Chandigarh: Decorated war veteran and hero of the ‘Battle of Longewala’, Brigadier Kuldip Singh Chandpuri, died in a hospital in Mohali near here Saturday, family sources said. He was 77 and is survived by his wife and three sons.
Chandpuri, who was a Major during the 1971 India-Pakistan war, had held his post through the night in the famous battle of Longewala in Rajasthan with just 120 men against a full-fledged attack by advancing Pakistani Patton tanks. He was decorated with the Maha Vir Chakra for the heroic stand-off and forcing the enemy to retreat.
Born in November, 1940, Chandpuri would have turned 78 next week. The feat of Brig Chandpuri and his men later featured in Bollywood blockbuster ‘Border’ which was released in 1997. His role was played by actor Sunny Deol.
Chandpuri was nominated as Councillor in the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation where he served his term (2006-2011) with active participation in proceedings inside and outside the house. P11
1971 war veteran Brig Chandpuri passes away
