Second Lieutenant Tulabandula Achyutha Rayalu

Indo-China War: 21 Nov 1962

At the onset of the 1962 Sino-Indian War, 2nd Lt Tulabandula Achyutha Rayalu's unit, the 4th Battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry (4 Sikh LI) under the command of Lt Col RB Nanda, was stationed at Ambala as part of the 17th Infantry Division. Following the sudden escalation of hostilities after the Chinese offensive in October 1962, the battalion was mobilised for deployment to the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA). On 23 October 1962, just a day after the Chinese attack began, 4 Sikh LI moved out from Ambala. By 28 October, the battalion had reached Misamari, the railhead for Bomdila, and subsequently advanced to Bomdila, arriving there on 6 November 1962. From Bomdila, the battalion was detached and moved forward to the strategically vital Se La sector, where it came under the command of the 62 Infantry Brigade, led by Brigadier Hoshiar Singh. The brigade comprised several battalions, including 4 Garhwal, 1 Sikh, 2 Sikh Light Infantry, 4 Sikh Light Infantry, and 13 Dogra, forming a key defensive force in the region. By November 1962, as the operational situation evolved, 4 Sikh Light Infantry became part of the larger formation of the 4 Infantry Division, commanded by Major General AS Pathania, which was responsible for operations in this critical sector. Operating in extremely challenging terrain and under intense pressure from the advancing enemy, 4 Sikh LI played a vital role as part of the defensive grid in the Se La–Bomdila axis during one of the most difficult phases of the campaign. 

In November 1962, during the intense operations in the Se La–Bomdila sector, 4 Sikh LI was tasked with holding critical defensive positions against the advancing Chinese forces. By mid-November, the situation had deteriorated rapidly. On 16 November, a large-scale movement of Chinese troops was detected along the Bhutan border, indicating a major build-up on the brigade’s flank. The enemy soon established a foothold on key approaches, threatening to outflank and isolate Indian positions. Despite the looming danger of encirclement, the brigade initially held its ground at Se La, while elements of 4 Sikh LI, including its companies deployed in the Two-Lake area, carried out fighting withdrawals under pressure. As the tactical situation worsened—with Chinese forces infiltrating through multiple axes and cutting off vital lines of communication—the brigade was eventually ordered to withdraw towards Bomdila. During this critical phase on the night of 17–18 November, confusion and breakdown of communications led to a premature and disorganised withdrawal from Se La. Crucially, 4 Sikh LI did not receive timely orders to withdraw, leaving the battalion isolated in its forward positions. 

Soon after, the Chinese occupied vacated positions and launched repeated and intense attacks on the still-held localities of 4 Sikh LI, including the Battalion Headquarters. Surrounded, outnumbered, and under relentless enemy fire, the battalion fought with exceptional courage and determination. With no coordinated withdrawal possible, the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel RB Nanda, ordered his troops to break contact and withdraw in small groups. Amidst this chaotic and perilous situation, 2nd Lt Rayalu displayed exemplary courage and leadership. Leading his men through treacherous terrain and under constant enemy pressure, he continued to resist and attempt a breakout despite repeated ambushes by the Chinese forces. The withdrawing parties of 4 Sikh LI were engaged multiple times, suffering heavy casualties as they fought their way south of Se La. In the ensuing actions over the next few days, the battalion paid a very heavy price. On 21 November 1962, 2nd Lt Rayalu laid down his life in the line of duty, fighting gallantly alongside his comrades at the age of 22 years. In the same series of engagements, over 151 soldiers of 4 Sikh Light Infantry, including their Commanding Officer, Lt Col RB Nanda and several officers, made the supreme sacrifice. The actions of 2nd Lt TA Rayalu and his comrades at Se La continue to be remembered as an example of resilience and sacrifice in one of the most challenging chapters of Indian military history.