Sepoy Chander Shekhar

Sepoy Chander Shekhar was a native of Bocharia village, in Mahendragarh District of Haryana, a land long associated with courage, service, and a strong tradition of military pride. Drawn by a deep love for the nation, he joined the 13 Kumaon Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, among the Indian Army’s most time-honoured and distinguished infantry units. Established in the eighteenth century, the regiment has earned enduring recognition for its valour, discipline, and outstanding service in numerous campaigns.

In uniform, Sepoy Chander Shekhar was known for his steadfast dedication, strict discipline, and unwavering loyalty to duty. He carried the Kumaoni colours with dignity and upheld the customs and spirit of his battalion with sincerity. By 1962, his unit was posted at Ambala and was later moved to Jammu & Kashmir, reflecting the trust placed in its preparedness and fighting capability.

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

In June 1962, Sepoy Chander Shekhar’s unit, the 13 Kumaon Battalion, commanded by Lt Col H.S. Dhingra, was transferred from Ambala to Baramulla in Jammu & Kashmir. As the situation along the northern frontier grew increasingly tense by September, the battalion was ordered to proceed to Leh at short notice. On arrival, 13 Kumaon was placed under the operational control of the 114th Infantry Brigade, led by Brigadier T.N. Raina, who would later go on to become the Chief of Army Staff. The brigade was tasked with guarding nearly 400 kilometres of the Indo–China border, including the strategically vital Chushul sector. The 114th Infantry Brigade comprised five battalions: 13 Kumaon, 14 J&K Militia, 7 J&K Militia, 5 Jat, and 1/8 Gorkha Rifles. Sepoy Chander Shekhar served with ‘C’ (Charlie) Company of 13 Kumaon under the command of Major Shaitan Singh. Under the brigade’s defensive plan, Charlie Company was deployed at Rezang La, a key mountain pass central to the protection of Chushul. Alpha Company, commanded by Major G.N. Sinha, remained in reserve near the battalion headquarters on elevated ground overlooking Chushul. At the same time, Bravo and Delta Companies, led by Captain R.V. Jatar, took up positions along Maggar Hill between Spanggur Gap and Rezang La.

By 26 October 1962, Sepoy Chander Shekhar and his comrades had strengthened their defences at Rezang La, shaping their positions to match the harsh terrain and tactical demands. Three platoons—7, 8, and 9—were deployed on the forward slopes. Platoon 7, led by Jemadar Surja Ram, secured the northern flank; Platoon 8, under Jemadar Hari Ram, covered the approach near the pass; and Platoon 9, commanded by Jemadar Ram Chander, held the central sector close to the Company Headquarters. A mortar detachment, led by Naik Ram Kumar Yadav, was positioned on the reverse slope to provide supporting fire. In the pre-dawn hours of 18 November 1962, Chinese forces launched a coordinated, two-pronged attack—one directed at Gurung Hill and the other at Rezang La. This offensive coincided with assaults at Sela in the Northeast Frontier Agency (now Arunachal Pradesh). Situated about 11 kilometres south of Spanggur Gap, Rezang La held immense strategic importance, overlooking the only supply route from Leh through Dungti, the lifeline of the Chushul garrison. The first enemy movement was detected around 2:00 AM by the listening post of Platoon 8, which reported approximately 30 advancing troops. Naik Hukam Chand, commander of Section 1, immediately informed Jemadar Hari Ram, who alerted Major Shaitan Singh and directed a Light Machine Gun (LMG) team into position. As the attackers closed to within 50 yards, Naik Hukam Chand gave the order to open fire, forcing the enemy to withdraw.

At 4:00 AM, a second wave advanced from Platoon 7’s sector. Jemadar Surja Ram quickly repositioned Section Three and engaged the attackers with coordinated rifle fire, LMG bursts, and grenades. Under the determined leadership of Jemadar Surja Ram and the bravery of Naik Sahi Ram’s men, this assault was also repelled. Undeterred, the Chinese launched further attacks at 4:55 AM, 6:00 AM, and 6:30 AM, each meeting fierce resistance from the defenders entrenched at Rezang La. Despite heavy casualties and dwindling ammunition, Sepoy Chander Shekhar and his fellow soldiers refused to yield. By the sixth assault at 7:40 AM, the company had already suffered severe losses. At 8:40 AM, the enemy brought a 57 mm recoilless rifle into action from a nearby ridge, intensifying the pressure on the defenders. The final, seventh wave struck at 9:00 AM. Amid freezing winds, relentless gunfire, and overwhelming odds, Sepoy Chander Shekhar and the men of Charlie Company displayed exceptional courage and resolve. Gravely wounded, Sepoy Chander Shekhar continued to fight until he made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation. The company held its position to the very end, stopping the enemy’s advance toward the strategically vital Chushul airfield.

Following the ceasefire, Rezang La became a contested no-man’s land. Nearly three months later, a local shepherd discovered the frozen bodies of Sepoy Chander Shekhar and his fallen comrades, still in their battle positions—an enduring testament to their unmatched valour and selfless sacrifice.

Sepoy Chander Shekhar is survived by his wife, Smt. Chamoli Devi.