Sepoy Devi Sahi

Sepoy Devi Sahi was born in Kalilpur village in Rewari district of Haryana, a land known for its rich martial tradition and unwavering commitment to national service. Drawn by a strong sense of patriotism and duty, he enlisted in the 13 Kumaon Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment—one of the Indian Army’s oldest and most illustrious infantry regiments. With a lineage tracing back to the 18th century, the regiment has earned an enduring reputation for valour, discipline, and distinguished service in numerous campaigns.

As a soldier, Sepoy Devi Sahi exemplified dedication, integrity, and steadfast devotion to his responsibilities. He donned the Kumaoni uniform with immense pride, faithfully upholding the proud traditions and ethos of his battalion. By 1962, his unit had been based in Ambala and was subsequently deployed to Jammu & Kashmir, a testament to the faith reposed in its preparedness, dependability, and operational capability.

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

In June 1962, Sepoy Devi Sahi’s unit, the 13 Kumaon Battalion, was redeployed from Ambala to Baramulla in Jammu & Kashmir under the command of Lt Col H.S. Dhingra. As tensions along the northern frontier intensified by September, the battalion received urgent orders to move to Leh. On reaching the region, 13 Kumaon came under the operational control of the 114th Infantry Brigade, led by Brigadier T.N. Raina, who would later become the Chief of Army Staff. The brigade was entrusted with securing nearly 400 kilometres of the Indo–China border, including the strategically critical 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 Devi Sahi served in ‘C’ (Charlie) Company of 13 Kumaon, commanded by Major Shaitan Singh. Following the brigade’s defensive plan, Charlie Company was assigned the key task of defending Rezang La, a mountain pass crucial for the protection of Chushul. Alpha Company, under Major G.N. Sinha, was held in reserve near the battalion headquarters on high ground overlooking Chushul, while Bravo and Delta Companies, led by Captain R.V. Jatar, were positioned along Maggar Hill between Spanggur Gap and Rezang La.

By 26 October 1962, Sepoy Devi Sahi and his comrades had fortified Rezang La, shaping their defences to suit the rugged terrain and tactical requirements. Three platoons—7, 8, and 9—were deployed on the forward slopes. Platoon 7, under Jemadar Surja Ram, secured the northern flank; Platoon 8, commanded by Jemadar Hari Ram, guarded the approach near the pass; and Platoon 9, led by Jemadar Ram Chander, held the central sector close to the company headquarters. A mortar detachment, commanded by Naik Ram Kumar Yadav, was positioned on the reverse slope to provide supporting fire. In the early hours of 18 November 1962, Chinese forces launched a coordinated assault on two fronts—Gurung Hill and Rezang La. Located about 11 kilometres south of Spanggur Gap, Rezang La held immense strategic importance, overlooking the only supply route from Leh via Dungti, the lifeline of the Chushul garrison. The first enemy advance was detected around 2:00 AM by Platoon 8’s listening post, which reported approximately 30 hostile troops approaching. Naik Hukam Chand, commanding Section 1, immediately informed Jemadar Hari Ram, who relayed the alert to Major Shaitan Singh and positioned a Light Machine Gun (LMG) team. When 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 attack came from Platoon 7’s sector. Jemadar Surja Ram quickly repositioned Section 3 and engaged the advancing troops with a coordinated barrage of rifles, LMGs, and grenades. Thanks to steadfast leadership and the courage of Naik Sahi Ram’s men, this assault was also repelled. Undeterred, the Chinese launched successive waves at 4:55 AM, 6:00 AM, and 6:30 AM, each meeting determined resistance from the defenders entrenched at Rezang La. Even as casualties mounted and ammunition ran low, Sepoy Devi Sahi and his comrades refused to yield. By the sixth assault at 7:40 AM, the company had already suffered heavy losses. At 8:40 AM, the enemy brought a 57 mm recoilless rifle into action from a nearby ridge. The final, seventh wave struck at 9:00 AM. Amid freezing temperatures, relentless fire, and overwhelming odds, Sepoy Devi Sahi displayed extraordinary courage. Gravely wounded, he continued to fight until making the supreme sacrifice. Charlie Company held its ground to the very end, halting the enemy’s advance toward the strategically vital Chushul airfield. After the ceasefire, Rezang La remained a contested area. Nearly three months later, the frozen bodies of Sepoy Devi Sahi and his fallen comrades were discovered by a local shepherd, still in their battle positions—a lasting and powerful testament to their unmatched bravery and selfless sacrifice.

Sepoy Devi Sahi is survived by his wife, Smt Shanti Devi.