Naik Sahi Ram

Naik Sahi Ram belonged to Barsi village in Bhiwani district, Haryana—a region known for its deep-rooted military tradition. Growing up, he was surrounded by stories of bravery and sacrifice, which instilled in him a strong sense of duty towards the nation. Determined to follow in the footsteps of the soldiers before him, he joined the Indian Army and was recruited into 13 Kumaon Battalion, part of the legendary Kumaon Regiment known for its courage and legacy dating back to the 1700s. Army life shaped him into a skilled and disciplined soldier, admired for his work ethic and unwavering dedication. While he gave his all to his duties, Naik Sahi Ram also cherished his responsibilities at home. He married Ms. Indravati Devi, and together they built a life with an understanding of the sacrifices military families must make.

In 1962, as tensions flared along India’s northern borders, the 13 Kumaon Battalion was moved from its base in Ambala to Jammu & Kashmir. Tasked with vital defensive operations, the battalion upheld its storied reputation. Standing tall among his comrades, Nk Sahi Ram embodied the courage and commitment expected of a soldier entrusted with the nation’s safety. 

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

In June 1962, Nk Sahi Ram'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. Nk Sahi Ram was functioning as the part of No 7 Platoon of Charlie Company under the command of Major Shaitan Singh. 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 HQs 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, Nk Sahi Ram and his comrades of 'C' Company had fortified their positions.

Based on the terrain and threat perception, platoons 7, 8, and 9 were deployed in such a way as 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 Jem Hari Ram in the pass area; and the central post was held by 9th Platoon under Jem 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 defenses. 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 enemy soldiers. It was bravely repelled by the soldiers of Platoon 8 under the command of Jem Hari Ram. The second attack was launched at 4:00 AM from the direction of Platoon 7 by another column of enemy soldiers. Jem Surja Ram swiftly redeployed his 'Section-Three' to the planned alternate location to engage the enemy. 'Section-Three', under the command of Naik Sahi Ram, counterattacked the enemy with light machine guns, rifles, and grenades. Naik Sahi Ram's section, successfully repelled the second enemy attack. The pattern continued with the enemy launching attacks at regular intervals with increasing intensity. Nk Sahi Ram and his troops held on to their defences despite suffering losses of men and equipment until the sixth wave of attack, which came at 7:40 AM. When their ammunition ran out, Nk Sahi Ram and his comrades under Jem Surja Ram led his remaining soldiers in a fierce hand-to-hand combat with the enemy soldiers, ultimately making the supreme sacrifice.

After the ceasefire, Rezang La fell into no man's land, which meant it was disputed and not to be occupied by either country. Naik Sahi Ram and other martyred soldiers of 13 Kumaon lay frozen there until a shepherd discovered their bodies nearly three months later. In Feb 1963, when the bodies of Jem Surja Ram and five other soldiers of his platoon were recovered, they were found 10 meters ahead of their trenches with multiple bullet and bayonet wounds.

Naik Sahi Ram is survived by his wife Smt Indravati Devi.