This is one battle that needs to be told again and again. In modern military history it is one of the bloodiest battles ever fought in which an entire Rifle Company got wiped out but not before repulsing Chinese attacks which came wave after wave. Maj Shaitan Singh was the Company Commander was severely wounded and refused to be evacuated . More than 1500 Chinese dead bodies were retrieved and an equal number were wounded. After winter was over when Army re occupied the post most of the bodies of soldiers were found on their gun positions with their fingers on the trigger. They had run of ammunition. Battle of Chushul was a saga of unprecedented courage, valour and supreme sacrifice. Never before had so many officers and Jawans (114 out of 120) laid down their lives in one battle. Maj Shaitan Singh was awarded Param Vir Chakra the highest gallantry award for bravery.
But for their sacrifice the entire Chushul valley would have been lost and Leh would have fallen to the Chinese. And Ladakh would have been lost for good.
Major Shaitan Singh came from Bhati Rajput clan and was born in Banasar village ( now known as Shaitan Singh Nagar) of Phalodi sub district of Jodhpur. Shipping Corporation of India named one it’s oil tankers as Shaitan Singh.
I had the honour of visiting his village and paying homage to a small statue erected in his honour. It was an initiative by the villagers and therefore not very professionally done. Today I understand the place has been done up , thanks to his Battalion 13 Kumaon who maintain it. There are many memorials which have been constructed including one at Rezingla. It is one of the ‘must visit’ sites in the tour itinerary of local tour operators in Ladakh. Shaitan is a legend . He was barely 38 when he died.
Today is the day to remember him and his brave Warriors.🙏🙏🌹🌺
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