Sepoy NCM Appachu

In 1971, Sepoy N.C.M. Appachu’s unit, 18 Madras, was deployed in the southern Rajasthan sector during a period of grave national crisis. India was compelled to go to war with Pakistan following the large-scale atrocities committed by the Pakistani Army in its eastern wing, which led to an unprecedented influx of millions of refugees into India. The magnitude of this humanitarian crisis made armed conflict unavoidable. Consequently, India found itself engaged in a two-front war—on the eastern front, which culminated in the liberation of Bangladesh, and on the western and northern fronts to counter Pakistani military offensives. On the western front, the Rajasthan sector assumed considerable strategic importance. Indian forces in this region included the 11 Infantry Division and the 12 Infantry Division, while the opposing Pakistani forces comprised the 18 Infantry Division, supported by additional brigades and paramilitary elements. Indian operational plans envisaged a bold double thrust: the 12 Infantry Division advancing along the Longewala–Rahim Yar Khan axis, and the 11 Infantry Division along the Barmer–Naya Chor axis. However, these plans were disrupted when Pakistan launched a major armoured assault on Longewala on the night of 3 December 1971. This attack was resolutely repulsed by determined Indian ground forces, supported effectively by the Indian Air Force, resulting in heavy enemy losses and shifting the momentum in India’s favour.

Amid these developments, 18 Madras, operating under the 11 Infantry Division, launched offensive operations on 4 December 1971. The battalion rapidly overran Pakistani border posts and, maintaining relentless momentum, advanced deep into enemy territory, establishing contact with the Naya Chor defences by 11 December. Despite the inhospitable desert terrain, extreme climatic conditions, and constant threat of enemy engagement, the battalion pressed forward with determination and discipline. By 16 December 1971, after a gruelling advance of over 40 miles, the battalion reached Hingora Tar, just two kilometres short of Umarkot. At this critical juncture, Captain Shankar Shankhapan Walkar, serving as the battalion’s Mortar Officer, played a vital role in sustaining the unit’s combat effectiveness. Sepoy N.C.M. Appachu was an integral part of this forward thrust, sharing fully in the hardships, risks, and intensity of continuous combat operations. At this critical juncture, as the battalion consolidated its hard-won positions, it came under intense and sustained enemy shelling. In the face of heavy bombardment, Sepoy Appachu displayed exceptional courage, steadfastness, and devotion to duty. Remaining resolute under fire, he continued to perform his responsibilities with calm determination, embodying the finest traditions of the Indian Army. During this fierce engagement, he sustained grievous injuries. Despite all possible efforts, he succumbed to his wounds, making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty on 16 December 1971. The operations in this sector came at a heavy cost to 18 Madras. Alongside Captain S.S. Walkar a and Sepoy N.C.M. Appachu, 21 other brave soldiers of 18 Madras made the supreme sacrifice during these operations, including Sub AP Sreedhara Dass, Nb Sub NN Krishnan, Hav A P Ponnappan, Nk M Mani, L Nk SA Narayan, L Nk Panoly Govi, Sep M Muthaiah, Sep Amir Miyan, Sep GV Pillai, Sep Rajan, Sep Sampathu, Sep RG Krishna Kurup, Sep Gajendran, Sep Shaik Mahaboob, Sep MA Kasinathan, Sep Arasan Raju, Sep Basav Rajappa, Sep J Ganesan, Sep C Kandasamy, Sep Revan Siddappa and Sep V Somasekharan  Their collective sacrifice stands as a testament to the courage, unity, and unwavering commitment of 18 Madras in the service of the nation.

Sepoy Nella Chanda Machaiah Appachu is survived by his mother Smt Decheva.