"Neither will I withdraw_nor will I surrender”\n\nMajor Dhan Singh Thapa, PVC\n\nOctober 1962, Ladakh: With clouds of war with China looming over the horizon, Major Dhan Singh Thapa and his men from 1/8 Gorkha Rifles were given the crucial task of setting up a forward post at Sirijap to safeguard the Chusul airfield. Along with 28 men, he set up a line of defence at the northern bank of Pangong Lake in Ladakh.\n\nIn the early hours of 20th October, their post was attacked by a barrage of artillery and mortar fire, followed by close to six hundred Chinese soldiers surrounding them.\n\nIn the face of heavy shelling, the enemy forces so close by, and a huge attack from all sides, the Gorkha war cry united the men, “Jai Maha Kali, Ayo Gorkhali”\n\nUnder Major Thapa’s gallant command, the outnumbered men of 1/8 Gorkha Rifles repulsed multiple attacks, inflicting heavy casualties on the Chinese. They fought till the last bullet, using their khukris and bare hands to kill the enemy and hold their post for as long as possible.