Brigadier Sher Jang Thapa, MVC
In 1947, the 6 J&K Rifles commanded by Lt Col Sher Jang Thapa was moved to Skardu in Ladakh to ensure its security against an emminent Pakistani onslaught.
On February 11, 1948, Skardu was surrounded by an enemy of about 600 troops, while the strength of soldiers under Lt Col Thapa was only 130. Sporadic fighting continued all through February but in March the raiders strengthened by new supplies intensified their fire. Gradually, the Indians ration position started worsening. The enemy tried to persuade them to surrender. The offer was outrightly rejected by Lt Col Thapa.
The night of August 13, 1948, saw a fierce battle at Skardu between Pakistani and Indian troops. Lt Col Thapa and his men repulsed an attack of around 200 raiders. But now Thapa knew he could not hold on any longer and he ordered his men to leave Skardu in small numbers. Thapa recalls, "We used our last box of ammunition. Everyone knew our plight and there was panic and chaos all over ... my troops fought under very adverse conditions and held Skardu for six months and three days. Then I was left with no alternative but to surrender." On 14th August after withstanding a heroic seige of 6 months Skardu finally gave in.
Throughout the period of siege, Lt Col Sher Jang Thapa showed outstanding leadership and great determination in holding out ... in spite of the enemy offering him liberal surrender terms and knowing that there was no hope of ever being relieved. By his personal example and indomitable spirit he kept the morale of both his troops and civilian refugees at a high level ... his conduct has been in the best traditions of the Indian Army. For his sustained gallantry, Lt Col Sher Jung Thapa was awarded the Mahavir Chakra.
But for his siege of Skardu in the Ladakh region of
Lt Col Thapa retired as a Brigadier in 1960. He died in Dharamsala in 1999 at the age of 90 years. 
No comments:
Post a Comment