Flights Of Fantasy
[ M Panging Pao ]
Many Arunachali old-timers recall the 1962 Sino-India conflict with fear and anger. The Chinese forces entered deep into Arunachal Pradesh along many axes like Taksing-Limeking, Mechuka/Manigong-Tato, Gelling-Tuting, Kibithoo-Walong axes and the main Tawang-Bomdila-Rupa axis. Many readers are not aware of fierce battles fought by our brave soldiers. One such story is the story of Lance Naik Sardar Singh.
Lance Naik Sardar Singh hailed from Jhajhar in Haryana and belonged to the 4 Grenadiers Regiment. At just 23 years of age, Lance Naik Sardar Singh and his battalion was deployed at a forward post near the Nam Ka Chu river in present Tawang district of Arunachal during the Sino-India war of 1962.
The Sino-India war started on 20 October, 1962, with a massive multi-frontal, multi-directional attack by Chinese forces. Lance Naik Sardar Singh’s unit troops were deployed at a forward post near the Nam Ka Chu river, north of Tawang. After the Chinese incursion into Dhola post in September 1962 and subsequent developments, the 4 Grenadiers battalion was ordered to withdraw from the forward post they were deployed. Higher headquarters put a withdrawal plan into action and the troops were deployed to facilitate a safe withdrawal of our soldiers and equipment. Being the second in command of a section, Lance Naik Sardar Singh was deployed on the extreme right flank of his company that was responsible to ensure a safe withdrawal. The Chinese, approximately a company strong, had established themselves
on the opposite bank of the Nam Ka Chu river and had cut the withdrawal route by dominating the track leading back to Hathung La Pass.
Lance Naik Sardar Singh’s platoon was given the task of guarding the right flank of the battalion position to prevent enemy interference with the withdrawal. However, the Chinese forces in overwhelming numbers kept attacking the withdrawing troops to cause maximum casualties. Undeterred, Lance Naik Sardar Singh, displaying great courage, kept the enemy engaged and ensured that the section kept the enemy forces pinned down with rapid fire. He remained in the position till the whole company moved to a safer place and reached a designated point. However, during the intense battle, Lance Naik Sardar Singh was hit by an enemy bullet. He later succumbed to his injuries and was martyred.
Throughout the entire battle, Lance Naik Sardar Singh displayed the highest sense of duty, leadership and courage in the best traditions of the Army. For his exceptional courage, tenacity and gallantry during the war, Lance Naik Sardar Singh was awarded the third highest gallantry award of the nation, Vir Chakra, posthumously. Salute to Lance Naik Sardar Singh! (The contributor is retired Group Captain, Indian Air Force)
