About 3 kilometers from Kotwali Bazar (main market) Dharamshala, on the road to Mcleod Ganj, near Baarah khote village, at Dharamshala Military Station, there is a beautiful park dedicated in the honor of Late Brig Sher Jung Thapa. A war hero of the 1st Indo-Pakistani War, 1947.
When Muslims soldiers of 6 Jammu and Kashmir State Forces defected and killed Sikh soldiers, Major Sher Jung Thapa, stationed at Leh , was promoted as Lieut. Colonel and asked to proceed to Skardu for its defence. On reaching Skardu on 3 December 1947, he realised that his position was untenable and immediately sought permission to withdraw the garrison and the civil administration to Kargil and also requested reinforcements. The request for withdrawal was turned down and he was asked "to hold to last man and last round". Thus began the defence of Skardu.
Brig Sher Jung Thapa commanded 6 jak Rif during the epic "Siege of Skardu" which lasted for over six months from early February to 15 August 1948. The small garrison of about 250 men with a large number of civilian refugees including women and children, were surrounded and out off from all reinforcement and supplies. The enemy launched repeated attacks to overwhelm the garrison but the indomitable men under the able command of Brig Sher Jung Thapa beat them back. All relief attempts failed and with no food and just ten rounds of ammo left for each soldier, facing starvation the gallant garrison was forced to surrender on 14 August 1948.
Though out the unprecedented Siege in extremely harsh and trying conditions, Brig Sher Jung Tha pa displayed outstanding leadership, grit and great determination in defying the enemy despite grueling odds. The repeated alluring offers of surrender were turned to be starved to surrender. This saga of super human endurance and indomitable will remains un surpassed in the annals of Military History. For his heroic and inspiring leadership during on recent Military History, Brig Sher Jung Thapa was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra.
In this park there is also statue dedicated to Capt Chander Narain Singh MVC, 2 Garhwal Rifles. The war hero of Indo-Pakistani War, 1965.
See also: War Memorial Park |
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