Meet Major Shaitan Singh who along with his men pushed back Chinese troops and Saved Ladakh in 1962 war

Real heroes should be treated close to gods as they protect the people like a shield, without caring about their own life. When we talk about real-life heroes who sacrifice their lives for the nation, brave soldiers from the Indian Army come to our mind. We sleep fearlessly at night but our soldiers hardly get enough sleep. They stand like a wall on the border 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to protect India from any threats. They also fight against internal threats like conducting rescue operations during natural calamities and disasters.

They sweat it out, round the clock, on border from the baptism of fire and they cope with severe difficulties and obstacles in a bid to maintain the status quo loud and proud. Without thinking twice, our soldiers sacrifice their lives to protect us and the nation. Day by day, the respect towards the Indian Army is increasing.

Today we are going to talk about a brave Indian soldier named Major Shaitan Singh who pushed back a huge Chinese army with just 120 soldiers. The war took place in 1962 between India and China.

It was 18 November 1962 when the battle of Rezang La took place. China had waged a full-fledged war against India. Major Shaitan Singh was leading 120 jawans of the Charlie Company of the 13th Kumaon battalion. Over 5,000 Chinese soldiers attacked Indian soldiers in early morning who were protecting the airfield in Chushul, Ladakh. Chinese soldiers were in a good position and were armed with heavy artillery support, unlike Indian soldiers.

The war began and both the army started firing on each other. Indian army had killed 1300 enemies but their ammunition was finished. Now, Indian soldiers were left with the choice of either fighting against 5,000 Chinese soldiers or fleeing away from the post. It was Major Shaitan Singh who decided to continue to fight against enemies instead of taking steps back.

Unfortunately, 114 Indian soldiers

were martyred in the war and five were taken as Prisoners of War (POW) by the Chinese and one was sent back by Major Singh so that he could tell the true story of Indian soldiers to the world. Major Singh encouraged troops to continue to fight. Singh got mortally wounded but continued to fight with his soldiers. One of his soldiers tied Singh’s wounded body to himself and rolled down the hill and placed him between boulders where he died.

Major Singh was also martyred for the nation but fought with grit and determination against enemies until his last breath. His body was found in February 1963 at the same place in a frozen state. Major Shaitan Singh was later honored with the Param Vir Chakra posthumously for his unprecedented leadership, courage, and determination. Apart from Param Vir Chakra, 5 Vir Chakras and 4 Sena Medals were given to Major’s fellow army men.

A statue of this brave soldier has been built in his native city of Jodhpur. His native village was renamed after his name Shaitan Singh in his honor.