The Hindu : National : Param Vir Chakra awardee Thapa dead

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Wednesday, Sep 07, 2005

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National

Param Vir Chakra awardee Thapa dead

Special Correspondent

One of the six decorated alive

He was believed killed in the operation against the Chinese during the Sino-Indian conflict of 1962 and later it was found that he has been taken prisoner by Chinese soldiers

NEW DELHI: Lt. Col. Dhan Singh Thapa, the braveheart who came back from the dead to personally receive the nation's highest award for gallantry, passed away in Pune in the early hours of Monday. He was 77. He was one of the four living Param Vir Chakra (PVC) awardees, the others being Bana Singh (for Siachen Glacier), Y.S. Yadav and Sanjay Kumar (both for Kargil conflict).

The nation has awarded 21 PVCs since Independence. Lt. Col. Thapa was among the six who were decorated alive while the rest were awarded posthumously. Chief of the Army Staff J. J. Singh has condoled the death of Lt. Col. Thapa. He is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son who is an Army officer.

Interestingly, (then) Major Thapa was believed killed in the operation against the Chinese in 1962 and his original PVC citation mentioned this fact. It was later found that he has been taken prisoner by Chinese soldiers. After his release, he resumed his military career.

Born in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, Lt. Col. Thapa was commissioned in the 8 Gorkha Rifles. The Sirijap valley, north of Pangong lake in Ladakh, was considered vital for the defence of Chushul airfield. The 1/8 Gorka Rifles had outposts there to thwart any enemy encroachment in to the area. One of the outposts, named Sirijap-1, was commanded by (then) Major Thapa when the Chinese attack came on October 21, 1962.

Major Thapa and his men repulsed the first attack, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. But the Chinese mounted another attack in greater number after shelling the area with artillery and mortar fire. After being beaten back, the Chinese launched a third attack, which was more powerful and intense, and the Indian strength was depleted. When the post was finally over-run by the Chinese, Major Thapa jumped out of his trench and killed several intruders in hand-to-hand fighting till he was eventually overpowered.

"His cool courage, conspicuous fighting qualities and leadership were in the highest traditions of the Army," read his citation.

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