Lieutenant Colonel Jamshed Rustom “J. R.” Chitnis embodied the Indian Army’s creed “Better to die than live like a coward.” As the commanding officer of 1/3 Gurkha Rifles, he sacrificed his life in Nagaland on 14 June 1956, securing the battalion’s payroll and safeguarding his men under relentless enemy fire. For his unparalleled gallantry, he was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime military decoration.
The Fateful Mission
Tasked with transporting the battalion’s pay chest from Mokokchung to Zunhebeto, Lt Col Chitnis led eight jeeps with a platoon escort. Midway through the convoy, roughly 100 armed insurgents ambushed the second jeep. Three vehicles were isolated. Without hesitation, he halted the others, reorganized his men, and laid down covering fire.
Drawing his Sten gun, he personally spearheaded a counter-attack. Despite a leg wound, he pressed on to within 150 yards of enemy bunkers, launching a fierce bayonet charge. His aggressive thrusts killed one insurgent and wounded another, demonstrating a fearless willingness to close with the enemy.
Undaunted Courage Under Fire
When a light machine-gun post opened fire from the flank, Lt Col Chitnis led a second charge:
- Seized initiative despite critical abdominal wounds
- Advanced alone toward the LMG position, shouting rallying cries
- Inspired his platoon to follow, overrunning the post
In this final assault, he collapsed just meters from the bunker. Yet even in his last moments, he urged his soldiers forward to secure the position, turning the tide of the skirmish.
Leadership through Bravery
The enemy stronghold was cleared, leaving over 20 insurgents neutralized. His tenacity and self-sacrifice set an indelible example of leadership under fire. Lt Col Chitnis’ actions not only saved countless lives but upheld the highest traditions of the Indian Army.
His Ashoka Chakra citation praised “exceptional courage, extraordinary leadership, and unwavering devotion to duty.” Today, his story endures as a testament to the spirit of India’s soldiers, those who stand firm when danger looms and lead from the front with valor as their guide.
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