'Battle of Longewala' hero Brig Chandpuri cremated with honours

1971 war hero Brigadier Kuldip Singh Chandpuri, who held his post through the night in the now famous battle of Longewala in Rajasthan with just 120 men against a full-fledged attack of Pakistani tanks, was cremated with state honours here on Monday.

A decorated war veteran, Chandpuri died in a private hospital in Mohali near here on Saturday. He was 77 and is survived by his wife and three sons.

A large number of serving and retried military and civilian officials attended the cremation.

Lt. Gen. Surinder Singh, Western Army Commander, and Lt. Gen P.M. Bali, Chief of Staff, HQ Western Command, placed wreath to pay homage to the war hero, a Defence Ministry spokesman said here.

Chandigarh MP Kirron Kher was also present at the cremation.

Wreaths were also placed by the veterans of 23 Punjab Laungewala, ex-servicemen cell of Punjab and many other military and civil organisations.

Chandpuri, who was a Major during the 1971 India-Pakistan war, had held his post through the night in the now famous battle of Longewala in Rajasthan with just 120 men against a full-fledged attack by advancing Pakistani US-made Patton tanks.

He was decorated with the Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) for the heroic stand-off and forcing the enemy to retreat. He was born on November 22, 1940.

The feat of Chandpuri and his men was featured in Bollywood blockbuster "Border" which was released in 1997. His role was played by actor Sunny Deol.

--IANS

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