Lieutenant Bikram Singh Rathore

Lieutenant Bikram Singh Rathore was a brave officer from Sialba village, Punjab, who fought and died during the Indo-China War of 1962. He commanded 120 soldiers of Delta Company, 6 Kumaon Regiment, in the Battle of Walong, Arunachal Pradesh (then NEFA).

Battle of Namti Nullah

On 23 October 1962, Lt. Bikram Singh and his men successfully ambushed Chinese troops at a small hanging bridge over Namti Nullah. By removing planks from the bridge, they caused the first Chinese soldier to fall, exposing the enemy troops to accurate mortar and machine-gun fire. This surprise attack inflicted heavy casualties on the Chinese—about 200 killed or wounded—while Indian losses were minimal.

Battle of West Ridge

On 15 November 1962, Lt. Bikram Singh was assigned to defend West Ridge, overlooking Walong town, against a massive Chinese attack involving around 10,000 soldiers. Despite being heavily outnumbered, he and his men held their ground through multiple waves of assault, repelling attacks supported by machine guns and artillery.

Lt. Bikram Singh promised his brigade commander to hold the position until 1100 hours on 16 November. Though most of his men were lost and ammunition was low, he chose to fight on until his last breath, embodying the Rajput warrior spirit.

Legacy

Lt. Bikram Singh’s last letter to his family, dated 11 November 1962, reflected his fierce determination:

“The traditions of our race cannot be forgotten. I have killed many and will continue to kill more until the enemy finishes off.”

His resting place was discovered 22 years later in 1986. In 1995, a memorial dedicated to unknown soldiers was built near Walong, known as Helmet Top, honoring him and others who fought there.