Naik Mahabir Thapa MVC

Naik Mahabir Thapa was born on 3rd December 1923 in the serene and mountainous village of Baralekh, located in the Dailekh district of Nepal. Growing up amidst the rugged terrains of Nepal, he was deeply influenced by the valorous legacy of the Gorkha warriors, whose bravery and loyalty were legendary. From an early age, Mahabir Thapa's dream was to wear the olive-green uniform of the Indian Army and contribute to the noble duty of safeguarding the nation. Driven by this ambition, he pursued his education with dedication and discipline. Upon completing his school education, he took a decisive step towards fulfilling his dream. On 3rd December 1942, coincidentally his 19th birthday, Hk Mahabir Thapa was recruited into the 3rd Battalion of the 1st Gorkha Rifles Regiment (3/1 GR)—a battalion celebrated for its fearlessness, discipline, and glorious history of battlefield excellence.

The 1 Gorkha Rifles Regiment holds a prestigious place in the annals of military history. It was originally raised in April 1815, shortly after the conclusion of the Anglo-Nepalese War, and was later recognized as part of the British Indian Army. Over the years, it earned a reputation for extraordinary gallantry and unwavering commitment in numerous military campaigns under British command. Before India’s independence, the regiment was officially known as the 3rd Queen Alexandra's Own Gurkha Rifles, reflecting its association with the British Crown. Following India’s independence in 1947, a Tripartite Agreement was signed between India, Nepal, and Britain, leading to the division of Gorkha regiments between the British and Indian armies. As part of this agreement, the 3/1 Gorkha Rifles was transferred to the Indian Army, becoming an integral part of India's military strength. In 1950, the regiment was officially renamed 3 Gorkha Rifles, continuing its proud legacy under the Indian flag. The 3/1 GR battalion, to which Naik Mahabir Thapa belonged, has served with distinction in several key operations.  The Gorkha Regiment, known for its fearless soldiers, operates under the stirring motto: "Kayar Hunu Bhanda Marnu Ramro", which translates to "Better to die than live like a coward."  After serving for a few years, Naik Mahabir Thapa got married to Ms. Mem Kumari. 

Congo Ops: 16 Sep 1961

In 1961-62, Naik Mahabir Thapa's 3/1 GR battalion was deployed in Congo as part of the 99 Infantry Brigade Group under the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in the Congo called 'Opération des Nations Unies au Congo (ONUC)'. The Republic of the Congo (present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo) gained independence from its colonial ruler, Belgium, in 1960. However, shortly after independence, the country plunged into a series of violent internal conflicts. In response to the deteriorating situation, the Congolese government appealed to the United Nations (UN) for support. They requested the deployment of a multilateral force to help restore peace and stability in the conflict-ridden nation. In answer to this call, the United Nations Operation in the Congo (ONUC) was established on 14 July 1960, under UN Security Council Resolution 143. The initial mandate of ONUC included ensuring the withdrawal of Belgian troops from Congolese territory, assisting the Congolese government in maintaining law and order, and providing technical support.

As the internal situation grew increasingly complex and volatile, ONUC's role evolved. It was transformed into a UN peacekeeping mission with an expanded mandate that permitted the limited use of military force. The Force’s primary objective became protecting the sovereignty of the Congo from foreign interference — particularly through the evacuation of foreign mercenaries and advisers from the secessionist province of Katanga. ONUC was also authorized to use force, if necessary, to prevent civil strife and armed conflict. On 16 September 1961, during a critical military operation near the Lufira Bridge, Naik Mahabir Thapa was in command of a section of the rear-guard platoon assigned to a relief force. Their mission was vital—to ensure a safe withdrawal of the main force by holding off the advancing enemy and preventing them from closing in on the retreating troops. As the relief force began pulling back, Naik Thapa and his section were tasked with providing covering fire to shield their comrades. Even before reaching the roadblock set up to counter the ambush, Naik Thapa was wounded. Despite being injured, he remained undeterred and continued to lead his men with exceptional determination. Demonstrating tactical skill and immense bravery, he boldly deployed his section and initiated a fierce engagement with the enemy. Showing great initiative, he maneuvered his team toward the flank of the enemy’s ambush position to weaken their advantage.

During this daring action, Naik Thapa was struck by intense machine gun fire and sustained severe injuries. Yet, displaying extraordinary resilience and leadership, he refused to abandon his position or let his injuries affect his sense of duty. He continued directing his section with precision, ensuring that they held their ground and delivered effective fire on the enemy. Thanks to Naik Thapa’s courageous leadership and tactical acumen, his section was able to delay the enemy long enough for the entire withdrawing force to pass through the ambushed zone safely. True to the ethos of a soldier Naik Thapa was the last man to withdraw. Only after confirming that every member of the main force had crossed to safety did he begin his own retreat. Sadly, he succumbed to his wounds shortly after. For his exceptional gallantry, indomitable spirit, and supreme sacrifice in the face of grave danger, Naik Mahabir Thapa was posthumously awarded the "Maha Vir Chakra", India's second-highest wartime gallantry award. 

Naik Mahabir Thapa is survived by his wife Smt Mem Kumari.

The citation for the "Maha Vir Chakra" awarded to him reads:

Naik Mahabir Thapa was section commander of the rear-guard platoon of the Relief Force withdrawing from Lufira Bridge in the Congo. The force was ambushed a few miles from Elisabethville. The road had been mined by the enemy and the ambush site covered with mortar, medium machine guns and anti-tank weapons. Nk Thapa’s platoon had been ordered to ensure that the enemy did not close in on the withdrawl force. Although wounded even before he reached the road block, Nk Thapa deployed his section boldly and engaged the enemy fiercely with fire while manoevering to get to the flank of the enemy ambush. He was mortally wounded by machine gun bullets. Despite this, he continued to lead his section and engage the enemy. Naik Thapa’s section withdrew after every one of the retreating forces had a safe passage over the ambushed area. He was the last man to leave the area and a little later succumbed to his injuries.

During the operation, Naik Thapa showed leadership and courage of the highest order. His gallant devotion to duty saved many lives and made an orderly withdrawal of the force possible.