WW II veterans to be felicitated on Republic Day

GANGTOK, 23 Jan: The State Government has decided to felicitate some of the World War II veterans of Sikkim by inviting them to the Republic Day Parade at Gangtok on 26 January 2014.
A press release from the Rajya Sainik Board informs that the aim of this felicitation is to remember them and thank them for their “immense contribution” in defending the nation. It is also to let them know that they have not been forgotten by the younger generations.
The state government has made it a mission to look after these old warriors and their families who are in the twilight of their lives, it is stated. Most of these WW –II soldiers are without pension since they were released on Demobilization immediately after the end of the World War on account of reduction of forces.
The state government has increased the ex–gratia grant to these veterans. The veterans and the WW II widows are now paid Rs 3000 per month as ex–gratia allowance. We are all proud of these veterans, the release adds.
Some of those who have been invited for the felicitation are:
Singh Raj Newar of Sang Basti, East Sikkim: He was enrolled in 4 Gorkha Rifles on 07 April 1943 at the age of 21 from GRD Ghoom, Darjeeling. After completing his recruit training at Chakrata, he joined his unit and moved to Burma as part of the British forces for the offensive operation against Japanese and capture the enemy administrative base at Moulmin, South Burma. Singh Raj Newar participated in all the operations that his unit carried out.
He served with his Battalion in Thailand, Kuala Lumpur, Combodia and Singapore. His unit also took part in 1947-48 Indo-Pak war in Poonch & Rajouri sector in J&K.
He has been awarded with medals like Burma Star, South East Asia Star and Independence Medal for his dedication to duty and selfless service. He finally retired on 12 Sep 1958 and settled at his native place of Sang, East Sikkim. He is 95 Years old and stays at Sang.
Padam Singh Bhujel, resident of Gangtok, East Sikkim: Sepoy Padam Singh Bhujel was born on 01 Sept 1923. At the age of 18 years, he joined 3 Gorkha Rifles on 31 December 1941. His unit was ordered to move by sea from Madras to Rangoon and be part of the British Division to capture strategic location of PROME, an important administrative base across Rive Irrawady. Sepoy Padam Singh Bhujel served his unit with utmost dedication and participated in all operations .
His dedication to duties and selfless service was recognized by his superiors and was awarded with Burma Star, Second World War Medal and South East Asia Star. He retired on 22 May 1944. After retirement he was employed as Mess Cook at the Royal Palace. His served under Sikkim Guards from 01 Sep 1966 to 01 Jan 1969. He is 90 years old and is living happily with his family at Gangtok.
Temba Dorjee Sherpa, resident of Tarey Bhir, Sombaria, West Sikkim: Rifleman Temba Dorjee Sherpa joined 1 GR on 11 Apr 1944. His unit was ordered to advance from Nagaland as part of the offensive operation under 64 Mountain Brigade and take up defences at Tiddim after crossing River Chindwin. Tiddim fell in the hands of British forces in Nov 1944. The fighting at Tiddim cost 1 GR with heavy loss of men and material. Accordingly, Unit was ordered to stay at Tiddim for rest and recuperation as well as take up defences in their area of responsibilities.
This unit was finally relieved from Tiddim and was ordered to move back to Bishanpur, North East of Imphal for Jungle Warfare training. Rifleman Temba Dorjee served his unit with dedication and contributed immensely towards the defence of our country. He retired on 31 December 1945 from Shilllong.
After his retirement from Army, he served for another 24 years with Central Reserve Police (CRPF). He is 87 years old and lives with his daughters at his native place, Tarey Bhir, Sombaria.
The Nation salutes him for his immense contribution in World War –II for the defence of the motherland and his selfless service under CRPF for maintenance of internal peace in the country.

Sidhiman Gurung, resident of Tokal Bermiok, South Sikkim: Rifleman Sidhiman Gurung enrolled himself in 5 Gorkha Rifles on 25 May 1942 at the age of 19 years. He completed his initial training at Abotabad, now in Pakistan and joined his unit located at Karachi.
The Battalion moved to North Africa and reached Cairo in August 1942 and fought wars in Egypt, Alexandria and Libya. Rifleman Sidhiman Gurung participated in all actions with his unit during this period. After this, his unit was inducted in to Italy and participated in the battle for capture of Cicily and Rome. Rifleman Sidhiman Gurung served his unit with full dedication and loyalty.
He finally retired on 18 Apr 1946 on demobilization of his unit. He is 93 years old and is living with his two daughters and two sons at Tokal Bermiok. The entire Nation feels highly indebted for his selfless service and salutes for his immense contribution towards the defence of the motherland.
Chandraman Tamang, resident of Lingdum, Ranka East Sikkim: Rifleman Chandraman Tamang was born in the year 1923 at Ranka, East Sikkim. He joined 7 Gorkha Rifles on 30 November 1943 when the Second World War was at its peak. After completing his recruit training at Palampur, Rifleman Chandraman Tamang joined his unit at Allahabad. 7 GR was in the process of moving to Dimapur for offensive operations in to Burma. His unit was part of British forces to launch offensive operations across River Chindwin and advance towards Meiktila and Mandalay which were captured by the Allied forces by August 1944.. He served with his unit in Burma for full three years till the surrender of Japanese forces in the eastern theatre.

Rifleman Chandraman Tamang participated in all the operations that his Battalion carried out and he was awarded with King George Medal, Far Eastern Medal and Independence Medal for his selfless service and patriotism. He retired on 22 January 1952 after having served the Nation for 08 Years and 04 months.

He is 83 years old now and is living happily with his family at his native place, Lingdum, Ranka. Entire Nation salutes you for your valour and courage and the selfless service to the motherland.

Ongdup Bhutia, resident of Namchi Bazaar, South Sikkim: Rifleman Ongdup Bhutia is the son of Late, Havildar Major Gorakh Lama of 10 British Gorkha Rifles who saw actions during the First World War in Afghanistan and later in Italy to fight against the German forces. Havildar Major Gorakh Lama won three medals for his courage and bravery. After his retirement, Late Shri Gorakh Lama was appointment as Block Mandal for Singhithang, Mickhola and Kopchey from 1950 to 1979 during Chogyal’s time. He donated 538 hectares of land at Namchi to establish the Sainik Board and hostel. Hav Major Gorakh Lama died at the age of 84 years.
Rifleman Ongdup Bhutia followed his father’s footstep and joined 1st Assam Regiment on 03 Sep 1977. After having served for three years, he was discharged from service on 26 Oct 1980. Shri Ongdup Bhutia was appointed Block Mandal from 1980 to 1984. After that, he became Panchayat President from 1985 to 1990.
Govt of Sikkim and the people appreciate the valuable contributions made by Late Havildar Major Gorakh Lama and his son Rifleman Ongdup Bhutia for the preservation of peace and integrity of the Nation during the crucial period  of World War and commendable social service rendered to the society.

Kul Bahadur Chettri, resident of Siktam Basti, Sombaria, West Sikkim: Subedar (Honorary Captain) Kul Bahadur Chettri was enrolled in 9 Gorkha Rifles on 03 July 1941. After completing his recruit training at 39 Gorkha Training Centre at Dehradun, he joined his unit which was deployed in J& K. His unit was part of the offensive operations that was conducted by Indian Army in 1948 -49 to save Kashmir from Pakistani annexation. After that the unit was moved to Nagaland for Counter Insurgency Operations from 1956 to 1958.
During the Indo Pak war of 1965, his unit was again deployed in J& K. During his service, Subedar (Honorary Capt) Kul Bahadur Chettri served with his unit in Poonch& Rajouri, Nagaland, Manipur and Assam with dedication. He has been awarded with Good service medal, War Medal and 1965 Samar Sewa Star.  He retired on 03 July 1969 from Gorakhpur.
He is 93 years old. The Nation salutes him today for his valuable contribution and selfless service.