| Name | Rank | Unit | Award | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Major Sat Parkash Varma | Major | 3/8 Gorkha Rifles | Vir Chakra | Sanjoi Top, J&K |
| Subedar Man Bahadur Gurung | Subedar | 3/8 Gorkha Rifles | Vir Chakra | Sanjoi Top, J&K |
| Lance Naik Raj Bahadur Gurung | Lance Naik | 3/8 Gorkha Rifles | Vir Chakra | Sanjoi Top, J&K |
On 3 September 1965, during the India-Pakistan War, the soldiers of 3/8 Gorkha Rifles undertook a demanding assault against the strongly defended Sanjoi Top in Jammu and Kashmir. The position was heavily fortified, with machine-gun posts, rocket-launcher positions and other obstacles designed to stop an advancing force. Among those who distinguished themselves during the assault were Major Sat Parkash Varma, Subedar Man Bahadur Gurung and Lance Naik Raj Bahadur Gurung. All three displayed exceptional courage and leadership during the same operation and were subsequently awarded the Vir Chakra for their gallantry.
Major Sat Parkash Varma was the leading Company Commander of 3/8 Gorkha Rifles during the assault. As his troops approached the objective, their advance was temporarily halted by a high stone wall protecting the enemy positions. Recognising the obstacle, Major Varma directed the fire of his rocket launchers against the wall and the enemy bunkers, creating a breach through which his men could advance. Under heavy enemy fire, he personally led his troops through the breach and continued the assault against the strongly defended positions. When two Pakistani soldiers emerged and attacked him, he fought them with his khukri and killed both. Although he was wounded by two bursts of enemy medium machine-gun fire, he remained with his men and continued encouraging them until the objective had been captured. He later succumbed to his injuries.
Subedar Man Bahadur Gurung was the leading Platoon Commander of the assaulting company. As the enemy opened heavy and effective fire, he recognised that the strongly entrenched machine-gun and rocket-launcher positions had to be neutralised before the advance could continue. Taking his men forward, he carried out a bold manoeuvre to secure the enemy's right flank. He then directed four rockets against the enemy strong points before leading his men forward. When they encountered the fortified positions, Subedar Gurung moved with determination against the enemy defences. Later, when another enemy light machine gun opened fire from his flank, he crawled behind the enemy position, threw hand grenades into the bunker and followed the attack with his Sten gun. He then entered the bunker with his khukri and killed the enemy gunners, opening the way for the further advance of his platoon.
Lance Naik Raj Bahadur Gurung served as the Section Commander of the leading platoon. As the platoon closed in on Sanjoi Top, intense fire from enemy medium machine guns, light machine guns and rockets caused casualties among the advancing troops. Lance Naik Gurung took his section around the right side of the bunkers and charged the enemy strong points. On reaching the fortified positions, he encountered a high stone wall protecting the bunkers. Displaying remarkable initiative and physical courage, he climbed a tree and jumped onto the roof of an enemy bunker. He immediately entered the position, killed the enemy gunners and captured their medium machine gun. Thereafter, he killed three more enemy soldiers, contributing significantly to the successful advance of his section.
The Assault on Sanjoi Top
The action at Sanjoi Top demonstrated the extraordinary fighting spirit of 3/8 Gorkha Rifles. The objective was strongly defended and protected by mines, wire obstacles and well-sited automatic weapons. Yet the assaulting troops continued their advance under intense fire. Major Varma's leadership, Subedar Man Bahadur Gurung's determined manoeuvre against the enemy flank and Lance Naik Raj Bahadur Gurung's daring attack on the bunkers each played a significant part in overcoming the resistance.
Major Sat Parkash Varma ultimately succumbed to the wounds he sustained during the operation. The actions of Subedar Man Bahadur Gurung and Lance Naik Raj Bahadur Gurung, meanwhile, reflected exceptional courage, determination and leadership under intense enemy fire.
The story of Sanjoi Top is a story of collective courage, with officers and soldiers confronting formidable defences and advancing despite intense resistance. Major Sat Parkash Varma, Subedar Man Bahadur Gurung and Lance Naik Raj Bahadur Gurung each demonstrated the qualities for which the Gorkha soldier has long been respected: courage in adversity, determination under fire and an unwavering commitment to the mission and to those serving beside them.
For their exceptional gallantry during the 1965 war, all three were honoured with the Vir Chakra. Their actions at Sanjoi Top remain a distinguished chapter in the history of 3/8 Gorkha Rifles and in the military history of the 1965 war.
The Honour Post honours Major Sat Parkash Varma, Subedar Man Bahadur Gurung and Lance Naik Raj Bahadur Gurung for their courage, leadership and distinguished service during the assault on Sanjoi Top.
