Mahavir Chakra (MVC)

21 October 1962, the Chinese suddenly opened a heavy barrage of artillery and mortar fire on the Srijap Post in Ladakh. The wireless set was damaged and the post lost contact with the base. 

Naik Rabi Lal Thapa, who was commander of another post, volunteered to go to the Srijap Post in a storm boat to reconnoitre and bring back the latest situation report. When he was about 1,000 yards short of the post, the enemy spotted and fired at the boat from three directions. In complete disregard of his own safety, he carried on. Though the boat was badly damaged Naik Thapa managed to bring back the latest information. The same evening another post was in imminent danger and Naik Thapa again volunteered to undertake the evacuation of this post at grave risk to his life. While returning from the post, both his boats carne under enemy fire and one of them sank. Naik Thapa went to the rescue of the drowning persons and saved their lives.

Naik Rabi Lal Thapa displayed courage and devotion to duty of a high order in the face of the enemy.