Sepoy Prabhu

Sepoy Prabhu was a native of Mundia Khera village in Rajasthan’s Alwar district, an area renowned for its strong martial traditions and enduring ethos of national service. Inspired by a deep sense of patriotism, he enlisted in the 13 Kumaon Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, among the oldest and most respected infantry regiments of the Indian Army. Established in the eighteenth century, the regiment has earned a distinguished legacy through its bravery, professionalism, and exemplary service in numerous operations and campaigns.

In uniform, Sepoy Prabhu was recognised for his discipline, devotion to duty, and steadfast sense of responsibility. He served his battalion with pride, honouring the customs and values of the Kumaon Regiment. By 1962, his unit was based at Ambala before being deployed to Jammu & Kashmir, reflecting the high level of trust placed in its preparedness and fighting capability.

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

In June 1962, the 13 Kumaon Battalion, in which Sepoy Prabhu was serving, was relocated from Ambala to Baramulla in Jammu & Kashmir under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel H. S. Dhingra. By September 1962, as tensions along the northern frontier increased sharply, the battalion was ordered to move swiftly to Leh. After reaching Leh, 13 Kumaon came under the operational command of the 114 Infantry Brigade, led by Brigadier T. N. Raina, who later became the Chief of Army Staff. The brigade was responsible for defending nearly 400 kilometres of the Indo–China border, including the strategically crucial Chushul sector. Its constituent units included 13 Kumaon, 14 J&K Militia, 7 J&K Militia, 5 Jat, and 1/8 Gorkha Rifles. Sepoy Prabhu was part of ‘C’ (Charlie) Company of 13 Kumaon, commanded by Major Shaitan Singh. As per the brigade’s defensive strategy, Charlie Company was deployed at Rezang La, a high-altitude mountain pass vital for the protection of Chushul. Alpha Company, under Major G. N. Sinha, was held 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 Prabhu and his fellow soldiers had fully prepared and fortified their positions at Rezang La, laying out their defences in accordance with the surrounding terrain. Platoons 7, 8, and 9 occupied the forward slopes: Platoon 7, commanded by Jemadar Surja Ram, secured the northern flank; Platoon 8, led by Jemadar Hari Ram, guarded the pass; and Platoon 9, under Jemadar Ram Chander, defended the central area near Company Headquarters. A mortar detachment commanded by Naik Ram Kumar Yadav was placed on the reverse slope to provide fire support. In the early hours of 18 November 1962, Chinese forces launched a coordinated attack on Gurung Hill and Rezang La, coinciding with a major offensive at Sela in the Northeast Frontier Agency (present-day Arunachal Pradesh). Located about 11 kilometres south of Spanggur Gap, Rezang La overlooked the only road connecting Leh via Dungti, making it critical to the defence of the Chushul garrison. The initial enemy assault began around 2:00 AM, advancing towards the sector held by Platoon 8. A Chinese patrol of about 30 soldiers was detected by the Listening Post. Naik Hukam Chand immediately raised the alarm, informing Jemadar Hari Ram, who in turn alerted Major Shaitan Singh and deployed a Light Machine Gun team. When the enemy closed in to within 50 yards, effective fire was opened, forcing them to withdraw.

A second attack followed at around 4:00 AM against Platoon 7’s position. Jemadar Surja Ram quickly reorganised his troops and met the assault with coordinated rifle, LMG, and grenade fire. The resolute defence, especially under the leadership of Naik Sahi Ram, compelled the enemy to retreat once again. Undeterred, the attackers launched successive assaults at 4:55 AM, 6:00 AM, and 6:30 AM, each of which was met with fierce resistance. Despite heavy casualties and rapidly diminishing ammunition, Sepoy Prabhu and his comrades refused to yield ground. During the sixth assault at 7:40 AM, the enemy intensified their attack and by 8:40 AM introduced a 57 mm recoilless rifle positioned openly on a nearby ridge. The final assault began at 9:00 AM. Facing overwhelming odds, extreme cold, and superior enemy firepower, the soldiers of Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon, demonstrated exceptional bravery and determination.

Gravely wounded in the intense fighting, Sepoy Prabhu continued to fight until he laid down his life in the service of the nation. Charlie Company fought to the last man and the last round, successfully preventing the enemy from advancing towards the strategically vital Chushul airfield. After the ceasefire, Rezang La became a contested no-man’s land. Nearly three months later, the frozen bodies of Sepoy Prabhu and his fellow soldiers were discovered by a local shepherd, standing as a powerful and enduring reminder of their unparalleled courage, sacrifice, and devotion to duty.

Sepoy Prabhu is survived by his wife, Smt. Man Bhanwati.