08/06/2026
No bullets. No backup. No retreat. Only bayonets, and a roar that shook the Himalayas.
On October 23, 1962, in the freezing heights of Bum La Pass, Arunachal Pradesh, a legendary battle took place during the Indo-China War.
At this remote border post, Subedar Joginder Singh of the Sikh Regiment led just 20 Indian soldiers. Early that morning, intelligence confirmed that nearly 600 Chinese troops were advancing toward their position. By numbers alone, defeat seemed certain. But war is not decided by numbers, it is decided by courage.
At around 5:30 AM, the first attack began. About 200 Chinese soldiers advanced through thick fog, climbing the hill to capture the post. Joginder Singh manned the machine gun and ordered his men, “Not a single step back.” His accurate fire broke the first assault and forced the enemy to retreat.
Soon, a second wave followed with greater strength. During the fighting, Joginder Singh was badly wounded in the thigh. Despite heavy bleeding and repeated requests to withdraw, he refused to leave his men. Fighting on, he inspired his soldiers to repel the second attack. By then, ammunition was nearly exhausted, and half of the Indian soldiers had been martyred.
The final attack came soon after. With no bullets left, surrender was an option, but not for Joginder Singh. He told his men they still had their bayonets. Raising the battle cry “Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal,” he charged alone at the enemy with a bayonet-fixed rifle.
He killed several enemy soldiers before being overpowered by sheer numbers. Severely wounded, he was captured and later died from blood loss in a Chinese camp.
Such was his bravery that even the Chinese army saluted him. On May 17, 1963, his body was returned to India with full military honors. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest gallantry award.
Subedar Joginder Singh remains a timeless symbol of courage, sacrifice, and honor.
