang La. Alpha Company under the command of Maj GN Sinha was the battalion reserve at the battalion HQ on high ground near Chushul. The Bravo and Delta companies were deployed on Maggar Hill between Spanggur Gap and Rezang La Pass under the command of Capt RV Jatar. By 26 October 1962, Naik Hukam Chand Yadav and his troops had settled in and were busy strengthening their defenses.

Based on the terrain and threat perception, platoons 7, 8, and 9 were deployed to have optimum tactical advantage. The soldiers were placed on the forward slopes of the hill - 7th Platoon under Jemadar Surja Ram on the north flank; 8th Platoon under Jemadar Hari Ram in the pass area; and the central post was held by 9th Platoon under Jemadar Ram Chander, with the company HQ next to it. The mortar section under Naik Ram Kumar Yadav was on the reverse slope. The Chinese offensive in this sector commenced on November 18th, coinciding with the attack on Sela in the Northeast Frontier Agency (NEFA). A two pronged assault was launched against the Chushul defences. The northern prong targeted Gurung Hill, while the second prong attacked the Charlie Company of 13 Kumaon, also known as the Ahir Company, at Rezang La. Rezang La was an isolated feature situated approximately 11 kilometers south of Spanggur Gap and dominated the lifeline of the Chushul garrison - the road connecting Leh via Dungti.

The first wave of attack was launched from the direction of Platoon 8 at around 2:00 AM by a column of about 30 enemy soldiers. The movement of Chinese soldiers was detected by the LP (Listening Post) of Platoon 8 and was conveyed to the Platoon Commander, Jem Hari Ram, by the Section-1 commander, Naik Hukam Chand.  Jem Hari Ram instructed Naik Hukam Chand to move to the LP position with an LMG detachment and halt the Chinese advance. Once the enemy was around 50 yards away, Naik Hukam Chand ordered, "Fire." The enemy was caught off guard, and in no time, the column of Chinese soldiers was brought down. The first attack of the enemy was successfully repulsed, and all section posts and mortar sections were now ready to face the next attack. The pattern continued, with the enemy launching attacks at regular intervals with increasing intensity. Naik Hukam Chand and his comrades held their defenses despite suffering losses of men and equipment until the sixth wave of attack, which came at 7:40 AM.

Amidst the chaos, of sixth attack Major Shaitan Singh, the company commander, sustained multiple machine gun wounds while inspiring his men to fight on. Severely injured, Major Shaitan Singh realized the post could no longer be held with the remaining handful of men. In a bid to save lives, he ordered his soldiers to withdraw to safer positions. Naik Hukam Chand, alongside a fellow soldier, took it upon himself to evacuate the wounded Major Shaitan Singh. As they carried him through heavy fire, they were suddenly ambushed by intense enemy machine gun fire. Realizing the danger to his men, Major Shaitan Singh ordered them to leave him behind to save their own lives. However, Naik Hukam Chand refused to abandon his commander, displaying unparalleled courage and loyalty. Fighting valiantly to protect Major Shaitan Singh, Naik Hukam Chand eventually succumbed to enemy fire. His actions reflected exceptional bravery, devotion to duty, and an unyielding commitment to his comrades. At the age of 29 years, Naik Hukam Chand made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. For his supreme bravery, selfless dedication, and extraordinary gallantry, Naik Hukam Chand Yadav was posthumously awarded the "Vir Chakra", one of India’s highest wartime gallantry awards. His actions, along with those of his fellow soldiers, ensured that the story of Rezang La would forever remain etched in the annals of military history. Naik Hukam Chand's sacrifice stands as a testament to the highest ideals of the Indian Army, inspiring generations to serve the nation with valour and dedication.

Naik Hukam Chand Yadav  is survived by his wife Smt Ram Piari.

Citation for the "Vir Chakra" Awarded to him reads:-

On 18th November 1962, after considerable bombardment by artillery and mortars, the Chinese forces launched an attack on our Company post at Rezangala in Ladakh in overwhelming strength and in successive waves. The first few waves of the attack were beaten back, but the Company suffered many casualties. Major Shaitan Singh, the Company commander was seriously wounded. Seeing that it was no longer possible to hold the position with a handful of men, he ordered the men to withdraw from the post. Naik Hukam Chand and a sepoy were carrying the wounded Company Commander, when they came under heavy machine gun fire. Major Shaitan Singh ordered the men to leave him where he was in order to save their lives but Naik Hukam gallantly remained with him and did not return