Vir Chakra (VrC)

Lance Havildar Bishnu Bahadur Thapawas a section commander during search operation in area viswamadu in Sri Lanka from L2 nd to 3rd July 1988. As his section was approaching general area Viswamadu, it came under a heavy fire ofAK-47, G-3 rifles and hand grenades. The fire was so sudden that two members of his section were injured before they could react. Lance Havildar Thapa was also injured as a number of bullets went through his body. But undeterred by the flying bullets and splinters, Lance Havildar Thapa moved ahead and observed 18 to 20 militants occupyinga dominant position and firing at his section. He moved his section to a position behind the cover and returned fire. In the encounter that ensued, he himself occupied a position behind a tree and brought down accurate and lethal fire on the militants. The devastating fire brought by his section unnerved the militants who were seen making preparations to leave their position. While the exchange of fire was on, a grenade was hurled at Lance Havildar Thapa, which burst inflicting avery severe injury on his head. He succumbed to the injury while firing at the militants. Later on, the examination of his dead body revealed 16 bullet wounds on his body. Lance Havildar Thapa displayed conspicuous courage and valour in action against the militants.