Raghav Prasad Pandey, SM

Biography

Naib Subedar Raghav Prasad Pandey joined the Army after completing his school education and was recruited into the 18 Rajput Battalion of the Rajput Regiment, an infantry regiment renowned for its valour and battle honours across numerous operations. Over the course of his service he rose to become a Junior Commissioned Officer, functioning as part of the 'A' Company of 18 Rajput under the command of Major Harbhajan Singh. In September 1967, his unit was deployed in East Sikkim near the Nathu La Pass, a position of great tactical importance that connected Sikkim with Tibet and offered vital advantages of observation and fire. Following the closure of trade through the route after the 1962 war, India began fencing the border with barbed wire in August 1967, provoking repeated protests and confrontations from Chinese forces. As Indian engineers worked to complete a wire obstacle at Nathu La by 11 September 1967, the 18 Rajput battalion, along with 2 Grenadiers, was detailed as a protection party. Major Harbhajan Singh's group, which included Naib Subedar Raghav Prasad Pandey, was tasked with strengthening the wire-laying party opposite the 'North Shoulder'. At 0540 hours on 11 September 1967, the engineers commenced construction of the wire obstacle. The Chinese, opposed to the work, initiated a scuffle and then opened fire from the front and the flanks, catching the Rajput company and engineers in the open. Undeterred, Naib Subedar Raghav Prasad Pandey and his comrades charged at the Chinese soldiers in a display of rare courage. During this gallant action he was severely injured and soon succumbed to his wounds. For his conspicuous courage, devotion to duty and supreme sacrifice, he was awarded the Sena Medal.