Sepoy Ram Dewa

Sepoy Ram Dewa hailed from Jhanjhan village in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan, a region renowned for its proud military heritage and steadfast devotion to the nation's service. Inspired by a deep sense of patriotism, he joined the 13 Kumaon Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, one of the oldest and most distinguished infantry regiments of the Indian Army. With its origins dating back to the 18th century, the Kumaon Regiment has built a legacy of courage, professionalism, and gallantry across numerous campaigns and operations.

As a soldier, Sepoy Ram Dewa embodied dedication, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to duty. He wore the Kumaoni uniform with pride and upheld the time-honoured traditions and values of his battalion with sincerity. By 1962, his unit had been stationed in Ambala and was later deployed to Jammu & Kashmir, reflecting the confidence placed in their readiness, reliability, and operational excellence.

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

In June 1962, the 13 Kumaon Battalion, to which Sepoy Ram Dewa belonged, was redeployed from Ambala to Baramulla in Jammu & Kashmir under the leadership of Lt Col H.S. Dhingra. As tensions along the northern frontier intensified by September, the battalion was ordered to move at short notice to Leh. Upon reaching the region, the unit came under the operational control of the 114th Infantry Brigade, commanded by Brigadier T.N. Raina, who later rose to become the Chief of Army Staff. The brigade was tasked with securing nearly 400 kilometres of the Indo–China border, including the strategically crucial Chushul sector. The 114th Infantry Brigade consisted of five battalions: 13 Kumaon, 14 J&K Militia, 7 J&K Militia, 5 Jat, and 1/8 Gorkha Rifles. Sepoy Ram Dewa served with ‘C’ (Charlie) Company of 13 Kumaon, led by Major Shaitan Singh. As per the brigade’s defensive layout, Charlie Company was assigned to hold Rezang La, a key mountain pass vital 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, while Bravo and Delta Companies, under Captain R.V. Jatar, were positioned along Maggar Hill between Spanggur Gap and Rezang La.

By 26 October 1962, Sepoy Ram Dewa and his comrades had strengthened and prepared their defences at Rezang La in accordance with the 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 Company Headquarters. A mortar detachment, commanded by Naik Ram Kumar Yadav, was carefully 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—one directed at Gurung Hill and the other at Rezang La. Situated about 11 kilometres south of Spanggur Gap, Rezang La was of immense strategic value as it overlooked the only supply route linking Leh via Dungti, the lifeline for the Chushul garrison. The first enemy advance was detected around 2:00 AM by the Listening Post of Platoon 8, which identified approximately 30 hostile troops approaching. Naik Hukam Chand, the Section-1 commander, promptly informed Jemadar Hari Ram, who relayed the alert to Major Shaitan Singh and ordered a Light Machine Gun (LMG) team into position. When the attackers closed to within 50 yards, Naik Hukam Chand gave the command to open fire, forcing the enemy to withdraw.

At 4:00 AM, a second attack followed from the direction of Platoon 7. Jemadar Surja Ram swiftly repositioned Section Three and engaged the advancing troops with a coordinated barrage of rifle fire, LMGs, and grenades. Through resolute leadership and the valour of Naik Sahi Ram’s men, this assault was also repelled. Undeterred, the Chinese launched further 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 rose and ammunition supplies thinned, Sepoy Ram Dewa and his fellow soldiers refused to yield. By the time the sixth assault began at 7:40 AM, the company had suffered heavy losses. At 8:40 AM, the enemy introduced a 57 mm recoilless rifle, placing it in an exposed position on a nearby ridge to intensify the attack. The final and seventh wave struck at 9:00 AM. Amid relentless fire, bitter cold, and overwhelming odds, Sepoy Ram Dewa and the soldiers of Charlie Company demonstrated extraordinary bravery and resolve. Though grievously wounded, Sepoy Ram Dewa continued to fight until he made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation. The company held its ground to the very end, halting the enemy’s advance toward the strategically vital Chushul airfield.

After the ceasefire, Rezang La became part of a contested no-man’s land. Nearly three months later, the frozen bodies of Sepoy Ram Dewa and his fallen comrades were discovered by a local shepherd, still in their battle positions—a powerful and enduring symbol of their unmatched valour and sacrifice.

Sepoy Ram Dewa is survived by his wife, Smt Naraini Devi.