Decorated war veteran Brigadier Kuldip Singh Chandpuri died in a private hospital in Mohali near Chandigarh on Saturday, 17 November, family sources told IANS. He was 78 years old.
Brigadier Kuldip Singh Chandpuri was an Army Major during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. He had held his post through the night in the famous battle of Longewala in Rajasthan with just 120 men against a full-fledged attack by advancing Pakistani Patton tanks.
He was decorated with the Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) for the heroic stand-off against the tanks and forcing the enemy to retreat. A company of the Indian Army's 23rd battalion, Punjab Regiment, commanded by Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri, was left with the choice of either attempting to hold out until reinforced, or fleeing on foot from Pakistani force.
Choosing the former, Chandpuri ensured that all his assets were correctly deployed, and made the most use of his strong defensive position, and weaknesses created by errors in enemy tactics.
The feat of Brigadier Chandpuri and his men was later featured in Bollywood blockbuster movie Border which was released in 1997. He was the inspiration behind Sunny Deol’s character in the film.
Twitter Mourns the Death of ‘India’s Hero’
Chief Minister of Punjab Amarinder Singh took to Twitter to condole the death of the ‘brave and distinguished soldier’ Major Chandpuri.
Special forces veteran Major Surendra Poonia also gave his condolences on Twitter. He wrote that India had lost its hero.
MLA of Punjab’s Dera Bassi, NK Sharma expressed his sadness at Brigadier Chandpuri’s demise as well, and appreciated his bravery and leadership during the war.
MP Partap Singh Bajwa gave his condolences to Chandpuri’s family as well.
Minister of State for Housing & Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri said he was deeply saddened at the demise of the ‘legendary hero of the battle of Longewala’.
According to The Tribune, Major Chandpuri will be cremated with full military honours on Monday, 18 November. He is survived by his wife and three sons.
(With inputs from PTI, IANS)
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