Sepoy Krishan Murari

Sepoy Krishan Murari hailed from Dhaliya village in the Farrukhabad district of Uttar Pradesh, a region known for its rich martial heritage and enduring tradition of service to the nation. Growing up in an environment that valued courage, duty, and patriotism, he developed a strong desire from an early age to serve the country. Following this calling, he enlisted in the 13 Kumaon Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, one of the oldest and most distinguished infantry regiments of the Indian Army. Established in the eighteenth century, the Kumaon Regiment has built a proud legacy of bravery, professionalism, and exemplary service in numerous military operations and campaigns.

Sepoy Krishan Murari was married to Smt Shanti Devi, who remained a pillar of strength and support in his life. During his service, Sepoy Krishan Murari earned the respect of both his comrades and superiors for his discipline, sincerity, and unwavering dedication to duty. He served his battalion with pride, upholding the rich traditions and values of the Kumaon Regiment. By 1962, his unit was stationed at Ambala and was later deployed to Jammu & Kashmir, reflecting the confidence placed in the battalion’s operational readiness and fighting spirit.

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

In June 1962, the 13 Kumaon Battalion, in which Sepoy Krishan Murari was serving, was moved from Ambala to Baramulla in Jammu & Kashmir under the command of Lieutenant Colonel H. S. Dhingra. As tensions along the northern frontier escalated in September 1962, the battalion was ordered to move rapidly to Leh to reinforce the region’s defences. Upon arrival, 13 Kumaon was placed under the operational control of the 114 Infantry Brigade, commanded by Brigadier T. N. Raina, who would later go on to become the Chief of Army Staff. The brigade was tasked with defending nearly 400 kilometres of the Indo–China border, including the strategically vital Chushul sector. Its formation comprised 13 Kumaon, 14 J&K Militia, 7 J&K Militia, 5 Jat, and 1/8 Gorkha Rifles. Sepoy Krishan Murari served in ‘C’ (Charlie) Company of 13 Kumaon, commanded by Major Shaitan Singh. As part of the brigade’s defensive plan, Charlie Company was deployed at Rezang La, a high-altitude mountain pass of great strategic importance for the defence of Chushul. Meanwhile, Alpha Company under Major G. N. Sinha was kept in reserve near 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 Krishan Murari and his fellow soldiers had firmly established and fortified their defensive positions at Rezang La, carefully aligning them with the surrounding terrain. Platoons 7, 8, and 9 were deployed on the forward slopes. Platoon 7, commanded by Jemadar Surja Ram, guarded the northern flank; Platoon 8, led by Jemadar Hari Ram, defended the pass itself; and Platoon 9, under Jemadar Ram Chander, protected the central sector near the Company Headquarters. A mortar section 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 offensive on Gurung Hill and Rezang La, coinciding with a major attack at Sela in the Northeast Frontier Agency (present-day Arunachal Pradesh). Situated about 11 kilometres south of Spanggur Gap, Rezang La overlooked the only road linking Leh via Dungti, making it crucial to the defence of the Chushul garrison. The first enemy assault began at around 2:00 AM, directed towards the position held by Platoon 8. A Chinese patrol of about 30 soldiers was detected by the Listening Post. Naik Hukam Chand immediately raised the alarm and informed Jemadar Hari Ram, who quickly alerted Major Shaitan Singh and deployed a Light Machine Gun team. When the enemy approached within 50 yards, the defenders opened accurate and effective fire, forcing the attackers to withdraw. A second attack followed at approximately 4:00 AM against the position of Platoon 7. Jemadar Surja Ram swiftly reorganised his troops and repelled the assault with coordinated rifle, LMG, and grenade fire. The determined defence, particularly under the leadership of Naik Sahi Ram, forced the enemy to retreat once again. Undeterred, the Chinese forces launched further assaults at 4:55 AM, 6:00 AM, and 6:30 AM. Each wave was met with fierce resistance. Despite mounting casualties and dwindling ammunition, Sepoy Krishan Murari and his comrades held their ground with remarkable determination.

During the sixth assault at around 7:40 AM, the intensity of the attack increased, and by 8:40 AM, the enemy had brought forward a 57 mm recoilless rifle, positioning it openly on a nearby ridge to target the defenders. The final assault commenced at approximately 9:00 AM. Facing overwhelming numbers, harsh weather conditions, and superior enemy firepower, the soldiers of Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon, fought with extraordinary courage and unwavering resolve. Severely wounded during the fierce engagement, Sepoy Krishan Murari continued to fight with determination until he made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation. The soldiers of Charlie Company fought to the last man and the last round, successfully preventing the enemy from advancing towards the strategically vital Chushul airfield. Following the ceasefire, Rezang La remained a contested no-man’s land. Nearly three months later, the frozen bodies of Sepoy Krishan Murari and his fellow soldiers were discovered by a local shepherd. Their final positions stood as a powerful and enduring testament to their extraordinary bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to duty.

Sepoy Krishan Murari is survived by his wife, Smt. Shanti Devi.