I was at the College of Combat, Mhow, when the India-China war of 1962 started. The course was terminated and all were instructed to forthwith rejoin their units. Army Headquarters required me to stay put at Mhow and await my posting order. Two days later my posting order to J and K was received which required of me to immediately join duty.
I had taken my car to Mhow and had to drive back to Punjab, leave the car there and proceed to J and K. Since I did not have much time I decided to drive non-stop from Mhow to Delhi. This involved driving through the Chambal ravines: better known for its dacoits. In early sixties, taking this journey alone was not without great risk.
I recognised him. He was my tank gunner and had been discharged after his seven-year tenure of engagement. Those days soldiers were discharged after seven years and given no pension.
Disregarding the perils of this journey, I drove on non-stop. It was around midnight that on approaching a defile I found the road blocked by a felled tree. I realised that I had run into an ambush.
As I stopped near the felled tree, a number of men with guns and bandoliers strung across their chests appeared. I was told to come out of the car, which I dutifully did. They searched me for cash and removed my watch and wallet. Then they got down to searching my baggage and the car.
While they were busy rifling through my baggage, someone announced that Sardar had come. Every one pulled back a little and there appeared a sturdy young man. As he drew near, he suddenly sprung to attention and gave me a smart salute and said: “Sahib Ji, tussee ethay ki kar rahey ho?”(Sir, what are you doing here?)
I recognised him. He was my tank gunner and had been discharged after his seven-year tenure of engagement. Those days soldiers were discharged after seven years and given no pension.
I responded to his query and asked him: “Nahar Singh, toon aye ki kam pharya hai?” (Nahar Singh what is this work you have taken on?). He said, “Sahib Ji, admi nu kush na kush taan karna chahida hai, vehle baith kay vi ki karna hai?” (Sir, one must do some or the other work. There is no point sitting idle!).
Then he addressed his gang and said. “Dekheya sadhi regiment de officer kiney dalair hun, ekelay he rat nu is sarak tay chal rahey hun.”(do you see how brave are the officers of our regiment. They move alone at night on this road). This bit was perhaps to establish his own pedigree before his gang!
He told his men not to just stand watching but make tea for the sahib. All my stuff was put back in the car, my watch and wallet returned. After a cup of tea and much bonhomie and hand shaking I took leave of Nahar Singh and his gang.
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