A warrior was born on December 1, 1924, in the serene village of Banasar, Rajasthan. Named Shaitan Singh, he was the son of Lt. Col. Hem Singh Bhati, an illustrious veteran of World War I. Maj. Shaitan Singh grew up listening to the exploits of his father’s valor, and he dreamed of being one in khaki one day. After completing his schooling at Rajput High School in Jodhpur, he graduated from Jaswant College. The boy’s step toward realizing his ambition began when he joined the princely states Jodhpur Lancers. Fate, however, had other plans for him.
In April 1949, following the unification of the princely states with India, Shaitan Singh was posted to the Kumaon Regiment. With utmost devotion and sincerity, he quickly earned the respect of his seniors and juniors alike. He was promoted to the rank of Captain on November 25, 1955. Over the years, he saw action in the Naga Hills and played a crucial role in ‘Operation Vijay’ during the liberation of Goa in 1961.
Besides being a soldier, he was a talented footballer, representing his regiment in prestigious tournaments. By June 1962, now a Major, he was stationed with the 13 Kumaon battalion in Ambala. But soon, destiny called him to the cold, rugged heights of Ladakh.
The Battle of Rezang La (18 November 1962)
As tensions escalated between India and China in 1962, Maj. Shaitan Singh and his 13 Kumaon battalion were deployed to Leh under 114 Infantry Brigade, commanded by Brigadier T.N. Raina. The brigade was tasked with defending the 400 km-long border, with Maj. Shaitan Singh leading ‘Charlie’ Company, also known as the Ahir Company. By October, he and his men had settled into Rezang La, a strategic pass in the Chushul sector.
Assessing the terrain, Maj. Shaitan Singh positioned his three platoons in an optimal defensive layout. His men, hardened by the biting cold, fortified their positions. Then, on the night of November 18, the Chinese attacked. At 2:00 AM, they launched their first assault on Platoon 8. Jemadar Hari Ram and his men repelled them. At 4:00 AM, another wave came for Platoon 7 under Jemadar Surja Ram. Braving the darkness and freezing winds, his troops held firm. Each attack grew fiercer, with the Chinese striking relentlessly at 4:55 AM, 6:00 AM, and 6:30 AM. Yet, the Ahirs of 13 Kumaon did not waver.
By 7:40 AM, the enemy introduced a 57mm recoilless rifle. Maj. Shaitan Singh, despite being wounded, moved from post to post, rallying his men. When an MMG burst hit him in the abdomen, his soldiers tried to evacuate him, but he refused. Knowing the battle was nearly lost, he ordered them to save themselves. Leaving him propped against a boulder with a friend holding his pistol was a painful parting.
Months later, when a shepherd stumbled upon a frozen body on the slopes of Rezang La, Maj. Shaitan Singh could still be seen propped against a boulder. He then was flown to Jodhpur and was cremated with full military honors. For acts of extraordinary valor, he was also posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest wartime gallantry award.
The tale of Maj. Shaitan Singh and the 114 heroic and valiant members of ‘Charlie’ Company lives on in history as a saga of valor and sacrifice, wherein men fought to the last bullet to defend their motherland with unabashed courage. India & the Indian Army will never forget their supreme sacrifice.
