The night vigil
Lance Naik Nar Bahadur Chhetri

Lance Naik Nar Bahadur Chhetri, and the 12 guards, were deployed in Punjab, during Indo-Pak war of 1971. The Lance Naik's platoon guarded the Chhamb crossing, over the river Munnawar Tawi, It was here, as Lance Naik Chhetri kept vigil on the night of 4th December that a massive Pakistani offensive began, with 4 military brigades 2 armored regiments and 11 artillery units.

The Indians were caught on the wrong foot, as they had not stationed a missile unit here to deter an enemy advance. Well aware of this two Pakistani tanks began a heavy bombarding of Indian positions across the river. Lance Naik Chhetri knew he had to act quickly. Without a second thought, he dashed ahead to a distance of 200 meters. His strategy was to draw his platoon, the attention of the enemy tanks and thereby skillfully maneuver them to within striking range of Indian guided missile units, some distance away.

His mission was accomplished despite the grave risks. The Indian guided missile unit then proceeded to knock out several tanks with some accurate firng.

The Lance Naik was decorated with the Mahavir Chakra for his heroism and courage.